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⭐️ 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 🏫
💔In Love with a bad boy❤️‍🩹
Written by Julzworld 📝👩‍💻
Do not copy❌

LIKE BEFORE READING✅
NO GHOST READING❌

CHAPTER Eight: {Trauma}
…………………………………………………………………..
***

Mel stood up from her seat and let out a long, exhausted sigh.
“Thanks again for such an amazing dinner,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And also for being the best parents on earth.”

“Sit down. I won’t repeat myself,” Derick said, cold as stone.

Mel scoffed. “Wow. Just great. No freedom of movement.” Still, she sat back down, even though every bone in her body screamed to run.

“You will move back into this house,” Derick continued, each word sharp, “and you will study law. If you refuse, I will cut you off and stop paying for your music class. And we both know you can’t afford it.”

The words hit Mel like a slap. She turned to her mother, desperate.
“Mom…”

“Sorry, love. This was all my decision. The company needs a smart heir, and Liam is that heir. And Liam will need a lawyer he can trust. That’s you. So do what you’re told—or be ready for the consequences.”

Mel’s heart cracked. Her mother didn’t even blink. Didn’t even look sorry.

“Fine,” she muttered, rising to her feet again. “It’s not like I had a choice to begin with.”

“Move in before the weekend,” Derick called out just as she reached the hallway.

“The weekend is in two days.” Her voice trembled.

“That gives you today and tomorrow to decide.”

“Wow.” Mel shook her head, the disbelief too heavy to swallow. She walked out, each step heavier than the last.

She slid into her car and let her forehead drop onto the steering wheel. The moment the door shut, the tears rushed out—loud, raw sobs she couldn’t control. The weight of her parents’ control pressed down on her chest until it hurt to breathe. After a few minutes, she wiped her face, turned on the ignition, and drove away slowly while soft music filled the car with a sadness that matched her own.

⸻

The sharp sound of Chloe’s boots hit the marble floor as she strutted down the stairs, her backpack thrown over one shoulder casually.

“Hey mom, I’m off to school!” she called out.

“One second!” Mrs. Kate answered from the kitchen.

“I’ll be late,” Chloe whined.

“You’re already late, love and that wasn’t my fault,” her mother said as she appeared holding a tray of warm, fresh biscuits.

“So what is it?” Chloe asked, impatiently shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

“Well… your father and I planned to tell you together, but he had to leave early.” Kate handed her a biscuit and smiled. “You’ll be getting engaged to Liam after high school.”

For a moment Chloe froze, then exploded with joy.
“Oh my goodness! This is the best news of my life!” She threw herself at her mom. “I can’t wait to tell the whole school”

But Kate grabbed her wrist mid–phone grab.
“Not yet. You’re not saying a word until the deal is finalized. At least another year.”

“But why?” Chloe pouted.

“Because that’s how it’s supposed to be. Liam is yours. You just have to wait for the right moment.”

Chloe hugged her again, glowing. “Thank you, mom! You’re the best.”

“Have a good day, dear.”

“With this news, I’ll be having the best day of my life!” Chloe practically skipped outside.

“Good morning, ma’am Chloe,” Brian greeted, startled by her cheerful mood.

“Let’s go!” she said, bouncing on her toes like a kid on sugar.

Brian kept sneaking glances at her in the mirror as he drove. “I guess it’s my lucky day,” he thought. “She won’t be yelling today.”

Hours later they pulled into the school compound.

“Thanks!” Chloe said brightly, stepping out with her confidence blazing.

“Hi there, you’re late,” Harley said.

“Yeah, had something to do,” Chloe smirked.

Harley narrowed her eyes. “You’re glowing. Spill.”

Chloe leaned in. “Liam and I are getting engaged after high school.”

Harley gasped. “Are you serious?!”

“I am. My mom told me. And she never jokes about these things.”

“Girl...congratulations! You’re getting the guy of your dreams!”

“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone yet. It’s still a secret.”

“Lips sealed.” Harley mimed locking her mouth.

“Hey guys!” Debby joined them, tossing her hair dramatically.

“Hey Debby,” they chimed.

“Ugh…annoying maths class.” She sighed dramatically.

