Chapter 2

I couldn't help but chuckle at these messages. Looking at her adorable cartoon avatar, I guessed that she was probably just a young girl who got confused and did something silly.

Since I had already broken up with Ryan, there was no point in keeping the camera. I decided to return it to her.

But I didn't buy her words that her uncle had loved me. Back in my most awkward, embarrassing teenage years, there was no way I could've been anyone's crush.

[How should I give it back to you?] I texted.

[We're in the same city. I can come over and get it right now,] she replied.

I sent her my address and waited at the street corner.

Soon enough, a girl hopped out of a taxi.

She kept apologizing as she carefully tucked the camera into her bag. "Sorry, miss. I'm really sorry for bothering you," she said.

"It's fine," I replied.

She thanked me again and dashed off toward the taxi, glancing over her shoulder like she was terrified her uncle might catch her at any moment.

Watching her hurry away, I grew more curious. "Wait a second," I called out.

She froze. "Is there something else?" she asked.

"May I ask what your uncle's name is?" I asked.

She froze for a second, and then her eyes went wide in shock.

I was confused.

The next second, she pointed behind me, stammering, "X-Xavier Sterling."

I turned around and saw a tall man standing under a streetlight just a few steps away.

He had a cigarette between his lips and was pulling a silver lighter from inside his perfectly tailored suit. With a soft click, he lit up, and a wisp of smoke drifted from his mouth.

"Sophie Sterling," Xavier said coolly, glancing at the girl beside me. "Shouldn't you be at school right now?"

Sophie Sterling looked utterly desperate. "Uncle Xavier, I'm sorry."

She was afraid that she'd get punished on the spot, so she blurted out the whole story in a rush.

She'd gotten obsessed with some idol lately, but her family was super strict, so she tried to use Xavier's things to help her out.

After she finished, Sophie squeezed her eyes shut, looking like she was ready to face the firing squad.

Xavier said flatly, "I'll have Leo escort you to the school."

"No way. I have something to do later," Sophie protested.

"Or I could just call your parents right now and tell them you tried to sell off my camera," Xavier replied coolly.

"Alright, you win." Sophie gave in instantly.

Xavier didn't bother replying. He just waved, and someone came over. "Miss, let me escort you back to school," the man said to Sophie.

She gave Xavier a sulky glance before walking off.

Watching them leave, Xavier stubbed out his cigarette.

Then he turned to me, his tone softened a lot. "Yvette, long time no see."

My heart thudded uncontrollably. The boy I remembered was gone; in his place stood a man who radiated confidence and a kind of intimidating calm.

Xavier flashed a subtle smile and nodded toward a sleek black car parked not far away. "Hop in. It's pretty windy out here."

The Maybach cruised through the night.

Xavier broke the silence. "Did you ever check the camera?"

That photo of us flashed through my mind. My fingers tightened on the seat.

"No, I didn't. I bought it as a gift for someone," I replied.

"Was it an important gift? Sophie didn't mess things up for you, did she?" he asked.

I replied, "No. It was meant to be a gift for my boyfriend."

But before I could finish, the car came to a screeching halt, almost sending me flying. Panicked, I whipped my head around, only to lock eyes with Xavier.

"But we're not together anymore." I managed to add, my voice shaky.

Xavier didn't say a word.

Time seemed to freeze, the silence dragging on forever.

Finally, he looked away, started the car again, and just said, "Got it."

Neither of us said a word.

I stared out the window at the streetlights flashing by, still trying to make sense of his reaction. For a moment, I thought I caught a glimpse of disappointment in his eyes, then just as quickly, it faded, replaced by a sense of relief.

The rest of the ride was shockingly short. Before I could even process what had just happened, the car pulled up outside my building.

"Thanks for driving me home," I said.

"No problem," he replied.

As I reached for the door, I hesitated for a second. "Do you want to come up for a bit?"

Xavier paused, and then shook his head. "No, thanks. I just got back to the country, and I've got some things to take care of at home."

"Alright," I said.

The Maybach's taillights faded into the night as I slowly walked into the building, a strange sense of emptiness settling in my chest.

But after just a few steps, I gave myself a little slap. "Get a grip, girl. Who am I kidding? Xavier loved me? Totally the wrong idea," I scolded myself.