Chapter 7

Olivia stared at Riley for a moment, her brain spinning. She knew it was an impossible idea, but Riley's face was so hopeful.

"Fine, I'll think about it," Olivia mumbled, and Riley's face lit up.

 "Really?"

 "Yes."

 "Thanks, Livia." Riley pecked her cheek, making Olivia chuckle. She'd just find an excuse not to go that day.

Evening, Collins Mansion

At the dining table sat Amelia, Madeline, and Olivia. The clattering of cutlery filled the air before Amelia spoke up.

"Your father will be returning home this weekend."

 Olivia momentarily froze, choking on her food. Oh no!

 "Are you okay, sweetie?" Amelia asked worriedly, even though she knew exactly why she reacted that way.

"I'm... fine." Olivia took a sip of water, making Madeline snort.

"So, girls, how has school been?" Amelia asked, trying to change the topic.

 "Fine, Mom," Olivia mumbled, stuffing a piece of steak into her mouth.

 "Mom, there's this party this weekend. I really need to go," Madeline said, pushing her black hair behind her back.

"Oh, really?"

 "Yes, Mom." Madeline smiled meekly. Olivia secretly rolled her eyes. Pretentious bitch.

"What about you, Livia?" Amelia turned to Olivia, scrutinizing her.

"No, Mom."

 "The nerd doesn't go to parties," Madeline slurred mockingly.

"Don't speak to your sister like that, Madeline. You're supposed to look out for her."

"Of course, Mom," Madeline protested, then turned to Olivia with a sickly sweet smile."Am I not taking care of you, baby sis?"

 Olivia glared at her secretly, muttering, "Yes, you are."

 "Good, then." Amelia smiled proudly at her daughters. "You're going to this party, Livia."

"What? No!" Olivia exclaimed.

 Henshaw Mansion

Ava turned off the shower and wrapped a towel around her body, her hair still wet. She grabbed her phone, reacting to the pictures Noah had posted on I*******m.

He's so cute. She smiled before walking into her room, oblivious to the figure sitting on her bed.

 "I've been waiting for so long, baby."

 She froze at the sound of that hoarse voice—her nightmare.

 Her uncle.

 "Un...cle Carter, wh-what are you doing here?" she stuttered, clutching her towel tightly.

 The man, in his early fifties but still muscular, stood there in just a robe, grinning mischievously. "This is my house, remember?"

 Beads of sweat formed on Ava's forehead as she took a step back. "Please don't hurt me."

 Carter approached her slowly, like a predator stalking its prey, his eyes gleaming with lust as they roamed over her curves.

 "I won't hurt you, baby. Just do what I want."

"But I'm your niece!"

 "Nooo! Please!" Ava cried as he grabbed her waist, yanking her towel off in one swift motion, pulling her against him roughly. Her phone fell to the floor, but he didn’t seem to care.

 "Don't fight it, baby. I'll make it good for you," he whispered before his lips attacked hers before shoving her onto the bed.

 Ava's cries and pleas filled the air seconds later, but to Carter, they were music to his ears.

Next Day, Hamilton High

Sports Day

Olivia and Riley walked out of the locker room, wearing pink and blue jerseys, respectively. Riley carried a water bottle in her hand as they passed groups of students on their way to the new basketball court.

 "So, you're definitely coming, right?" Riley's eyes glinted with excitement, referring to the party.

 Olivia stifled a groan. "Yes, I am."

 Riley smiled, but there was something brittle about it, as if she was hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Meanwhile, Olivia couldn't understand why Riley was so determined to make her go.

They entered the large court and moved to sit at the back. The bleachers were already filled with students. The BB Girls were prancing around with poms in their hands, dressed in their cheerleader outfits and swinging their hips toward the crowds.

Olivia's eyes glazed over and she bit her lip trying not to think about her promise to Riley.

Boys Changing Room

 Dereck was glued to his phone while Leo tied the laces of his sneakers. A few minutes later, Jayden, one of the players, walked in. "Game's about to start. What are you two doing?"

 "We're coming, man," Leo scoffed, but Dereck said nothing.

 "We really need to beat Zach and his crew this time," Jace chimed in as he emerged from the back.

 Jayden frowned. "You’re still in there?"

 Leo laughed, standing up. He walked over to Dereck and pulled him to his feet. As they stepped out of the changing room, Leo turned to Dereck. "We're going to the party, right?"

