---
Part 53 – Shifting Hearts
The corridors of St. Mary's Academy buzzed with energy, students chattering and laughter echoing between the tall glass windows. It was just another day for most, but for Kylie Sinclair, the day carried its own quiet thrill. She had woken up with Nick Carter in her thoughts again—his sharp jawline, the calm way he carried himself despite being constantly surrounded by attention, and the fact that he never seemed desperate for anyone's approval. That confidence was magnetic, and she felt herself pulled deeper toward him each day.
Kylie had always been used to people wanting her attention. She was rich, gorgeous, and carried an aura that most couldn't resist. But she wasn't like the other girls who flirted with everyone just to feel important. Kylie only gave attention to people she thought were worth it, and Nick Carter was more than worth it.
That morning, she spotted him near the campus garden, his tall figure leaning casually against the stone railing, a book unopened in his hand. Around him, a small group of girls hovered, giggling at things he barely responded to. Nick gave them polite smiles, but his eyes seemed far away. Kylie smirked; he wasn't even trying, yet he had them wrapped around his little finger.
"Morning, Nick," Kylie said smoothly as she approached, ignoring the girls who instantly grew tense at her presence.
Nick glanced up, and for the first time that morning, his expression genuinely warmed. "Morning, Kylie."
The girls exchanged glances and slowly drifted away, muttering excuses. They knew they couldn't compete with Kylie Sinclair.
Kylie slid into place beside him, brushing her long, shiny hair over her shoulder. "You always seem lost in thought. What's on your mind?"
Nick shrugged, his voice calm. "Nothing important. Just… life."
She studied him, her sharp eyes catching the shadow behind his casual tone. She knew he'd once been deeply connected with Anna Rosé, though he never spoke of it anymore. Kylie also knew Anna had chosen Ethan, and Nick had gracefully stepped aside. But Kylie suspected his heart wasn't as cold as he pretended.
"You know," Kylie said lightly, "people say thinking too much makes you boring."
Nick chuckled under his breath. "And people also say talking too much makes you annoying."
Kylie smirked. "Good thing I'm neither."
Their banter flowed easily, and for a moment, Kylie caught something rare in Nick's eyes: amusement. She felt a rush of victory.
---
Across the courtyard, Anna stood with Ethan, listening halfheartedly as he spoke about an upcoming party his cousin planned. Her gaze, however, betrayed her. She couldn't stop herself from glancing toward Nick and Kylie. The sight of Kylie leaning close to Nick, her lips curved in that perfect smirk, made Anna's stomach tighten uncomfortably.
She told herself she shouldn't care. She was with Ethan. She had chosen him. She had told Nick she didn't love him. But still… why did it hurt to see him smile with Kylie?
"Anna, are you listening?" Ethan's voice cut sharply into her thoughts.
"Yes," Anna replied quickly, forcing a smile. "Of course I am."
Ethan narrowed his eyes, following her line of sight. When he saw Nick and Kylie together, something dark flickered in his expression. He hated how easily attention gravitated toward Nick. He hated even more how Anna's eyes softened when she looked in that direction.
Ethan slipped his arm around Anna's waist, pulling her close. "Forget them. Stay with me."
Anna smiled weakly, but her chest felt heavy.
---
Later that afternoon, during lunch, the four of them—Nick, Kylie, Anna, and Ethan—ended up in the same circle by coincidence, or perhaps by cruel fate. A group of classmates had dragged them all to sit together.
Kylie wasted no time. She leaned toward Nick, whispering something in his ear that made him laugh quietly. The sound struck Anna like a knife. She picked at her food, trying to mask the jealousy that churned inside her.
Ethan noticed, of course. His jaw tightened, and his possessive grip on Anna's hand grew stronger. "Eat," he ordered softly, a warning hidden in his tone.
Anna obeyed, but her mind was elsewhere. Every laugh Nick shared with Kylie echoed painfully inside her.
"So, Nick," Kylie said playfully, "I've heard you never let anyone win against you in tennis. Care to prove the rumor wrong?"
Nick raised an eyebrow. "Are you challenging me?"
"Maybe," Kylie teased, her eyes sparkling.
Nick smirked. "Then prepare to lose."
The table erupted with laughter, but Anna's smile was stiff. She excused herself, claiming she needed water.
As she walked away, Ethan's gaze followed her, his suspicion growing. He leaned closer to Nick, his voice low but edged with menace. "Stay in your lane, cousin. She's mine."
Nick's eyes hardened. "She chose you, Ethan. I'm not interfering."
"Then keep it that way," Ethan snapped.
Kylie, watching the tension, interjected smoothly. "Relax, boys. You're both acting like children."
Nick chuckled, easing the tension, but Ethan's glare remained fixed.
---
That evening, the tennis match happened. A crowd of students gathered around the court, eager to watch Nick Carter and Kylie Sinclair face off.
Anna stood on the sidelines with Ethan, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. Deep down, though, she wanted Nick to win.
The game was fast-paced, the sound of rackets striking echoing in the air. Kylie was skilled, her athletic body moving with sharp precision, but Nick was relentless. He played with effortless grace, every movement smooth and calculated.
In the final round, Kylie missed a shot by mere inches, and Nick claimed victory. The crowd cheered.
Kylie laughed, tossing her racket aside. "Alright, Carter, you win. But I'll get you next time."
Nick smiled, offering his hand. Kylie took it, their fingers lingering a second longer than necessary. The crowd erupted with teasing whistles.
Anna's chest tightened again, and she quickly looked away. Ethan noticed and pulled her closer, whispering harshly in her ear. "Stop looking at him."
"I wasn't," Anna lied, her voice trembling.
---
Days turned into weeks, and the closeness between Nick and Kylie only grew. They were seen walking together in the halls, sharing private jokes, even leaving school grounds together in Nick's sleek car. Rumors spread like wildfire—was Nick Carter finally interested in someone? And that someone being Kylie Sinclair?
Anna heard the whispers everywhere she went. Every rumor pierced her heart a little more, though she never let it show. Ethan, on the other hand, grew increasingly possessive. He tightened his control over Anna, making sure she was always by his side, always under his watch.
But the truth was, Anna's heart remained conflicted. She laughed with Ethan, she smiled when others looked, but in the quiet moments, her mind wandered to Nick.
Kylie, meanwhile, was falling deeper. Every day with Nick made her want more. His calm nature balanced her fiery energy. He didn't treat her like a trophy the way most boys did. He respected her, and that made her feel alive.
One evening, as they walked out of school together, Kylie finally voiced it.
"You know, Carter… I think I like you more than I should."
Nick glanced at her, his jaw tightening slightly. "Be careful with feelings, Kylie. They can be messy."
Kylie smiled, undeterred. "Messy isn't always bad."
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them faded.
Anna, watching from across the parking lot with Ethan, felt her knees weaken. She turned away quickly, forcing a smile for Ethan's sake.
But inside, she was breaking.
---