Chapter 636
Beckett paused, then agreed with a nod. “Okay, if you’re set on going, I’ll go with you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Bonita quickly said. “I can handle this on my own.”
At her refusal, Beckett’s face grew stern.
“Why do you keep pushing me away?” he asked, his voice deep and filled with tension, like the heavy silence before a storm broke. “I’m not trying to control you; I merely want to be there for you. Isn’t that reasonable?”
Bonita was aware that Beckett’s unusual calm today was an exception to his usual impulsive nature.
Yet, his momentary gentleness did little to soften the intimidating image of him she held. To her, he was as unpredictable as the weather. In the cramped room, Bonita feared provoking Beckett, unsure of his reactions; he might even lash out violently.
Thus, she conceded for the time being. “Okay, we can go together.” After refreshing herself, Bonita checked the time and noted it was past one in the morning.
Reflecting back, she realized it had been just past three during the afternoon’s competition.
While in the restroom, she scrolled through her messages, pausing at the exchange with Neal from earlier.
He hadn’t sent another message since, likely caught up in the day’s victory. Their team had won, and celebrations were probably in full swing.
Bonita sent him a supportive message, saying, “Looking forward to your next game,” before switching off her phone and exiting.
Accompanied by Beckett, she reported the afternoon’s ordeal at the police station. Beckett presented hospital reports confirming the ingestion of hallucinogens.
Accompanied by two police officers, they returned to the stadium to check the surveillance. Bonita identified the perpetrator on screen.
“There he is!” she pointed out, identifying the suspect. “That’s the human trafficker!”
The officers secured the footage and documented her report, promising thorough action and asking for her patience during the investigation. Expressing her gratitude to the officers, Bonita made plans to head back to campus.
Beckett drove her to Luminary University.
His demeanor remained unusually composed as he bid her goodnight and left promptly.
Something about his controlled behavior felt off to Bonita. It was as if he was suppressing a brewing storm.
Not lingering on these thoughts, Bonita shifted her focus to the upcoming semester and her course selections.
In the ensuing days, she noticed Neal’s decreased interaction and his absence from streaming, attributing it to his dedication to training for upcoming competitions.
Bonita ensured she was present at every game, vigorously supporting Neal. At times, she proudly waved banners bearing the names of Neal and Sloane; other…
At times, she camouflaged herself amidst the sea of ardent fans, waving light sticks and chanting Neal’s name as if she were one of his most devoted supporters.
Neal had gathered a following of fangirls. Witnessing this, Bonita felt a mix of joy for him and a touch of melancholy for herself.
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