One night with him ruined everything for me

CHAPTER ONE

~RHEA~

   “You know how much I want you, Rhea. You know how much I want to fuck you” Chase murmured as he pressed me up against the wall, sliding his fingers down my thigh.

“Tell me what you want” He whispered into my ear and my heart slammed rationally against my ribcage as I stared up at him.

“I want you…”

“Rhea!!”

“... to touch me” I replied softly and he grinned before shoving his fingers down my pants.

“Rhea!” 

A voice called out my name but I ignored it. 

“Rhea, if you're not down in ten seconds I swear…” 

My eyes snapped right open as I immediately turned off the vibrator in my hand.

“Fucking hell” I muttered with a frustrated groan before shoving my vibrator into the secret compartment under my bed that my mother had no idea of.

Once again, I had failed at getting an orgasm. No matter how hard I tried, I could never get aroused.

Maybe I should just become a Nun.

“Rhea!” Heather's voice echoed from downstairs.

“I'm coming Heather!” I climbed out of my bed and immediately slammed into the life sized cardboard cutout beside my bed.

Zander Cole light gray eyes stared back at me with an arrogant smirk on his face that he wore in every magazine.

Ever since my mother had me move into my dead sister's room, I hadn't been allowed to touch or change anything.

Not her trophies, not her poster and definitely not the giant cardboard Cutout of her lifelong hockey obsession.

It always seemed like he was watching me while I slept and I couldn't stand his pretty face. 

“You better hope we never cross Paths or else” I muttered then squared up at him before letting out a scoff, grabbing my bag and walking out of my room.

I found Heather waiting for me at the foot of the stairs.

“What took you so long?” She asked with a raised eyebrow as soon as she saw me and I sighed as I walked down the stairs.

“You do not want to know. Let's go before…”

“Lyra” My mother called out behind me and I froze with a frown.

I couldn't even remember the last time my mother called me by my real name.

“Yes mother?” I asked as I turned around to face her.

She stood at the top of the stairs as she stared at me disapprovingly, like I was never going to be enough for her.

“Where are you going?” She asked and I forced a smile on my face.

“Chase is playing one Last game before we head to college so I wanted to support him…”

“Where is your wig?” She interjected and my frown deepened as I reached out to touch my brunette locks.

 Unlike my mother and Lyra, I had brunette hair just like my Dad.

My mother hated it.

After the accident, my mother packed away everything that belonged to me.

My entire life had changed that night. My mother couldn't deal with the loss and had me change into her precious daughter, Lyra. Nothing of the real me existed in this house.

So much so that I was slowly forgetting who I was.

“Lyra looked prettier in blond” She uttered and her words felt like a knife to the heart. 

Lyra and I were twins so her saying that…

I flashed her a tight lipped smile.

“It's just Chase, mother” I told her and she shook her head at me with a frown.

“Lyra…”

“We are kind of late, Mrs Vale. We don't want to miss the opening, right Rhea?” Heather immediately spoke up and I turned to her with a smile then nodded.

At least she knew my name.

“I'll see you when I get back, mother” I whispered before turning around and walking away with Heather by my side.

The second we got into the car, I let out a shaky breath.

“That woman terrifies me ” Heather muttered as she started the car.

“You should try living with her” I muttered and she glanced at me sympathetically  before pulling out of the driveway.

“Can I ask you a question, Heather?” I asked after a while and she nodded.

“Sure” 

I pursed my lips as I slowly turned fully towards her.

“Have you ever been aroused before?” I asked and she did a double take as she blinked.

“Of course. Haven't you?” She asked and I shook my head.

“Never, not even by Chase” I explained and she raised an eyebrow.

“Don't tell me… you planning on fucking Chase tonight?” She asked with wide eyes and I nodded.

We have been dating for three years, it was time to get past that stage.

“Well if I can't get aroused then it's not happening” I muttered and she placed her hand on my thigh as she swerved into another lane.

“Don't think too much of it. I'm sure in the moment, you'll feel it. Besides, maybe Chase is the problem” She assured me and I scoffed.

“I doubt it” 

“I don't know, Rhea. He gives small dick energy” She joked and I snorted out a laugh.

“Oh shut up. All size matter” I murmured and she rolled her eyes but said nothing else on that matter as she pulled into the parking lot outside the hockey arena.

“By the way, Zander Cole is coming over to the ring today” She told me and my ears perked up as my stomach weirdly tightened.

“Zander Cole? You mean the Zander Cole?” I asked and she chuckled.

“Yes, the hockey prodigy and the man who has his face plastered all over your room” She told me and I scoffed.

“It's not my room. What is he doing back here anyway?” I asked and she shrugged.

“What do I know about hockey? I'm just going there to feed my eyes on the hot men there. I wondered if he looks as delicious as he does in photos. We need to go get his autograph” She said with a dreamy sigh and I scoffed.

“I've seen enough of that man to last me a lifetime so no thank you. Besides, I have to go find Chase before the game” I told her and she shrugged.

“Suit yourself but you're missing out” She said and I rolled my eyes.

I doubted that.

We walked into the building  and it was packed with screaming girls and hockey fans. This was the last time Chase's team was going to be playing for our local high-school before they moved off to college so it was really important to them.

“I'll go find Zander Cole” Heather squealed Beside me before walking away and I rolled my eyes then headed Straight for the locker room where i assumed Chase was since he wasn't in the ring yet.

