Chapter 5 C5

Isabella's Pov

I stood frozen in the hallway, Monalisa's words echoing in my mind. "He was using you. It was a one-time thing... to make me jealous". My chest tightened, and all the excitement from last night drained out of me like water from a punctured balloon.

Sarah pulled me aside, shaking her head in disbelief. "That woman is full of crap! She's just trying to intimidate you."

But her words didn't make me feel better. My brain latched onto Monalisa's cruel statement. Was it true? Was Alex only using me to get under her skin?

I tried to focus for the rest of the day, but the more I thought about it, the more doubts crept in. I replayed every moment we shared-our conversations, the dance, the ride home. It all seemed so real, so genuine. But what if I was wrong?

By the time work was over, I felt emotionally exhausted. Sarah invited me to grab drinks to unwind, but I declined, feeling like I needed some time alone to process everything. I headed straight home, my mind a storm of confusion and hurt.

As I unlocked my apartment door, my phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out and froze when I saw the name flashing on the screen. Alex.

My heart pounded in my chest. I hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Hello?"

"Isabella," Alex's deep voice came through the phone. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, not at all." My voice sounded shaky, but I tried to hide it.

"I've been thinking about last night... and I want to see you again."

My breath caught in my throat. See me again? A part of me wanted to say yes immediately, but Monalisa's words flashed in my mind. Stay clear of Alex.

I couldn't hold back the question anymore. "Alex, why did you dance with me last night?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line. I could hear him exhale softly before responding. "Because I wanted to. Why?"

I swallowed hard, my pulse racing. "Monalisa told me it was to make her jealous. That... you were just using me."

There was a heavy silence. My heart sank, the pause feeling like confirmation of my worst fear.

"Isabella," his voice was softer now, "I didn't use you. Monalisa's upset, and she'll say anything to make you doubt yourself. I enjoyed last night... and I want to get to know you better."

I wanted to believe him. But how could I be sure?

"I don't know, Alex. I... I'm not sure what to think."

"I understand," he said, his tone calm. "I'll give you time, but know this-I don't care what Monalisa says."

I didn't know what to say. My emotions were all over the place. Before I could respond, Alex spoke again.

"I'll let you rest for now. But when you're ready, let's talk."

The call ended, leaving me standing in the middle of my living room, more confused than ever. Was Monalisa lying, or was Alex just smooth enough to cover his tracks?

As I paced back and forth, the doorbell rang, startling me. I walked over and peered through the peephole. My stomach dropped when I saw who it was.

Ethan.

I hadn't seen him since last night when Alex intervened, and now here he was, standing outside my apartment. I hesitated for a second before opening the door.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ethan stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, his usual smug expression plastered on his face. "We need to talk, Isabella."

My skin prickled with unease. "There's nothing to talk about."

"Oh, I think there is." His tone was cold, and I instantly regretted opening the door.

Before I could protest, he stepped closer, his voice lowering. "You think you're special now? Because you caught the attention of Alex Hunter? Don't kid yourself. Guys like him... they don't stick around for girls like you."

My fists clenched at my sides. "Leave, Ethan."

He smirked, leaning in so close I could smell the faint scent of alcohol on his breath. "You'll come crawling back to me. Just wait."

I didn't realize how hard I was shaking until I slammed the door behind him. My heart was racing, fear and anger swirling inside me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed again.

It was a text message.

From Alex.

"I'm outside your apartment. I had a feeling you might need me."

I rushed to the window and peeked through the blinds. Sure enough, there he was, standing by his car, his gaze fixed on my building.

My heart thudded in my chest as I stood there, unsure of what to do next. Should I go out with him? Should I ignore him and try to sort through my emotions alone?

Before I could make a decision, there was a loud knock at the door.

This time, I wasn't sure who it was.