“If you pay a little more attention, you’ll get it,” Chloe teased.

“Math isn’t my thing.”

“Not mine either,” Chloe shrugged, “but Pythagoras is actually interesting. I’ll show you in class.”

“That’s unlike you… what’s the secret?” Debby teased.

Chloe only smirked. “If you don’t want my help—”

“I do! I do!”

They laughed and headed into class.

The teacher taught for a while, then wrote on the board:

A right-angled triangle has:
• One short side = 6 cm
• Another short side = 8 cm
Find the hypotenuse.

“Solve that and submit immediately,” he said, walking out for a call.

Debby stared at the question like it was written in ancient Greek. Her face twisted into pure agony.

Chloe noticed and leaned closer. “Come here. Let me show you something. It’s easier than it looks.”

Debby reluctantly leaned in.

“This long side here is the hypotenuse,” Chloe said. “And whenever you want to find it, you use a simple rule.”

Debby sighed. “Okay… go on.”

“You square the other two sides first.”

“Six times six is thirty-six.
Eight times eight is sixty-four.”

Debby nodded slowly.

“Now add them,” Chloe continued. “Thirty-six plus sixty-four equals one hundred.”

“And the hypotenuse?” Debby asked, finally hopeful.

Chloe smiled. “Square root of one hundred. Which is ten.”

Debby’s eyes widened. “So the longest side is ten?”

“Yep. Now write it down.”

Since we are finding the hypotenuse:
• a = 6
• b = 8
• c = ?

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Put in the numbers:

c^2 = 6^2 + 8^2

6^2 = 36
8^2 = 64

So:

c^2 = 36 + 64

c^2 = 100

c = square {100} = 10

The hypotenuse is 10 cm.

They solved it together, and when class ended, Debby was practically beaming.

“Thanks, Chloe. It’s actually easier than it looks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So… what’s got you so happy today?” Debby asked again.

“You’ll find out soon,” Chloe said with a smug smile.

Meanwhile, Mia kept staring at Hayden from across the room. He’d been avoiding her all morning, and she was done pretending she didn’t care.

She marched to his seat.
“Why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not,” he muttered.

“Then why aren’t you talking to me? If this is how you plan on acting, I don’t see any reason for us to work together. It’ll just be awkward.”

Hayden stood up quickly. “Let’s talk outside.”

He took her hand briefly and led her to the small garden behind the classroom.

“So?” Mia demanded, arms folded.

Hayden inhaled sharply. “I know you like me, Mia. But I can’t return that feeling. I’m bad luck. And you don’t need someone like me.”

“Don’t say that,” Mia whispered. “You’re not bad luck.”

“The only person who loved me was my little sister. She died last year. Because of me.” His voice cracked—something rare for him. “I taught her how to ride a bike. If I didn’t, she would still be alive. Everyone who gets close to me gets hurt.”

Mia’s anger melted. She stepped forward and hugged him tightly. “I’m so sorry about your sister. But that wasn’t your fault.”

He pulled away. “I like you… I really do. But I can’t drag you into my mess.”

Mia’s chest tightened. “We can take this one step at a time…”

“I’m sorry. I can’t.” Hayden shook his head and walked away.

Mia stood frozen for a moment and then broke down, crying silently in the garden.

Unseen by her, Liam stood hidden behind a cluster of flowers, fists clenched and heart shattering as he watched her cry. When Hayden stepped onto the walkway, Liam stormed forward and punched him hard across the face.

Gasps echoed across the hall.

“What was that for?” Hayden demanded but Liam stayed silent.

Hayden yanked him back and punched him in return.

“You two. Detention,” Mrs. Joey snapped, pointing at both of them.

⸻

In the cafeteria, Harley slid into the seat with wide eyes.
“Guess what I just found out.”

“What?” Chloe and Debby leaned in.

“Mia got a job at a café downtown.”

“For real?” Chloe grinned. “Perfect. Time to pay her a visit.”

She winked, and the three girls stood up, already plotting.

The ride to the café was anything but quiet. The air inside the car crackled with excitement and venom as Chloe, Harley, and Debby whispered plans like villains plotting in a movie. Every bump on the road seemed to feed Chloe’s scheming mood.