As I walked by, many people whispered and threw judgmental looks my way but it didn't bother me much.

After all, I was used to it by now.

I was about to make a turn when voices suddenly echoed down the hall.

“Cole, it's good to see you again” 

My steps slowed.

Zander Cole? He was here?

I knew I said I didn't care what he looked like in real life but sneaking a peak wouldn't hurt, right?

I was about to take a step forward when he suddenly brushed past me with coach Reynolds beside him. 

My breath hitched as I took him in. He definitely Looked better in real life than he did in his photos.

Girls openly stared and took his photos as he walked by and honestly didn't blame them.

He commanded attention without trying too hard.

He briefly glanced at me and our eyes met for less than a second before he kept walking. Within that second, I forgot how to breathe.

I took a deep breath as I tried to regain myself. Today wasn't about Zander but about Chase. I still needed to find him.

“Chase” A female voice moaned beside me and I froze.

I slowly turned towards the door and shook my head.

It couldn't be… 

I pushed the door open, walked in and as soon as I saw them, my stomach dropped.

Chase had Sienna, my other best friend, pinned against the wall with his mouth on hers.

My entire body meant Numb and for a second, I thought my brain was playing tricks on me. At least I hoped…

But then Chase pulled back slightly and I saw the smeared lipstick across his lips.

My bag hand slipped from my fingers and the sound of it hitting the floor made both of them jump apart instantly.

Chase turned first and the colour drained from his face.

“Rhea…” He called out as Sienna stumbled backwards with her lips swollen.

I stared at them blankly as it suddenly felt hard to breathe.

These were two people that stood beside me when my life fell apart and had sworn to always be there for me.

“Rhea…” Chase began with panic laced in his voice as he stepped towards me. “This Isn’t…”

“She's wearing your jersey…” A tear slid down my cheeks as I pointed it out and his face fell.

“Rhea…”

“So this was why you didn't invite me?” My voice barely sounded like mine.

“Baby, listen…”

“Don't you dare call me that” I said sharply, shocking both of them.

I turned around and tried walking away, not wanting them to see me break down when Chase grabbed my wrist.

“Rhea please…” I turned around and slapped him hard across the face.

“Rhea!” Sienna screamed as she jumped in front of Chase before she turned to glare at me. 

“Rhea, you can't honestly say you didn't see this coming, can you?” She asked and I frowned.

“What?”

She sighed like I was exhausting her and in that moment, I couldn't even recognise who the person standing in front of me was.

“Sienna…” Chase began.

“Chase only stayed because he felt bad. He pitied you”

The world stopped.

Beside her, Chase stiffened.

“Sienna…”

“Let's be honest with her for once. Why must we coddle her when she's a murderer?” She screamed, causing everyone in the hall to turn to us.

I physically recoiled as I turned to Chase who couldn't keep contact with me.

“You pity me?” My voice cracked and he shook his head frantically.

“No… I…”

“He does and I did too but we are going off to college now, Rhea. We won't want to be associated with a murderer anymore…” 

I landed a slap on her face before I even realized it.

Sienna gasped loudly, clutching onto her cheek as Chase pushed her behind him.

“Jesus Christ, Rhea” He snapped. “What is wrong with you?”

His tone didn't hurt me. It was the way he stared at me.

He looked at me exactly the way everyone else did.

Without another word, I turned around and ran…

CHAPTER TWO

~RHEA~

   I had blacked out from that day.

The last thing I remembered after running out of the stadium was calling my dad while hysterically crying.

It wasn't the silent tears I had grown accustomed to, it was ugly and bitter. The kind that clawed its way out my chest until breathing itself hurt.

Everything else after that was a blur.

I opened my eyes slowly and was met with the familiar beige walls of my room in my father's house which was a contrast to my new room at my mother's house.

For a few seconds, I just stared at the ceiling blankly, praying I could just forget about that night but just like always, reality came settling in.

Chase, Sienna, this kiss, their words…

My stomach twisted violently as I rolled over and buried my face into my pillow. I was tired of crying at that point.

I wasn't sure how long I had been in that room. All I knew was that when I woke up, the pain only doubled.

I couldn't bring myself to turn on my phone after the first night. Chase had called non stop until my phone battery had eventually died.

I was tempted to call him back, to reply to his messages but I couldn't because a twisted part of me feared that if I did, I'd still forgive him and that thought disgusted me more than anything.

A soft knock echoed through the room before the door was slowly pushed open.

Dad stepped in holding a tray of food just like he had done every day since I got here.

He looked exhausted. Not physically but emotionally.

There were more grey hairs in his dark beard that I remembered and the tiredness in his eyes made guilt curl painfully in my chest.

Our family had died way before Lyra even did but her death had been the last straw for my Dad.

Dad couldn't handle the way Mom treated me afterwards. They always argued about it till he packed up his bags and left.

He had begged me to come with him but back then, Mom would cry every night while clutching onto Lyra's pictures as she whispered about how she couldn't afford to lose two daughters so I stayed.

Somehow at sixteen, I had convinced myself that it was my responsibility to save her, take care of her even if it destroyed me in the process.

Dad placed the tray on the bedside table before pulling the chair closer to bed.

“Heather stopped by two days ago to check up on you but you wouldn't let her in. She was worried but had to head off to college and get settled in. We are both worried about you and you barely eat” He told me.

“I'm not hungry” 

“It has been five days, Rhea. You keep saying that” 

My eyes widened at that. It has been five days already?

