C10 Mia's call.

Hazel sat on her bed, her mind swirling with thoughts of the previous night. The way Ace had stared at her, the menacing tone in his voice, and the overwhelming possessiveness—it all weighed heavily on her. She was trying to find a moment of peace when her phone buzzed with a call from Mia.

"Hey, Mia," Hazel answered, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil inside her.

"Hazel, I need to tell you something," Mia said, her voice urgent. "Ace and Lina broke up."

Hazel's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?"

"Apparently, it was right after the party last night. Lina was really upset about it. She said Ace has been acting weird for a while, and last night was the final straw."

Hazel felt a rush of conflicting emotions. On one hand, she felt sorry for Lina, who had been dragged into this mess. On the other hand, Ace's breakup only intensified her confusion and anxiety. Why was Ace so focused on her now?

Mia continued, "Hazel, I think you need to be careful. Ace is acting really possessive, and now with this breakup, who knows what he'll do next."

Hazel sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "I know, Mia. It's just... he used to hate me. He was always so jealous of my grades and everything. Now he's acting like he's obsessed with me. What if he's just playing around? What if this is all some twisted game to him?"

Mia paused before responding, "It's possible, Hazel. I remember how he used to be. He was always so competitive and jealous of you. It's weird that he's suddenly so possessive. Maybe he sees you as some kind of challenge or prize."

The thought made Hazel's stomach churn. She remembered the way Ace used to glare at her in class, the snide comments he would make when she topped yet another test. It seemed impossible that the same person could now be so fixated on her in a completely different way.

"But why would he go to such lengths?" Hazel asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why would he break up with Lina and act this way if it was just a game?"

Mia sighed. "I don't know, Hazel. People can be complicated, especially when emotions are involved. Maybe he genuinely has feelings for you, but he's going about it in the worst possible way. Or maybe he's just trying to control you because he can't stand the idea of you being out of his reach."

Hazel's mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle of Ace's behavior. It all seemed so confusing, so contradictory. She wanted to believe that there was some genuine emotion behind his actions, but the fear and anxiety he caused her made it hard to see anything positive.

"I don't know what to do, Mia," Hazel admitted. "I feel trapped. He's everywhere, watching me, sending me messages. I can't escape him."

"Maybe you need to talk to someone about this," Mia suggested gently. "Like an adult, or even the authorities. Ace's behavior is not normal, and you shouldn't have to deal with it alone."

Hazel nodded, even though Mia couldn't see her. "You're right. I just... I don't know how to start that conversation. And what if it makes things worse?"

Mia's voice was firm but compassionate. "You need to protect yourself, Hazel. Your safety and well-being come first. Ace's feelings or intentions don't matter if he's making you feel this way."

Hazel took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Okay. I'll think about it. Thanks, Mia. You're a great friend."

"Anytime, Hazel. Just remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

After the call ended, Hazel sat in silence, her mind still racing. She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled over her. Ace's possessiveness, his breakup with Lina, and his intense focus on her—it all seemed like a storm brewing on the horizon.

She replayed Mia's words in her mind. The suggestion that Ace might be playing some kind of game with her made her stomach twist. It was hard to reconcile the competitive, jealous Ace of the past with the possessive, intense Ace of the present.

Hazel knew she needed to take action, but the thought of confronting Ace or involving others was terrifying. She felt caught in a web, unable to see a clear way out. But Mia was right—she needed to protect herself.

Determined to take control of the situation, Hazel decided to talk to her aunt Sophie. Sophie had always been a source of wisdom and support. Maybe she could help Hazel navigate this complicated and frightening situation.

Gathering her courage, Hazel went downstairs to find Sophie in the kitchen. "Aunt Sophie, can I talk to you about something important?"

Sophie looked up, her face filled with concern. "Of course, Hazel. What's on your mind?"

As Hazel began to explain everything—Ace's messages, his possessiveness, and her fears—she felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Sophie listened intently, her expression growing more serious with each word.

When Hazel finished, Sophie took a deep breath. "Hazel, this is serious. You shouldn't have to deal with this on your own. We need to talk to someone about this, maybe even get a restraining order if necessary."

Hazel nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "I just want to feel safe again, Aunt Sophie. I want to enjoy my birthday without worrying about Ace."

Sophie hugged her tightly. "We'll figure this out together, Hazel. You're not alone. We'll make sure you're safe."

As Hazel leaned into her aunt's embrace, she felt a sense of resolve building within her. She wasn't going to let Ace's possessiveness control her life. With the support of her friends and family, she would find a way to break free from his grip and reclaim her sense of peace.

Hazel trudged back upstairs to her room after pouring her heart out to her Aunt Sophie. The weight of the conversation still hung heavy on her shoulders, but at least she felt a sliver of relief knowing she wasn’t alone. As night fell, she sank into her bed, hoping for some peace. But that hope was short-lived. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, its light piercing the darkness. She groaned, seeing Ace’s name flash across the screen.

She declined the call, only to be greeted by a chilling message. "Not even your aunt can save you from me now!" Hazel shivered, a mix of fear and anger bubbling up inside her. Without thinking, she called him back, her fingers trembling with rage.

The call was answered almost immediately. "Hey baby? This eager to hear me out?" Ace's voice was smooth, laced with a sinister chuckle that made her blood boil.

"Just stay away from me and my family!" Hazel's voice shook with a mix of fury and frustration. She clenched her fists, trying to keep her composure.

"And you think this will work? Darling?" Ace's voice dripped with mockery, his smirk almost audible through the phone. "You can't get rid of me that easily."

Hazel's mind raced. She was terrified, but she couldn't let him see that. "I don't know what you're trying to prove, Ace, but this has to stop. You need help."

Ace laughed, a cold, heartless sound that sent chills down her spine. "Help? The only help I need is to make you mine, Hazel. And no one, not even your precious aunt, can change that."

She hung up, her heart pounding in her chest. The darkness of her room felt suffocating, the walls closing in. She knew she had to act fast, to protect herself and her family from Ace's escalating obsession. She couldn’t afford to wait any longer.