Zara's POV
The day had started out soft and golden. There was a light breeze in the air, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I didn't feel the weight of my past dragging behind me. I'd walked into school with Levi beside me, and I was laughing—genuinely laughing—at something he'd said about Mr. Crane's impossible math test. I never thought I'd laugh like that again. Not after Liam. Not after prom. But there I was, easing into Levi's presence like he was a harbor in the storm.
Things had been… better. With Kaylee and I patching things up, Nick acting more like an older brother than a judgmental figure, and Levi making an effort every day—it felt like I could finally breathe again. He'd been patient. He'd never tried to rush me. And when he looked at me, there was no trace of mockery, no condescension. Just… ease.
I wasn't ready to say I liked him—not in that way—but I was getting close. And that scared me.
At lunch, Kaylee had gone off to finish a project with her lab partner, and Nick was in basketball practice. Levi had texted saying he'd meet me in the art room later. So, I headed to my locker to grab my sketchbook.
That's when I heard it.
I wasn't trying to eavesdrop. Honestly. I was turning the corner near the old science wing, a hallway no one really uses unless they're hiding out or sneaking around. My footsteps slowed when I recognized the voice.
Beatrice.
"…Told you it would work. She's practically eating out of your palm now," she said with a smug laugh.
My stomach dipped. My pulse sped up.
Then came Levi's voice.
"Yeah, phase two is rolling smoothly. She trusts me now—more than she probably ever trusted Liam. The bracelet thing helped. Guilt is a hell of a weapon."
The air rushed out of my lungs like a punch.
"She actually thought I didn't know about your little plan with Liam," Levi continued, voice laced with cruel amusement. "I just told her I found out at prom night and begged Liam not to go through with it. That was enough to win her sympathy."
My vision blurred. My ears rang.
"She's so easy to read. I'll have her wrapped around my finger soon. And when that happens… well, Liam's ego isn't going to survive this."
Their laughter echoed against the tiled walls. Every word clawed its way into my chest.
I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. All I could feel was the familiar burn—betrayal, humiliation, heartbreak—crashing back into me like a wave I hadn't seen coming.
No.
Not again.
I turned and walked away—no, ran—before they could see me. My legs moved on autopilot, carrying me out of that hallway and into the empty girl's bathroom down the corridor. I slammed into the nearest stall, locked it, and pressed my back to the door, trying to keep the sobs inside.
How could I have been so stupid?
Again?
How?
The bracelet. The talks. The silent comfort. The way he defended me when people stared. The way he listened. All lies.
All of it.
Was I that naïve? Was I so broken from Liam that I needed someone—anyone—to make me feel seen?
My body shook with silent sobs. I hated this. I hated the pain, the anger, the disgust I felt toward myself. What did I do to deserve this? Why did they hate me so much?
I thought I'd been cautious this time. I thought I was guarding myself. But it had been a lie. Another game. Another sick joke at my expense.
I wiped at my eyes furiously and yanked my phone from my bag. My fingers hovered over Kaylee's contact before I paused.
No. Not yet.
I needed a moment. I needed to get my head straight.
I waited until my tears slowed and my breathing calmed. Then I stepped out, washed my face, and stared at my reflection.
My eyes were puffy, rimmed with red. My lips quivered no matter how hard I pressed them together. I looked like a girl shattered—again.
But I wouldn't let them see me like this.
Not this time.
I grabbed a paper towel, dried my face, and told myself to breathe.
Then I turned and walked out, mask firmly back in place.
*******
I couldn't stay in school.
Not after what I heard. Not after realizing I had walked right into another trap.
So I made my way to the nurse's office, every step feeling heavier than the last. My legs were shaky, and my body felt like it was moving through fog. The receptionist barely glanced at me when I stepped in. I mumbled something about a headache and nausea. It wasn't entirely a lie—my head was pounding and my stomach churned with betrayal.
The nurse, a soft-spoken woman named Mrs. Ellison, took one look at me and didn't ask any questions. "Do you want to lie down for a bit, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice warm.
"No. I—I think I'd feel better at home."
She nodded, reaching for the phone. "I'll call a guardian—"
"I'll call my brother," I interrupted, forcing my voice to remain steady. "He's probably nearby."
She gave me a concerned look but didn't argue. "Alright, dear. Just sit down a moment."
I texted Nick quickly: Can you come get me? Please don't ask questions. I just need to go home.
He replied almost instantly: On my way.
Mrs. Ellison gave me a water bottle and sat beside me for a few minutes while we waited, making small talk I could barely hear. My heart was still somewhere back in that hallway, back in the echo of Levi's voice and Beatrice's laugh. The betrayal clung to me like a second skin, and no amount of blinking or deep breathing could shake it off.
Nick pulled up ten minutes later. I didn't even wait for Mrs. Ellison to walk me out. I thanked her softly and left, walking quickly through the halls, avoiding anyone's eyes.
Nick didn't say a word when I got into the passenger seat. He just looked at me, his expression tight, like he already suspected something had happened again. Maybe he could tell by my red eyes. Maybe it was the way I couldn't even pretend to smile.
The drive home was silent. Comfortably so.
Once we reached the house, I muttered, "Thanks," and headed straight to my room.
I didn't even take off my shoes. I walked in, dropped my bag beside the door, and collapsed onto my bed.
This time, I didn't cry right away.
I stared at the ceiling, arms folded over my chest, trying to contain the tidal wave of emotions rising within me.
Why?
Why do they always have to hurt me?
I wasn't some naive little girl anymore. I'd been through enough heartbreak to last a lifetime, yet somehow I still believed people could be different.
Levi had said all the right things. He'd been patient, kind, soft-spoken, even vulnerable. He had made me feel safe.
And it had all been part of a plan.
The second phase.
Like I was some mission. A prize to win. A game to beat.
And I had let my guard down—again.
My eyes stung as the tears finally came, silent but hot, slipping down the sides of my face. I didn't sob this time. I didn't scream or punch my pillow.
I just lay there, breaking all over again in the most agonizingly quiet way.
I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take