جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 10

Jules POVThey disappear around the corner, leaving me alone in the hallway with my scattered papers and my relentlessly buzzing phone. The notifications won't stop. Every few seconds, another group chat lights up. Another photo gets shared. Another cruel comment gets posted.I slide down the wall until I'm sitting on the cold floor, watching my entire world unravel in real time through social media.My phone rings, cutting through the constant buzz of notifications. Dad's contact photo fills the screen—him in his coaching gear, arm around my shoulders at last year's homecoming game.I stare at it, completely paralyzed. After four rings, it goes to voicemail. Immediately starts ringing again.Around me, the athletic department continues its normal Wednesday afternoon rhythm. Coaches walking between offices with clipboards. Athletes heading to practice with equipment bags slung over their shoulders. Work-study students hurrying past with their heads down.None of them looking at me lik

Jules POVI grab a sandwich and a bottle of water, scanning the crowded room for an empty table. That's when I spot them—a group of football girlfriends and team supporters sitting at their usual prime spot near the windows.Normally, as the coach's daughter and team liaison, I'd be welcome at that table. But today, when Veronica Clarke catches sight of me, she says something that makes the entire table turn to stare. Then, in perfect unison, they all turn away, continuing their conversation like I don't exist.The message is clear: You're not one of us anymore.I find an empty table in the far corner, as far from everyone as possible. The sandwich has no taste, but I force myself to eat. I need to keep my strength up for whatever's coming next."Jules?"I look up to find Tyler Kane standing next to my table with his lunch tray. My heart jumps finally, someone willing to acknowledge my existence."Hey, Tyler," I say, probably sounding more grateful than I should."Mind if I sit?" he

Jules POVThe athletic building's side entrance is always unlocked during evening meetings. I learned that during sophomore year when I used to bring Dad forgotten playbooks and forgotten dinners.Now I'm using it to sneak into my own father's domain like a criminal.The hallway stretches before me, dimly lit by emergency lighting. My sneakers make soft squeaking sounds against the polished floor, and I wince at each step."I shouldn't be here," I whisper to myself.If Dad catches me, if security sees me but I need to know what they're saying about Adrian and me. I need to know if there's any chance of salvaging this nightmare.The team meeting room door comes into view, light spilling from beneath it. I can hear multiple voices, all male voices but familiar.I press myself against the wall and creep closer."complete lack of respect for this program," Dad's voice booms through the door. "For this family."My heart hammers against my ribs as I inch toward the gap between the door and

Jules POVI'm walking past the student union when I hear Ethan's voice drifting from the outdoor seating area."I can't believe I didn't see it coming," he's saying.I should keep walking. Should go straight to Maya's dorm and pretend I never heard anything. But something in his tone sounded raw and wounded. It makes me stop behind the brick pillar that separates the walkway from the patio."You couldn't have known," comes Veronica's voice, dripping with false sympathy. "Jules has always been good at hiding her true nature."My blood turns to ice. I peer around the corner and see them sitting at one of the metal tables—Ethan with his head in his hands, Veronica leaning forward with practiced concern etched across her perfect features."I trusted her," Ethan continues. "My own sister. I brought Adrian home for dinner, introduced him to the family, and the whole time they were plotting behind my back.""You have such a good heart," Veronica says, reaching across the table to touch his a

Adrian POVI shouldn't be here.From my spot behind the library column, I watch Jules carry a cardboard box down her dorm steps. Maya follows with another box, and even from fifty yards away, I can see how thin Jules has gotten in just four days."Cross, you coming to practice?" Tyler's voice behind me makes me jump.I step away from the column quickly. "Yeah. Just heading there now."Tyler follows my gaze across the quad. "Still watching her, huh?""No," I lied."Right." He claps my shoulder. "Coach sees you anywhere near her, you're done. You know that."I know. I've known since the team meeting when Coach made it crystal clear—stay away from Jules or lose everything.Tyler heads toward the athletic complex, but my feet won't move. I watch Jules trip on the bottom step, the box tilting dangerously before Maya steadies her. Even her coordination is off.This is my fault.The thought pounds through my head. Every consequence she's facing, every cruel comment, every moment of isolation