Olivia's POV

I'm slightly out of breath when I finally find Freddie's house, but the adrenaline keeps me going. If what Alicia said is true, why didn't he tell me? Would admitting he helped me really ruin his reputation that much?

The last time I remember being this angry was when my parents left. I wouldn't come out of my room at my grandma's house for three days.

I hope he has an explanation for me.

The house in front of me looks like a cottage, cozy and inviting. I must admit, it takes my breath away for a moment, distracting me from my anger. The garden is filled with bright flowers, and there's a charming bench tucked into the corner.

But the thought of Freddie, someone so self-centered and reckless, living here seems strange. Still, I find myself knocking on the door.

Inside, I hear muffled laughter, one deep and undeniably sexy, Freddie’s, I assume, and the other light and sweet.

I don’t care if he has someone over. I want answers.

And I’m going to get them.

***

Freddie's POV

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The door rattles against its hinges as I sit in the living room with Mason.

Layla left about ten minutes ago, and I’m spending some rare quality time with him since I’m being forced to go back to school soon.

Mason has a knack for making me laugh which something I don’t do much these days. I’ve set him up with his big Lego blocks while I go to answer the door.

No one could have prepared me for who’s standing there.

“Olivia? What are you doing here?”

She looks the same as she did this morning at school, but now her face is flushed red, and I have a strong feeling I’m about to find out why.

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were the one who helped me yesterday?” she snaps. “We spent over an hour together today, and you didn’t even think to mention it! God, you’re more self-absorbed than I thought. Am I really that bad for your rebel reputation? Does admitting you helped me tarnish it that much?”

Her face is flaming with anger, and for a moment, I’m too stunned to speak. It’s strange to see the quiet girl causing such a scene.

“I’m sorry,” I manage, “I thought it would be for the best, and—”

“Who dis?” Mason’s tiny voice interrupts me, gurgling curiously.

I freeze. Of all the moments for him to speak up...

Mason can’t talk properly yet, but he’s smart for his age. The only problem? No one at school, aside from the counselors knows he exists.

But now Olivia does.

Oh, shit.

“Mase, go play with your Lego bricks. I’ll be there in a minute,” I say gently, scooping him up for a quick hug before he waddles back to his toys on his chubby toddler legs.

When I turn back to Olivia, her expression is unreadable.

“I’m sorry, what were you saying?” I ask carefully.

“You have a child?” she hisses, her face twisting with disbelief, or is it disgust?

I sigh. There’s no hiding it anymore. “Not exactly,” I admit. “Come in. It’s about time I told you my story…”

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Author’s Note: Things are starting to heat up now! Sorry for such a short chapter, but I wanted to leave you on a little cliffhanger! Make sure to vote, comment, and follow to hear Freddie’s story in the next chapter!