The Prince's Fated Mate

hair and preferred to dress in dark hues. Mia was bubbly and innocent, while Ava was colder and more intimidating. Ava had struggled in school, and even at university, while M

s that looked like they wanted to murder, and was rarely seen speaking more than 3 words to her peers. People refused

p so they had extra money to let her live in residence but Ava declined the offer. She'd rather commute. When Mia spotted her you

r head held high, ignoring the stares and rumors. Mia overheard the rumors being spread about Ava, including accusations of sleeping with a teacher and being expelled for punching a boy who needed plastic surgery. Other rumors sug

When Mia confronted Ava about the gossip, Ava shrugged it off as if it was no big deal. But Mia could see the hurt in her eyes, the pain of being ostracized and judged by her peers. Despite the passin

her sister, "You sure you want me to go? I can st

rising from her seat. "You leave in an hour, and

self on the bed. Ava couldn't imagine what it would be like without Mia by her side. Since she was born, it h

ve her back. Mia's absence during the day for work didn't matter, b

favorite snacks, were the only moments Ava found school bearable. Now

She relished the rain, watching as it coated the streets and the street lamps glimmer

lody of the rain and thunder. "It's pouring cats and dogs out here. Be cautious on your way back. Looks like it's not going to let up anytime soon," Mia cautioned as she drove Ava's o

shielding herself from unnecessary emotional encounters. "I hope she learns to open up while I'm away," Mia thought, joining Ava to help her carry the remaining bags. An

pression that melted Mia's heart. It was as if they had been transported back ten years to when Ava had gotten lost in the woods du

ne on your own. You're a tough cookie," Mi

rd-headed," Mia remarked to her younger sister, who snorted in r

Ava's head to emphasize her point. "I want you to have a

ted. "You'd be surprised at how

n. Don't spend all your time online, drive safely, don

ebrow. "What abo

sis." Ava coughed and blushed, trying to hide her embarr

a new adventure. Ava followed her older sister to the entrance of the ter

at Ava with a sad smile. "This is it," she sai

ver see you again," she said,

rying to have a moment with you here," s

pics! Don't worry about me, sis," Ava sa

d call you, and I'll send you money so you can

aving a job, but decided to break the news later."Reme

thing about

ay, well make sur

d in shock, "What

rupted their conversation. "Flight 532

g Ava with a few tears in her eyes. She wiped them away a

a was the source of most of the energy in their home. Withou

rain cleared up and night fell, she found herself i

from reality, and what better way

lood her room. After scanning her bookshelf, she found her trusty old favorite The Little Wo

time. As she lay there staring at the sky, she couldn't help but feel the drowsiness creeping in. But be

wanted to exclude her at every chance they got made her stomach churn. She sat up

t t

the stars appearing quic

came out because they were so gradual. If anythin

from the main city, she always got a clear vi

g rapidly right in front of her e

eone was pulling them o

***

eath before stepping into her university bu

almost i

ut her but no one knew her. S

When she first started school she tried to be nice, she was polite and quiet. She never rubbed anyone the wrong way. But then the

them. Denying them would only make her look more 'guilty'.And she wasn't going to claim she did something she didn't just to make them happy. So

xt morning with a hangover th

admittedly g

by a

tly as they first did. But that didn't mean that unsolici

va

e when she heard footst

lle P

ey frie

ey enem

They didn't have a clear relationsh

her classroom without engaging in small talk. It was evident that they were still figuring

, Ava continued walking, f

at barely covered her adequately for the weather. Their 'friendship' only fueled rumors about Ava's charac

ut distractions to survive the university's gossip and false stories. Michel

ways ir

constantly making unwanted advances. He propagated rumors and tried to coerce Ava into situations she despised

d. Some girls admired guys like Daniel, enamored by his rich, playboy

's response sounded-aloof and dis

rate Daniel's behavior. He was

n, no one would notice you. People here perceive you as either a recluse, promiscuous, or just detached. Maybe if you engag

airly. Sometimes, the label seemed to stick r

e alone entirely. I'd rather be alone than have you associated with me. I don't care about you, Dan, o

g Michelle's stunned expression and

of hurt. Maybe she was unlikable, maybe the labels were true. Despite her ef