60

And soon, the clock hits 7 p.m.

I managed to drag myself out of bed this morning, and went through my day yawning every now and then. My mind was just a mess. It couldn't stay focus on one topic. Should I think about Adeline's new threats, her covering for me, what happens with Elijah, the dinner, or Daniela? What about the few students staring at me and Iris when we walk down the hallways?

The weird looks has died down after the footage of us was removed from the blog. Yet, now and then we'd see people whispering when they walk past us.

Classes, well, law, was manageable.

That was until the time has come to enter Daniela's class.

It was like we really were back to normal. It was like having a normal student-teacher relationship. That includes no flirting, no trying to accidentally skim our hands together when passing papers and pencils, no dressing up sexy for her, no favorite student treatment, and no staying behind class to make out.

We were just student and teacher with a lot of history.

History that I'm going to change that it never was history in the first place.

Now and then I'd catch her staring at me. But when she caught me staring, heat would rush up to my face and I'd turn away like nothing happened.

And then I went to work after university-- which me and Iris are planning on quitting soon.

The usual things.  Blah. Blah. Blah.

But now, I was helping my dad and Adeline set the table.

At first I came down looking like it was a Monday-- in lazy, yet comfortable, clothes. That being a hoodie and gray sweatpants, my hair up in a messy bun.

But of course, Adeline trying to control my life again, she sent me back to go change.

And for some reason, I obeyed.

The second time, now, I came down looking more presentable. Classical, but nice. A white tube top, revealing my toned stomach, with a more beige, short skirt paired with sneakers. My hair was let down, tucked behind my ears so that it doesn't fall in front of my eyes.

A bit after 7, there was a knock at the door and no surprise, Cameron was there. He was also dressed casual. A gray sweater with also beige colored trousers. I could also spot the gold chain necklace around his neck, slightly hidden under his sweater.

Him scanning my outfit didn't go unnoticed by me, as his eyes travelled up and down my body multiple times.

But I didn't want to call him out, otherwise he'd be as red as a tomato right now.

We exchanged greetings and a hug before pulling back.

He scanned my outfit again. "You look pretty."

A slight smile spread on my lips. "Thank you." I chuckle. "You look nice and comfortable as well, huh?"

"Yeah, I didn't know if I had to dress fancy or not." He shrugged. "So I went for in between."

Once my dad heard the door shut, he magically appeared around the corner.

"Boy, we need help in the kitchen." My dad nodded is head, not forgetting to greet him while ordering around right off the bat.

So then we all were in the kitchen, checking on the food and just talking. Adeline would now and then switch positions with Cameron so that he was standing closer to me. She'd also give me glares, signaling for me to do anything. That could be to start a conversation with him, check on the potatoes, compliment him and other stuff.

Soon we were in the dining room, sitting down with the table neatly decked out and the food in the middle.

"Well then, dig in." My dad gestured, leaning over for the salad. "The food's getting cold."

Adeline strangely waited for me and Cameron to dish first. She looked me dead in the eyes, leaning her palm in her hand.

She was creeping me out with the grin that's slowly making it's way on her face.

But I tried to ignore it and just as I wanted to lean over and grab the spoon, there was a knock on the door.

Adeline immediately spoke. "That's for you, Victoria."

I frowned, looking around the table. Dad was already stuffing his face with the ribs, but Cameron looked at me, confused.

"Okay?" I slowly stood up from my chair.

Walking over to the door, I open it.

And before I could even blink or fully open the door, Daniela stormed inside. Her hands immediately shot out towards me, anxiously started to study my face, then my body.

I was too shocked to move, not even knowing if her hands were really on my arm and shoulder right now.

"Are you okay?" She spoke fast, and I could see the panic in my eyes.

My hands slowly reached out to her arms, trying to figure out if she was real, or if I was only dreaming. But once I felt her shaking under my fingers, I knew something was wrong.

"Victoria." She shook me slightly. "Speak to me. Are you okay!?"

I looked at her as reality slowly settled back in. My eyes widen.

She can't be here now!?

I grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the dining room's view, even though they still couldn't see the front door where we stood-- just to make sure.

I can't let her see Cameron.

She was still all over me. Hands on me. Panicked eyes on me.

"Why are you here!?" I whisper yell.

She furrowed her eyebrows, shaking her head. "What do you mean?" She spoke so fast that she stumbled over her own words. "Adeline called me, said you had a severe allergic reaction."

"What?"

Then it all clicked.

This was a set up.

"Daniela, it's fine. You can go now." I said, trying to move her to the door again.

She didn't budge and stood her ground. "Woah, hold on. Are you okay?"

