Chapter 5: Chapter 5
461 words<html><head></head><body><p>My heart jumped violently, sensing trouble.</p> <p>"What is it, Chloe?"</p> <p>I pretended nonchalance, as if making casual conversation.</p> <p>"Tyler, let's meet."</p> <p>My brow furrowed in confusion, though I could guess the reason.</p> <p>I played dumb, feigning innocence. "Whatever it is, we can discuss it over the phone."</p> <p>Chloe laughed coldly. "Do you really think this is something to discuss over the phone?"</p> <p>I swallowed hard, glancing down at the pastry in my hand, instinctively searching for an excuse.</p> <p>"Another day, okay? Today isn't good."</p> <p>Her tone was adamant, insisting on meeting now.</p> <p>"Right now. Or I'll go to Isabella."</p> <p>She was threatening me with Isabella!</p> <p>Anger flared, but I forced it down, knowing she had leverage over me.</p> <p>Nothing happened last night anyway.</p> <p>Fine. Keep calm and carry on.</p> <p>"Where?"</p> <p>She gave me an address to a deserted park on the outskirts of town.</p> <p>She told me to follow a narrow path into the woods, where she would be waiting.</p> <p>What was she up to, being so secretive?</p> <p>I grumbled inwardly.</p> <p>Entering the dense forest, a faint, pleasant fragrance filled the air, soothing and invigorating.</p> <p>After circling several times without seeing anyone, a voice suddenly came from behind.</p> <p>"You're here."</p> <p>I jumped, turning to see a figure that had appeared out of nowhere. It was Chloe.</p> <p>"What do you want to say that required bringing me here?"</p> <p>Chloe wore a distant, icy smile.</p> <p>"About last night. How are you going to explain it to Isabella?"</p> <p>For some reason, I felt restless and agitated.</p> <p>"I acted on impulse. Let's pretend it never happened. I'll make it up to you..."</p> <p>Chloe scoffed. "Make it up to me how?"</p> <p>As I racked my brain for a solution, I missed her cunning expression.</p> <p>Her eyes shifted to the cake in my hand, and she swiftly snatched it away.</p> <p>"How about this in exchange?"</p> <p>Before I could react, it was gone.</p> <p>"Not that..."</p> <p>The restlessness grew stronger. My body felt weak and uncomfortable, my words fading on my lips.</p> <p>Finally, I realized something was wrong.</p> <p>What was happening to me?</p> <p>Why did my body feel like it was on fire?</p> <p>I blinked, trying to clear my mind, but the desire only burned brighter like wildfire.</p> <p>I leaned against a tree, using its cool surface to soothe the strange heat within.</p> <p>Chloe smiled triumphantly, stepping closer.</p> <p>"Tyler, what's wrong? Are you hot?"</p> <p>Then, while I was struggling, she wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her face against me.</p> <p>Every hair on my body stood on end. I tried to push her away but had no strength left. My breathing grew ragged.</p> <p>"Chloe, what are you doing..."</p> <p>My hands trembled uncontrollably. Sweat dripped from my forehead.</p> <p>She pressed further, unzipping my jacket and pulling it off.</p> </body></html>