I looked away as Silence stretched between us.

Dad sighed as he reached forward to caress my hair.

“You can't lock yourself away forever, sweetheart” He murmured and the softness in his tone brought tears to my eyes.

“Maybe it would be better because I'm tired, Dad.” I whispered brokenly. “I'm so tired”

The words seemed to physically hurt him as he flinched.

He leaned forward, resting his elbow against his knees.

“I understand…”

“No you don't, Dad” My voice cracked as I sat up abruptly. “Everyone leaves eventually, even you” I uttered and immediately regretted it when pain flashed across his eyes.

“You know that's not true. I would never abandon you, sweetheart. You have me” 

His words were firm and as I looked at him, I knew he meant every word.

“And you will always have me” He whispered and a tear slid down my cheeks.

“I don't think I want to do this anymore,” I whispered.

“If by this you mean pretending to be okay then no, you probably can't” His jaw tightened slightly. “But if you mean throwing away your entire future away because of a measly boy then absolutely not”

I let out a hollow laugh.

“You don't understand, Dad. Chase and Sienna… They're going to the same college. Do you really expect me to be okay seeing them flaunt their relationship in front of everyone?” I asked.

Westbridge university had never been my choice. That had been Lyra's dream college and never mine but my mother decided that wanting anything different from Lyra was practically betrayal.

She hadn't allowed me to apply anywhere else.

Dad studied me for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

“When you were little,” He began slowly. “You used to come home covered in dirt almost everyday”

I frowned slightly, confused by the sudden subject change.

“People said you were supposed to be a boy because you climbed trees higher than the boys in the neighbourhood. Do you remember how you punched that boy in fourth grade because he made fun of Heather's pigtails?” 

I giggled at the thought.

“He deserved it” I replied and he nodded.

“He did but my point is you used to be fearless, Loud, stubborn and wild” His eyes held mine. “You never cared what people thought about you”.

Something painful twisted in my chest.

“That girl doesn't exist anymore” I whispered and he immediately shook his head.

“She does because I can still see her”

I stared down at my hands.

For four years, I had let everyone shape me into someone that was more acceptable because fighting back had felt hopeless but where had that gotten me?

I had lost myself in the process and gained nothing in the end.

Dad grabbed my hand, forcing me to look at him.

“You'll go to college and this time, you'll live for yourself. You'll live for Rhea and have the best time of your life” He murmured and in that moment, something cracked inside me.

Almost freeing.

Maybe I didn't know who I was anymore but maybe there was still a chance to find out.

●

 “You are not going there to embarrass this family” My mother had warned sharply before leaving with Dad. “Lyra worked too hard for this school” 

I swallowed the bitterness that rose up in my chest as I walked towards the housing office.

I had resumed pretty late so I hadn't really seen anyone moving in along with me. Luckily, I hadn't carried that much luggage.

“You accepted your admission pretty late and unfortunately, all female dorms are occupied” 

My stomach dropped as I stared at the woman in front of me.

“What?”

“I'm so sorry dear. Normally we would place you on the waiting list but there might be one option” She muttered apologetically as she clicked away on her computer.

Hope flicked within me.

“There's a student here with a private dorm arrangement,” She continued. “Tecnically the room is large enough for three people even but he requested to stay alone….”

“I'm sorry, he?”

She looked up.

“Yes”

I blinked.

“But I'm a she?” An amused smile crossed her face.

“I'm well aware, Miss Vale. I understand your hesitation but unless you can afford off campus Housing immediately…” 

She trailed off and I sighed.

I had spent all my savings on that stupid Hockey stick for Chase. God, I was so stupid.

“I'll take it” I said quickly before I could overthink it.

It was just a guy, what could go wrong?

“It's not easy, Miss Vale” She stated and I frowned.

Oh…

“But maybe if you talk to him, he can make an exception for now till we can get you your own dorm. He's at Houston Hall, third floor, Room 4D” 

I grabbed the paper she handed me with a smile and thanked her before hurriedly walking away.

By the time I reached the third floor, my nerves were sky high.

Sharing a room with a guy wasn't just insane but dangerous. 

What If he was a psychopath?

There was no turning back now.

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door but got no response. 

I frowned slightly before trying the handle and surprisingly, it was unlocked.

Slowly, I pushed the door open and walked.

I froze almost instantly.

Hockey Equipment littered the floor near the entrance while loud music played faintly from somewhere deeper inside the dorm. The room itself was huge, it looked more like a luxury apartment than a dorm.

But that wasn't what caught my breath but the Massive framed poster hanging on the wall.

A Hockey player I knew against my will stared back at me with cold gray eyes, dark messy hair and the kind of sharp features that made Him look unreal.

“Who the fuck are you?” I gasped then turned around so fast, I almost gave myself whiplash.

Standing in front of me with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, exposing His hard Toned muscle and abs was None other than Zander Cole.

Not only had my sister been obsessing over him before she died, she was the reason she had applied for this college in the first place!

Oh I'm fucked!

CHAPTER THREE

~RHEA~

  I wanted to look away but I couldn't.

My eyes stayed locked on Zander Cole as if they had forgotten how to function properly.

Water still clung to his skin, sliding down the sharp lines and tattoos on his chest before disappearing beneath the towel hanging dangerously low on his hips. Every inch of him looked unfairly perfect like he had been sculpted in a lab specifically to ruin women's life.

