This is not how the story goes

Xander’s smirk faded as he turned toward the woman, his golden eyes darkening slightly. “With all due respect, Your Grace, Seraphina and I—”

“I don’t want to hear it,” she cut him off, stepping between them. “I know what you are. You are dangerous.”

Austin stiffened, realizing this was Seraphina’s mother—the same woman who had warned Romeo in the book. His heart pounded.

“I understand perfectly,” she snapped. “And I will not let you ruin my daughter’s life.”

Austin blinked. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he crossed his arms. “Daughter?” He scoffed, glancing down at himself. “I don’t even have breasts. I’m flat.”

The room fell into a stunned silence. The mother looked completely thrown off, as if Austin had spoken an entirely different language. Xander, too, raised an eyebrow, his amusement barely hidden behind a smirk.

Not waiting for a response, Austin turned on his heel and bolted out of the ballroom, pushing past startled guests. He didn’t care if he sounded insane—he had to follow the story’s timeline, and that meant running now.

Down the halls, past the glowing chandeliers, down the marble staircase—he didn’t stop until he was outside, collapsing onto the soft grass under the night sky.

His breath was uneven, his mind racing.

This was just like in the book.

But if everything was happening like the book…

Then what terrifying event was coming next?

As Austin sat in the cool grass, catching his breath, he suddenly let out a chuckle.

“Did I really just say daughter?” he muttered to himself. “I don’t even have breasts—I’m flat.”

He laughed harder, shaking his head. Of all the things he said, that was what came out? Maybe the stress of being trapped in this story was finally getting to him.

But his laughter quickly faded as the weight of the situation settled back in. He was still here. Still stuck in Seraphina’s life. And if everything was playing out like the book…

Then things were about to take a much darker turn.

As Austin stood under the golden chandeliers, he knew what had to come next. He had to play the villain.

Taking a deep breath, he let the words spill from his lips like a desperate plea.

"Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone…"

The ballroom fell silent as the haunting melody filled the air. Xander’s golden eyes locked onto him, glowing with something unreadable. Slowly, he stepped forward, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"I’ll be the prince, and you’ll be the princess," he murmured, his voice dripping with devotion.

Austin shivered. This was exactly how it happened in the story—

But then, something unexpected happened.

A boy with blonde hair suddenly stepped between them, his piercing blue eyes filled with warmth. He reached for Austin’s hand, smiling softly.

"My love, will you marry me?"

Austin froze. His breath caught in his throat.

This was not in the story.

Panic surged through him. His heart pounded. He barely had time to process what was happening before he heard a sharp intake of breath beside him.

Xander’s expression darkened instantly. His golden eyes dilated, his entire body tensing as if he had been struck.

His hands clenched into fists.

His breathing turned ragged.

Something snapped.

Austin barely managed to step back before he saw the look in Xander’s eyes—pure, unfiltered rage.

Austin's heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the blonde-haired boy in front of him. His blue eyes were filled with hope, his hand still outstretched in a silent proposal.

But this wasn’t right. This wasn’t how the story went.

Austin swallowed hard, feeling Xander’s burning gaze beside him. The air grew tense, thick with something dangerous. He knew he had to answer quickly.

He took a shaky breath and firmly shook his head.

"No."

The blonde-haired boy’s face fell, disappointment flickering in his eyes.

Austin didn’t dare look at Xander. He could feel the weight of his stare, the way his breathing had grown heavier, uneven. The ballroom had gone completely silent, as if the entire world had stopped.

And then—

A slow chuckle escaped Xander’s lips.

Low. Dark. Possessive.

Austin finally turned to face him, his stomach twisting in unease.

Xander tilted his head, his golden eyes gleaming with something Austin couldn’t quite name.

"Good answer, my love," he whispered.

Austin shivered.

He had a terrible feeling that something had just snapped inside Xander.

To be continued

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