Chapter 5

Talia’s Pov

I didn’t think heartbreak would come with so much rage.  The moment I heard his voice through that door, laughing, mocking, cause that was what it seemed to me, boasting about me like I was some kind of prize, I knew I had been stupid. Stupid for believing the sudden change in him. Stupid for thinking I could get along with him.

“She doesn’t even deserve the Carter heir.”  Who does he think he is? A god?

Those words burned like acid in my chest. I felt like ripping his heart off. I bolted, tears threatening to spill as I ran back to my room. My hands shook as I threw my notebook open and started tearing the pages out. One by one. Like maybe if I destroyed every single piece of thought I’d written about, I could erase what I felt.  

I grabbed my phone and called Chris.  

“I heard him, Chris,” I choked. “I was standing right there. And he made fun of me. Like I’m… I’m some joke.”

It wasn't the first time he made fun of me, but that hurt more than it always did. 

I couldn't tell why. Chris was quiet for a beat. “I’m coming over.”  

But I told him no. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this, broken, embarrassed, and humiliated.  Not Chris either, he couldn't find out I agreed to stay at the mansion. 

The next morning, I was already waiting in the car when the driver turned around and said, “We’re waiting for Maxton. He'd be her in a split second”  

“I’m not waiting for him,” I snapped. “Just drive.”

He gave me a weird look like I couldn't order him around. Was Maxton the only one they respected around her?

He ignored me and modded, avoiding the urge to drive.

Maxton appeared like a curse. He opened the door and slid in next to me, radiating smugness.

I almost got lost in his eyes again, his bare body. What was I thinking!? I hated him.

“Mornin’, skate queen,” he said, smirking like we’ve been friends since forever.

I glared at him. “Don’t talk to me.”

He chuckled. “Touchy today. You didn’t miss me? You had your eyes all over me yesterday.”

“Mister,” I said coldly, “please drop me off before we reach the gate. I don’t want to be seen with him.”

Maxton scoffed. “Not a bad idea, actually. Protect that reputation of yours. But not for long, soon everyone will know you're my sister.”

“So you knew?” 

“I had no say in it. My father was going to do what he wanted anyways and I saw you at the garden corner. I assumed you moved I already.” 

“That's stupid. To think I'd jump at the opportunity or live with you.” 

“That's funny, because my dad said you didn't protest.” 

I didn’t answer. I just stared out the window and counted down the seconds until I could be free from his presence.

I walked straight to class and dropped next to Chris with a sigh. He didn’t say anything, just gave me a small squeeze on my shoulder. That helped. A little.

Then, of course, something I never expected would come in close to the start of my day. 

Bambi stormed into class, glowing like a plastic Barbie doll, hand in hand with Maxton. The whole class erupted in cheers and whistles.

“Ohhh Carter’s back with the Queen of Cheers!”

“She upgraded from fake Ken to real one!”

My stomach twisted. I turned away, pretending to be engrossed in whatever Chris was saying. But I could still feel Maxton’s presence behind me. He wasn’t even sitting with Bambi. He had the audacity to sit next to me.

“Yo Carter,” one guy laughed, “what are you doing? You got the cheer captain and the queen of the rink in your back pocket?”

Another added, “You collecting trophies or trying to get them to fight over you?”

One of the guys made a crude comment, domething about my legs. I didn’t even hear the rest because Maxton slammed his fist against the desk, stood up, and punched him square in the face.

Everyone gasped, and murmured. 

I grabbed my bag and walked out. I didn’t look back.

What the hell was that? If he was going to bring Bambi to class and hold her hand like the world needed to see, why stand up for me? 

I found myself at the local ice cream shop, staring down at a half melted sundae I didn’t even want.

“Rough day?” a voice said beside me.

I turned and saw a guy, maybe a little older, with messy dark hair and kind eyes. He smiled in a way that made me want to roll mine.

“You look like someone who’s being treated unfairly by their lover,” he added.

“I don’t have a lover.”

“Crush, then?”

“No,” I snapped. “Mind your business.”

He raised his hands. “Alright. Didn’t mean to offend. Just… you’ve got that aggressive vibe going on.”

Aggressive. That’s what Maxton had called me, too.

Something in me cracked. I banged my hand on the table and stood up, ready to storm out.

“Wait,” the guy said quickly, grabbing my wrist but gently. “Look, I wasn’t trying to piss you off. I just... You seemed like someone who needed a break.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a black card.

“There’s a party Friday night. Chill crowd. No jerks, I promise.”

He handed it to me. I took it, said nothing, and walked out.

Tch. Promising a party without jerks.