Chapter 12

　　Serena's POV. 　　I stormed into class, my eyes frantically scanning the room for Richard. But he was nowhere to be found. 　　I let out a frustrated hiss, my anger simmering just below the surface. Why was he absent today, of all days, when I desperately needed to talk to him? 　　I yanked my hoodie over my face, trying to avoid eye contact with my classmates. The teacher began the lesson, but as it turned out, my mind was consumed by thoughts of Richard. 　　I was desperate to see him, to confront him, to demand answers. Why didn't I have his phone number? 　　As soon as the class ended, I sprinted out of the room, racing to Richard's house. 　　I pounded on the door, my heart racing with anticipation. 　　The door swung open, and Richard's face lit up with a charming smile when he saw me. 　　"Someone can't live without me," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. 　　I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes, reminding myself that I was there for a serious reason. 　　"I need to discuss something