"I-..." I gulped, struggling to push her out. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

"What's going on?" Confusion spread across her face. "What's happening?"

Then suddenly, footsteps appeared. We both turned our heads to where Cameron was standing, staring at us.

Quickly, I take a step back

Everything was happening so fast, I couldn't decide what emotions to feel.

But once I scanned Daniela's face, my heart sunk.

Her eyebrows were furrowed, more confused than angry. She looked to me as if her eyes were asking me if this is real.

Honestly, I don't know anymore.

Cameron frowned too. "Oh hi, professor."

Daniela didn't speak.

I cleared my throat to break the tension as Daniela glares at him. "Can you just go uh, wait for me, please?" I spoke softly.

Cameron nodded, giving Daniela one last glance before he turned away and walked back to the dining room.

And then there was silence between Daniela and I. She stood there, not moving a muscle, nor having blinked once. Her eyes were locked with the ground, her breathing slow and steady.

Hesitantly, I reach out to touch her hand, but that's when she finally moved.

She moved away from me, her eyes meeting mine. Daniela didn't even look like she was going to cry. It was more me. I wanted to cry from guilt, from whatever's going on.

She was more angry, no, furious.

Maybe because I continuously lied to her about Cameron after comforting her, telling her I'm not cheating.

How the fuck must this look from her view?

My eyes filled with tears. "Daniela, please... it's not what it looks like."

She took a step back to the door. "You're kidding me, right?" She lets out a sarcastic chuckle, with a hint of sadness and anger. "I can't believe you right now. I was just starting to trust you again."

"Please, let me explain!"

The second she reached for the doorknob and turned it, Adeline's voice called out from the dining room.

"Daniela, Victoria!" She called our names and I saw how Daniela gritted her teeth. "Come now, the food's getting cold!"

Daniela let go of the doorknob, her eyes darkening. From her look, I knew she wanted to participate in Adeline's games.

I stepped in front of Daniela, my eyes begging her to just leave. "Don't do this. Please. Please, let me explain everything first."

But, without speaking, she walked around me to where Adeline's voice came from. She left me there in front of the door, staring dead into the wall.

This was it.

This was the endgame.

It wasn't long until Adeline called my name again.

I forced my teary eyes away by rubbing it and took a deep breath in to compose myself.

When I walked back to them, there was already an extra plate, glass and cutlery for Daniela out. In fact, she was already seated.

Dad, probably on his second plate of food already. Adeline and Cameron has dished, but hasn't eaten yet.

Daniela sat there quietly, her plate empty.

Slowly, I strolled to my seat, my head low. I was too scared to look up at anyone-- Adeline and Daniela to be exact. But once my eyes met Adeline's, I really was about to cry. My hand formed fists on my knees, trying to keep myself calm.

But she knew what she was doing with that smirk and mischievous eyes.

She turned her head to Daniela. "Please, help yourself." She gestured to the food in front of us.

I looked up to Daniela who briefly exchanged glances with me before we both got some food in our plates.

My head was down the entire time we ate, now and then even being distracted and just poking my food with the fork.

Each second I grew more anxious the quieter Adeline. I had to prepare myself for something and make sure I'm quick on my feet for whatever's coming.

But right now, I just wanted to drag Daniela away. I wanted to beg for her forgiveness. I wanted to apologize for not telling her what's really going on.

I want to run away with her and leave our problems behind.

Adeline scanned over us. "Where is my manners?" She gasped dramatically. "Let me introduce everyone." Her voice was low, and she spoke as if she was mocking us. She looked at Cameron "Daniela's my... good friend, and she's your professor, of course... and...Cameron is my nephew."

Daniela's jaw almost dropped and her head snaps to him. Her eyebrows narrowed even more, like she hated what she was staring at.

All I could do is sigh.

"Well now that that's out of the way..." Dad finally spoke up, taking a sip of his beer. "Miss Garcia, thank you for keeping my daughter safe while in Greece." He spoke. "I'm really proud of what you two accomplished."

Cameron gave me a side eye, knowing damn well about the footage. Daniela too, but she didn't look at me, even once.

She forced a smile to my dad, probably thinking he hasn't seen the video.

That reminds me how Adeline really did cover for me yesterday... which is scary. She must have something big planned.

"No need to thank me, Mr. Rivera." She spoke, but really, there was no emotions in her voice. "And please, call me Daniela."

Dad nodded happily and went back to his food.

My eyes stayed on Daniela as she forced the food down her throat. She was probably too disgusted to eat. And I understand why.

Adeline leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening as she glanced between Daniela and me, her voice dripping with fake innocence. "So, Daniela, I've been wondering... how was Greece? From the stories I've heard, it sounds like you and Victoria got to... explore all kinds of things together."

