Hailey’s POV
The library smells like old paper and quiet.
It’s the only place in this school that still feels safe to me. No whispers. No eyes cutting into my back. Just rows of books that don’t judge, don’t lie, don’t demand anything. I slip into my usual corner, drop my bag beside the chair, and sit down, closing my eyes for a moment.
'Breathe in.Breathe out.' I murmured
My heart is still racing from earlier, but the silence helps. It always does. Reading, being alone—this has been my coping habit long before boys, mafia houses, or broken trust ever entered my life.
Then I hear heavy footsteps. I don’t need to look up to know who it is.
“Didn’t expect to find you hiding here,” Brighton says, his voice low and smug.
I open my eyes and finally lift my head.
He’s standing between tw
