Chapter73 – Not my girlfriend
Before he could say anything else, she spoke again. “It’s getting late. There’s a repair shop near the cake store I’m headed to anyway. Hop in—I’ll drive you.”
William hesitated. She tilted her head, waiting. Eventually, he gave a short nod. “Thanks.”
“Don’t be so formal. Come on.”
He pushed the bike alongside her until they reached the shop. The mechanic took one look and shook his head. “Kid, this bike’s ancient. I’m amazed it’s even made it this far.”
“It was my dad’s,” William replied. “Can it still be fixed?”
“Sure, but the chain’s not the only issue. Most of the parts are worn. You might want to consider retiring it soon.”
“Can you fix it today?”
The mechanic scratched his head. “Doubt it. That chain’s old-school—I don’t have a match here. Best I can do is get it by tomorrow night.”
William nodded slowly. “Alright. I’ll come by the day after tomorrow.”
Just then, Clarissa returned from the cake shop carrying a small, elegant box tied with ribbon. “All done?”
“Should be ready the day after tomorrow,” he told her.
“Great. I’ll go stash this in the car. Come over when you’re ready—I’ll drive you back.”
She turned and walked away. The mechanic watched her go, then nudged William playfully.
“Girlfriend?” he asked with a smirk. “Driving a luxury car, buying cakes, and waiting for you? Lucky guy. She’s gorgeous. Rich too, huh?”
William’s gaze lingered on Clarissa’s back for a second too long. His voice came quiet. “…Not my girlfriend.”
The mechanic gave him a knowing grin and slapped his shoulder. “Uh-huh. Sure. Not yet, you mean. But hey—handsome guy like you, maybe she’ll fall for you. Don’t give up.”
William didn’t answer. He just paid the man and walked silently toward Clarissa’s car, the mechanic’s words still echoing in his ears.
William glanced at the cake box, padded with foam and nestled on the back seat. It was delicately wrapped, the soft glow from the streetlights catching on the ribbon.
He asked without thinking, “Your birthday?”
Clarissa smiled lightly, eyes still on the road. “No. It’s for a family member.”
William didn’t press further. He simply nodded and settled into silence, gazing out the window.
Clarissa turned to him briefly, her voice soft. “Where do you live? I’ll drop you off.”
There was a moment’s hesitation before he gave her the address. Clarissa blinked in surprise when she realized—he lived just two blocks from her neighborhood.
When they reached the turnoff, she pulled over gently. William got out and quietly thanked her.
“Thanks.”
“It’s nothing,” she said with a slight wave. “Just a piece of cake.”
Then she pulled away, the taillights disappearing into the dusky night. Clarissa pressed a little harder on the gas. It was getting late, and she’d promised to be home in time. Clementine and Atticus were probably waiting for the cake.
William watched her car until it was gone. There was something about the way she drove—controlled, elegant, just like her.
He turned to walk away, but a chill crept up his spine. Someone was watching him. He spun around, eyes narrowing, gaze sharp and instinctual.
But the streets were empty. Nothing but the glow of the streetlamps and the still, humid air.
He let out a breath. Maybe it was just in his head. He was tired. Maybe too tired. And today...
Today had been... a lot. He shook the feeling off and kept walking.
Just around the corner, tucked into the shadows of a narrow alley, June leaned against the wall, one hand pressed to her trembling lips. Her shoulders shook as silent tears streamed down her face.
They’re together. They must be together.
She watched him every day from a distance, from outside his home, in the shadows—like some ghost desperate to be remembered.
She’d accepted it. Accepted that she was filthy. That she didn’t deserve to be by his side. She was content just watching from afar.
But why? Why was it Clarissa? That bitch—spoiled, loved, adored—was nothing but a bastard child.
Why did she get everything? June’s fists clenched at her sides, nails cutting into her palms until blood welled up beneath her skin.
Why her? Why not me?
The next day after school, William made his way toward the repair shop to pick up his bike. But just as he left the school gates, a figure blocked his path.
It was June.
He stopped, clearly caught off guard. “Do you need something?”
She stepped forward quickly. “William… Don’t you remember me? I used to hang out with Lyra. I was her best friend.”
William furrowed his brow. He searched her face but couldn’t place her. He gave a polite nod. “Sorry, I don’t remember. Is there something you needed?”
June bit her lip, eyes lowering, face turning a shade darker. Her hand at her side tightened into a trembling fist.
“I just…” She lifted her head, voice shaking, “Are you and Clarissa together?”
William’s gaze stayed steady. “What?”
“She’s not who you think she is, William. She’s not a good person. Back in school, she bullied Lyra constantly. She made her life hell—”
Before she could finish, William cut her off. “I’d suggest you be very careful about making accusations regarding Clarissa’s reputation.”
June froze. She doubled down, and shoved her phone toward him. “You don’t know her! She’s been kept by some man—look! Look at these photos! You think she’s innocent? She’s not! She’s trash!”
William took one look. No reaction. No anger. No surprise. Just a quiet, unnerving calm.
After a pause, his voice returned—icy and detached. “Taking and distributing photos like that without consent is illegal. I’d recommend deleting them.”
June’s mouth opened slightly in shock. “But—”
“A single photo doesn’t tell the whole story,” he said firmly. “And frankly, talking behind someone’s back like this… it’s bad. And pathetic.”
Didn’t offer another word. He just turned and walked away, leaving June standing there—her face burning with shame, her fury simmering, her phone shaking in her hand.
June stared after William as he walked away, her legs gave out. She dropped to the pavement, knees hitting hard. Her whole body trembled.
What should I do...
He hates me. William hates me now.
Tears blurred her vision, hot and raw. Her mind raced in vicious circles.
It was her. Clarissa. Everything was because of that bitch.
Just then, her phone buzzed beside her.
Darkwood. The name alone made her stomach twist.
Disgust flared in her eyes, but she had no choice. Her mother—still under his thumb—was a cage she couldn’t escape.
She wiped her face with trembling fingers and forced herself to pick up.“What do you want?” Her voice was sharp, tight. “Didn’t I tell you I was busy? Stop calling me!”
“I don’t give a damn if you’re busy,” Darkwood growled, his voice slick with sleaze. “I want you. Now. Get your ass over here.”
June clenched her jaw. Fury pulsed through her, but it was no use. “You promised you’d let me go. You said—”
“I said I’d let you go when I got bored. You think I’m bored already? Now get over here, unless you want something to happen to your precious mother.”
“No! I—I’ll come.”
Her voice cracked as she choked the words out. She forced herself to her feet, hands clenched into fists, and ran toward the hotel he’d texted her. Her skin crawled the entire way.