I froze, my fork mid-air, and felt my face heat up.

Daniela's jaw clenched.

Dad, completely oblivious, chuckled lightly. Bless him. "Greece is such a beautiful place, but I heard stories where people got lost since the island is so cramped sometimes. I'm just glad Victoria had someone experienced to guide her around."

Adeline's grin grew sharper, her gaze locking onto me. "Oh, I'm sure Daniela guided her through all sorts of... positions."

Oh.

My fork slipped from my fingers, clattering loudly against my plate, but I couldn't bring myself to move or even breathe.

My face burned with embarrassment, a deep crimson that I was certain matched the wine in Adeline's glass.

Dad still wasn't aware of the tension around him.

Cameron shifted uncomfortably beside me, his glass halfway to his lips as if he wasn't sure whether to drink or choke. His eyes darted between Daniela and me, and for a moment, I wished the ground would swallow me whole.

Luckily, he knew I was getting uncomfortable and cleared his throat. He placed his glass down. "Hey, can you pass the salt on, please?"

I held the salt for him, and once he reached out to grab it, his fingers grazed over mine. He paused his hand against mine, not being able to grab the salt. I physically felt him freeze.

Daniela eyed our hands touching, and quickly I placed the salt down in front of him. I look away, nervous from Daniela's cold, dark eyes with flames in them.

Cameron blinked, clearing his throat and finally took the salt.

I thought Adeline would've stopped with her jokes by now, that we all could eat in peace, but I was wrong.

Very wrong.

"So, Daniela... it's been a while since you've been here, hasn't it? I mean, I'm sure you've been busy with... work, right? All those late nights with your students... must keep you occupied. We should plan something-- go shopping maybe.

Daniela shot her a glare.

And Adeline seemed to love it. "I mean, us girls should go shop together sometime." She smirked and looked at me. "But... I mean, only when you're available. Victoria has also been quite busy with Cameron these past few days."

My eyes closed, and I dropped my knife and fork at the sides of my plate. Of course Cameron didn't think anything about it. It was true. So I didn't know how to defend myself. I've been busy with him, but he knows we're just friends-- we hangout like friends would.

But of course, Daniela thinks otherwise.

It felt like whatever I wanted to say, Adeline would use against me, but I couldn't take it anymore. Seeing how Daniela tried her best to not just stand up and hit Adeline across the face. Her hand tightly clenched around the cutlery.

I was already squirming around in my seat. "Yeah, well. We're good friends."

"Oh, but do friends look at each other that way?" Adeline smirked, but I just frowned.

Cameron was quiet, and my dad too. They even sent each other awkward glances.

The last thing I wanted was for Adeline to keep twisting this into something more than it was.

Adeline dramatically gasped. "You know what we should do? We all should go on a double date! You and Cameron, me and your dad... and well..." she looked at Daniela who was trying so hard not to break, "...sorry, Daniela, you can't come. Since you know, you don't have anyone to take."

Finally, Cameron spoke up. "Adeline, stop it."

Adeline shrugged nonchalantly, cutting into her meat. "How cute protecting your girlfriend."

"She's not my--"

Daniela pushed her plate away, standing up. "Excuse me," her voice broke.

Without another word, she turned and walked out of the dining room

My eyes widen, and everyone looked at Daniela as she made her way to the front door.

I quickly shot Adeline a glare, a sick grin on her face. She looked back at me. "Now I win" she mouthed. And the men just stared at each other confusingly.

Un-fucking-believable.

I shot up from my chair and ran after her.

"Daniela, wait!" I call out, catching the door just in time as she was outside, trying to close it behind her.

She walked down the path on her way to her car before I sped up. The sun was practically gone, which was good. Now nobody could see my tears that well.

I jumped in front of her. "Hold on, please! Please, Adeline's just playing her stupid games. You know she does this. I swear, me and Cameron are just friends."

She looked anxiously back and forth between my eyes, not being able which one to stare into. At this point, she wanted to stare into neither. She probably didn't even want to see. She didn't want to see the problems in front of her.

Her hands clenched at her sides and her chest rose and fell as she took deep, fast breaths in. "Her fucking nephew, are you serious?" She spat through her teeth. "Not only are you sleeping with him, but also never told me he's related to her?"

I was a bit intimidated how she sent daggers through my eyes. How she towered above me. "I swear, I wanted to tell you... b-but you and I were already going through a rough patch, I didn't know how!"

"You also didn't know how to tell me that you're seeing him while you were with me, huh?" She let out a bitter, sarcastic, and hurt laugh. "Or were you too busy making out, you totally forgot, huh?"