“Honestly, I think today is going to be fun,” Chloe said, a wicked smile pulling at her lips.

“Fun? Girl, this is more than fun,” Harley grinned. “A table in the middle will be perfect. Everyone will see.”

“Exactly,” Chloe said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “If we’re doing a show, we might as well have the best stage.”

As soon as Brian parked in front of the café, the three girls stepped out like they owned the entire block. Their heels clicked against the tiled floor the moment they entered, turning heads with the confidence of queens entering their castle.

Harley glanced around the busy room, smirking. “Middle table. Front row seats for the drama.”

“Agreed.” Chloe’s eyes sparkled.

They slid into the chairs like royalty as a male waiter hurried over with forced politeness.

“Good afternoon, here are your menus.”

“We want Mia to serve us,” Chloe said without even looking at him. It wasn’t a request. It was a command.

“Oh—uh… okay.” He swallowed and hurried away.

A few minutes later, Mia stepped out from the back, wiping her hands. She spotted them immediately, her stomach tightening. She walked over, head held high.

“You asked for me?” she said calmly.

“I want lukewarm water,” Chloe said, articulation slow and sharp, like she was giving instructions to a child.

Mia nodded once and turned toward the kitchen. She moved quickly, silently, trying to ignore the burning sensation of being watched. Minutes later she returned with a tray balanced perfectly and a glass of water resting on top.

“Here’s your water,” she said, gently placing it on the table.

Chloe lifted the glass, sniffed it dramatically, then took a small sip.

The next second—

SPLASH.

Water sprayed all over Mia’s face.

The entire café fell silent.

Mia froze as droplets ran down her cheeks and onto her apron.

“Are you trying to kill me?!” Chloe shrieked loud enough for half the customers to turn. “Why would you bring me hot water?!”

“I’m sorry,” Mia whispered, blinking through the sting. “I brought what you ordered.”

“Maybe you should have it, then,” Chloe said coldly.
She stood up then tilted the glass and poured the rest of the water directly onto Mia’s head.

The gasp from nearby tables echoed.

Before Mia could react, a shadow stepped beside her.

Hayden.

His jaw was tight. His fists even tighter.

“What the hell was that for?” he snapped at Chloe, his voice low and dangerous.

Chloe blew a bubble of gum, completely unbothered. “She brought me hot water instead of warm. I just wanted her to have a taste of her own medicine.”

“That doesn’t mean you pour it on her,” Hayden said through clenched teeth.

Mia exhaled shakily, wiping her face. “Thanks… but no thanks.” She looked up at Hayden, “I can fight my battles myself.”

She walked off toward the kitchen, her pride bruised but not broken.

Harley leaned closer to the table. “Wow… what was that about?”

Debby inspected the doorway Mia disappeared into. “I think… they have something going on.”

Chloe scoffed loudly. “Please. That gold digger has something going on with every guy in school. We need to get her out of Golden High as soon as possible.”

Harley and Debby exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement.

Chloe crossed her legs, satisfaction glowing in her eyes.
The show had only just begun.

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⭐️ 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 🏫
💔In Love with a bad boy❤️‍🩹
Written by Julzworld 📝👩‍💻
Do not copy❌

LIKE BEFORE READING✅
NO GHOST READING❌

CHAPTER SEVEN: {Cat and Dog}
…………………………………………………………………..
***

Hayden’s bike rolled to a stop in front of a tiny downtown café, its neon sign flickering weakly against the early evening light. Mia hopped off, brushing wind-tangled hair from her face as she followed Hayden inside.

Warm light and the smell of fresh pastries wrapped around them.

“Hey, Ricky,” Hayden said, nodding at an elderly man wiping down the counter.

Ricky’s eyes brightened. “Thought you weren’t coming today.”

“About that thing… I’ll handle it tomorrow,” Hayden said. Ricky grunted in approval.

His gaze slid to Mia. “And who’s this pretty young lady?”

“Mia,” Hayden said simply. “Classmate. She needs a job, so… I brought her in case you were hiring.”

“Oh, we need hands,” Ricky said with a tired laugh. “More than I care to admit.”

“Good evening, sir,” Mia said softly.

