MY SPOILT BRIDE

Williams University's annual excursion was a much-anticipated event, giving students a chance to explore new environments and bond outside the confines of campus. The location this year was a lush forest reserve known for its scenic trails and breathtaking views. 

The students were buzzing with excitement as they explored the area in small groups, taking pictures, laughing, and enjoying the change of scenery. 

Among the crowd, Lily Martinez wandered away from the others. She needed a moment of peace, her mind weighed down by the constant tension with Alex and the rumors he had spread about her. She pulled out her phone and dialed her father's number, stepping further into the bush to avoid being overheard. 

"Dad?" Lily said softly when the line connected. 

"Lily," her father's voice came through, warm and reassuring. "How are you, my princess?" 

"I'm fine," Lily replied, though her tone betrayed her stress. "Just… dealing with things." 

"You're strong," her father said. "Remember, no matter what happens, I'm always here for you." 

Lily smiled faintly, feeling a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in days. "Thanks, Dad. I'll be okay." 

Unbeknownst to her, Alex had been following her. He had seen her slip away from the group and, driven by frustration and curiosity, decided to see what she was up to. 

Hiding behind a tree, Alex watched her intently. Her calm demeanor only fueled his anger, a reminder of all the times she had humiliated him in front of the entire school. 

"She always looks so unbothered," Alex muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "Like nothing gets to her." 

As Lily ended her call and slipped her phone back into her pocket, Alex stepped out from behind the tree, his jaw set. He wanted to confront her, to push her, to make her feel even a fraction of the frustration and humiliation he had endured because of her. 

But as he moved closer, his resolve wavered. Despite his anger, he couldn't bring himself to hurt her. 

*What's wrong with me?* he thought, frustrated with himself. 

Just as he was about to speak, a rustling sound came from the bushes behind Lily. Alex froze, watching in horror as a figure emerged and shoved Lily hard. 

"Ah!" Lily cried out, stumbling backward. 

Her feet slipped over the edge of the cliff, and she tumbled down the steep slope, disappearing from sight. 

Alex's heart stopped. For a moment, he stood there, frozen in shock. Then, without thinking, he ran toward the edge, peering down. 

Lily lay at the bottom of the slope, motionless. 

Panic surged through Alex as he realized the severity of what had just happened. He clenched his fists, his mind racing. 

*It wasn't me. I didn't push her. But if anyone finds out I was here…* 

His chest heaved as he took a step back. The sound of distant voices reminded him that the group was nearby. Without another glance, Alex turned and fled the scene, his heart pounding in his chest. 

As evening approached, the lecturer in charge of the excursion began assigning students to their rooms. While going through the list, he noticed Lily's absence. 

"Where's Lily Martinez?" he asked, scanning the crowd. 

The students exchanged confused glances, murmuring among themselves. 

"I haven't seen her since earlier," one student said. 

"Maybe she went back to the bus?" another suggested. 

The lecturer frowned, his concern growing. "Everyone, go to your rooms. I'll search for her myself." 

Back in his assigned room, Alex sat on the edge of the bed, unable to shake the image of Lily lying at the bottom of the slope. His friends were chatting and laughing, but their voices were muffled in his ears, drowned out by the guilt gnawing at him. 

*What if she's… dead?* 

He couldn't take it anymore. Standing abruptly, he muttered something about needing fresh air and left the room. 

Alex retraced his steps to the spot where Lily had fallen. His heart raced as he approached the edge, peering down once more. She was still there, lying in the same spot. 

Swallowing hard, Alex scrambled down the slope, careful not to lose his footing. When he reached her, he knelt beside her, his breath catching in his throat. 

Lily's face was pale, and her body was still, but when Alex pressed his fingers to her neck, he felt a faint pulse. 

"She's alive," he whispered, relief flooding through him. 

He gently shook her shoulder. "Lily? Wake up." 

When she didn't respond, he slapped her cheek lightly. "Come on, Lily. Open your eyes." 

To his shock, her eyelids fluttered, and she stirred slightly, her hand twitching. Her eyes opened just enough to focus on his face, and recognition flashed in her gaze. 

"Alex…" she murmured weakly before her eyes closed again. 

Alex froze, his heart hammering in his chest. She had seen him. 

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, panic setting in. He couldn't risk being caught here. 

Without another word, Alex scrambled back up the slope, leaving Lily behind. 

As Alex returned to the group, his mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. The guilt of leaving her there mixed with the fear of what would happen if anyone found out. 

Meanwhile, Lily lay at the bottom of the cliff, her mind drifting in and out of consciousness. But one thing was clear: she had seen Alex Williams, and she wouldn't forget.