Chapter 3 Why Does it Hurt

I tried. I swear I tried to stay focused. Every single time we worked together on that project, I kept my eyes on the screen and my mind on the goal.

Every day, I reminded myself that Noah was not the kind of man I wanted. I told myself over and over that he was nothing like my father. He could never be.

But no matter how many times I said it, my heart didn't listen. Not when I had to sit across from him every day, my eyes always drifted to him. His smirk. His teasing eyes. His stupid cologne that lingered long after he left.

And then came Ava. Always with him. Always around.

Ava was the kind of girl guys turned twice to look at. Tall, glowing skin, soft lips that always had a mischievous curve, silky blonde hair that looked like it belonged in a shampoo ad, and brown eyes that held no mercy. She was gorgeous, and she knew it.

Every time we worked on the project, She was always with him. She'd perch herself on Noah's lap, stroking his hair. Kissing his neck right in front of me like I didn't exist. It was disgusting. Worse, it hurt. And the worst part? I hated that it hurt.

And Noah? He let her.

Until one afternoon, I snapped.

"I'm not doing this anymore," I said, pushing my laptop aside and standing.

Noah raised a brow. Ava rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Doing what, sweetheart?" Ava asked with a sly grin, crossing her legs slowly like she was in a movie.

"This. Whatever this is. If the project means anything to either of you, especially him, then keep the sexual circus to yourselves."

Ava laughed like I'd told a joke.

"I knew it," she said, rising. "You act all calm and quiet, but underneath that façade, you want him too."

I froze.

She stepped closer. "What do you even think you are? You carry yourself like you're better than everyone. You think being decent is some kind of superpower?"

Noah tried to say something, but I cut him off. "I'm warning you. Either you respect boundaries or I'm out of this project."

Noah sighed, then looked at Ava. "That's enough," Noah said, finally standing.

I couldn't tell if he was defending me or just tired of the drama.

"Ava, go home," he said firmly.

She turned to him, eyes wide. "What?"

"You heard me. I'll see you tomorrow."

Ava's mouth dropped. "Seriously? You invite me every time and now because she throws a tantrum, I should leave?"

"Ava," he said, exhausted, "just go."

Ava picked up her bag, glaring hard at me. "Watch your back, Mia. I'm not the kind of girl you mess with, especially when Noah is involved."

She stormed out. The silence that followed felt loud.

I turned to Noah. "It's clear nothing good ever comes from you." I grabbed my things and left.

On the walk home, it hit me like a wave. Noah had been inviting Ava just to get a reaction. To get under my skin. And it worked. A stupid tear rolled down my cheek before I could stop it.

At home, I collapsed on my bed. "What's wrong with me?" I whispered. "This isn't love. It can't be. But why does it hurt?"

I sat up, eyes burning. "Noah Bradford or anyone like him will never happen to me. It's either a man like my father or nobody." I slammed my head back on the pillow and closed my eyes.

---

The project deadline was just a week away. But I kept avoiding Noah. I worked on the slides in secret, doing my part alone. I didn't want to see him. Didn't want to hear his voice or his laugh or smell that stupid cologne.

Noah was losing his mind. He stormed through the school halls asking everyone about me. He found Raven.

"Have you seen Mia?"

Raven blinked. "No. Why?"

He walked off before she could press further. She called me. No answer. She texted. No reply.

She started running through buildings, asking random students.

Meanwhile, I was hidden in the library, surrounded by books, notes everywhere. The place was calm, wooden shelves stretching high, the smell of old paper filling the air. A perfect hideout.

Then the doors slammed.

"Mia!"

Heads turned. Noah barged in, eyes blazing.

"Noah, you can't yell here," I whispered harshly, rushing toward him.

"You think this is funny?" he barked. "Avoiding me? Playing smart with this project?"

"I've been working!" I snapped. "Just not with you."

"Because you're petty!"

"You're selfish!"

We stood face to face now, people watching us.

"I needed you," he growled. "This project is my ticket to graduation."

"And what? You thought bringing Ava to grind on you while I sit and code would keep me focused?"

"You're twisting everything!"

"No, Noah, I'm finally seeing it right."

A librarian shouted. "Get out! Both of you!"

We were pushed out. I stormed down the hallway. Noah followed.

"Mia, stop!"

"No!"

He grabbed my arm. I spun and crashed into his chest.

We froze.

His arms were still around me. My hands pressed against his shirt. My heart raced. His hand lingered, his breath close. For a second, we just stared at each other.

Students stared. Phones out. Whispers everywhere. Then a scream.

"Noah!" Ava's voice cut through me like glass.

She stood a few feet away, frozen. Then she ran forward and started hitting Noah.

"You liar! You cheat! You disgusting flirt!"

Cameras clicked. People laughed. Ava screamed louder.

"We're done, Noah!" she yelled. "Done!"

She shoved him hard and walked off. Humiliated.

Noah looked broken. Angry. Destroyed.

Two days later, I agreed to meet up and complete the project. I told him we'd work only in school. He agreed. We worked like robots, ignoring our emotions. Just tasks and corrections.

---

On presentation day, I wore my confidence like armor. I stood before the class, delivered the slides with calm, poise, and passion. My voice didn't shake. My heart didn't flutter.

Noah stood beside me, shocked.

When the scores were announced, we'd done better than he expected.

Eight weeks passed. Convocation was around the corner. Noah had been away. Raven and I were talking about the event.

She hesitated, then said, "Mia, Noah left you a message. He wants you to be his date to the after-party. He's serious. I think he really likes you."

I blinked. "What?"

"He said he wants to make it up to you. He's been thinking about you. A lot."

I stared at her, unsure.

"Think about it," Raven said gently.

I did.

Days later, I said yes.

On the night of the party, I wore a simple velvet gown that hugged my body softly. My curls bounced as I walked. My light makeup shimmered under the lights. As I stepped into the venue, heads turned.

Noah walked toward me, smiling.

"You look incredible," he said, pulling me into a hug. Then he kissed my forehead.

Butterflies exploded inside me.

We danced. He held me close, eyes only for me.

Then he whispered, "I'll be right back."

He walked off. Minutes passed. Then more.

I searched for him.

I walked into the restroom hallway.

There he was.

Locked in a kiss.

With another girl.

Hannah.

I froze. Covered my mouth. Tears slid down before I could stop them.

I ran.

Ran out. Ran home. Ran from everything.

My vision blurred. My chest cracked wide open.

I didn't stop until I was home, where I fell to the floor and cried like I never had before.

That night, I packed.

The next morning, I was on the first flight out.

I was done with the Bradfords. Forever.