Alex's P.O.V.

"Alex, you better behave with Stella. She is my friend now." Zoe comes over to my seat with Sky after the first class.

I was already frustrated because of Stella's presence in the classroom and now Zoe telling me she made Stella her friend. Fucking why?

"You met her today only, you made her your friend. I can't believe it." I shake my head in disbelief at her.

"And you? What did you do? You made her your enemy before even meeting her." Zoe chides me, making me more frustrated.

Sky intrudes, "Alex, since Stella will be with you a lot at college and your place, try to get along with her."

I clench my jaw, glancing between Zoe and Sky. They don't get it. They have no idea how much Stella is pissing me off.

"Get along with her?" I scoff, crossing my arms. "She is the daughter of a woman who replaced my mother."

Sky gives me a pointed look, and I know what he's going to say before the words even leave his mouth. "Maybe that's why you treat her like crap, Alex. You don't even give her a chance."

Zoe nods in agreement. "Sky is right. You can't punish her because your dad remarried her mom. What is her fault?"

Running my hand through my hair, I try to control my irritation.

I glance over at Stella, who is talking and laughing with Selene. I know there is no fault of her in this, but there is something which is forcing me to hate her. Because if I don't hate her, I might start feeling something else, something which is completely forbidden.

Where the fuck is my mind going?

I tear my gaze away from Stella and turn back to Sky and Zoe, keeping my expression cold. "You guys won't understand. I'm leaving." I stand up from my seat, grabbing my bag and slinging it over my shoulder.

Thankfully, they don't stop me when I dash out of the classroom without glancing at the woman, who is slowly driving me insane.

***

Stella's P.O.V.

After the last class of the day, I turn to Zoe and Selene with a huge smile. "Hey, would you guys mind giving me a tour of New York City? I mean, I'm still new here, and I'd love to explore a bit."

I'm sure they won't deny me because they're sweethearts, unlike Alex, who refused me so rudely yesterday.

Ugh, I'm not even going to think about him right now.

Thanks to Zoe and Selene, my first day at this new college went pretty well. I didn't feel like an outsider at all, which was a huge relief.

Zoe lights up instantly. "Of course! I'd love to show you around."

Selene glances at her watch and sighs. "I wish I could, but I have to get home. Family dinner and all."

"Selene, I really wanted to explore with you both." I give her my best puppy-dog eyes.

Zoe also requests her. "Come on, Selene. Just for a little while. It'll be fun."

Selene chuckles and shakes her head. "You guys are killing me with the guilt, but I really can't. My mom will freak out if I miss another family dinner."

Zoe nudges her playfully. "Next time, then. You owe us!"

Selene grins and throws up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I promise. But tonight, I'm off the hook." She gives us a quick hug before turning to leave. "Have fun, girls. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

I laugh and wave as she walks away. "No promises."

Once she's out of sight, I turn to Zoe. "So, it's just us, then?"

Zoe nods with an enthusiastic grin. "Yep, and trust me, you'll love it. I know all the best spots!"

Just as we start to head out, my phone rings. It's Alex.

Why is he calling me?

I roll my eyes before answering. "What? Don't tell me you called me to annoy me more."

"I called you because of my father. He wants to drop you home safely after college. Now come to the parking area. I don't have an entire day for you."

Why fucking he has to be so rude all the time? I wonder if there's more to him than the grumpy exterior he always shows.

"I'm going out with Zoe," I reply, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'll come back home myself."

There's a brief pause, then he says, "Okay."

"One thing that's good about you is that you actually listen to your father." I chuckle, taunting him.

"And you know what? There's nothing good about you, Stella," Alex bites back, his voice laced with irritation.

I freeze for a few seconds at his words.

'You're good for nothing, Stella.'

'You're worthless.'

The harsh voices from the past echo in my head, making my chest tighten and my breath catch for a second. I grip my phone tighter, forcing myself to stay composed.

You can't again fall weak, Stella. Take a deep breath.

I exhale slowly, pushing the old memories down. "Thank you for the compliment. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to have a great time with my new friend."

"Just don't be late getting home." Then, the call ends with a click.

I stare at my phone, the screen darkening as the call disconnects. My hand shakes a little, but I quickly shove the phone into my pocket before Zoe notices.

"You okay?" she asks, her eyes full of concern.

I force a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get going."

Zoe gives me a doubtful look but doesn't press the issue, thank God. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel sorry for me. I've had enough of that in my life. So instead, I focus on the excitement of exploring New York with my new friend and push thoughts of my past far, far away.

***

Zoe takes me to some of her favourite spots, and I can feel our bond growing stronger with every stop. In just one day, we've clicked so well, and it's like I've known her for much longer. Zoe is the type of person who radiates kindness, and being around her just feels... easy. I like that vibe.

We grab coffee at a cute little cafe, take a stroll through Central Park, and even go shopping for a bit.

When Zoe finally drops me off at my place, I don't want the night to end. "You should stay the night," I suggest, hoping she'll agree.

Zoe smiles but shakes her head. "I'd love to, but I have plans with Sky. Next time, though, me, you, and Selene—girls' night for sure."

"I'll hold you to that." I wink. "Have fun with your boyfriend."

She chuckles, shaking her head. "I will. Good night, Stella."

"Good night, Zoe" I give her a quick hug before she heads out of the car.

I watch as she drives off, feeling content. It's only been one day, but I already feel so connected to her. Zoe is the friend I didn't know I needed, and I can't wait to see where this friendship takes us.