Chapter 17: Chapter 17

**(ALZID'S P.O.V.)**

I'm here at a resort that our family owns. I heard that this is where Laine's JS prom is happening. I don't know why, but I feel excited to see her again. Mom asked me to come here to help with planning the theme and design of the venue, so I came.

It's getting late, and more people are arriving, but there's only one person I'm looking for. I wandered around the venue, hoping to see her.

I spotted a girl eating non-stop at a table while other students were busy gossiping and enjoying the night. But this girl seemed to be enjoying herself with the food.

I chuckled when I realized that the girl was Laine. I felt so happy to see her again, and in such a unique way. She's so different and beautiful in her own way. But I decided to keep my distance. I had already ended the contract; there was no reason for me to talk to her.

But honestly, I miss that girl. I badly want to talk to her right now, but something's holding me back, and I don't know what it is. So, I just watched her from a distance. It still makes me happy, at least I can see her.

I almost approached her when I saw her nearly choke on her food. Luckily, she drank some water and recovered. After that, she walked around, and I don't know why, but I kept following her from a distance. It seemed like she was looking for someone. After a while, she got tired and sat down. I kept observing her the whole night.

A few moments later, the dancing began. When I looked at her, she was still sitting there, looking sad. I really wanted to talk to her, but I held back. Some guys asked her to dance, but she refused. And every time she refused, I felt relieved and happy. I don't know why, but I didn't like the thought of her dancing with someone else.

Then, the MC spoke on stage.

"Okay, I would like to get all your attention. Angela, the campus muse, is here with me, and she would like to announce something," the MC said.

Next to him was a beautiful girl. Yes, she was pretty, but for me, there was only one girl who was the most beautiful, and that was Laine. Angela seemed familiar; if I'm not mistaken, she's the one Keivan left Laine for. I remember seeing her at Criselle's birthday party, talking to Keivan.

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak in front of you all. I just want to let everyone know that I'm proud to be in a relationship with Keivan," Angela said. I felt something was wrong, so I quickly looked at Laine. She was in shock, and I knew she was hurting from what she heard.

"I'd like to give a message to the man I love the most. I'm sorry for my mistakes, but I'm proud to have you in my life. So there's no reason for me to hide our relationship anymore. I love you, my man, Keivan," Angela continued.

I knew it was too much for Laine to hear those words. I was so worried about her, and I badly wanted to comfort her because I knew she still loved that idiot ex of hers. Moments later, Keivan came out from backstage and hugged his girlfriend, Angela.

I was filled with anger. I clenched my fists tightly and gritted my teeth. When I looked back at Laine, she was no longer in her seat, and I panicked, frantically searching for her. I knew this was too much for her, and I knew she was in pain. She needed someone to comfort her, someone to stay by her side. I knew she needed me now.

I rushed out of the venue, searching everywhere. I was in a frenzy, especially when I remembered how we first met. What if she does that again? What if she hurts herself? I can't forgive myself if she does. I should've approached her earlier; at least I could have kept an eye on her.

Then it started to rain, but I didn't care. What mattered was finding her. I ran and ran through the heavy rain until I saw her sitting at a waiting shed.

I wanted to punch Keivan so badly, especially now, seeing Laine crying. I don't know why, but I hate seeing her cry over that dumbass. I want her to be happy, but I can't seem to give her the happiness she deserves. I feel so weak, and I hate myself because I can't even do a single thing to make her happy. Most of the time, I only stress and annoy her. Without thinking, I walked up to her.

"Laine!" I called her name, and she immediately looked up, surprised to see me.

"I'm glad… I found you," I said while breathing heavily, still catching my breath. She stood up, and to my surprise, she suddenly hugged me tightly.

I didn't expect this. I knew she was hurting so much right now, and she was sobbing uncontrollably. After a moment, I hugged her back and patted her head. I wanted her to feel that I was there for her and that I would stay until she was okay again.

"It hurts so much… why do I still love him?" she said, her face buried in my chest, still holding onto me.

"It's okay. Moving on is a process. I'm here," I said, trying to comfort her.

"I'll help you, even though the contract is already over. I'm still willing to help you, and I'm not asking for anything in return," I said.

"Thank you… Alzid," she replied.

We sat down on the bench of the waiting shed, watching the heavy rain. Neither of us spoke; we just listened to the rain pouring down. I didn't know what else to say, but I wanted to stay beside her.

"How did you know I was here?" she asked.

"We own the resort. I'm here to help design the theme for the event," I answered.

"Rich kid… must be nice," she said, making me chuckle a bit.

"I saw you earlier," I added.

"I'm so stupid, right? It's embarrassing. You always end up witnessing my dumb moments," she said, still looking at the heavy rain. I couldn't take my eyes off her. To me, she's beautiful, and she deserves to be happy. She deserves so much more.

"My opinion of you won't change, Laine," I said, making her look at me.

"What do you think of me?" she asked.

"You're still the amazing woman I met," I said. I wasn't just flattering her; it was the truth. I admired her for who she was. I didn't understand why Keivan couldn't see her worth. She fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.

"Laine… I think I like you," I said, finally admitting my feelings. There was a look of surprise in her eyes when I said those words.

"Haha, you just pity me, right? I mean, who wouldn't? I'm so pitiful—" She couldn't finish her sentence because I suddenly hugged her.

"What I feel is real… I think I really like you. I saw how amazing you are. You're different from everyone else. I see how passionate and loving you are. Please don't think I'm taking advantage of your situation. I'm willing to wait for you… until you finally forget him," I said, and she quickly pulled away from the hug.

"You idiot! Why did you fall for me?" Laine said, laughing, as if she didn't take me seriously.

"I didn't mean to… you know I didn't plan it," I said.

"I can't give a proper answer right now," she replied.

"That's okay. But is it okay with you if I stay?" I asked. She didn't answer; she just nodded, indicating that she was okay with me staying. I smiled at her, and she smiled back, but I could still see the sadness in her eyes.

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