Chapter 33 Promise me you won't allow anyone to touch you without your permission.

"Ace, stop the car," Aria said loudly, trying to get his attention.

Ace pulled over in front of a pharmacy. "What did you want?" he asked.

Aria ignored his question. "Just stop the car."

Ace parked, and Aria quickly got out, hurrying into the pharmacy. A few minutes later, she emerged with a small bag.

Back in the car, Aria opened the bag, revealing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and cotton balls. Ace watched curiously as she carefully cleaned his wounded hand.

"Let go of my hand," Ace said suddenly.

Aria frowned but didn't let go. "You're hurt; We need to clean it."

Ace pulled his hand back, and Aria looked up at him, concerned. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"It isn't hurting. I can do it when I get home," Ace replied, turning away.

Aria sighed. "Are you angry?" she asked softly.

Ace's expression was blank. "Why would I be angry? I'm not."

Or shouldn't I be Ace say in his head.

Aria looked at him skeptically. "You are."

Ace's gaze met hers, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Aria's hand reached out, gently turning Ace's face back to hers.

"I know you're angry because Marcel kissed me, isn't it?" Aria asked softly.

Ace's deep voice filled the car. "Yes, I'm angry. I'm not fine with anyone touching you, not even your hand. But he roamed his hands on your body... did you know how I felt? I hate it, Aria."

Aria's voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."

Ace interrupted, "You don't have to apologize; it wasn't your fault."

Aria's eyes locked onto his. "I have to because I couldn't bear seeing you angry because of me, Ace."

Ace's expression softened, and he took Aria's hand in his. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. The kiss deepened, and Aria's mind went blank.

When they finally broke apart, Ace's eyes searched hers. "Aria, next time if a guy tries to kiss you, scream for help or run away, okay? Promise me you won't let anyone touch you inappropriately without your permission."

Aria nodded, a small smile on her lips. "I promise you I won't let that happen, even if it's you."

Ace's eyes widened in surprise. "Even me?" he repeated.

Aria nodded. "Yes, even you."

Ace's face lit up with a smile, but before he could respond, Aria burst into laughter.

After composing herself, Aria said, "Of course, I know you won't do that without my permission. Even earlier, I allowed you to kiss me. If I didn't want it and didn't lean in, you wouldn't have done it."

Ace's gratitude was palpable. "Thank you."

The silence that followed was eventually broken by Aria's question, "What did you do to Marcel?"

Meanwhile, in the school infirmary, Marcel slowly opened his eyes, regaining consciousness after two hours. His parents, Mrs. and Mr. Remy, were by his side, relieved to see their son awake.

Marcel's eyes locked onto his parents, and he asked weakly, "Mom, you're here?"

His mother's voice was soothing. "Of course, I'm here. You're my child."

Mr. Remy's voice was firm. "Marcel, tell us what happened. Who did this to you?"

As Marcel recounted the events, his memories came flooding back.