Chapter 14

　　Serena's POV. 　　As I approached the school gate, Richard darted in front of me, blocking my path. I sidestepped, but he quickly moved to block me again. 　　"Serena, please, I need to talk to you," he begged, his eyes pleading. 　　I rolled my eyes, irritation simmering just below the surface. 　　"Unfortunately, I don't want to talk to you, so let me pass," I said, my voice firm. 　　Richard's expression transformed into one of pity, and for a fleeting moment, I almost believed he genuinely cared for me. 　　But the memory of his harsh words from the day before still stung, and I knew better. 　　His concern was nothing more than a facade, a clever manipulation to get what he wanted. 　　"Serena, I'm really sorry about yesterday," Richard said, his voice laced with remorse. 　　I shrugged, my response curt. 　　"It's fine." I tried to step around him, but he blocked my path again. 　　"Richard, or whatever they call you, can you please let me pass?" I asked, my patience wearing thin. I pushed him gentl