Life slipped back into its usual rhythm.
Aiden returned to college. Adrian went with him, like always. Selene went back to her job. Cassian and Orion resumed their chaotic routines. Lyra hovered around Aiden whenever she could.
And Amara… went back to being the old Amara.
The confident one. The playful one. The one who flirted without fear.
But this time, she had a purpose.
She wanted Adrian — and she wanted him to realize he wanted her too. If jealousy was the only thing that made him react… then she would use it.
🌙 After School
Aiden came to pick Amara up from school, and Adrian came along with him — just like every other day.
Aiden parked the car and stretched. "Go call her," he said casually.
But Adrian didn't move.
His eyes were already locked on Amara — standing near the gate, laughing with a guy from her class. She leaned in slightly, touching the boy's arm as she joked.
Aiden followed Adrian's gaze and smirked. "Jealous?"
Adrian didn't answer. His jaw tightened. His fingers curled slightly.
Aiden chuckled. "You're so obvious."
Adrian shot him a glare. "Shut up."
But he didn't look away.
Amara saw him.
And she smiled — slow, teasing, intentional.
Then she leaned even closer to the guy she was talking to.
Aiden whispered, "She's doing that on purpose."
Adrian's silence said everything.
🌙 That Evening
Amara texted him first.
Amara:Busy today?
He replied quickly.
Adrian:Yeah. Why?
Amara:Just asking. You seemed… quiet earlier.
A long pause.
Adrian:You were busy too.
She smirked at her screen.
Amara:Oh? You noticed?
Another pause.
Adrian:You were flirting with everyone.
Amara:Was I?
Adrian:You know you were.
She lay back on her bed, satisfied.
Good.
He was jealous.
Exactly what she wanted.
🌙 The Next Day
She kept going.
At the café, she chatted with the barista. At school, she laughed with classmates. At home, she sent Adrian short, teasing messages.
And every time he saw her with someone else, his expression darkened just a little.
He didn't confront her. He didn't ask. But he watched.
He noticed.
He cared.
And Amara knew it.
She wasn't trying to hurt him — she was trying to pull him closer, in his language, in his pace, in a way he couldn't ignore.
Because she wanted him. And she was done pretending she didn't.