“I asked a question” His deep husky voice snapped me out of my trance.

I gasped and whipped around so fast I nearly twisted my ankle with my suitcase in hand.

I didn’t really expect him to remember me but I was thankful he didn't.  At least, it would make things less awkward than it was.

“I'm sorry for barging in this way but I knocked and then…”

“I asked what you're doing here, not your full autobiography” He interrupted flatly and I frowned at the coldness in his tone.

So he was rude and hot? Good to know.

Well I had broken into his room so I wasn't going to fault him for his hostility.

“Can you put on some clothes first so we can talk?” I asked, keeping my gaze firmly on the dark wall in front of me and he scoffed.

“You had no issue eye fucking me earlier so why act modest now?” He questioned and I gaped.

“I wasn't eye fucking you. I just… please put a shirt on so we can talk better” I muttered and I heard shuffling behind me.

“There, I've thrown on some clothes” He told me and I let out a sigh of relief as I turned around and immediately froze.

The mother fucker had taken off his towel!

“You pervert! What is wrong with you?” I screamed as I slapped my hand over my face.

“I'm educating you” He said calmly. “Walking into random men's dorm rooms isn't exactly safe, princess”

I gaped as I couldn't argue with his logic.

“Still, this is sexual harassment!”

“You're the one who broke into my room”

“I did not break in, I gracefully walked in because you left your door open” I replied and I could have sworn I heard him roll his eyes.

“Yeah, because you gracefully walking in makes everything better,” He replied sarcastically. “Are you one of my stalkers? Is that what this is?” 

I scoffed.

“You wish. Can you please put on some clothes?” A low annoyingly amused chuckle echoed through the room.

A few seconds later, he sighed dramatically.

“You can look now, Ladybug” 

Slowly, I lowered my hands and although he still had a there wrapped around his waist, he had a black compressed shirt on that basically didn't help hide anything.

I let out a nervous laugh as I moved closer to him while he watched me suspiciously as I slapped his shoulder in an awkward friendly manner.

“The thing is…” I began awkwardly. “The housing office said there weren't any available female dorm rooms left…”

“And?” He asked as he swatted my hand off his shoulder and I lost my balance for a second.

I cleared my throat.

“Then she told me about you. She raved about how kind you are and how you'd be more than willing to host a homeless girl like me for a while? At least till a dorm room is found for me…” I sucked in my breath as he suddenly leaned in so close that the tip of our nose almost touched.

“Did she also Tell you that the only women allowed in my dorm room are those I've throughly fucked?” He asked and my eyes widened as heat pooled at the bottom of my stomach.

God, did all men smell this good? 

I immediately jumped away from him as I wrapped my arms around my body.

What did my sister see in him except from his obvious good looks, sexy body and godlike eyes?

“I'm not that kind of girl” I blurted out and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

“Even if you were, you're not my type, Ladybug” He uttered and for some reason, his words stung which made absolutely no sense because guys like Zander were the kind I avoided and disliked. 

Why should I care that I wasn't his type?

“Ladybug?” I asked and he motioned towards the Ladybug shirt I was putting on.

“By the way, this isn't kindergarten, Ladybug” He taunted me and I glared at him.

“My name isn't Ladybug, it's Rhea” I said through clenched teeth and he smirked.

“I bet it is, Ladybug” He murmured I scoffed.

“You know what, this was a mistake. I'm sorry I intruded into your space, I'll take my leave Now” I muttered as I grabbed onto my suitcase and rolled it past him.

“Wait” He called out as soon as I had walked out the door and hope swelled within me.

I turned around and Zander stood leaning against the doorway now with one shoulder resting lazily against the frame while he watched me with an unreadable expression.

“What is it?” I asked and he tilted his head lazily. 

God, he was infuriating but I had to admit that he was the sexiest man I had ever met and I knew he knew that.

He looked even better in real life. I'm sure if Lyra was in my shoes, she would have pounced on him as soon as he got out of the bathroom.

I chuckled at the thought but that just made being this close to him all the more wrong.

“Where are you going now?” He asked and I scoffed.

“Like you care?” I asked and he stared at me for a while then pushed himself off the door post.

“You're right, I don't” He muttered as his expression remained completely unaffected and then slammed the Door In my face.

 I stood at the door in disbelief. 

“Motherfucking jerk” I muttered under my breath before flipping the closed door off and dragging my suitcase down the hallway.

By the time I got outside the building, exhaustion had already begun settling in.

I pulled out my phone and turned it on for the first time in a week.

I ignored all the messages and calls as I dialed Heather's number.

She picked up immediately. 

“Oh God, Rhea. How are you? Where are you?” She asked and I could hear some noises in the background.

Guilt twisted inside my chest.

“I'm sorry I haven't been replying…”

“None of that, babe. I'm just glad you're okay. Where are you?” She asked me but my lower lip as tears burned the back of my eyes unexpectedly.

“I'm on campus but I have nowhere to stay since I accepted my admission pretty late…”

“Where are you? I'll come get you so don't worry, we'll figure something out” She told me and I smiled.

At least I still had one of my best friends.

I sent her my location then sat by the bench and waited, ignoring the odd stares I got from people as they walked by.

Zander’s words echoed in my mind and I began to regret wearing this Ladybug shirt. Maybe I did look like a child. 

“Ughh, don't think about that jerk” I muttered to myself.

My first day at college was one for the books, that's for sure.

