Chapter Seventy-One

CAROLYN’S POVTina had seen us. I thought to myself after my call with J.J. that night. That thought circled my brain like a ceiling fan on high, spinning, relentless, and noisy.I pulled my hair into a loose puff as I lay on my bed, my fingers trembling slightly. The room was dim except for the lamp on my desk, and though the window was cracked open, the air still felt thick, like it was holding its breath with me.Tina had seen us.She saw J.J. lean in during break time—his hand brushing against mine, his voice low and soft as he whispered something dumb but perfect. Something only we would laugh at. The way he looked at me then? I’d never seen anyone look at me like that. Like I mattered more than anything else.But Tina saw. And now she knew. I wondered if what she saw was one of the reasons she had invited me to her party.I was still staring at the ceiling as moonlight slipped through my curtains, illuminating the soft swirl of shadows on the ceiling. I had turned off the light

Last Updated : 2025-06-18

Chapter Seventy-Two

J.J.’s POVI slid into Tina’s flat, the beat of music washing over me in a warm wave. My heart raced, relief rushing in. She’s here. I scanned the crowded room. Fairy lights glimmered, laughter rippled through the air, and I felt light-headed—tonight couldn’t have come soon enough. But I did not see her; she told me she was here. I pulled out my phone and texted her, then waited for a few seconds, but I did not get a response from her. That was weird, she normally replies immediately, especially if she has her phone in hand. I reached the entrance of the kitchen and nearly bumped into Emma. Of course.“J.J.?” she asked, voice smooth and casual, but those eyes were cold, alert, suspicious.“Emma,” I replied, trying to catch a glimpse of Carolyn in the crowd.“Why do you look like you are in a hurry?” she asked, studying my expression."Have you seen Carolyn?" I asked, ignoring her statements"Here "She offered her hand, fanned with purpose. “Can I have a dance with you?”I shook my h

Last Updated : 2025-06-19

Chapter Seventy-Three

My legs locked. My heart shattered.This was not a party.This was a crime.And Carolyn—my Carolyn—was alone, compromised, violated by someone she once trusted. Tina had invited her with those hopeful eyes of friendship, but this wasn’t kindness. It was betrayal.I didn’t think. Every second blurred.The door slammed behind me, cutting off the music and chatter. It left only the low hum of confrontation. In the dim hallway, Carolyn lay on the floor, limp and pale, an empty cup beside her. The boy stood above her, shirt untucked. Tina hovered, phone in hand. It was a nightmare made real.She caught my eye, and everything exploded.“Carolyn, stay here. I’m calling for help!” I said, voice raw with adrenaline.She tried to shake her head, eyes glazed. “Please… just take me home.”Her voice broke me. She was weak, frightened. Another flash of clarity hit me—never again.“Why? I need to take you to the hospital.” My words felt brittle, but they were absolute.“Please just let it go. I don’

Last Updated : 2025-06-20

Chapter Seventy-Four

I stayed home for seven days. I had become sick after being drugged, I couldn't go to church, school or anywhere. I don't know if it's the effects of the drugs that Tina gave to me or just the shock of what she did to me. Seven long, hollow days filled with soup I couldn’t taste, text messages I didn’t reply to, and J.J’s voice replaying in my head—“You matter too much to me.” which he said to me last night, l loved when he said those kinds of things to me.I should’ve felt safe. I was home. My aunt hovered over me with quiet love, and J.J dropped by every day, sometimes just sitting on the edge of my bed without saying anything. But the real noise was inside me: shame, confusion, guilt, fear.Mostly fear.Fear of what came next.I knew school wouldn’t wait forever. I couldn’t live in the shell of my room forever either. I had to get up. Wash my hair. Tie my laces. Face the halls. Face her.So that Monday, I did.The moment I stepped out of Aunt Pat’s car and walked up the steps of C

Last Updated : 2025-06-23

Chapter Seventy-Five

Carolyn's POVThe paper note Emma slipped under my door sat folded on my dresser all day. I didn’t throw it away. I didn’t burn it. I left it where I could see it—like a splinter I wasn’t ready to pull out yet.You’re not as quiet as you think. Some secrets were meant to be shared. Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before stealing what doesn’t belong to you.Stealing. Like J.J. was a phone or a pair of shoes she had misplaced.I stared at it after school, still wearing my uniform, still wearing the fake smile I’d put on in first period. My chest had been tight all day, even tighter when I’d walked past Tina and Emma whispering by the gym doors. And when Belinda and her little squad had hissed “slut” under their breath near the lab, I didn’t flinch. I was too numb for that.But here, in the house that was supposed to be safe, I wasn’t numb.I was furious.I didn’t knock on Emma’s door. I just opened it.She was on her bed, legs stretched out, phone glowing in her hand. She didn’t eve

Last Updated : 2025-06-25

Chapter Seventy-Six

J.J.’s POVI knew something was off the moment I stepped onto school grounds. Of course, I have already heard from Carolyn how Emma had told the whole school that she was sleeping with me.Walking to class made me uncomfortable. No, I was uncomfortable walking to class.Maybe it was the way people shifted when I walked past, the sudden hush in a hallway that usually buzzed like a hive. Or perhaps it was just instinct. You know when someone you care about is being talked about—you feel it in your bones.Then I saw her.Carolyn.Back turned, arms folded tight across her chest like a shield. She stood near her locker while two girls leaned against the wall like they owned the school. Belinda was one of them, and her mouth was moving too fast, like she was trying to make her words hit harder. I didn’t hear everything. But I heard enough.“—shouldn’t even be here. First she gets with J.J, then plays victim like she’s some lost little lamb.”Another girl giggled. “Bet she liked it. Girls li

Last Updated : 2025-06-26