I didn't open his texts.
Not even the first one.
> Damien: Ava, it wasn't what it looked like.
Damien: I pushed her away the second it happened.
Damien: Please talk to me.
I read them.
I didn't reply.
My heart was a mess of confusion. I knew Damien. I trusted Damien. But the image of her — Serena — in his arms... laughing...
It wouldn't leave me alone.
I wasn't even mad.
Just... hurt.
And what hurt more?
I didn't know if I had the right to feel this way.
---
(Chloe's POV)
I found Serena in the restroom, reapplying her stupid lip gloss in the mirror.
"Oh look," she said, not even glancing at me. "The loyal sidekick."
I shut the door and crossed my arms. "Stay away from Ava. And from Damien."
She laughed like it was cute. "Wow. The jealousy is real. Tell your friend if she can't handle competition, maybe she's not ready for him."
"You locked her in a classroom," I snapped. "What kind of psycho move is that?"
She smirked, dabbing her lips. "Desperate times."
Chloe stepped closer.
"Do it again, and I'll make sure every girl in this school knows the kind of snake you are. You won't survive a single lunch period here."
Serena froze.
Chloe walked out, fire in her eyes.
Mess with my girl again, and I will end you.
---
(Damien's POV)
I waited for Ava after class.
She stepped out with Chloe beside her. But she didn't look at me.
Didn't even glance.
I followed her. "Ava, please. Just five minutes."
She stopped walking. Slowly turned.
"I saw it, Damien."
"I pushed her away," I said quickly. "She tripped. It wasn't like that."
"She didn't trip. And you didn't move fast enough."
There was a crack in her voice.
And that crack shattered something inside me.
Before I could say more, a voice behind us chimed in.
"She's telling the truth. And she doesn't deserve this."
Rylan.
Standing behind Ava. Protective. Watching me with narrowed eyes.
I stiffened. "You don't get to insert yourself into this."
He crossed his arms. "Someone has to make sure she's not constantly hurt."
Ava looked between us. The air turned so tense, I could barely breathe.
I stepped closer to her. "Please, Ava. Don't let this pull us apart."
Her eyes softened for a second.
But then she shook her head. "I need time."
---
(Later That Night – Ava's POV)
> Rylan: You okay?
I stared at the message.
> Me: Not really.
> Rylan: Want to talk about it? I'm just a text away. Always.
> Me: Thank you. For earlier too.
> Rylan: I'd lock you out of a hundred classrooms just to rescue you again 😌
I smiled at my screen, even though I knew it only made things messier.