“Rhea!” I turned to the voice and saw Heather running towards me.

Relief hit me so hard as I stood up from the bench and she wrapped her around me as she cried on my shoulder.

“Oh God, I've missed you so much” She murmured and her tears brought tears to my eyes.

Emotion clogged my throat as I hugged her back just as tightly.

“I missed you too” She pulled away seconds later as she wiped her eyes.

“Are you okay?” She asked and I nodded.

“I'm sorry I shut you out…”

“None of that. You can shut me out if it makes you feel better. For what it's worth, I slapped Sienna hard across the face and gave her a little blow when I saw her. She's such a bitch” She muttered and I pursed my lips.

“I'd much rather not talk about her or him right now” I told her and she nodded.

“Well, let's go have lunch and the cafe nearby first while I tell you all about my first day here. I have juicy fucking stories” She told me as she grabbed onto my luggage and helped me roll it down the street and I smiled before following behind her as I momentarily forgot about my predicament. 

We got to the cafe and it was packed with students. That just reminded me that I hadn't even gotten my class schedules yet, had nowhere to stay and had embarrassed myself in front of the hottest guy on campus.

I groaned as soon as we took a seat.

“Are you okay?” She asked with worry in her eyes and I sighed.

“I still have a shit ton of things to do and I'm already tired” I muttered as I massaged my temples.

“Don't worry, I'm here and we'll figure everything out together” Heather assured me and I opened my mouth to speak when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

“Rhea? Is that you?” Every muscle in my body locked instantly.

Slowly, I turned and froze.

Sienna stood a few feet away and right behind her was Chase…

CHAPTER FOUR

~ZANDER~

   Something was seriously wrong with me.

Because for the last twenty minutes, all I could think about was a girl in a stupid Ladybug shirt.

It made no fucking sense.

Girls like her were exactly the kind I stayed away from, the ones that were too bright, too innocent looking and too soft. The type who smiled too much and wanted to help anyone they could.

I hated girls like that so why the hell couldn't I stop thinking about her eyes?

There had been something off about them. Something hidden beneath all the nervousness and irritation. She smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes completely.

Like she was pretending and for some reason, that unsettled me.

And why did she seem so familiar?

“Zanders!” Kai's loud voice snapped me out of my thoughts as he jogged toward me outside the rink.

“Where have you been man, practice started ten minutes ago" He told me and I frowned as I shoved my hands deeper into my pocket.

I was ashamed to admit that I had waited outside my dorm building, watching Ladybug sit on the bench and had only left when her friend arrived.

It wasn't like I cared, I just… didn't have to explain myself.

“Shut up” I muttered as I walked past him.

“Damn, still as cold as ever. I thought by now my charms would have melted that cold heart of yours” Kai uttered and I rolled my eyes.

“Kai” Mason muttered as he walked up beside him, “The captain has threatened to kill you at least twelve times this week. Take a hint”

“Hey, I wasn't bothering him and that's the way he shows he loves me. Don't be jealous” Kai argued and I rolled my eyes as I walked towards the rink entrance.

The second I stepped onto the ice, the familiar chill settled under my skin, easing some of the irritation twisting inside my chest.

Hockey always did that, it silenced everything else.

“By the way,” Mason said as we headed towards the locker room after warming up on the ice. “Freshman tryouts are tomorrow. Coach wants you there early. Apparently, there are a lot of promising recruits this year”

“We don't need recruits. We are fine as it is” I uttered and he sighed like he had predicted my words.

“Austin's shoulder is fucked, Zander. I doubt he would have recovered before the playoffs” Mason told me and I stopped walking.

“He’ll recover”

“That’s not the point”

“I don't want new players”

“And that.” Coach Jones’ voice cut in sharply behind us. “Is exactly the problem”

I turned slowly and saw coach standing a few feet with his arms crossed.

“You and I need to talk” He muttered and I frowned as I folded my arms.

I nodded and he glanced at Kai and Mason who made no move to walk away then sighed.

“Everyone is complaining about you, Cole. It's not a good look,” He explained and I tilted my head.

“It's not anything new, is it?” I asked.

“But it's not good either. You're the captain cole and your reputation affects everyone. The new freshmen are so intimidated by you that many of them don't even want to try out anymore. Even your teammates call you unapproachable” He stated and I turned towards some of my teammates that were standing close with a glare and they immediately walked away.

“See? That's not the way of a captain.  A captain is there to lead, there to advise his team on what to do…”

“I do lead…”

“No you don't” He corrected sharply. “You score goals, there's a Difference” My expression hardened.

“I show up to practice, I play harder than anyone else on the team and I win games for you”

“And I'm not saying that's a bad thing but you barely speak to your teammates except on the ice. You avoid every year's event. The only friends you have are these two”

I shook my head at him.

“First of all, I only tolerate Mason and Kai is basically a pet” 

“Meow”

He stared at us for a while then sighed.

“You have no idea how serious this is, Cole. After that article on you two years ago, the Internet has you under their watchful eyes, criticizing your every movement and you're making it easy for them. You need to clean up your ways or you're off the team” He told me and Kai gasped beside me.

“You can't do that, he's your best player” Mason uttered.

“He is and that's why I'm giving you a chance to clean up your reputation, Cole. You're a prodigy and if you play your cards well, you'll be drafted into the NHL before you even finish college. Isn't that what you want?” He asked and I clenched my jaws.

He sighed.

