I found Rylan leaning against the lockers, looking far too casual for someone whose name was tangled in a rumor storm.
I walked straight up to him.
"Why didn't you tell me people were saying that about us?" I snapped.
He raised an eyebrow. "Ava, relax. It's just school gossip."
"Just gossip? It's ruining everything. Damien saw it."
He straightened up. "Then why does it matter so much what Damien thinks? You're allowed to talk to other guys."
I stared at him.
He gave a little shrug, and there was something in his eyes — that soft gleam I'd once thought was kindness… now felt more like calculation.
"Are you saying you wanted people to think we were—"
"I'm saying maybe I didn't mind it," he said, eyes narrowing. "You're... special. And maybe I hoped Damien would realize he's not the only one who sees it."
I stepped back, shocked.
Before I could say more, Chloe rushed over, breathless. "Ava. I found something."
---
Chloe's POV
I wasn't supposed to overhear it. But I did.
Two girls near the library — giggling over the post like they were proud.
"I told you tagging her in that pic would go viral," one whispered. "And I told Serena to make it look romantic."
That name sent my stomach flipping.
Serena.
She'd done it.
I ran straight to Ava.
---
Damien's POV
I was in the courtyard when Serena found me.
Fake concern on her face, voice sickly sweet. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," I muttered.
She stepped closer. "You know, I always thought she'd break your heart eventually."
I glared. "Don't."
She pretended to look hurt. "I'm just trying to be there for you."
"Like you were behind that fake rumor?"
Her eyes twitched—just for a second.
"Excuse me?" she said, too innocently.
"I know it was you, Serena," I said coldly. "And if I find out you hurt Ava on purpose—"
"What will you do?" she whispered, stepping even closer. "Ava's sweet, sure. But girls like her don't survive long in places like this. You deserve someone who knows how this game works."
She tried to reach for my hand.
I stepped away.
Before she could say anything more, Ezra appeared, fierce and furious. "Leave. Him. Alone."
Serena rolled her eyes and stormed off — but I could see the fire behind her smile. She wasn't done.
---
Back to Ava's POV
I felt sick.
Everything was spiraling, and the one person I wanted to talk to was caught between doubts and betrayal.
Then my phone buzzed.
Damien: "Meet me in the art room. Now."
---
Art Room
He was there. Waiting. Sketchbook in hand.
When he looked at me, the coldness was gone — replaced with something soft and stormy.
"I was wrong," he said. "About everything."
I stepped forward slowly. "I didn't want to lose you over a lie."
He handed me the sketchbook.
I flipped it open. The latest drawing?
Me — not just drawn, but memorized. Every curl of hair. Every tiny smile. A page full of details only someone who truly saw me would know.
"I never stopped believing in you," he whispered. "I just... got scared."
Tears welled up in my eyes.
I leaned in.
And when he kissed me — everything else vanished.
---
Cut to Rylan – Watching From Afar
He saw them through the window.
Ava.
In Damien's arms.
The kiss.
His jaw clenched.
He turned before they could see him.
But not before a shadow behind him whispered, "You really thought you had a chance?"
It was Serena.
And she was smiling.
---