Chapter Four

Markham Rehab Hospital, VIP Ward

The rhythmic beeping of the ventilator filled the quiet room, mingling with the faintly nauseating scents of disinfectant and fresh flowers.

 Inside the large private room, surrounded by stark white walls, Liam sat on a chair beside the bed, his gaze fixed on the unmoving figure lying peacefully before him.

 Despite the mask covering her face, she looked beautiful, her features well-kept, her radiant skin and long lashes resting delicately on her cheekbones—a sign that she had been well cared for over the years.

 Liam’s hands gently held hers, his thumb running over her cool skin in slow, soothing motions. His gray eyes locked on her still form, praying for the smallest of twitches.

 "When will I see your pretty smile again, Lena..." His deep voice was barely above a whisper.

 "When will I get to hold you...?"

 Silence.

 "I miss you...so much."

 His fingers continued their gentle caress, his gaze never leaving her face.

 "I promise to make him pay for doing this to you." His eyes darkened with icy resolve. After a few more minutes, he rose to his feet, he leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead before turning toward the door.

 Pausing for one last glance at the sleeping beauty beneath the oxygen mask, he finally walked out.

 As he made his way through the hospital, his sharp eyes caught sight of Madeline stepping out of a room.

What was she doing there? He shrugged it off, decided he really didn’t care, and continued walking.

Harrison High, Classroom

Zachary’s cold blue eyes held no emotion as he sipped his drink, watching Noah type away on his laptop.

Kyle sat back in his chair, eyes closed, blonde hair falling effortlessly over his face. His headphones were on, fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.

 "I really hate people watching me while I work," Noah groaned, running a hand through his brown hair in frustration. Zachary, however, remained unfazed, his piercing gaze not moving.

 "You know what? I’m done." Noah snapped, moving to close his laptop.

 "Fine," Zachary chuckled, finally shifting his gaze to his phone.

 A few minutes later, a smug grin stretched across Noah’s face. "Got the bastard," he announced, pushing the laptop toward Zachary.

 Zachary’s eyes scanned the screen before a slow, unsettling smirk appeared.

 "Owen Moreno," he murmured.

 Kyle, who hadn’t opened his eyes until now, suddenly spoke. "Is he even in this school?"

 How could someone be here and still break the rules unnoticed?

 "Yeah, wimp's a nerd," Noah chuckled. "What a sad thing."

 "What are you planning to do to him, Zach?" Kyle finally asked, raising a brow.

 "What do you think?" Zach replied indifferently.

 Noah smirked, tossing a paper ball at Kyle, who shot him a glare.

 "Just teaching him to mind his business," Zach said as he strode toward the door. Then he suddenly turned.

 "And about Olivia... the party you mentioned?"

 Noah grinned. "What’s in that twisted head of yours, Zach?"

 Zach simply shrugged. "We’re holding it." With that, he walked out.

 Moments later, a girl with long red hair cascading down her shoulders entered.

 "Hi, Kyle," she purred, swaying her hips as she made her way to Noah.

 Kyle ignored her.

 Noah’s eyes darkened as they roamed over her exposed skin. "Why are you late?"

 "I’m sorry, baby." Zoe pouted, pressing herself closer to him.

 Noah grabbed her roughly, pulling her onto his lap before capturing her lips in a hungry, aggressive kiss. She melted into him immediately.

 Kyle rolled his eyes and walked out.

Private Studio

The private elevator doors slid open, and Zach stepped out, hands casually tucked into his pockets—only to find Irene waiting outside his studio.

"What are you doing here?" His voice was gruff.

She turned quickly, her lips curling into a sweet smile. "I was waiting for you, baby." She leaned in to kiss him, but he turned his face away.

 "Leave, Irene."

 Her smile faltered. "What?"

 "I didn’t stutter." His voice was cold.

 She rolled her eyes. "Fine. But you can’t get rid of me, Zach."

 With that, she stormed off.

 Zach sighed, expression annoyed, before inserting his keycard. The door unlocked with a soft click.

Classroom

Olivia buried her face in a book, working hard to shut out the loud chatter around her.

 Beside her, Riley rambled on about the next place she wanted them to explore, but Olivia barely listened. She didn’t know much about Riley yet, but one thing was clear, she was stubborn as hell. No matter how much trouble they had already been through, Riley somehow managed to get them into more.

 "Are you even listening to me, Olivia? Helloooo?" Riley waved a hand in front of her face.

 "What now, Riley?" Olivia sighed.

 Riley pouted. "You haven’t been paying attention, Livia."

 “I have," Olivia said, chuckling.

 "What’s funny?"

 "Nothing," Olivia covered her mouth, but Riley smacked her head lightly.

 "Ouch! What was that for?" Olivia yelped.

 "I heard there’s a private classroom and a forbidden area. Let’s check it out!" Riley whispered excitedly.

 Olivia’s brows furrowed. "The only private classroom in Harrison High belongs to Zachary and his friends."

 Riley gasped dramatically. "Seriously?"

 Olivia rolled her eyes. "Glad you’re scared."

 Before Riley could respond, the classroom door slammed open, and Irene stormed in. The room fell silent. No one dared to speak when they saw her face, red with anger. Ava and Madeline rushed to her side immediately.

 "What happened to her?" Riley whispered, always eager for gossip.

 Olivia only shrugged, adjusting her glasses and burying her face deeper into her book.

 Suddenly, two tall figures walked into the class, and the room buzzed with excitement.

  "Dereck is here!"

 "Oh my god!"

  "They’re here to see Scarlett!"

 "Leo, please look at me!"

 Leo flashed a charming smile at a girl, and she nearly fainted.

 As they strode toward Scarlett and Ruby, the gossiping grew louder, jealousy dripping from every word.

 Riley’s amber eyes widened. "Who are they?"

‘I wish she’d defend us as passionately as she gossips,’ Olivia thought, biting her lip.

 Riley nudged her impatiently.

 "Dereck and Leo," Olivia muttered.

 "I heard that! Tell me about them!" Riley pressed, eyes glued to them.

 "Dereck and Leo are the second-most popular guys after Zachary and his friends. But they’re rivals."

 Riley’s excitement dimmed as she picked at her nails. "I wish we didn’t have to deal with bullies."

Olivia’s smile faded, but before she could reply, a wave of buzzing phones interrupted them.

 "Did you hear?"

  "Zachary’s at it again!"

 "Everyone, hurry!"

  "Who’s the victim this time?"

 Then, all eyes turned to Olivia. Her breath froze in her chest.

 Oh no.