Zoe's POV
I didn't even remember how long I stood outside by the pool after he left.
The night had gone quiet — too quiet — and the only sound left was the faint hum of crickets and the slow ripple of water brushing the edge.
Brandon's words replayed in my head like a cruel echo I couldn't mute.
You're too easy. You are the problem.
You should stick to Seth — he actually has time for you.
Every syllable felt like a blade. How could he say that to me?
I told myself not to cry, that what he said didn't matter, that he didn't matter — but my throat burned anyway.
By the time I walked back into the house, the lights were dimmed, the air smelled faintly of fresh paint, and the soft sweetness of something baking from the kitchen. I darted straight for the staircase, hoping to make it to my room before anyone saw me.
But then I heard his voice.
"Chloe?"
I froze halfway up the stairs.
