Chapter 4

Camila p.o.v

30 minutes.

It’s been 30 minutes since we arrived home, myself and Matthew per se. The ride from the restaurant back home was quiet, with a brooding Matthew, clenching his fist around the steering wheels.

While I sat quietly, not paying attention or pretending not. I know why he’s mad, from the incident at the restaurant. But he could sulk for all I care, he doesn’t want to acknowledge my feelings, but when someone else comes close to me he gets mad.

He was quiet to disappear into Marco’s immediately got home, I’m already used to his avoidance.

“Are you alright?” Zoey voice broke me out of my daze. “You’ve been staring at that phone for the longest.” She sat beside me.

“Is it a Matthew problem?” She teased, I immediately glanced over to make sure nobody was around to hear what she just said.

“What? Do you by any chance think everyone is oblivious to your feelings for Matthew, do you?” She laughs at my expense, I let out a sigh.

“I don’t know.” I draw, confused and lost. “He seems to be the only one still oblivious.”

“Do you believe that?” Zoey raised an eyebrow at me, she seems so sure that Matthew feels otherwise.

I just shrugged not knowing what to say, I thought being labeled the mafia princess by my schoolmates and somewhat became the school outcast was hard enough. I had thought wrong, having one-sided love for someone beyond my reach for years has been the hardest.

I let out a frustrated sigh, running my hands through my hair.

"I don't know, Zoey. I feel like I've tried everything, and nothing's working." I looked up at her, feeling a mix of desperation and hope.

Zoey was my go-to person for advice, and I trusted her implicitly. Zoey's face scrunched up in concentration, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hmm," she murmured, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "How about I give you some ideas?"

I raised an eyebrow, a nervous laugh escaping my lips.

"Ideas?" I repeated, unsure what to expect. I gave her a funny look, somewhat nervous about the thoughts that goes through her head. I’ve seen her dealt with Marco, and have him on his knees for her that left me in awe. But this was a different situation altogether.

Zoey rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"Come on! Don't give me that look. I have really great ideas, plus I've been here before and I know better how to handle hard-headed men." She grinned, a sly smile spreading across her face.

I couldn't help but laugh at her confidence. Zoey and Marco's relationship had been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but she'd navigated it with a strength and resilience that inspired me. If anyone could help me figure out how to deal with my own situation, it was Zoey.

"Okay, fine," I said, surrendering to her enthusiasm. "What's your plan?"

Zoey's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This will definitely work this time," she declared, her voice filled with conviction. "I want you to pretend as if he doesn't exist."

My jaw dropped in shock.

"What?!" I whisper-yelled, my mind reeling with the implications. "How am I supposed to do that?"

Zoey's expression turned serious, her voice taking on a determined tone. "Hold on, what I mean is that you should go about your life normally, but without him. Don't wear your emotions on your sleeve anymore, don't acknowledge his presence. Make him feel like you've lost interest in him, even when he tries to make small talk with you, brush him off. Do this for a month, and see him come running to you." Zoey finished her presentation, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.

I stared at her, my mind went blank for a moment. Trying to process what she just said, while she stared at me eagerly awaiting my response.

could I really do it? This was the same person I have loved for years now, how can I suddenly pretend like he doesn't exist.

"Now, I'm not saying it would be an easy task, seeing as you've had feelings for him for years. It will be the hardest, but you have to put in effort." Zoey held my hands I was busy playing with.

I took a deep breath.

Could I really do this? Could I pretend to be indifferent to him, when every fiber of my being screamed with emotion?

But Zoey's confidence was infectious, and I found myself feeling a spark of determination.

"Do you want to give it a try?" Zoey's eyes held hope, I have seen her as the big sister I never had.

"Yes!" I suck in more deep breath.

"That's the spirit." She cheered. A bit too excited about my love life.

Just then we heard footsteps approaching us, I knew who it was before he came in front of us.

I could swear, I freeze up but Zoey's hand on mine rub calmingly on my hand and I relax, remembering what we just discussed.

"Donna." Matthew bowed slightly in greeting, Zoey nods at him.

He then turned to me, "Let's go." He said in his usual commanding tone.

I gave Zoey a brief hug, "Don't forget what we discussed." Zoey whispered in my ear, and I nod at her before following after Mr. Grumpy.

Maybe, just maybe, this was the key to turning my situation around.