Dereck's eyes narrowed. "Don't look at me like that. Scarlett invited me—you know I can't refuse her."

"Screw you, Leo. Don't talk to me," Dereck snapped, glaring at him as they walked onto the court.

 Loud screams erupted from the bleachers as the boys entered. Dereck kept a straight face, while Leo smirked and blew kisses to the crowd. Then Zach walked in, a cute bandana tied around his head, a single earring gleaming on his ear, his cold blue eyes devoid of emotion. Next was Noah, his dark, predatory gaze scanning the crowd, followed by Kyle, his expression blank, his dull green eyes calm. Their team members trailed behind, and the arena exploded with maddening screams.

 "Zach, we love you!"

 "Here come the Lions!"

"Noahhhh!"

 "Kyle, just look at me!"

 "We're so beating the Tigers!"

 Meanwhile, the Tigers' fans chanted the opposite.

 "I wonder what they see in them." Olivia scrunched up her nose from where they sat.

 Riley's lips curved. "They're cute."

 "I think Liam is better," a girl from behind chimed in.

Riley bit her lip, remembering the way Liam had held her.

"Hi, I'm Layla," the girl introduced herself. She had big, cute brown eyes and small lips. Olivia gave her a small smile as she sat beside them, while Riley ignored her.

 "Yaaay!"

"The Lions won!"

 Victory screams filled theair as students erupted into cheers. Dereck and his team stormed off the court immediately after the game ended, shooting dark glares at Zach’s team. Meanwhile, Irene and her cheer squad broke into an impromptu celebration, performing acrobatics.

 Noah smirked. Kyle's face remained unreadable.

 As the boys were leaving the court, Olivia felt her breath hitch. His eyes were on her again. Zach was looking at her. His lips curved into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"Let's go, Riley." Olivia grabbed her friend's arm, dragging her away and leaving Layla behind.

"What's wrong?"

 "It's nothing," Olivia muttered hastily, blending into the crowd of students leaving the basketball court.

 Later in the Afternoon, Classroom

 "You're acting weird." Riley studied Olivia closely. Her fingers were trembling as she tried to act normal, burying her face in a book.

 Before Olivia could respond, someone dropped into the seat beside Riley.

 "Hi, girls."

 Riley looked up, and Olivia put her book down.

 "Owen!" they exclaimed in unison.

 He smiled warmly. A bandage was still wrapped around his head, but his face looked healthier.

 "How are you feeling?" Olivia asked, leaning forward.

 "Much better. Uh… I just wanted to thank you both for helping me."

 "It's fine, Owen. We were happy to help." Riley chuckled, and Olivia smiled.

Friday Evening – Party Night-Hamilton Mansion-Irene's Room

"Check out my dress!" Irene squealed, twirling in front of the mirror. The strapless gown hugged her body tightly, its hemline dangerously short.

"You rock, girlie! Zach's gonna go over the moon," Madeline gushed, applying makeup.

 "Exactly my plan."

 They turned to Ava, who was sitting quietly on Irene’s queen-sized bed, fidgeting with her fingers.

 "Ava, is everything okay?" Madeline asked, concerned.

Ava said nothing.

"Oh, please, leave her alone," Irene scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Madeline sighed and turned back to the mirror, while Irene took several selfies.

Outside Collins Mansion

Olivia shifted uncomfortably on her feet. She was dressed in a white flowery dress, her hair pulled into a ponytail with a black ribbon, a few loose strands falling over her face. Her glasses rested on her nose, and she had applied light makeup with a subtle red tint to her lips.

Madeline had already left with the car, saying she couldn't risk ruining her reputation by being seen with her nerd sister. Now, Olivia was waiting for Riley to pick her up. She had decided to go back inside and fake an illness when a black SUV pulled up in front of the house. The window slid down.

"Olivia!" Riley stuck her head out of a window.

Olivia sighed and opened the door, sliding in.

"You look like a doll, but do you have to wear your glasses?" Riley pouted, plucking them off.

 "I can't do without them. You look pretty too," Olivia chuckled, leaning her head against the seat.

 Riley smiled nervously. "Thanks."

 As the driver pulled away, Riley slipped out her phone and quickly texted Zach.

 💬 I'm bringing Olivia.