Ricky raised a hand. “No ‘sir’ here just Ricky. And welcome aboard. Only one rule: don’t miss your shift without telling me first.”

“I… thank you, Ri—Ricky,” Mia said, laughter trembling at the edge of her nerves. “I really appreciate this. I won’t mess it up.”

“Glad to hear it. You can start tomorrow.” Ricky shuffled toward the kitchen.

“Thank you!” Mia called after him.

When she turned, Hayden was already tying on his apron, sleeves rolled up, focused on wiping a table until it gleamed.

“Thank you, really,” Mia said. Her voice was small, sincere.

“Sure,” he murmured, never lifting his eyes from the table.

“So… see you tomorrow then?” She shifted her weight from foot to foot, uncertain.

“Yeah,” Hayden said, already moving toward the counter to grab an order slip.

The dismissal stung sharper than she expected. Mia stepped out into the open air, swallowing the awkwardness clinging to her skin.

“The breeze is so cool,” she murmured, strolling toward the bus stop. The world felt gentler out here until her phone buzzed.

Her chest loosened the moment she saw the caller.

“Mom,” she said, smiling as she picked up.

“Hey love! I’ve been calling since morning. I was worried sick.” Jessica’s voice cracked with emotion.

“I’m sorry, Mom. It wasn’t intentional,” Mia said quietly.

Jessica sighed. “You sound troubled. What’s wrong?”

“I’m fine. Really.”

“You know you can tell me anything,” Jessica coaxed gently.

Mia hesitated, then whispered, “I… met this guy. A classmate. He’s smart, cool… and I like him. I barely even know him yet.”

“And that worries you,” Jessica said softly.

“Yes and…” Mia swallowed. “He’s my first crush. One moment he’s warm, the next he acts like he doesn’t want me anywhere near him.”

“Maybe you’re reading him wrong,” Jessica said. “Give yourself time. Crushes can feel huge at first, then fade in days.”

Her words loosened something tight in Mia’s chest.

“Thank you, Mom. For everything.”

“I’ll always be here. You’re my angel.”

“How’s Grandma?” Mia asked.

“Surprisingly sweet today,” Jessica said, a smile in her voice. “She wants me to stay longer.”

“Maybe she’s forgiven you. Dad leaving wasn’t your fault.”

“I hope so,” Jessica whispered, suddenly emotional.

“I’m glad you’re happy. Really. But I need to head back now—it’s getting late.”

“Okay, love. Bye.”

“Bye, Mom.” Mia ended the call, boarded the bus, and let the city lights blur past her.

⸻

Somewhere in the heart of L.A

Liam tossed his car key at the valet like it weighed nothing.

“Treat my baby right. Not a scratch.”

“Yes, sir,” the valet replied, slipping behind the wheel.

Inside the club, the dim lights cast shadows over Liam’s expression cold, unreadable.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked with a bright smile.

“Tequila. Hard. No ice.”

“That bad, huh?” she teased as she poured.

“None of your business,” Liam muttered, taking a burning sip.

She raised a brow. “Easy man, seems you have got a stick up your butt, I’ll leave you to it.” And she walked away.

A blonde slid onto the stool beside him, perfume strong and sugary.

“Hi, handsome,” she purred.

“No company,” Liam said flatly.

“It’s bad luck drinking alone,” she whispered.

A humorless laugh escaped him. “Lamest thing I’ve heard today.”

She smirked. “Want to hear something worse?”

“Sure”

“My kid brother and I grew up with our grandma,” the blonde began, swirling her drink. “He was only two back then and obsessed with following her everywhere—even to the toilet. No matter how many times she tried to stop him, he’d sneak right behind her like a shadow.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “So one day, Grandma decided to teach him a lesson. She took a bar of chocolate into the bathroom, mashed it up, made it look… well, you know.” She lifted a brow mischievously.

Liam snorted into his glass.

“She called my brother to bring her some tissue. The moment he handed it over, she smeared the chocolate ‘p**p’ on his arm.” The girl burst out laughing at the memory. “And then she pretended to panic apologizing over and over like she’d done something unforgivable.”

Liam raised a brow. “No way.”

