nking back into the chair, he

ed with Julian, she had al

nown him, even if

in an alley by a bully from another school who tried to force her into

land had just slung his bag over his shoulder and replied in a calm, a

ve, it was hard for her not to be captivated, especi

es to indulge in that fleeting crush. Later, they both ended

At the time, Leland was surrounded by Julian and a group of friends. Julian

king up, maintaining his aloo

r that, Bethany stopped trying to get close to Leland. But

d in a passionate online relationship back then-a relat

her family. In a twisted turn of events, she ended up wi

d. They said he still kept the to

ng that someone as exceptional as Lela

o girls walked into the sto

brand-new plaything-some obedient girlfriend he's parading around. He even pa

a small fortune, huh?

enough to snag someone as h

catch his eye. Julian like

would ever work for me!

er, nails digging into her palms, but the pain bar

uly was r

blink of an eye, yet he had forced her into a des

artfelt devotion had

s left, Bethan

flashed acro

e ringing stopped, then watched a

ll did you ge

ing me

need my help, or you'll r

number and deleted his contact information. Yet, a

s lies were exposed, all those sweet promises turne

ivity. It was only late into the night when something broke

s en

spared it a s

brawls were a regular occurrence at Whales-drunk patr

, an ambulance arrived, its sire

view. Bethany leaned over the counter and caught a glimpse of someone being carri

d over to the conven

his neck to see. He grabbed a man's shoulder and aske

u know Julian Wells, right? That

the neighboring shop looked taken aback. "Julian Wells? Who the hell

ome boy-barely in high school-who rushed in w

the two men. "Who did

n when he left yesterday, and a strong s

at the man before whipping his head towards Bethany, a twisted grin spr

nt, it felt as if every last bit o