“Look, I understand what happened to you…”

“Don't” I muttered coldly and it was almost like the entire hallway went silent.

He stared at me and his expression softened slightly before it hardened again.

“I'm giving you six months to clean up your reputation. That's more than enough time and don't think for one second that I won't kick you out” He muttered then walked away.

“Damn, that was intense,” Kai muttered.

“What are you going to do now? Because Coach is dead serious” Mason pointed out and I clenched my fist.

I couldn't get kicked off the team. Hockey was the only thing that kept me going.

The only thing keeping me from completely losing my mind after…

No, I wasn't going to think about that right now.

As soon as we walked into the locker room, one of our teammates, Daniel, suddenly came jogging in, looking way too excited.

“You guys need to see this. There's a juicy scene happening at the cafe close to the library” He uttered as he pulled out his phone.

“Daniel, you should keep your nose out of gossip once in a while” Mason muttered and I turned away ready to tune everyone out.

“But this one is juicy and the girls involved are smoking hot, especially the one with the Ladybug shirt. Weird choice but I dig the weird any day” 

My ears perked up instantly as I turned to Daniel.

“What did you say?” I asked and his eyes widened.

“Oh I…” I snatched his phone and there she was, in the middle of the cafe standing in front of a girl and boy with her friend from earlier Beside her. Someone was broadcasting the whole thing.

Fuck, i didn't care.

I shouldn't care.

I didn't even know her.

“I need to go,” I muttered as I shoved the phone back into Daniel's hand and grabbed my keys from my locker.

“Wait, what about practice…” I heard Kai yellow but I was already out the door.

I got into my car and drove down to the cafe.

“Imagining having nowhere to live and still attracting trouble” I muttered as I stepped on the gas and in minutes, I was there.

As I walked over to the door, irritation pursed through me for reasons I refused to examine too closely.

I paused by the door and saw as Rhea tried pulling away but was held back by the brunette boy who stood in front of her.

“Chase, let go of me” His grip tightened slightly. 

“I've been calling you, texting you but there has been no response. Can we talk, please?” He pleaded and I could see it on her face that she was about to break.

I didn't know what had happened between them but I didn't like his face.

I was about to walk in when the girl beside Him stepped forward and grabbed her arm.

“I know you're mad at me, I know you blame me but I'm sorry. If I could turn back time, I would, even if that meant giving up on what we have just to make you happy and less lonely” The girl muttered and I scoffed at how condescending her words were.

“I don't give a fuck, Sienna. Leave me alone” Rhea said shakily and shoved the other girl a little bit but the girl fell back dramatically like she had just been shot.

Chase immediately caught her then turned to Rhea with a glare.

“Rhea, what the fuck Is wrong with you?” He asked then pushed Rhea away as she stepped forward.

He pushed her so hard that she fell on the floor and in that moment, something inside me snapped cold.

“How dare you? It seems the beating I gave you two wasn't enough huh?” The girl that had been beside Rhea yelled.

Guilt flashed across the boy's face and he tried reaching for Rhea when I slapped his hand away as I stood in front of her.

“Touch her, I dare you” I muttered dangerously softly and instantly, the whole cafe went dead silent.

The boy stared at me with confusion on his face and I ignored him as I turned to Rhea who was still on the floor, staring up at me with her Hazel eyes glassy with unshed tears.

Something about that look irritated me more than it should have.

I crouched in front of her and brushed the tear sliding down her cheeks with my thumb.

“Now” I said softly as I caressed her cheek. “Who dares to make my girlfriend cry?”…

CHAPTER FIVE

~RHEA~

  Girlfriend?

“Girlfriend?” Heather, Chase and Sienna echoed as they stared at me like I knew a fuck about what was going on.

The murmurs began as everyone in the crowd stared at us with wide eyes and I could see the questions in their eyes but they seemed too scared to speak.

Before I could snap out of my trance, Zander helped me off the floor and I gasped as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me flush to his side.

Several gasps echoed throughout the crowd and I noticed the way Chase's eyes fell on Zander's arm that was currently wrapped around my waist.

Zander's gray eyes lifted towards Chase lazily but there was nothing relaxed about the look on his face.

“I'm going to say it once so listen up, Freshman” Zander began with a cold tone as he easily towered over Chase.

“Come near my woman again and your small dick would be the least of your problems” He threatened and some people snickered but one glare from Zander had them choking on their laugh.

Chase's face darkened and Sienna kept glancing between us with disbelief written all over her face.

“Zander… Zander Cole is your boyfriend? Since when?” Sienna asked with a sickly sweet tone even though the look in her eyes was saying something different.

“Who said you could question her? Who are you?” He asked as he stared down at Sienna like she was dirt beneath his feet.

She forced a smile on her face.

“I’m Sienna…”

Zander turned away from her before she could complete her sentence, letting her know he wasn't the least bit interested. 

He glanced down at me then leaned closer to my ear.

“Let's go, Ladybug” A shiver ran down my spine.

Before I could say a word, he intertwined our fingers and pulled me out of the cafe.

“Rhea, wait!” Chase called out and I paused for a second. What was I waiting for? I didn't even know.

“Let's go” Zander urged, pulling me out of my thoughts and pulling me along with him before I could even muster a reply.

“Text me later,” Heather yelled after us.

As soon as we got out of the cafe, I tried pulling my hand out of his grip but that only made his grip tighten.

“They are still watching” Zander uttered as he held my hand firmly.

