Chapter 9
Monday mornings were usually the worst, but today, Liana felt a strange mix of anticipation and dread as she walked into school. After the weekend with Aiden, everything seemed different. Hallways that once felt dull now held possibilities, and every glance she caught from him felt like a spark she couldn't ignore.
But along with excitement came an unexpected weight: Brianna.
As soon as Liana entered the hallway, she noticed Brianna leaning casually against her locker, smirking like she had been waiting for her. Liana's stomach tightened. She had hoped that after the weekend, Brianna might leave her alone—or at least not make everything so tense.
Brianna's eyes followed her like a hawk, sharp and calculating. Then, without a word, she pushed past Liana with an exaggerated laugh, brushing her shoulder against hers just enough to make her flinch.
"Still trying to be invisible?" Brianna's voice was sweet, but there was a venom underneath it that Liana could feel immediately.
Liana forced herself to keep her expression calm. "Just walking to class," she said softly.
Brianna laughed again, tossing her hair back. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Liana bit her lip and walked away, her mind buzzing. Brianna was dangerous in subtle ways—she didn't need to shout or make a scene. One glare, one whispered word, and suddenly the entire social hierarchy at school shifted in her favor.
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By second period, Liana's nerves had calmed a little. She was halfway through a literature lecture when she felt a familiar presence near her desk.
Aiden.
He leaned slightly, just enough so no one else could notice, and whispered, "Hey."
Liana's heart skipped. "Hi."
"You okay?" he asked, his voice low and warm.
"I'm fine," she murmured, though her cheeks betrayed her. Brianna's subtle interference had rattled her more than she wanted to admit.
Aiden reached across the small space between them and nudged her notebook lightly. "Don't let her get to you."
"I'm not," Liana said, trying to sound confident. But inside, she couldn't help the tiny twist of worry. Brianna's presence was a reminder that nothing came easy. Someone had always made her feel like she didn't belong, and now, even with Aiden noticing her, the shadows of the past lingered.
Aiden squeezed her shoulder quickly, a small but reassuring gesture, before turning back to his own work. Liana felt a warmth spread through her chest. His support, quiet and unwavering, made her feel stronger than she had in months.
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Lunchtime came, and Liana found her usual table in the corner. She wasn't sure if she wanted to eat alone or try sitting near Aiden, but before she could decide, he appeared beside her, tray in hand.
"Mind if I sit?" he asked.
"Not at all," Liana replied, smiling.
They ate quietly, exchanging small conversations about homework and classes. But Brianna's presence was still felt, even from across the room. She had stationed herself near the main table, clearly keeping an eye on both of them, her smirk barely hidden.
Aiden noticed too. "Ignore her," he whispered, leaning slightly closer. "She doesn't matter."
Liana nodded, grateful for his words. But even as she tried to focus on him, she realized something important: this wasn't going to be easy. The attention she'd longed for came with complications. Someone would always try to make her feel small.
Yet, with Aiden by her side, she felt ready to face it. His presence reminded her she wasn't invisible anymore. And that was more powerful than anything Brianna could do.
As the bell rang, Liana felt a tiny spark of determination. She would no longer shrink away from life, from Aiden, or from the challenges Brianna represented. This week might test her, but she was beginning to realize that she could stand her ground—and maybe, just maybe, even claim her place.
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