My jaw drops. "It's not like that, I swear!"

She looked at me in disbelief, her own jaw falling open as she shakes her head. "You're just like her." She scoffed and walked around me.

I froze.

I'm... like Adeline?

"Wait, please don't..." I begged, spinning around to see her walking away. "Just give me a few minutes to explain!"

"Your time was already up." I heard her growl under her breath.

Her words really did stung-- so much that it forced me into silence. All I could hear is my own heart pounding heavily against my chest and the crickets in the nearby bushes. Honestly, maybe they were laughing at us.

Once she got out her car keys, I knew it was over. I mean, it was over before, but now it's really over.

She hates me.

As I stood there, frozen and helpless, I heard the sound of slow footsteps behind me. My body tensed as the voice I dreaded most spoke up.

"Oh, you're starting to become me, huh?" Adeline said smoothly, her voice taunting. "That must hurt, doesn't it? Realizing you're just like me."

Even more footsteps came and then I heard dad. "What is the meaning of this?"

But I was still thinking of what Adeline said and something inside of me just snapped. The secrets, the manipulation, the guilt, the love I was too afraid to admit, burst through the fragile walls I built around my emotions.

I spun around, my face hot with anger, my vision blurred by tears. But I did saw three silhouettes through my blurry vision.

"Just shut up already!" I yelled, and the tears escaped, streaming down. "Fuck you for everything, Adeline! This is all your fault!" Her glare hardened as I talked back at her in front of my dad and Cameron. "You're always twisting things, always making everything about you and your stupid games! You've been manipulating me, threatening me, using Cameron, using everyone just to get under my skin! Well, congratulations, Adeline! You've finally done it! Are you happy now?!"

Adeline's smirk faltered for just a second. Cameron and dad was absolutely shocked as I just went on with my sobs. "You've made me doubt myself, made me feel like I'm not good enough for anything or anyone! And now, you've made her--" My voice caught in my throat, trembling as my gaze shifted to Adeline, who stood completely still, her expression unreadable. "You've made her think I don't care about her when she's the only person I... I--"

The words tore from me. "I love her! Okay? I love Daniela, and I've been too scared to say it because of people like you! People who take everything good and turn it into something ugly!"

Cameron's jaw dropped.

The air around us felt heavy, the only sound my ragged breathing and the faint rustle of the wind. The crickets died down. Maybe they were listening instead of laughing this time. I wiped at my face with trembling hands, trying to steady myself. "I love her," I whispered again, quieter this time.

Dad finally found his voice, "Victoria... what are you talking about?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and concern.

But I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

I kept my gaze on the ground, my tears falling silently now. My whole body trembled.

"Do you mean that?"

Startled, I immediately spin around towards the voice.

She was still here.

"D-Daniela..." I whispered, wiping away my tears. "S-Shit.. I--"

She took a hesitant step closer, her eyes softening as she stared at me. "Did you mean what you said?" She asked again, her voice quiet, yet shocked. "You love me?"

There was no going back now. A lump formed in my throat, knowing that everyone was still watching us from behind.

My secrets were out.

"Te amo."

Then, without hesitation, she closed the remaining distance between us. Her hands cupped my face gently. I barely had time to process what was happening before her lips met mine.

The kiss was soft at first, but it quickly deepened, carrying all the emotions we'd been too afraid to say out loud.

How I missed this feeling.

The way my stomach fills with butterflies from a single kiss from her.

Once she pulled back, I let go of a shaky, heartfelt laugh. A tiny smile spread on her face and that was all I could focus on. It's like the world around us faded away and it was just us.

She wiped my tears away with her thumb.

Reality sinks in, and with wide eyes, I turn to the audience behind us.

My heart dropped as I saw their faces, absolutely in disbelief, even Adeline. Her left eye twitched, and her smirk was completely gone from her face. And I'm pretty sure Cameron hasn't even blinked once as he literally just kept gawking at us. His mouth hung to the ground, just like my dad's.

Dad finally gulped, licking his dry lips before speaking. "What is this?" He asked quietly. I thought he'd be screaming, going crazy, but no. He was too shocked.

I closed my eyes for a split second, and before I could reply, Adeline beat me to it. "Don't you see, Corbin!?" She lost it. "They have an affair!" Her voice raised, eyebrows narrowed, pointing to us.

"No, we're not!" I yell back, "It's so much more than a stupid affair!"

And again, the tears streamed down my cheeks. "Do you even know what it feels like, Adeline? To have someone who makes you feel... alive? To wake up and actually look forward to seeing that one person!?" My voice cracked, but I didn't care anymore.

