Hearing the boys’ words, Mara’s fake smile stiffened instantly at the corners of her mouth.
For a split second, her carefully controlled expression cracked. The sweetness froze on her lips, and her fingers curled tightly at her sides. A surge of fury rushed through her chest so violently that she almost felt a mouthful of blood lodge in her throat. Her breathing became shallow, her eyes darkening as she stared in Hazel’s direction.
Who did Hazel think she was.
Just because she changed into a pair of shorts.
Just because she dared to show her face properly.
Just because a few boys lost their heads for a moment.
Did Hazel really think she could shake her position as the school flower.
Mara had spent years building her image. Years smiling, performing, studying, pleasing teachers, plea
