Chapter 5: The Party Trap

Deborah’s POV

By now, a few of the students had begun to pay attention to the banter that was going on around me. Their conversations lessened as Olivia's sharp voice rose, cutting through the flow of the music like a knife.

Her words drifted like smoke, slithering through the air and drawing attention. Cruel and infectious laughter bubbled through the air, and the sounds of their amusement tore at my insides making my chest tighten.

I felt the laughter hit me like cold wind against bare skin. My cheeks burned as though I’d been slapped, the heat rising all the way up to my ears. A lump formed in my throat, thick and hard to swallow. My fingers curled into fists at my sides, nails pressing lightly into my palms.

The noise pressed in, surrounding me, making me feel small and all I wanted to do was disappear.

“She's great. It's as simple as that, Olivia,” Liam said with a smile on his face.

My head snapped up, my eyes, wide and glassy behind my thick glasses, shone with unsaid appreciation as it locked onto Liam's and for a brief moment, everything else faded as a feeling of gratitude passed through me.

The bright lights above us flickered faintly, dancing across Liam’s jawline as if the universe was highlighting his words. The crowd noise dropped into the background for a moment, a low murmur of confusion and curiosity buzzing just beneath the music. I focused on Liam’s eyes—warm and unreadable—anchoring me to the moment.

From the look on Liam's face, it was obvious that he meant what he said and he wasn't just saying it to be polite.

Even though I'm sure he was just doing it because he needed my help, I was still grateful as no one had ever stood up for me in public like this—definitely not against people like Olivia.

This wasn't the first time I was bullied, I have been bullied my whole life—pre-school, middle school, high school. And though I had already gotten used to it, it did not change the hurt I always felt whenever it happened.

The words always stung, no matter how many times they were said. No matter how tightly I wrapped my arms around myself or told myself not to care, it always hurt.

“Do you know what it will do to my reputation if your first girlfriend after me is this pathetic little needy virgin?” Olivia asked, anger flashing through her icy eyes.

At the word ‘virgin’, gasps rippled through the other students as they stood like spectators in a drama show. From the corner of my eye, I saw someone choke on their drink while I heard another snicker.

My stomach dropped. It felt like a trapdoor had opened under me. A cold sweat gathered at the back of my neck, trickling down my spine. I could almost hear the blood pounding in my ears.

Without even blinking, Liam asked, “Why does Deborah being a virgin bother you so much? I think it's kinda sweet,” his words mirroring my thought.

I looked at her eyes, expecting her answer as even I, wanted to know.

Though Olivia rolled her eyes in obvious disdain, I could see something else flash in her eyes.

It was quick—like a crack in her mask. Unable to say anything more to Liam, Olivia turned to leave, making me sigh deeply in relief, but it seemed I celebrated too soon because she turned back almost immediately.

“This is just the start, you sexless ironing board,” she said with a sly smile. Her minions laughed behind Olivia mimicking her glee like their insults meant nothing. “Get ready for the plan I have specifically for you in five minutes,” she added, her sly smile turning innocent all of a sudden.

What did she mean? What plan? Five minutes? I wondered as panic began spiraling through me. I felt my hand tremble slightly, making me tightly grip my elbows to steady myself.

The cardigan sleeves bunched slightly under my fingers, the soft knit digging into my palms as I clenched tighter. The room seemed warmer now, stifling. I could smell sweat, cheap perfume, and the bitter tang of alcohol in the air.

Then Olivia turned and winked at me, the simple mocking gesture feeling like a slap. Then she turned on her heel and walked away with Cindy and Mindy following after her like shadows, whispering and laughing as their ponytails bounced with every step.

Their giggles echoed long after they disappeared into the crowd, and every sound made my skin crawl.

What did she mean? I wondered to myself again knowing fully well that whatever it was, wasn't going to be good.

My heart beat loudly in my chest as I watched Olivia walking away. Liam moved from beside me and stepped in front of me, it was as if he were using his body to shield me from Olivia.

I felt the shift in energy—like he was creating a bubble around us, blocking out the taunts and judgment with nothing but his presence.

I let out a sigh of relief, “Come on. Let's get out of here, I'll take you to somewhere better,” Liam said with a small smile on his face. The corners of his mouth tilted just enough to make it feel real—not forced or polite.

I nodded my head in agreement. But at that moment, my stomach growls loudly, reminding me that I haven't eaten since breakfast. “Oh,” I gasped nervously, as I moved my hand to my stomach in an attempt to pat it to silence.

My eyes widened in horror as I glanced up at him. The growl was loud enough for a few people nearby to hear. I flushed hot, mortified that on top of everything else, my body had chosen to betray me too.

Liam raised an eyebrow, his smile turning amused.

“Wait here, I'll grab some drinks and snacks,” Liam said, chuckling softly before turning towards the table where those items were kept.

He disappeared into the crowd with a confident stride, weaving between swaying bodies and spilled drinks like he belonged there. I stood frozen, arms wrapped tightly around myself, trying to hold everything together.

The air felt thicker now. The music resumed its beat, but it sounded distant—muffled by the noise in my head and the pounding of my heart.

I glanced at the clock and my heart skip a beat as I realized it was just one minute remaining.