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Chapter 14 - Whispers and gossips

Taylor and Chris left the cafeteria, walking together across the sunlit campus. She felt better, stronger, and even a little cheerful after breakfast, laughing at some of his teasing remarks.

But as they passed a cluster of girls near the fountain, Taylor's steps slowed. She caught snippets of their conversation, enough to make her heart sink.

"…did you see him with the new girl?" one whispered, a sly grin on her face. "He's just pretending to be nice. He's going to completely destroy her."

"…yeah, everyone says so," another added, giggling. "Poor girl doesn't even know what she's getting into."

Taylor froze, the words echoing in her mind. Destroy me? Pretending to be nice?

Chris glanced at her, noticing her sudden hesitation. "Taylor… what's wrong?"

She shook her head quickly, trying to brush it off. "N-nothing. Just… uh, those girls over there. Forget it."

Chris frowned, concern flashing across his face. "Hey, I don't like that look. Talk to me."

Taylor hesitated. Should she tell him what she heard? Should she trust herself or the girls' gossip? Finally, she decided to keep quiet, not wanting to start a fight. But the seed of doubt had been planted, gnawing at her mind.

Chris stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Listen, whatever it is, you can tell me. You don't have to keep it in."

Taylor forced a small smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I… I'm fine, really. Let's just… keep walking."

Chris glanced at her one more time, suspicion flickering in his gaze, but he let it go. Taylor walked beside him, her thoughts tangled. She wanted to believe him, wanted to trust the boy who had carried her, fed her, and stayed up all night taking care of her.

But the words of those girls — that he was pretending, that he would destroy her — lingered like shadows, planting doubt where trust was beginning to bloom.

Taylor shook her head slightly, trying to push the thought away. No… he couldn't… right?

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