"Every time I see her, my heart feels like it's going to burst. She makes me laugh when I don't think I can. She makes me believe in things I stopped believing in a long time ago--hope, happiness, love." I looked at Daniela, my eyes locking with hers. Her expression softened, her lips parting as if to say something, but I kept going.

I turn back to Adeline, catching her death stare. "This isn't another game in your fucked-up mind!"

Adeline was stunned for a minute, but played it off with a scoff and turned to dad. "Are you going to say something!?"

Dad was speechless, rubbing his templates all while Daniela from behind me reached out to my hand. She held it for a split second, just making sure I know that she's still her, and then let go again.

I felt Cameron's gaze on us.

Dad sighed. "I'm thinking."

Adeline scoffed. "This is pathetic, Corbin. Are you really just going to let this slide!?"

"That's enough!" Dad's voice boomed, silencing Adeline mid-rant. His eyes were hard. "You don't get to decide what I 'let slide.'"

For a moment, she was stunned into silence, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. But it didn't last long.

"Oh, so now you're just going to ignore the fact that your daughter has been sneaking around with her professor? What kind of father are you—"

"Enough!" Dad shouted, his voice louder this time. Even I flinched along with Adeline. "This is my family, Adeline. Not yours." He growled, frustratedly.

"Are you serious right now?" Her voice drops to a more quiet, questioning one. "Your daughter is a literal whore!"

My breathing caught in my throat at that one word. "Whore." Something I never thought myself of becoming, and still, I won't ever become.

She's the slut. Not me... right?

Cameron's eyes widen, and I knew he wanted to say something. Just like Daniela. She stepped in front of me, her eyes darkening as she stared at Adeline. But before she could do anything, dad spoke.

His face went from pale to crimson in an instant, his hands curling into fists at his sides.

"Adeline," he said, his voice dangerously low. "Don't you ever speak about my daughter like that again."

Adeline was quiet. We all were, and dad could finally get his chance to think and process everything. He stared at us, looking between Daniela and I.

Maybe revealing my feelings wasn't such a bad thing. I got to open up about Adeline's constant blackmailing and how I feel about Daniela-- I finally got her back, and that's all that matters.

She finally believes me.

I also even said the 'L' word. I guess from the start of this adventure with Daniela, the 'L' word in the beginning meant lesbian, but then it changed to love. I guess I was scared of the L words. Even though I'm not complete lesbian, but now finally found a label for myself, well, Iris labeled me as bisexual.

Then dad finally found the words he wanted to say. "Get out of my house."

My heart jumped.

Adeline's smirk returned at those words, her confidence rebuilding in an instant. She crossed her arms, looking directly at me and Daniela. "You heard him!" She sneered. "Finally, some sense—"

"I wasn't talking to them." He muttered.

His sharp gaze locked onto Adeline, and her smirk faltered, replaced by wide-eyed shock.

"What?" She whispered, blinking as if she misheard him.

"I said get out of my house, Adeline," Dad repeated. "I won't have you here, not after what you've done to Victoria."

We all were just watching the scene unfold.

Her hands dropped to her sides. "But... but I love you, Corbin!"

"No." He shook his head and looked at me and Daniela. He gestured to us, his eyes softening. "That's love. True love."

Daniela grabbed my hand, giving it a light squeeze.

Adeline's confidence was shattered completely. Her eyes darted to Cameron. "Cameron, say something for fuck sakes!" She spat.

Cameron hesitated, his face pale. He glanced at Dad, then at me, and finally at Adeline. "You heard Mr. Rivera." He whispered shakily. "Leave, Aunt Adeline."

Adeline's jaw dropped as if Cameron had betrayed her. "You ungrateful little--"

"That's enough," Dad interrupted sharply. "Go, Adeline. Now."

For a moment, it looked like she might argue, but she didn't. With a frustrated growl, she spun on her heel and stomped down the path towards us.

"You'll regret this." She mumbled before bumping shoulders with Daniela and walked past her.

We all watched her walk away to her car, opening it and slamming the door shut. Then in a flash, she was off down the road.

I let out a shaky breath I haven't realized I was holding. Daniela's hand was still in mine.

Dad also let go of a breath, scanning us in front of him. His eyes soften, and there was even a hint of sadness in them. He flashes us a tiny smile and placed a hand on Cameron's shoulder. Cameron, that just stared at us, still a bit confused, jumped back into reality at dad's touch.

"Let's give them some time to talk." Dad said and nodded inside the house before letting go of him and walk inside.

Cameron was still outside, frozen before dad called him again. "You coming, son?"

Cameron glanced at me, then at Daniela, and back to Dad. "Yeah," he muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets as he followed Dad toward the house.