“Oh, he cried for hours,” she said, wiping an imaginary tear. “Poor kid thought Grandma covered him in actual p**p. Till today, he still doesn’t know it was chocolate. But hey…” she shrugged, grinning, “he never followed her to the toilet again.”

Liam shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging his lips.
“That’s insane,” he said. “He’s probably still traumatized.”

She walked and stood behind him, hands sliding onto his shoulders, he didn’t stop her. “You’re tense,” she murmured. “Let me help.”

“I’m fine.” His jaw tightened.

“Never knew bad boys said no to fun,” she whispered against his ear, her voice smooth and tempting.

Liam gave a low, humorless chuckle. “I’m not saying no. I just don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t,” she promised with a bold wink. “I like things… rough.”

She leaned in and kissed him—light at first, then deeper when he didn’t pull away. He kissed her back with the kind of intensity that came from trying to drown thoughts he didn’t want to have. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her effortlessly, their lips still locked as he carried her down the hallway toward the room.

The door barely clicked shut behind them before things escalated—fast, desperate, messy.

“Ohh how much I love it” she moan.
Immediately they got into the room, Liam placed her on the nearest table as his hand fumbled with her breast, pressing and tweaking her ni***es, every pinch dragged out a low moan from her throat.
They moved from the table to the bed dropping things as their clothes left their body, once on the bed Liam got in between her legs as he slide in one sharp thrust.

“Ummm” she moan bitting her lips.
He increased his pace, pulling out and slamming back in with powerful and fastest thrust, each thrust stronger than the last, her moan filled the room but it was like nail scratching on iron to Liam’s ears.

“Can you not—” he snapped suddenly, anger flickering through his eyes. “Stop with the fake moaning.”

She froze, startled. “Sorry,” she whispered, covering her mouth.

He continued, harder,worst than before, until she cried out.

“Please stop you are hurting me” she said pushing his chest, but Liam wasn’t hearing her as image of Hayden lying on Mia’s bed kept playing in his head.

“Please stop” she cried again

Her plea cut through the haze. Liam froze, breath shaking.

“I’m sorry,” he said, voice rough with shame.

“It’s fine,” she sniffed, already pulling on her clothes. “But you hurt me. That’s ten dollars.”

He handed her cash, watched her limp out.

“What the hell is wrong with me?” Liam muttered. Why am I thinking about her? Mia…” He shook his head violently. I just need to get this over with. Fast.

He dialed Mel.

⸻

Golden High

Mel’s phone buzzed.

When she saw Liam’s name, her stomach dropped.

“Why is he calling me?” she whispered.

“Who?” Graven asked.

“Liam. He never calls. Not since our parents married.”

“Maybe it’s important,” Graven urged.

“I don’t know what to say…”

“You don’t need to talk. Just listen.”

A message popped up:
This is the last time I’m calling. If you don’t pick, don’t ask what I wanted.

Mel swallowed and answered.

“H-Hello?”

“We need to go home,” Liam said, voice tight. “Dad froze our accounts.”

“What?!” Mel shot to her feet.

“Meet me tomorrow morning.” He hung up before she could respond.

Graven stared. “What happened?”

“Just… family stuff,” Mel muttered.

“I hate how you shut me out,” he said. “I want to be part of your life.”

“I’m protecting you. My family is a mess.”

“Let me choose what’s too messy.”

“I won’t,” Mel said, stepping away. “And if you can’t respect that… then maybe we shouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Seriously, Mel?”

“Goodnight, Graven.” She left.

That night, she lay awake, staring at the tiny stars on her ceiling.

“What is he planning? Freezing our accounts? He’s starting a war.” She sighed again.

“That’s the fifth sigh,” Mia said. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” Mel lied.

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⸻

The Next Morning

Sunlight streamed in, but it didn’t warm Mel the way it used to.

“I’m heading to class. You coming?” Mia asked.

“No. I’ve got something to handle.”

When Mia left, Mel moved quickly—shower, clothes, steady breathing. She met Liam at the lot. No words were exchanged. The drive home was silent, tense.

At the mansion, she stepped inside first and found her mother and stepfather dining leisurely.

“Good morning,” she said flatly.

“Sit, Mel,” Mr. Derick said. No room for refusal.

Liam entered and sat opposite her.

