Chapter 51

Sage's POV I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I know she doesn’t have real evidence. She’s just trying to break my friendship with Pauline. If Pauline goes to meet her, it means she doesn’t trust me. And if I try to stop her, it’ll only confirm the truth—that I am, in fact, having a relationship with her best friend’s father.” I looked at him, my gaze unwavering. “It’s a test of our friendship, Andrew.”His brow furrowed, a deep frown settling between his eyes. “Do you need help, Sage? I could talk to Pauline myself. That way, she wouldn’t suspect anything from your end.”I shook my head. “No. I can handle this. I knew what I signed up for the moment I started seeing you. And if Rina truly has evidence and Pauline chooses to believe her… then I’ll accept my fate.” I paused then looked up at him, a question in my eyes. “What would you do, Andrew, if Pauline discovered the truth?”His hand tightened around mine. His eyes held a fierce resolve. “I honestly don’t care, Sage. The

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Chapter 52

Ava's POV The rest of the school day passed in a blur of Pauline’s excited whispers and my own internal monologue of guilt and relief. She peppered me with questions about Kay and I fabricated details, weaving a convincing narrative of a budding romance. It felt sickeningly easy, and that only amplified my unease. I was using Kay and I was lying to Pauline, two things I genuinely dislike doing. But the alternative – Rina successfully poisoning Pauline’s mind was far worse.As the final bell rang, I found myself walking out of school with Pauline, her arm linked through mine, her earlier suspicions seemingly forgotten. “You have to tell me everything about your date with Kay tonight,” she gushed, squeezing my arm. “Every single detail! And you know what? We should totally have a double date sometime! Me and… well, I’ll find someone and you and Kay!”I offered a weak smile, the thought of a double date with Kay and Pauline filling me with dread. “Yeah, maybe,” I mumbled, trying to soun

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Chapter 53

Sage's POV The atmosphere shifted subtly after that. We finished packing up the picnic, the easy camaraderie replaced by a quiet tension. Kay still tried to make conversation but I felt a wall go up between us, a direct consequence of my indecision.As we drove back towards town, Kay suggested, “Do you want to grab some dinner? We could go to that new Italian place everyone’s talking about.”My heart sank. More time with Kay, more opportunities for him to press me, more chances for me to dig myself deeper into this lie. But refusing would be suspicious, especially after my earlier "date" excuse to Pauline.“Sure, Kay,” I said, forcing a smile. “That sounds great.”The Italian restaurant was bustling. We were seated at a small table near the window. The aroma of garlic and tomato filled the air but my appetite was gone. I picked at my pasta, my mind replaying Kay’s question.Kay, sensing my distraction, tried to lighten the mood. He told me a funny story about a disastrous basketball

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Chapter 54

Sage's POV The next morning, the lingering unease from the night before clung to me like a damp cloth. Sleep hadn't offered much respite and I woke feeling more exhausted than when I'd gone to bed. The thought of facing Pauline and then Andrew, knowing the web of half-truths I'd woven, made my stomach churn. I dragged myself out of bed, each movement feeling heavy.At school, Pauline was waiting for me by my locker, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “So? How was it? Tell me everything!” she gushed, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.I forced a smile, trying to conjure up an air of casual excitement. “It was good, really good,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “Kay’s really sweet. We went for a picnic at the park and then we grabbed dinner at that new Italian place.”Pauline’s eyes widened. “Oh my god, the Italian place? I heard it’s amazing! What did you guys talk about? Did he hold your hand? Did he try to kiss you?” Her questions came in a rapid-fire succession

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Chapter 55

Sage PovI looked up, meeting his gaze. His expression remained stoic but I could see a flash of something in his eyes, something akin to disappointment.“I know it sounds crazy,” I continued, my voice pleading, “but I really thought it was the best way. Pauline was starting to doubt me and I couldn’t bear the thought of her thinking… of her thinking anything bad about you or about us.”He listened in silence, his expression unwavering. I rushed to explain further, to justify my actions. “And I almost, almost said yes to Kay when he asked me to be his girlfriend. It would have solidified the story for Pauline, made Rina’s accusations completely irrelevant. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. Because I value what we have, Andrew. I value you. I couldn’t betray that even for a plan.”I watched him, desperate for a sign of understanding of forgiveness. But instead, Andrew slowly shook his head, a faint, humorless smile touching his lips.“Sage,” he said, his voice soft, almost a whisper, but it cu

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Semua Bab The Coach's Forbidden Play: Bab 51 - Bab 55

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55