Chapter Thirteen

“Guess who asked me out!” Alice squeals, doing a ridiculous happy dance on her bed.

I instantly regret stopping by her house before school—she’s been bouncing around for fifteen minutes, unable to pick an outfit.

“I was shocked when he told me he’s been too shy to talk to me all this time.” She jumps again, landing face-first into her pillow.

“Alice,” I sigh, grabbing a random top and skirt from her closet and dumping them on her chest. “As much as I’d love to indulge this love story, we’re already late, and I really don’t want to give the teachers a reason to punish me. Get dressed.”

She rolls her eyes but obeys, pulling on the clothes. “Hayden. Freaking. Gordon. asked me out. The smartest guy in school has been too shy to talk to me! Someone pinch me before I start acting dramatic.”

“Wow,” I say honestly. “That’s good, actually. He’s one of the decent ones. Didn’t he date someone last year?”

“Yeah, but they broke up on good terms.” She brushes her hair in front of the mirror, her grin stretching wider. “Today’s the final match between our boys and Crown High. If we win, I’m going with Hayden to the after-party. You’re coming to the game, right?”

My smile falters. Football. For three years, I’ve screamed Asher’s name from the bleachers until my throat burned. Now, he’s cheering with Jennifer.

“Not this time,” I say. “I’ll just stay home.”

Alice glances at me, her expression softening but she doesn’t push. “I get it. Still… don’t let him ruin things for you, okay? You’ve already moved on.”

We finally head out. As we pass her brother’s room, I can’t stop my eyes from darting toward the door.

“Your brother left for school?” I ask.

“Of course,” she says, still grinning.

By the time we arrive at school, it’s already past eight. I head straight to the security office.

“Good morning, Mr. Lance,” I greet.

He looks up from his desk. “Ah, good morning. I found the footage you asked about—the one for your project—but I should probably get approval from the principal before giving it to you.”

My heart skips. Not good. “You should’ve done that yesterday,” I say quickly, trying to sound calm. “I need everything ready for today’s approval.”

He hesitates, tapping his pen. Then, with a small grunt, he slides the file card across the desk.

“Thank you, Mr. Lance,” I say, flashing a polite smile before stepping out. Only then do I exhale, gripping the file like treasure.

As I descend the stairs, I freeze—Asher and his pack of friends are coming up.

They start snickering the moment they see me. I roll my eyes and try to pass, but Asher blocks my path.

“What’s your problem?” I snap.

“Problem?” His smirk widens. “You were the one who decided to sleep with a nerd right after we broke up. That’s the problem. Couldn’t you have done better, Catherine?”

I meet his gaze, unflinching. “Guess it shows how easy it was to move on from you, Asher.”

His jaw tightens. “That’s a lie, Cat. You’re just trying to make me jealous. You don’t have to, because soon we’re getting back together.”

I laugh coldly. “We were over, Asher. And we still are.”

He steps closer. “You love that nerd—”

“At least that nerd knows how to make a girl feel good,” I cut him off sharply. “And if you or your pack of dogs ever lay a finger on Dominic again, you’ll regret it.”

I shove him aside and keep walking. His friends snicker behind him, but I don’t turn. Not once. My pulse is racing, but for once, my eyes stay dry.

Exhaling slowly, I tighten my grip on the file and head to my first class. I can’t wait to meet Mr. Ray.

I scribble notes, checking the time as the teacher drones on about something I’ll probably forget by lunch. For once, I’m actually grateful I chose Business over Science—at least I don’t have to sit through class with Asher and Jennifer.

When the bell rings, I grab my bag and head to the cafeteria with Alice, who’s still blushing from her little “accidental” run-in with Hayden in the principal’s office.

My eyes land on Dominic across the hallway. He’s walking toward the cafeteria with his group, shoulders stiff, jaw tight. He passes Alice and me without a single glance.

“Did you guys have a fight? He looks extra grumpy today,” Alice asks.

I shrug. “Maybe he just doesn’t want to act out of the normal.”

Truth is, he’s probably still mad about Asher.

We move inside.

“I’ll go order!” Alice says, skipping off.

Across the room, the red-haired girl with Dominic won’t stop leaning into him, whispering things into his ear until he starts smiling like an idiot. I roll my eyes. She’s just like Jennifer—always going after someone else’s boyfriend.

I slump into an empty table, trying not to glare. Alice returns with a tray, practically glowing.

“Hayden paid!” she squeals, dropping the tray.

I smile faintly. “Free food.”

She grins. “You’re rubbing off on Dominic. Guess what? He’s actually going out tonight. I almost fainted when he said I’d have to lock up the shop.”

“Wait… going out where?” I ask, surprised. I made no such plans.

“You don’t have to be shy, Catherine! That music band’s coming to town. Dominic said he’s going with someone, but he wouldn’t say who. I bet it’s you.”

I glance back at Dominic’s table. The red-haired demon is laughing into his shirt like they’re in a comedy club.

“Catherine, stop stomping on the food before you break the plate,” Alice says.

I drop my spoon and force a smile. “I’m fine. I’ll just go to the restroom.”

“You sure you’re okay?”

I nod and walk out before I do something stupid—like drag Dominic out of there by his collar. I don’t need the entire school gossiping. Not yet.

In the bathroom, I splash water on my face, breathing hard. The door creaks open—and of course, it’s Jennifer.

I roll my eyes and turn to leave, but she blocks the door. “Where are you running off to, Catherine?”

“Move, Jennifer. You’re new here—try acting like it.” I push past, but she leans against the door again, smirking.

“Or what? You’ll cry and run to Daddy?”

“Don’t talk about my father.”

“Or what?” she mocks, stepping closer. “Your slut of a father—”

My fist connects with her jaw before she even finishes. She hits the floor hard.

“You deserved that,” I spit, pushing her aside to leave—

—but then I freeze. There’s blood. A knife. Stuck in her thigh.

She lets out a scream, writhing toward the wall. “Someone help! Catherine tried to kill me!”

What the hell—