I briefly glanced behind us and he was right, everyone was openly staring while some had their phone out.

“I don't see the reason for this” I muttered as he led me towards his sleek black Lamborghini and gasped slightly as he let go of my hand and suddenly placed his hand on my waist.

“You will in a second” He muttered then opened the car door for me.

“Get in” He ordered as he opened the car door for me.

I glared at him.

“Bastard” I muttered but climbed in anyway because despite the fact that he was infuriating, I would much rather be with him right now than watch Chase comfort Sienna.

As soon as Zander pulled away from the curb, I turned to him with a glare and finally snapped.

“What the hell was that?”

“I just saved your ass. You're welcome” 

I turned to him incredulously. 

“Saved me? What's that nonsense about you calling me your girlfriend?” I asked and when he didn't reply, I opened my mouth to argue when he suddenly served into a quiet roadside parking space.

“Jesus Christ!" I yelped as my body lurched sideways and instinctively, I grabbed the nearest thing I could reach.

Unfortunately, that thing happened to be his thigh.

His very muscular, warm…

“Do you mind?” His voice snapped me out of my trance and I snatched my hand immediately then turned to him.

He smirked knowingly and heat rushed to my face.

“First you slam your door in my face and now, you're trying to kill me?” I snapped quickly, trying to ease the sudden tension in the car.

“I have a proposition for you, Lady bug” He suddenly said and I frowned.

“It's Rhea and I'm not interested. You have already shown me how much of a jerk you are so no. I'm leaving” I muttered.

“This would benefit you too” He spoke and my hand paused at the door.

I didn't turn to him but I didn't leave either.

“I need you to be my girlfriend” He said simply and I froze for a while then bursted out laughing as I turned back to him.

“You can't be serious,” I said through my laugh. “Me? Be your girlfriend? I thought you said I wasn't your type?” 

“You aren't and would never be my type” He replied and I frowned.

Ouch.

“Then I see no reason for this conversation…”

“I need a girlfriend, a fake one” He interjected and I raised an eyebrow.

“What do you think this is? A novel? Why me? I'm sure there are other women who would be happy to be in a fake relationship with you…”

“But I came to you. I believe you'll understand what no strings attached means but they won't” He told me.

“Oh, you're really serious about this,” I muttered when I saw the seriousness on his face.

“Listen, I need a fake girlfriend to fix my reputation and you need protection. I will protect you” He told me and I snorted.

“Protection? From what?”

“You already got to college today and you have managed to have your picture plastered all around the school board. Knowing your luck, you're bound to get into trouble” He stated and I frowned.

“You're ridiculous”

“Am I? With me, no one would dare to offend or bully you. Not only that, your status is elevated and plus, I'm a way better upgrade from golden boy earlier” 

My eyes widened at his words.

“How did you know he was my ex?” I asked and he snorted.

“I saw the way you looked at him. You still want him” He pointed out and when I didn't say anything, he shook his head.

“I already thought you were naive but I see now that you're dumb” He muttered and I glared at him.

“Excuse me?”

“All the more reason for you to accept my proposal. Being with me is bound to make him jealous and over time, he'll realize what he has lost and come running” 

I didn't want to admit it but his words sounded tempting. I knew I should hate Chase for what he did to me but we have been through a lot and stupidly enough, I still loved him.

“Also, I'll let you live with me” He added and I paused then frowned.

“You're using my vulnerability against me, aren't you?” I asked and he didn't say anything which made me scoff.

I can't believe I was even considering his offer in the same place.

“My whole life is a lie and I'm not going to add more to it. Find someone else to help and stay the hell away from me” I warned then turned to the door.

Only then did I realize there wasn't any handle.

I tapped on the door and embarrassment slowly watched over me as I could feel Zander's amusement even without looking at him.

I briefly glanced back at him then cleared my throat and tried again but still, there wasn't any handle.

How the fuck does one open a Lamborghini door?

My breath hitched as Zander suddenly leaned in so close that his body brushed against mine.

I didn't dare breathe due to how close his face was to mine.

He pressed a little button before lifting the door open then he turned his face towards me and I gulped as I stared into his gray eyes.

He had the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.

He was so close that the tip of our nose was almost touching.

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me” He whispered then pulled away almost instantly and I let out the breath I was holding.

“Don't bet on it because I won't be changing my mind” I muttered breathlessly before climbing out of the car.

“I'll bet on it, Ladybug because I know you'll come running back to me and I'll be waiting for you”...

CHAPTER SIX

~RHEA~

   “He left you on the curb?” Heather screeched, horrified, as she led me up to her room.

I had called her earlier and she had immediately given me the location of her dorm and luckily, she had taken my luggage with her.

“Technically, I got out of his car and he can't exactly force me” I muttered but she still wasn't having it.

“Still, I thought he was a gentleman” She huffed and I could barely catch my breath.

“How far up is your dorm?” I asked as we walked up another flight of stairs.

“We are almost there. You'll get used to it for now till the elevator is fixed which is never” She said cheerfully and I bit back a groan.

Beggars couldn't be choosers.

“Home sweet home” She announced as she pushed her dorm room door open and relief on my face slowly turned into a frown.

In front of me were three beds with about five girls in the room.

“Welcome to the girls' prison” She said with a smile and I forced a smile on my lips.

Zander’s offer was sounding way more appealing now. 

It wasn't like I was ungrateful but I knew it was only a matter of time before my presence here became an inconvenience.

