All Chapters of Last Year - First Love : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Chapter 32The night before had left Annie with more questions than answers. Her notebook sat open on her desk, the last page crowded with messy handwriting, looping words that circled the same thoughts again and again: Adrian says one thing. Damien says another. Who is lying? Who is not?By the time she dropped her pen, the sky outside had already gone dark. And yet, even with her notebook full, her chest carried no relief.The next morning, a crisp white envelope arrived at their door. Its weight was heavier than a simple card, and when Annie broke the seal, gold lettering shimmered across thick paper: Mr. and Mrs. Carlton request the honor of your presence at their wedding anniversary celebration.Of course.When Becky and Sussy received theirs, they came rushing over, clutching the invitations like prized jewels.“They rented an event center,” Becky announced, waving the card. “An actual event center, Annie. Who rents an

Chapter 34The ballroom glittered with gold chandeliers and polished marble, but the air was weighted with something unseen. The name Claire had drifted like a spark across the room, and for Annie, Becky, and Sussy, it might as well have been an explosion.They froze at their table.“Did you hear that?” Becky’s voice was sharp, hushed.Sussy nodded, eyes wide. “Claire. It’s her. It has to be.”Annie’s mind whirled. All their late-night whispers, their theories, the unanswered questions — suddenly they had a face to pin them on. Claire wasn’t just a stranger. She was the missing piece of their investigation.The realization bound them together, their curiosity now sharper than ever.Before they could whisper more, Damien’s voice rang out above the chatter.“Everyone,” he said, calm but commanding. “Please, let’s take our seats. Dinner is served.”Waiters were already gliding forward, removing e

Chapter 36Claire’s heels echoed across the marble floor as she stormed toward the parking lot, each step sharp and uneven. Her vision blurred with tears, but her pace didn’t falter. The night air wrapped around her like a cold hand, yet inside she was burning — burning with confusion, with rage, with a strange ache that felt like both betrayal and relief tangled into one.Her driver looked up from where he leaned against the car, startled by her sudden approach.“Miss Claire—”" What about your parents"?" They are still busy chatting" “ So just drive,” she said hoarsely, her voice breaking. She yanked the door open and slid inside, slamming it shut with trembling hands.The car rolled forward, but Claire hardly noticed. Her chest rose and fell with ragged breaths as Damien’s words repeated over and over in her head.It wasn’t me. It was Adrian.The name stabbed like a blade. Adrian. The one

Chapter 38The moment Claire sat down beside Damien, the silence in the room wasn’t just surprise anymore—it was awe.Whispers rippled softly across the class, as though everyone had just remembered how to breathe.“Wow… she’s so pretty.”“No wonder it went quiet.”“She looks like she walked out of a magazine…”The compliments traveled from desk to desk, hushed but full of wonder. Even students who never cared about new classmates leaned forward, curious. It wasn’t just her beauty; it was the quiet strength in her posture, the way she carried herself with calm dignity, like someone who knew she belonged no matter where she went.Even Emelia, who rarely acknowledged anyone outside her circle, turned to greet her. She smiled warmly and whispered, “You look really beautiful, Claire.”Claire offered a polite nod in return, the faintest curve of her lips.Damien, on the other hand, was anything but calm. He

Chapter 40 The morning sun filtered through Annie’s curtains, but she barely noticed. Sleep had been elusive, her mind replaying Claire’s rejection and Damien’s suspicious look across the window. She sat on the edge of her bed, clutching her phone, debating whether to text Becky and Sussy again or simply pretend last night never happened. But pretending wasn’t her style. “Unbelievable,” she muttered, rubbing her forehead. “She called me a freak… and Damien—ugh, Damien! Always poking his nose where it doesn’t belong.” Her phone buzzed, breaking her train of thought. It was Becky. Becky: Morning. Don’t let yesterday get to you. Claire doesn’t know you yet. People put walls up. Just try again another time. Sussy: Forget walls, she built a whole fortress! But don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. We always do. Annie stared at the screen, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. Their support mattered more than she’d admit. With a sigh, she threw on her uniform and got r