Playlist - Too Much by The Kid Laroi, Jungkook and Central Cee

Astoria

The moment I got home, the remainder of my family leaped on me. Where was I? What was I doing? Why hadn't I checked any texts or calls? Was I out of my head?

The last one, it resonated with me. I was truly out of my bloody mind because I had essentially agreed to fuck Axel out of my system. Well, we had agreed to fuck each other out of system, but still. It was completely bonkers.

At least, my relatives, especially Winter, knew nothing about it. She would have my head if I ever told her what I had been doing the night before. Whom I was doing... repeatedly throughout the night. Against wall, on the bed, in the shower even while coming back to the cottage Axel had fingered me in the car.

He was cruel and played unfair and made my toes curl.

Winter knew nothing about it, but my paranoia told me that she had already snuffed him on my skin. I smelled like him. And my dress... which was a new one. It had his taste. He had torn my funeral dress into pieces and had ordered me to put on the new dress he bought for me.

My relatives treated me like I was a ticking time bomb. It was true to some extent. The recent turn of events had screwed my sanity up as far as my headspace was concerned, but then I found myself to finally put my distressing thoughts to ease.

I should credit Axel for it. He was responsible for it. He had managed to infiltrate my mind and body. Thank god for the scarf I had wrapped around my neck to cover the bite marks he had left on me. I didn't even know how I would have explained the reason behind the bites to everyone.

Two weeks. That was our expiration date. I was serious when I told Axel that it wouldn't go beyond the timeframe we had set. It just wouldn't happen again. We had to end for good.

I don't know why that thought left a deep unsettling feeling down the abyss of my heart.

I shoved the thoughts away and made my way to the mansion. Blake Trent, Axel' father wanted a word with me. I don't know how I could face him without feeling mortified. All of the things I had done with his son that he knew nothing about...

***
I looked down at my ballet slippers covered feet as I stood in front of Mr. Trent in his office. He stood behind his mahogany desk talking on his phone. If I wasn't already feeling tense, it amplified when Ava Trent joined us.

Ava and I shared ugly history from our last encounter. I have successfully managed to avoid her until now. I know she hasn't stopped keeping tabs on me, assessing my every move.

"Tough few days for you. I hope it wasn't too bad for you." My head snapped up.

Ava's face said it all. She knew I was with her son and she couldn't stop it from happening. I steeled my expression and nodded. I couldn't risk giving her the reaction she wanted from me. Definitely not in front of her husband who wouldn't hesitate for a second before tossing me out without my grandparents hard earned money.

"I hope you're better now. I know how much I can feel Paige and Callan around this place. They were loyal to the bone. Never once did they disobey me. Loyalty is hard to find in people nowadays. Most of them are just busy hounding people like me for money. Money can make you do wonders. Wouldn't you agree, Astoria?"

My heart pounded at her words. What was she even trying to insinuate? That I was a gold digger? I held my tongue back from teaching her a lesson of my own.

When Blake finished his call, Ava turned her attention to him. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. My business keeps me on the phone throughout the day."

I nodded half-heartedly.

"Firstly, I am sorry I couldn't personally attend the funeral. Please accept my deepest condolences and apologies. I was tied up in endless business meetings."

"That's fine. I am sure you had many important things to attend to." I kept the snide remark aside. I wouldn't love to be on Blake Trent' radar too.

"That's good to hear. Secondly, I know you have a lot of questions to ask. Your grandparents were live-in house staff and were offered a huge sum when they'd eventually retire, but now that they're gone I've decided to transfer the amount in your name. You'll be allowed to use it once you go to college."

"That- its very generous of me. I don't know what else to say."

"You don't need to say anything. Also your schooling will continue until your graduation. I intend to keep my wife's promise to your grandparents."

I know Ava regretted her decision deeply now. She was displeased with her husband's decision, but had no say in it. For now.

"The only issue of concern is your living situation. Ava is still searching for someone to replace your grandparents. When she eventually does find them, then you'll have to find a different living arrangement."

"It's no problem, Mr. Trent. I am grateful for everything you've done for me. I couldn't ask for more."

"That's all I had to discuss with you. You may leave now and if you have anything else to say then my doors are always open for you."

I nodded, smiling. I didn't miss Ava' sharp gaze on me. The woman was starting to get on my nerves. Last time, she had controlled me because of my grandparents, but now she had nothing over me anymore.

If I let my wildest thoughts take over, then I might as well consider a proper relationship with Axel even if it will piss off Ava. But I had different things on my plate, but I wouldn't back down until I get my retribution.

***
The girls my age know no better. It was evident from the misogynistic display of a pitiful fight I was watching from the solace of my seat. It was early in the morning and my tolerance level was very low to take any shit.

Especially the bullshit I was witnessing being unfolded in front of my eyes.

I knew the guy was one of  Axel' best friends, Ares Torrance. He talked about the town and the school. He ruled the soccer field with an iron grip and commanded respect and admiration from everyone around him. I had seen girls ogle shamelessly at him and Ares. Also their friend Chase.

He was far worse than Axel. I would be running uphill if I was the girl he was in love with and the way he was acting right now told me everything I needed to know.

He was staking a claim on his possession and she clearly wasn't in the mood to address his hostile attention.

"Ares, leave me alone. Give me some space." She pleaded with him. I think she was being kind with him. He had flung Peter right in the corner for simply being friendly with her.

I think Peter had it coming. I hadn't forgotten about him and I never would after he completely cut me off after he claimed that I was stupid to pick Axel over him. He didn't call me once since the death of my grandparents. He definitely had that one coming.

I couldn't hear what Ares whispered to my classmate, but I felt the need to intervene. It was like a girlcode that I felt compelled to obey.

"Leave her alone."

Both of them paused. I know they couldn't believe my audacity. Ares' steel gaze landed on me. He assessed the same way he would to a lint on his expensive clothes.

"Excuse me-"

"The girl wants you to leave her alone. That's simple english. I am sure you're perfectly capable of comprehending the command."

When he was about to charge towards me, he stopped by his pretty girlfriend. She was saying some stupid stuff to appease his ego. It worked in her favor and her caveman boyfriend left. I didn't miss the way he shot me with death glares.

I expected the girl to extend her gratitude, but I got nothing from her. She stared at me like I had a death wish of my own and went back to her seat. So much for saving her from that nightmare.

Why do I even bother?

I concentrated on the rest of my classes until I was overwhelmed by my disturbing thoughts. I was on edge of my seat when, like a salvation, I got a text from my caveman.

Just done with scoccer practice.

Okay, congratulations. I typed back, biting a smile.

The mouthy attitude will come to bite you in the ass. Literally.

Promise? I sassed back.

Meet me right now. Bell tower.

But I have a class now that I can't miss.

He ignored my previous message. Remember, tardiness doesn't go unpunished.

***

next update monday. i know this one is super short. i didn't have my laptop with me to write the chapter so i wrote this on me phone.

i wanna complete this book before christmas so the next few chapters will have a lot of information of their crucial time together
also i will write chase' novella which will contain maximum ten chapters

chase' book may have a reverse harem situation. so be prepared