Ethan's list of rules was growing by the hour. Rule after rule, whispered under his breath, scribbled in a notebook, or muttered as if she'd break the world by not following them. Lia was trying, really, she was—but it was exhausting.
Soon, lunch break arrived.
Ava was about to get Lia her food when Ryan appeared out of nowhere, holding a plate with a casual, charming smile. "For you," he said, placing it in front of her.
Ava's eyes narrowed instantly. "Back off, Ryan. Lia doesn't need your help," she snapped, pulling Lia to the side.
Ethan, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold. He felt… stunned. Ryan was bold—but the audacity of giving Lia food like this? Unacceptable.
Ava dragged Lia to a quieter corner, setting her lunch in front of her. "Eat," she whispered. "Ignore them."
Lia nodded, picking up her fork, when another boy appeared from the side—hands outstretched with a heart-shaped chocolate box.
"Someone said I should give this to you," he said awkwardly.
Before Ava could intervene, Lia took the box and started eating.
Ava's eyes widened as she watched her take a bite. That's… extremely expensive chocolate, she thought. But then she saw Lia's innocent, blissful expression and decided to stay quiet. Some things were better left unsaid.
Lia enjoyed the chocolate—until her fork hit something strange. A small piece of paper peeked out from inside the box. She unfolded it.
Follow my rules:
Rule 13: Do not talk to other boys other than me.
Stay away from Ryan.
Enjoy your chocolate.
P.S. Don't smirk when you're eating. People are watching.
P.P.S. You chew too loudly—fix it.
Lia blinked. Smile fading, she looked around—Ethan was nowhere in sight. Fury bubbled up.
"Heartless rock," she muttered under her breath. "I would have thought he liked me if only he had a heart."
Class resumed. Lia returned to her usual seat next to Ethan, still fuming. Ava noticed immediately.
"Are you okay?" she whispered.
"I'm fine," Lia replied, forcing a smile.
The math teacher entered the room, and the lesson began. Ryan leaned over her desk casually, offering her a bottle of water. Lia smiled politely, feeling slightly flustered—but this only seemed to encourage him. Once she accepted it, Ryan returned to his seat with a self-satisfied grin.
As the class continued, Lia began to feel odd. Her face turned pale, and a faint rash began appearing on her cheeks. Her vision blurred.
Then… she fainted.
The class erupted in chaos.
"Call the nurse!" someone shouted.
Ryan immediately tried to pick her up—but before he could, Ethan was there. Faster, stronger, sharper. In one swift motion, he had Lia in his arms, moving her through the hallways with practiced precision.
They arrived at Silvergate Central Hospital, a clean, modern facility. Nurses rushed to their side, taking her from Ethan carefully and helping him explain what had happened.
Tests were run quickly. Bloodwork. Allergens. The results flashed on the screen.
Lia's allergies?
Peanuts (hidden in a chocolate cross-contamination)
Shellfish (from a sauce she had eaten earlier)
Certain preservatives in processed chocolate
The doctor looked grave but calm. "She had an allergic reaction, but she'll be fine with treatment. Antihistamines and fluids will stabilize her."
Ethan stood beside her bed, hands tight around the railing, jaw clenched.
Ryan hovered nearby, looking guilty—but not nearly guilty enough.
Ava, standing slightly back, muttered under her breath, "I told you both to stay away from her…"
Lia woke slowly, blinking at the bright hospital lights. Her head felt dizzy, but the rash was fading. Her first thought—besides confusion—was Ethan, standing right there, watching her intently.
And for the first time since meeting him, she realized—he wasn't just cold. He was… dangerously protective.