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Chapter 27 Not Now

Author: Marymartina
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-17 16:10:42

“Stacey!”

Derick's voice echoed behind her, very close.

Stacey didn’t stop running, instead she increased her speed, her legs screaming for help.

The cold wind slapped against her cheeks, mixing with the heat burning under her skin. Her backpack thumped against her shoulder as her shoes pounded the pavement leading to the school gates.

“Stacey, wait!”

She reached the gate, her fingers shook as she grabbed the metal bar — but before she could yank it open, a hand pressed gently, firmly, over hers.

She froze.

Derick’s breathing was uneven, his chest rising and falling, sweat dampening the collar of his uniform shirt. His face was a mixture of confusion and sadness.

“Stacey,” he said quietly, his voice softer, almost pleading. “Talk to me. Please.”

She turned her face away, wiping her cheeks quickly with the back of her palm — but her breath hitched, betraying her.

“Don’t cry,” Derick whispered, trying to catch her gaze. “Tell me what’s going on. Did I do something wrong?”

She swallowed
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