“Hey, you must be Rhea. Heather talks non stop about you” A beautiful girl with blond hair walked forward with a bright warm smile.

I smiled back.

“That's because my best friend is amazing,” Heather said with a smile.

“Rhea, meet Stacy, one of my roommates and the grumpy one over there with the dreadlocks is Mia” She began and she pulled me further into the room, towards her bed.

“And the others are their friends” She said and I waved at everyone.

“It’s nice to meet you all. I promise, I won't be an inconvenience” I quickly said and Heather smacked my arm.

“Nonsense, you can never be an inconvenience. Besides, you're in my corner and they don't get a say” She said and Stacy nodded.

“That's true,” I smiled at her.

She seemed nice.

“Wait… Aren't you the girl from the cafe? The one Zander Cole called his girlfriend?" One of the other random girls suddenly said, snapping everyone's attention to me, including Mia who hadn't acknowledged me since I walked in.

“No way, it is you. The girl with the Ladybug shirt” Stacy squealed and I forced a smile on my face.

“Are you really dating Zander Cole? Fuck, You're do lucky” One of the other girls uttered.

Before I could shake my head, Mia scoffed.

“How is she lucky? Did you guys forget who Zander Cole is or are you too blinded by his beauty?” 

The whole room went quiet as Mia shut her laptop and turned to me

“You're a freshman. Take advice from me and run away from that man, He's dangerous and he will hurt you…”

“Oh hush, Mia. When has he ever hurt a woman before?” Stacy asked and Mia scoffed.

“Did you forget that article two years ago? He…”

“I'm not dating Zander Cole and I would never date him” I quickly said, shutting both of them up.

“But he said…”

“He was just trying to get me out of that situation but we are not dating” I quickly explained.

“Good for you” Mia muttered before turning away and Stacy sighed as she walked up to me.

“I'll support you. I would tap that beast any day” She winked before walking away.

“Well, it seems you are already popular” Heather uttered as she turned to me and I frowned.

I always trended for the wrong reasons.

Soon, I got used to the dorm. The girls weren't as bad, even Mia. 

It was just a very small room but everything was clean including the shared bathroom.

I laughed at some of the stories they told me about the campus and I couldn't help but wonder what my life in college would be like.

Would I finally be able to push the past behind me?

Gray eyes flashed through my mind and I groaned. 

I needed to cut ties with that man before he ruined my reputation.

●

  I barely slept last night. 

By morning, I looked like a walking corpse.

Not only was the bed too small for two but Mia snored like a beast.

I got up early that morning and prepared to head out to get all my registration done so I can attend classes immediately.

Heather had classes that morning so she got ready with me and we left the dorm.

“Why didn't you opt for a bigger room?” I couldn't help but ask as we climbed out of the cab and walked into the main campus.

Everything was just as I had imagined.

It was way too early but there were still students walking around and the greenery was impeccable and neat.

“I accepted pretty late as well. I wasn't sure if you were coming and didn't want to come here without you but your Dad assured me that you would so…” She trailed off and I frowned.

“I'm sorry” I apologized as guilt washed over me but she shook her head.

“I chose to wait for you so you don't have to apologize. Plus, I like my roommates, including Mia” She said with a sincere smile and I smiled back.

“I'll see you after my first class. Bye!” She waved me goodbye before walking off and I sighed before heading to the administration office.

The first thing I noticed was that everyone stared as I walked by. Some pointed while some flashed me disgusted looks which confused me.

Was this all because of Zander? 

Fuck him.

I quickly finished up at the administrative office and collected my class schedule, my campus map and student ID before leaving.

I had a class to catch now so I rushed out of the building before heading towards the Business lecture hall.

I had wasted quite some time in the administration building so a lot of students were out now and everyone was staring and pointing at me.

Something felt off… way too familiar.

I began to grow self conscious. I bowed my head and tried to be as invincible as I possibly could when I bumped into a crowd right out the Business Lecture Hall, all staring at something ahead.

I was curious but didn't want to draw more attention to myself as I quickly pushed myself through the crowd when a random guy suddenly grabbed my arm and spun me around to face him.

“Holy shit. It is you” He breathed and everyone around turned to me while my stomach sank.

“What?” My voice was barely audible as I muttered and he pointed towards the wall.

Confused, I turned around and my whole world stopped when I saw what was sprayed on the wall in harsh red paint..

RHEA VALE KILLED HER TWIN SISTER.

My vision blurred instantly.

This couldn't be happening.

“It is her!”

“Why is there a murderer at our school?”

“Shouldn't she be in prison?”

My breathing became uneven as voices slammed into me from every direction as I walked towards the wall.

“She should be expelled from school!”

“I heard she wanted her sister's life!”

They yelled while I was hyperventilating with tears rolling down my cheeks as I wiped the wall with my sleeves, bruising Myself in the process but it wasn't working.

Why isn't it coming off?!

I couldn't breathe.

With shaky hands, I clutched onto my chest as the crowd only grew louder. 

My knees buckled beneath me but before I could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my body, pulling me into his embrace.

A familiar scent surrounded me instantly.

“Ladybug” 

My trembling stopped slightly at the sound of his voice.

He slid his fingers under my chin gently, forcing me to look up at him.

His gray eyes studied my tear-stained face for a long moment before he brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

Only then did I notice that the crowd had gone quiet.

“Will you accept my proposal now?”...