Chapter 9: Old Lover Returns
1045words
That voice froze me in place, as if plunged into ice water. For three months, I had almost forgotten this voice, this person.
I slowly turned around, forcing myself to remain calm. "Victor."
Victor Stone leaned against the school corridor lockers, his handsome face wearing that familiar arrogant smile.
"Surprised?" He stepped forward. "I transferred to Moonlight Academy. Heard they have the best science program... and my favorite ex-girlfriend."
I stepped back. "We're over, Victor."
"Are we?" His smile widened. "Because you found a new support? The Moon family? Unwanted Ella finally found a family to adopt her, and a wealthy one at that. How lucky you are."
I felt anger rising. "This has nothing to do with you."
Victor lowered his voice. "I know you, you're always like this, craving family, craving belonging, craving love. Now you've found it, how... touching."
Each of his words carried a sting, aimed at my most vulnerable spots. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.
"Stay away from me," I turned to leave.
Victor grabbed my wrist. "Don't be like that, Ella. We can start over. I made mistakes, but I really missed you."
"Let her go."
A calm but threatening voice interrupted us. I looked up to see Noah standing at the end of the corridor, his usually gentle green eyes now flashing with dangerous light.
Victor released my hand, feigning innocence. "Just catching up with an old friend, Dr. Moon. Nothing to make a fuss about."
Noah approached, standing beside me. "Ella, are you okay?"
I nodded, giving Noah a grateful look.
Noah turned to Victor, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable warning. "Mr. Stone, I suggest you focus on your studies. Ella is now a member of our family, and the Moon family always protects its own."
Victor's smile became stiff. "Of course, Doctor. Just friendly conversation." He looked at me. "See you around, Ella."
After Victor left, Noah gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "Who is he?"
"Ex-boyfriend," I answered briefly, unwilling to recall those painful memories.
Noah nodded, not pressing further. "Do you need me to walk you to class?"
I shook my head. "I'm fine, thank you, Noah."
"No need for thanks between family," Noah said gently, then left.
That afternoon, I met Luke in the library. He was organizing historical materials and nodded in acknowledgment when he saw me.
"Noah told me about today," he said directly.
I sighed. "Victor just wants to cause trouble. He's always been like that."
Luke put down his books, looking at me seriously. "Ella, if he harasses you, tell me. As a teacher, I can take measures."
"I can handle it," I insisted, not wanting to appear weak.
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Like you handled Brian? Almost fighting in the cafeteria?"
I blushed. "That was... different."
"You're my sister now." Luke suddenly sighed, his voice carrying a softness I had never heard before. "If anything happens, you can tell me. You don't have to bear it alone."
I looked at him in surprise, momentarily speechless. From the day I arrived at the Moon house, Luke had been the most serious, the most difficult to approach. This simple sentence made me feel truly accepted more than any formal adoption document could.
"Thank you," I said softly, my voice slightly trembling, "brother."
In that moment, I saw a smile, almost imperceptible, appear on Luke's serious face, like the first ray of sunshine in winter, fleeting yet warming the heart.
That evening, I was painting in the studio, trying to calm my mind. Jay walked in, carrying two cups of hot chocolate.
"Heard you met an old acquaintance today," he handed me a cup.
I took the cup. "News travels fast."
"Small town effect," Jay sat down beside me.
I looked at him, unconsciously speaking. "Victor was my neighbor in my last foster home. He made me believe he cared about me, but was actually just playing with my feelings. He said no one would ever really want me, that I would never have a home."
Anger flashed in Jay's eyes, but his voice remained calm. "He was wrong."
"I know," I said softly. "Now I know. I have you all, I have a home."
We sat quietly side by side, each lost in thought, with only the occasional sound of brush against canvas breaking the silence.
Jay suddenly turned to me, his eyes sparkling with unusual mischief. "I have an idea. Aiden has been researching some... interesting electronic devices lately. Maybe we could give Victor a little surprise."
I looked at him in surprise. "Are you suggesting a prank?"
Jay feigned innocence. "I'm just suggesting a creative solution to a problem."
I couldn't help but laugh, but the smile quickly faded. "I don't want to become someone like Victor. Most importantly, I don't want to cause trouble for our family. You've all done so much for me already."
Jay's expression softened. "You're really starting to see this as home, aren't you?"
I nodded, speaking firmly. "Yes, I think I am."
Jay reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from my cheek, his movement so tender it made my heart race.
"Good," he said softly, "because you belong here, Ella. With us. With me."
Our gazes met, and time seemed to stand still. I felt an unprecedented emotion surging in my heart, both warm and frightening.
Just at that moment, the studio door was flung open, and Aiden rushed in. "Big news! That new guy, Victor, is spreading rumors about our family! He says he saw 'strange creatures' around our house during the full moon!"
Jay and I quickly moved apart, but Aiden didn't seem to notice the change in atmosphere.
"Worse," Aiden continued, "he claims to have evidence!"
Jay's expression turned serious. "What evidence?"
Aiden shook his head. "Don't know, but he's hinting on the school forum that he'll reveal it soon."
I felt a wave of panic. Victor wouldn't give up easily; he would stop at nothing to destroy the happiness I had finally found.
And what worried me more was, if Victor had truly discovered something about the Moon family's secret, what impact would that have on this family that had given me a sense of home?