“You both had one simple choice,” Derick began. “Move back home. You refused. Now I decide.”

“Oh, like freezing our accounts?” Liam scoffed.

“That was nothing,” Derick said, cutting his steak. “There’s more.”

“You don’t get to control my life,” Liam growled.

“I do now. Since you wasted your chance. First order—after high school, you’ll be engaged to Chloe.”

Liam barked a laugh, sharp and disbelieving. “You think I’ll sit here and swallow that?”

He stood so fast the chair crashed back.

“I don’t care if you freeze everything. I can take care of myself.”

“If you refuse,” Derick said calmly, “forget the company.”

Liam stiffened. “My mother built that company with her blood.”

“And she was my wife,” Derick snapped. “If you don’t comply, I’ll will give everything to your cousin, Ray.”

Liam stared at him—hurt, rage, betrayal mixing until it scalded his voice. “You can’t be serious.”

“Try me,” Derick said.

Liam stormed out, slammed the door, and drove off.

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Second half can still drop tonight if we engage well

⭐️ 𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 🏫
💔In Love with a bad boy❤️‍🩹
Written by Julzworld 📝👩‍💻
Do not copy❌

LIKE BEFORE READING✅
NO GHOST READING❌

CHAPTER SIX: {Hidden Emotions}
…………………………………………………………………..
***

Mr. Frank hurried down the hallway after her, his shoes squeaking against the polished floor. He stopped outside the restroom door, his breathing uneven.
“Hey… are you okay in there?” he asked, knocking gently.

“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry,” came Mia’s small, shaky voice from inside.

“You’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about,” Mr. Frank said, trying to sound reassuring. “It only means you’re a healthy young lady.”

“That isn’t helping,” she muttered.

“I brought you some fresh clothes—my polo, actually. You can wear it.” He placed the folded shirt on a chair beside the door. “I’ll leave you alone now.”

Mia waited until his footsteps faded before slowly stepping out. The hall was empty, the fluorescent lights humming above her. She glanced around nervously, then grabbed the polo and slipped it over her head, the fabric warm and smelling faintly of cologne.

“Look—it’s bleeding tree!” someone shouted from across the hallway, laughter erupting.

Mia’s face burned. She lowered her head and ran, heart pounding, until she crashed into someone standing on the walkway.

“Sorry,” she breathed, not daring to look up.

A firm hand caught her arm before she could dart away. “You need to stand up for yourself,” a calm, deep voice said. “If you don’t, they’ll eat you alive in this place.”

Mia finally looked up—it was Hayden. His expression was unreadable, eyes cold but not unkind.

“I can’t,” she whispered. “I’m too embarrassed to even look at them.” Tears slipped down her cheeks, darkening his uniform.

Hayden sighed, his hard exterior softening. “It’s alright. Just… don’t stay hidden too long.”

“Can you walk me to my dorm? I can’t do the road of shame alone.”

He hesitated for a beat, then nodded. “Alright.”

They walked in silence, the kind that wasn’t heavy but quiet, almost peaceful. When they reached the girls’ dorm, Hayden stopped.
“Okay. You’re safe now,” he said.

“Do you… want to come in?” she asked softly.

His lips curved slightly. “Glad you asked. I could use a quick nap.”

Mia blinked, surprised. “That’s not what I expected.”

“Hey, any chance to nap before my shift, I’m taking it.” He stepped inside before she could answer.

“Shift? You work?” she asked as he kicked off his shoes.

“Yeah. Down at a café near downtown.”

“Wow. Think you could help me get a job there too?”

“Sure,” he said simply. “I’ll put in a word for you.”

She smiled a little. “You were kind of rude to me in class earlier. What was that about?”

Hayden leaned back against her bedpost, folding his arms. “I don’t like getting tangled in anything Liam’s involved in,” he admitted. “Feels like we’re in some silent competition I never signed up for.” He glanced around. “Which one’s your bed?”

“That one.”

“Cool.” He lay down, closing his eyes. “Just a short nap. Do your thing.”

Mia went into the bathroom to change, still replaying his words in her head.

⸻

Meanwhile…

Chris found Liam leaning against his glossy black car, twirling his keys with lazy confidence.
“What’s up, man? Ready to crush Victory High again?” Chris grinned.

