Chapter: Four~HARPER’S POV~I stood there in the dark hallway, staring at the stupid little card like it might bite me.“Walk away now, or you go down with them.”My fingers shook as I pushed it far into my jacket pocket. I heard heavy steps coming up behind me.“Harper.”I turned around. My dad was walking towards me. He was wearing a wrinkled black suit and still had his earpiece in. He looked really tired, like he was carrying a huge burden.“Hey, Dad.”“What are you doing back here in the west wing?” He stopped a few feet away, eyes narrowing. “Curfew was an hour ago.”“Studying. In the library.”“With Asher Kingston?”The lie came out too fast. “We had a group thing for history class.”Dad’s frown deepened. “I told you to keep your head down. These people aren’t like us. Mr. Kingston pays me to watch his gates, not to let my daughter hang around his son.”“It’s just schoolwork. That’s it.”“Keep it that way.” He checked his watch. “Head back to the guest house. Lock the door. I’ve got perimet
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-06-15
Chapter: Annonymous letterHARPER’S POVThe boys’ locker room smelled like old tape, musty sweat, and wet gear that never quite dries. I dropped Asher’s stupid heavy bag on the rubber floor. The thud bounced off the metal lockers. “What are you doing in here?”I jumped, spinning around. Some guy sat on the bench, wrapping tape around his stick blade. Messy brown hair, bruised jaw. It took me a second to place him from the dark rink the night before.Davis.“Community service,” I muttered, already turning to leave.“Wait.” He stood fast, tossing the tape aside. “You’re the girl from last night.”“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Don’t bullshit me.” He stepped closer, eyes bloodshot and wild. “I heard your phone drop. You saw the whole thing with the scout.”“I was in bed asleep,” I lied, keeping my face flat. “Just transferred here. Don’t even know who you are.”“He’s got those pills hanging over my head,” Davis whispered, voice cracking. He looked like he might puke. “If Asher hands them to Coach, I’m
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-06-15
Chapter: Two~HARPER’S POV~My alarm screamed at five. I slapped it silent and stared at the ceiling like it owed me answers. Sleep never came.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Asher’s cold blue stare pinning me to that brick wall, his breath mixing with mine in the freezing air, and that low “good girl” still ringing in my ears like a warning I was too stupid to run from.I dragged myself up, pulled on the stupid Sterling uniform — plaid skirt that felt too short, white blouse stiff as a cage. My stomach was a knot. Breakfast was a no-go. I would probably throw it up anyway.Dad was already in the tiny kitchenette, lacing his boots. He looked up, surprised.“Morning, kid. Bus doesn’t come for another hour.”“Yeah… extra studying,” I lied, forcing a smile that hurt my face. “Gonna hit the main library early.”He pointed at me, eyes soft. “I’m proud of you, Harper. I know this move hasn’t been easy.”Guilt stabbed straight through my ribs. If he knew I’d sold myself last night just to keep his
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-06-15
Chapter: ScholarshipHARPER’S POVI sat shotgun in Dad’s shitty truck, fingers digging into my thighs so hard I would probably have bruises tomorrow. Snow crunched under the tires as we crawled up the long driveway. That big house was at the top like it owned the whole damn mountain. It was all dark stone and sharp corners, with windows that glowed like eyes that already knew I wasn't welcome.“Remember the rules, Harper,” Dad muttered, knuckles white on the wheel. “Head down. Do your work. Stay the hell away from the main house. We’re staff. That’s it.”I nodded, throat tight. Eight months of him being out of work. This security gig was the only thing keeping us off the street. My scholarship to Sterling Academy was the only shot I had at not ending up exactly like him— tired, scared, and one bad month away from nothing. I couldn’t fuck this up.Later that week the school showed me what it really was: a tank full of sharks in cashmere. I spent three days trying to disappear. I kept my eyes on the flo
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2026-06-15