Even though Jonas Alfredson was forced into it, when he finally said those words, his pride was unmistakable. This was the pride of the Alfredson family, a clan known for its unyielding spirit and integrity.
Watching Jonas kneel, Kayden Scott muttered, “Owning up to your loss-it’s a good thing. Put away that pride; you’re clearly someone with potential.”
With that, he coldly added, “Let’s go. Time to head home.”
Kayden reached out and firmly grabbed Leah’s arm. Before she could even process what was happening, he was already pulling her away in that assertive, commanding way that made hearts race.
As the two walked off, Ian Alfredson shouted behind them, “Farewell, Master!”
“Holy crap!” Coco Franklin exclaimed, watching Kayden and Leah leave. She quickly ran after them.
She caught up in the parking lot of the stadium just as Kayden and Leah were about to get into the car. “Hey!” she called out.
They stopped and turned, both looking at her as she approached.
Stopping in front of Kayden, Coco asked with a mix of disbelief and hesitation, “Is she really your girlfriend?”
Kayden froze for a second, but before he could respond, Leah quickly latched onto his arm and declared, “Yes! We’re heading home together now. Got a problem with that, superstar?”
Coco scoffed, unconvinced. “I want to hear it from him. Your word doesn’t count!” she said, her disbelief clear. There was no way Kayden Scott, of all people, would go for a high schooler. Sure, Leah was cute, but still…
Kayden glanced at Leah briefly, then said plainly, “She’s not my girlfriend.”
Coco’s face lit up like she’d just won the lottery. “Really? I knew it! I knew there was no way you’d be into some green, wet-behind-the-ears schoolgirl.”
Leah’s face flushed with anger, and she was just about to snap back when Coco pressed on:
“Honestly, ever since that night we spent together, I’ve been having a special feeling for you. At first, I didn’t know what it was, but during filming, I realized-it’s love at first sight!”
Her confession hung in the air. Leah was fuming. The nerve of this guy, letting another woman confess right in front of her! And worse, he denied their “relationship”! Unforgivable!
“Kayden Scott!” Leah growled. “You better-”
Before she could finish, Kayden interrupted. “She’s not my girlfriend. She’s my wife’s sister. And, for the record, I’m married. There’s nothing between us.”
Coco froze, stunned. “What?” she stammered.
She’d considered the possibility of Kayden having a girlfriend, but married? That was a whole different ball game. Pursuing a married man meant crossing a line she wasn’t willing to cross.
Though she liked Kayden, she wasn’t about to wreck someone’s marriage. Resigned, she sighed and said, “Alright. If you’re married, I won’t pursue this. But can I at least treat you to a meal as thanks for… well, that night?”
Leah’s eyes widened at the insinuation. “That night”? Did that mean they had slept together…?
Before she could speak, Kayden shook his head and said calmly, “No, thanks. I’m busy.”
“You’re kidding me!” Coco protested. “You weren’t here for my concert, were you? I mean, I get that you’re married, but don’t tell me you feel nothing for me at all. I refuse to believe that!”
Kayden sighed and replied, “You’re mistaken. I wasn’t here for you. I came to drop off my sister-in-law.”
With that, he climbed into the car and glanced at Leah, who was still frozen in shock. “What are you waiting for?” he asked.
“Oh!” she mumbled before getting into the car.
Watching the sleek Maybach drive off, Coco felt her heart sink. She couldn’t believe it-he was married. Who was this lucky woman? Was she really so stunning that Kayden couldn’t even spare Coco a second glance?
Her sister’s so gorgeous-she’s gotta be stunning too!
She sighed and walked away, lost in thought.
In the car.
Leah had finally regained her composure, but she was fuming. Shooting a sharp look at Kayden Scott, she blurted out, “You… how do you even know Coco? And why on earth would she like you?”
The questions came rapid-fire, but this was the one burning most in Leah’s mind. After all, her idol crushing on her brother-in-law? That had to be sorted out.
Kayden frowned slightly and countered, “Why should I tell you?”
Leah puffed out her cheeks in frustration. “Because you’re married to my sister, that’s why! You’re out here pulling this crap behind her back, and if I go and tell her you’ve been shacking up with a celebrity, what do you think she’ll do?”
Kayden froze for a moment, turning to glance at Leah. “Are you threatening me?” he asked, his tone low.
Leah folded her arms and declared boldly, “Yep, I am! What are you gonna do about it?”
Kayden couldn’t help but recall the last time Georgia, his wife, got upset. That had been about Coco too. If she found out he’d ditched her to spend time in a hotel room with a celebrity, it’d break her heart all over again. And after all the effort he’d put into mending their relationship? No way.
Reluctantly, he gave in, though his tone was firm. “Fine. Don’t tell your sister. But I’m not explaining anything to you, either. Just know this-I’ve never done anything to betray her. If you spill the beans, though? Don’t bother asking me for anything in the future.”
Leah, furious, pointed a trembling finger at Kayden. “You…!”
Back in the auditorium, only Jonas and Ian Alfredson remained, along with the sprawled-out bodies of the men who’d been defeated earlier.
Jonas’s face was a mask of rage as he yelled, “Ian! What the hell was that? Do you realize what you’ve done? You’ve ruined me in Hiphia! Those students saw me kneel! When word gets out, how am I supposed to show my face on campus?”
Ian sneered. “Oh, please. If you hadn’t knelt, you’d already be dead. Look at them.” He gestured to the lifeless bodies on the floor.
Jonas frowned in confusion. “What about them?” he asked, bending down to check on one of the fallen men.
Before he could touch him, Ian dropped the bombshell. “They’re already dead.”