A GIRL NAMED NOVA.
“Because I need someone who fits my world. You’re smart, Nova, but intelligence isn’t everything. You’re… wretched. You don’t belong in my class.”
The crowd gasped, and Mandy laughed—a sharp, ugly sound that cut through the air.
“Oh, poor Nova,” she cooed mockingly. “Did you really think Daniel wanted you? You? With your faded shoes and bus rides?”
That was when I snapped.
Before anyone could stop me, I raised my hand and slapped her. Hard.
The sound echoed through the hall—and that’s where this story began.
When Daniel hit me back, everything went quiet. My chest heaved. For a moment, I saw my reflection in the mirror wall behind him—tears streaking down my face, mascara running, a broken g