Claimed by the Villainess’s Brother

Chapter 17

I stared at my cellphone in my hand, reading Jonathan's text apologizing for his earlier behavior.

His message was sincere, and I immediately forgave him, but I couldn't help glancing at his empty seat in the classroom with curiosity. Lucas's seat was also vacant, leaving a noticeable absence in the room. The two empty chairs remained that way until the bell rang, signaling the end of the day.

Elena and I headed toward the school entrance together, chatting casually. Just as we approached the doors, Luna appeared, flanked by a few of her friends, her smile as polished as ever. Her presence instantly put me on high alert.

“Hey, Elena!” Luna’s voice was sweet and overly bright. “I was just wondering if you’d like to come to the movies with me and the girls tonight. We could use some extra company.”

“Sorry, Luna, but Elena has already agreed to have dinner with me,” I cut in quickly.

“Let Elena speak for herself,” Luna replied dismissively. “I’m sure she can make up her own mind.”

Elena looked at me uncertainly before glancing back at Luna. “I’m sorry, but I already agreed to dinner with Coline.”

“Oh, come on, Elena,” Luna cajoled. “Just join us this once, hm? It’s just a movie. Surely Coline can spare you for one night. It’ll be fun. We’d love to have you.”

I didn’t buy it for a second. Luna’s attempts to be friendly were clearly just another tactic to get Elena to let her guard down.

“Elena has already told you she made plans with me,” I reiterated firmly.

“And I’m just saying plans can change. It’ll be a great way for her to unwind.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, like she can unwind around you.”

A muscle twitched in Luna’s cheek. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” I smirked. “I’m just wondering why you’re not in the drama club.”

Luna’s smile tightened, her gaze sharpening. “That’s an interesting comment, Coline. I’m just trying to be friendly here. Is that so wrong?”

“What’s wrong is thinking you’re fooling anyone,” I muttered darkly. “Seriously, Luna, your acting skills are impressive. If you ever decide to leave high school, you could definitely make it in the theater.”

“I’m not acting, Coline,” she replied irritably. “I’m genuinely trying to include Elena.”

“Right,” I said with a sarcastic edge. “Because your sincerity is so convincing.”

“I don’t see why you have to be so antagonistic. I’m just offering an invitation.”

“And I’m just wondering if there’s a hidden agenda behind it,” I shot back. “Your ‘invitation’ doesn’t exactly scream ‘genuine.’”

Elena stepped in quickly as Luna’s eyes flashed with anger, placing herself between Luna and me.

“We’d love to have you join us, though,” Elena said, glancing at me. “Right, Coline?”

“Sure,” I snorted sarcastically. “If she can manage to fit it in between all her other performances.”

Elena gave me a sharp look to tell me to stop.

I shrugged. “What?”

“That’s very kind of you, Elena,” Luna said with a tight smile. “But I can’t cancel on the movie night now. It’s already planned.”

“Oh, so you expect Elena to change her plans, but you can’t?” I said with a sardonic smile.

“Coline,” Elena said, shaking her head but trying to hide a smile, “Seriously, stop.”

With a dismissive wave, Luna turned to her friends. “Well, it’s too bad you can’t make it. Enjoy your dinner, you two.”

Then she finally walked away, her friends giving Elena barely concealed disdainful looks as they trailed behind her.

I turned to Elena. “I’ve got to hand it to Luna, though. Her acting skills are top-notch.”

Elena’s lips twitched in a small smile. “I have to admit, she’s been making friendly overtures all week. I feel bad for not trusting her, but I still think I should listen to you.”

“Good call,” I said, leading the way to my car. “It’s natural to want to believe the best in people, but sometimes, a little skepticism goes a long way.”

“Still, I feel bad.”

“Oh, God. Please don’t. Not for her.”

As we settled into the car, I started the engine, and the hum of the vehicle filled the brief silence. Elena adjusted her seatbelt and turned to me with a curious look when I burst into chuckles.

“I have to say, Elena,” I began, grinning widely, as we pulled out of the parking lot, “you’re really not like the typical heroine material you see in books or dramas.”

“Oh? And how’s that?”

“You know how in those stories, the heroine always ends up believing the villainess’s promises or changes of heart, despite all the evidence that she shouldn’t?” I said, my voice laced with amusement.

Elena laughed softly. “Yeah, I’ve seen that a lot.”

“Then you must know how frustrating that is! They never listen to their friends, and then they end up trapped and suffering because they didn’t trust their instincts. ”

“So, you’re saying I’m not falling for that trap?”

“Exactly!” I said, nodding. “You’re actually paying attention to what’s going on and not just buying into Luna’s act. Most people would have been fooled by her trying to be all friendly, but not you,” I beamed at her in pride. “Not my best friend.”

Her laughter was louder this time. “Thank you for the compliment, I guess.”

“It’s refreshing to see someone who isn’t easily manipulated by Luna’s charm and false friendliness,” I told her in a pleased tone, turning onto the main road. “I’ve seen too many people fall into her traps because they want to believe in her, even when it’s clear they’re being played.”

“It’s just that when someone is excessively nice to me, it makes me even more cautious,” Elena said thoughtfully. “It’s like I can sense that there’s something off. Or maybe I just can’t believe they’d be nice to me without expecting something in return.”

Curious, I glanced over at her. “Was that why you found it so hard to believe I wanted to be your friend?”

She grinned sheepishly. “Yeah,” she admitted. “Not many good things happen to me, you know, that’s why it makes them hard to believe.”

I lifted a brow. “Is that why you find it hard to believe Jonathan’s feelings for you are real?”

Elena faltered for a bit, then nodded slowly. “Yeah, I guess.”

I nodded in understanding. “So, is that why you’re avoiding him again?”

Elena took a deep breath. “Well, he kissed me.”

I was so startled I almost swerved the car, causing both of us to scream.

Quickly correcting my path, I pulled over to the side of the road. Our breathing was heavy as we tried to steady ourselves, and I glanced over at Elena with wide eyes.

“He did what?” I managed to ask, my voice still shaking.

Elena's face began to turn red, and she looked down at her lap. “Yeah. Jonathan kissed me.”

I studied her closely, trying to gauge her feelings. “So, how was it?”

Her blush deepened, her voice barely above a whisper. “It was… nice.”

“Just nice?” I pressed, raising an eyebrow.

She threw her hands up in exasperation. “It was amazing, okay? It was a toe-curling, knee-weakening, bone-dissolving kiss that made me want more. And that’s what’s making me so conflicted. Because I shouldn’t want more. This is making me so confused, and I’m not entirely sure what to do now.”

“Oh,” I said softly, taking in her words.

“Yeah,” she said quietly. “Oh. I think I just need some time to figure out my feelings.”

I nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. “I get it. Just remember, you don’t have to sort this all out alone. I’m here for you.”

She returned my smile. “Thanks.”

I started the car again, pulling back onto the road.

Then I said, “Toe-curling, huh?”

She laughed. “Stop it.”

“Bone-dissolving?” I teased, and she laughed harder.

“I said stop it!”

“You can’t just leave me hanging like this. Tell me more over dinner.”

“No thanks. I think I’ve shared enough.”