A Beauty In An All-Male Alpha Academy

Chapter 279: He Is Ashamed.

The cool breeze blew, making the red light on the cigarette glow brighter. A small puff of smoke drifted out and touched her nose as she watched him. He was lost in his thoughts, not even aware that she had been standing beside him all along.

Angela sighed softly. No matter how angry she was, she hated seeing him like this. This was Renn—the lively guy who could make her heart race even when she didn’t want it to.

"Renn," she called quietly. He turned, surprised to see her. He tried to hide the cigarette in his hand, but it was too late.

"What’s wrong? I’ve been standing here for a while, and you didn’t even notice me."

"No, I’m fine," Renn said as he placed the bottle on the car beside him. He took one last drag from the cigarette, then threw it on the ground and crushed it with his foot. Smoke still slipped out from his mouth and nose at the same time.

Angela shook her head and leaned against the car, her eyes never leaving him. He looked different—distant—and in his eyes, she saw pain. It hurt her to see him this way. She wondered how long he planned to carry that pain alone.

"I’m sorry," Renn said quietly. "I didn’t want you to see me like this. I thought you’d be inside with your friends."

"I was supposed to," she replied softly, "but your sadness... it’s affecting everyone. You don’t want to talk about it, do you?"

He didn’t answer. His eyes stayed away from hers, and that was what broke her most. This wasn’t like him. Usually, he would smile, tease her, maybe pull her close. But now, he just stood there, distant and heavy with guilt.

"I’m fine, Angela." He gave a fake smile that faded almost instantly.

wrong," she

he asked, his

You never call me

realizing she had noticed. He looked at her, shame flickering in his eyes. The weight of his lie pressed down

whispered. "I’m sorry for everything that happened to you... the kidnap. I could have

that was your fault?" she asked, her brows furrowed as she stared at

felt heavy, like something was pressing down on it. So many thoughts rushed through his head as he stood

asked, her heart beating faster than normal. She already knew the truth but wanted to hear him say it. If he didn’t, she was going to walk away. "Tell

into fists,

nodded slowly and lowered her head. Silence fell between them, thick and heavy. She knew he expected her to scream, to cry, to ask why he lied. But she didn’t. Maybe that was what growing up felt like...learning when to hold back and when

didn’t want anyone to know. I should have told you," he said, his voice filled with

You should have told me

would react

right now?" Angela asked, spreading her hands sideways. "I’m not hurting from this? You

couldn’t believe what she just said. Miss Valois had already told her? How? When? Where? How long

had destroyed him completely. What was

wondering when or how she told me," Angela said, her voice breaking as her eyes filled with tears.

parted, but no words came out. He wanted to say something—anything—to comfort her or beg for forgiveness, but his voice failed him. He felt frozen, empty. All this time Angela knew, and he didn’t even realize it. The way she spoke to him earlier at