“Born ready,” Liam said, flashing his trademark smirk. “Can’t wait to send them crying home.”

Chris laughed. “You hear about the new sneakers drop?”

“I don’t need a new pair,” Liam said, pushing off the car, “but hey—can’t hurt to flex one more.”

“Liam, you are leaving without me” Chloe’s voice rang out as she jogged over, hair perfectly bouncing.

He turned with a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I don’t remember us planning a trip.”

“You promised to make it up to me for missing my birthday,” she pouted.

“Right,” he said lazily. “Get in.”

Her face lit up. “Yay! Shopping time!”

They pulled up at the De-Glacier Boutique, the kind of place where even the mannequins looked rich.

“I can’t believe I’m actually shopping here,” Chloe said, recording a selfie. “ !”

Liam barely looked at her. “Pick whatever you want.”

He drifted toward the sneaker section while Chloe filled her cart with Chanel bags, shoes, and designer dresses. When they got to the counter, the cashier totaled everything.

“That’ll be $5,000.”

Liam handed over his card without blinking. The cashier swiped—it beeped. Declined.

“Try this one,” Liam said coolly, giving another. Then another. Same result. His jaw tightened.

“Wait a sec,” he muttered, stepping aside and dialing a number.

“Greetings, Master Liam,” came an older voice.

“All my cards are not working. Fix it—now.”

“I’m sorry, sir. Your father ordered a freeze on you and Miss Mel’s accounts.”

Liam’s expression darkened. “Unbelievable.” He ended the call and ran a hand through his hair.

“Chris,” he said, lowering his voice, “I need a favor. Cover the bill I’ll pay you back.”

Chris raised both hands. “Man, I don’t have five grand lying around. I can pay for our sneakers, but that’s it.”

Liam’s patience cracked. “Fine.”

He turned to Chloe. “I can’t buy these for you. Not today.”

“What?!” she gasped. “I already posted everything! People think we’re shopping together!”

“Delete the post,” he said, walking out. “Save yourself the embarrassment.”

“Liam!” she shouted after him, but he was already gone, engine roaring to life.

As he drove, anger simmered beneath his skin. His father’s smug face flashed in his mind.
“You cheat on Mom while she’s dying, and I’m the one you punish?” he thought, gripping the wheel. The car sped through the gates, screeching to a stop at the school lot.

He slammed the door, storming toward the girls’ dorm.

When Mia opened the door, surprise flickered in her eyes.

“What are you doing here?” Liam demanded.

“This is my room,” she said.

“Right,” he muttered, pushing past her. His gaze landed on Hayden, asleep on the bed. A smirk spread across his lips. “Wow. First you run off with Mr. Frank, now you’ve got Hayden in your bed? Didn’t peg you for the type, sweetheart.”

The slap came sharp and fast, echoing through the room.

Mia’s chest heaved, eyes glistening. “I might not have money like you, Liam, but that doesn’t give you the right to insult me.”

Liam touched his cheek, feeling the sting and the blood on his lip. His smile returned, darker this time.

“Don’t forget,” he said quietly. “You owe me. And you’ll regret this.”

He turned and left, slamming the door behind him.

Hayden stirred, blinking. “What was that about?”

“Nothing,” Mia said softly. “Go back to sleep.”

He sat up, pulling on his shoes. “Nah, I’ve rested enough. Thanks for letting me crash.”

“About that job offer,” Hayden said, standing by the door with his hands tucked in his pockets. “You can come with me now if you want.”

Mia’s face lit up. “Gladly! Just give me a minute.”

She dashed inside, quickly changing into a clean top and jeans before hurrying back out. Hayden waited beside his bike, helmet in hand, his expression calm but the corner of his mouth tugged upward in amusement.

They climbed onto the bike, and as the engine roared to life, the wind caught Mia’s hair, brushing it across her face. The evening air was cool and alive, carrying the scent of rain and city smoke. She held onto Hayden’s jacket as they sped down the road the world blurring around them, the moment strangely peaceful, almost freeing.

For the first time that day, Mia felt like she could finally breathe.

I intend to drop the second half tomorrow early morning, let’s engage with this first.

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