تسجيل الدخولLily’s pov The evening light filtered through my bedroom window, casting long shadows across the floor as I sat on my bed, ankle propped up on a pillow. The pain had dulled to a persistent ache, but it was enough to make me dread the idea of going anywhere. School had been exhausting enough the hallway drama, the kiss with Lucian that still made my cheeks burn with a confusing mix of want and regret, and Mia’s piercing glare that followed me like a shadow. I just wanted a quiet night, maybe some homework and an early rest. But peace was never an option in this house.The door burst open without a knock, and Mia strode in, her hair perfectly curled and her makeup flawless even after a long day. She had that determined look on her face, the one that usually meant trouble. “Lily, you’re coming with me to the party tonight. James is hosting, and it’s basically mandatory. Everyone’s going.”I blinked up at her, surprised she was even speaking to me directly after the courtyard scene. “A p
Mia’s pov The courtyard tree cast long shadows as I stood there, frozen behind the hedge like some pathetic spy in my own life. My nails dug into my palms so hard I was sure they’d leave marks. There they were Lucian and Lily kissing like the world around them didn’t exist. His hands were on her, sliding under her sweater, exploring her body with that hungry urgency I knew so well. I could practically feel it: the way his fingers would press into soft skin, the low groan he made when things got heated. God, I wanted to be the one there. I wanted his hands under my top, cupping and squeezing my breasts, his body hard and insistent against mine. I wanted to feel him, really feel him, pressing between my legs, wanting me the way he used to. Me. Not her.Instead, he was lost in that oversized girl my twin in his twisted little fantasy or whatever this was. Lily, with her crutches and her extra curves, the one who should have stayed invisible. How could he choose that over me? The jealous
Lily’s pov The courtyard air felt cooler after the stuffy hallway chaos, but my heart was still hammering like a drum in my chest. I followed Lucian out without really thinking because what choice did I have? Staying back with Max would only feed the rumors more, and right now, Lucian’s steady presence felt like the only safe anchor in this storm. My crutches clicked against the pavement as I limped after him, ignoring the curious glances from a few lingering students. Max’s words about choosing still echoed, but my feet or rather, my one good foot had already decided.“Be careful, Lily,” Lucian said softly, glancing back with genuine concern etched on his face. He slowed his pace to match mine, one hand hovering near my elbow without quite touching, ready to catch me if I wobbled. We made our way to our old spot the quiet bench tucked behind the old oak tree near the far end of the courtyard, the one we used to sneak off to during free periods before everything got so complicated. T
Mia’s povThe bell for the next period rang somewhere in the distance, but I barely heard it over the pounding in my ears. The courtyard doors had just swung shut behind Lucian and Lily, his arm wrapped around her waist like she was some fragile prize he’d claimed. My blood was boiling literally boiling, hot and furious under my skin. How dare she? That clumsy, crutch-wielding nobody had the nerve to steal the spotlight again, and worse, Lucian had chosen her in front of everyone. Phones were still out, kids whispering and typing furiously into group chats. I could already imagine the captions: “Mia dumped for the fat girl?” “Love triangle explodes!” It made my stomach churn with rage and humiliation.I spun on my heel, spotting Max still standing there with that stupid, satisfied smirk on his face. He hadn’t even moved, watching the doors like he was replaying his little “choose” speech in his head. Perfect. If I couldn’t get to Lucian right now, I’d deal with this sudden Max complic
Lucian’s pov The hallway buzzed with the usual midday chaos, but everything sharpened when I spotted Lily. She was limping forward on those crutches, her face a mix of determination and exhaustion that twisted something deep in my chest. “Lily,” I called quietly, not wanting to draw more attention than necessary. After yesterday, after everything that had gone down, I just needed a moment with her real, without the noise.But before she could even turn fully, Mia materialized behind me like a shadow I couldn’t shake. “Lucian!” Her voice was sugary sweet, the kind she used when she wanted something, her arm sliding through mine possessively. I felt her body press close, but my eyes stayed on Lily. Mia’s timing was never accidental.Then Max appeared behind Lily, that smug grin plastered on his face as he stepped too close. “Hey, princess.” The word made my jaw clench. Princess? Since when did he call her that?I moved without thinking, closing the distance in a few strides. “Lily, com
Chapter 32 The next morning came too soon, like the universe was conspiring against any chance of peace. I woke up with a heavy heart that felt like it was anchored to the throbbing pain in my ankle. The crutches leaning against the wall were a glaring reminder of how fragile everything had become my body, my secrets, my entire world. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, but it did nothing to lift the fog in my mind. Mia had already left for school; I could hear the faint echo of that same cheerful tune she always hummed, the one that grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. It was too perky, too fake, especially after everything that had happened.Mom poked her head into my room, her eyes soft with worry. “Lily, honey, stay home and rest today. Don’t push yourself. That ankle needs time.” Her voice was gentle, the kind of tone she used when she actually cared, but it was brief, like she had a dozen other things pulling at her attention.“No, Mom, I’m going to school. I can







