Part Thirteen: The Party and the Public Display
The night air was electric, filled with music and laughter spilling from the upscale club. Ethan had arrived first and was waiting with a reserved VIP section, a bottle of champagne chilled beside him.
"Anna," he said smoothly as she stepped inside, "you look incredible tonight."
Anna felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The club was loud, colorful lights flashing over the crowd, but all she could focus on was Ethan. He took her hand, guiding her to the table, leaning in close so only she could hear him.
"You know… I like showing the world you're mine," he whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear.
Before she could respond, he kissed her, soft at first, then deeper as the music pulsed around them. Anna melted into the kiss, her heart racing like never before.
Ethan pulled back slightly, smirking. "Wait here," he said, disappearing into the crowd.
Moments later, he returned with his phone out. "Smile for me," he said. Their lips met again for the perfect shot. Ethan snapped a few photos, each capturing their closeness, their laughter, their stolen kisses.
Then, without hesitation, he uploaded the pictures to Instagram, tagging Anna's account with a simple caption:
"My favorite person ❤️ #AnnaRosé"
Anna froze, realizing half the school—and probably more—would see this. Her cheeks flushed crimson.
Nick stormed toward the club entrance, scrolling through his phone. His eyes widened in shock and anger as he saw the images—Anna in Ethan's arms, their lips touching.
"Ethan! Are you out of your mind? You can't just post her like that!" Nick shouted, voice shaking with fury.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, calm and unbothered. "Nick… relax. She's with me, and she agreed. You can't control her feelings. If she's happy, why do you care so much?"
Anna stepped forward, her voice firm. "Stop it, Nick! I agreed to it. And it's just kiss pics, nothing else. Don't act like Ethan is doing something wrong. I'm not a child—I chose this."
Nick's fists clenched tighter, anger and heartbreak warring within him. "Care? Because you're manipulating her! Using her like this—don't you dare treat her feelings as a game!"
Ethan's smirk softened for a fleeting moment as he looked at Anna. I didn't just plan this… I think I really care about her now.
Anna, standing between them, felt the tension spike. Her heart was torn—Nick's protective anger and Ethan's daring charm pulling her in opposite directions.
Nick, storming outside, muttered under his breath: I won't let him take her away… not like this.