𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟓

LILIANA
ROSELINE

I sat cross-legged on Marcella's bed, Stella and Avery flanking me. The air felt lighter now, like we were finally settling into something that had been building for ages. "Finally, Damon gave in," Stella muttered, her tone dripping with satisfaction.

We all nodded, a shared understanding passing between us. It had taken him long enough, but at least it happened.

Things with Jaxon had been... okay. We were on speaking terms, but the distance between us still lingered. We talked when we had to, nothing more. It wasn't the easiest situation, but it was better than outright hostility. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Stella nervously nibbling on her bottom lip, her eyes glued to her phone. It was her tell—she always did that when she was anxious or upset.

I picked up my phone, figuring I'd scroll through Instagram to distract myself. That's when I noticed a new post from Grayson.

Curious, I tapped on it, and the moment the picture loaded, I understood why Stella was so moody. Grayson was at a party, arms casually slung around some girl. She was smiling up at him, clearly enjoying his attention. The post was only a few minutes old, and I couldn't help but smile as I glanced back at Stella.

She was seething with jealousy, even if she wouldn't admit it outright. Her eyes flicked to my screen, and the faintest blush crept up her neck.

"You saw it, didn't you?" she grumbled, not even bothering to deny it.

I laughed lightly. "You're jealous."

"Am not," she shot back, but her voice lacked conviction.

Avery chuckled, leaning over to get a better look at my phone. "Oh, she's jealous, all right."

"Fine," Stella snapped, crossing her arms. "Maybe a little. But he's such an ass. Posting that like he's trying to get a reaction out of me."

"Is it working?" I teased.

She glared at me, but her lips twitched, betraying a small smile. "Shut up," Stella was fuming, her anger bubbling over as she threw her phone down on the bed. "Asshole, he kisses me and he posts this chic?" Her frustration was clear, and it was impossible to ignore the hurt in her voice.

Marci and Avery exchanged glances, concern written all over their faces. I didn't blame them—this situation was a mess. I quickly explained what was going on. "Grayson posted a story with a girl," I said, hoping to give some context.

Stella's frustration only seemed to deepen. "It was probably old," I tried, hoping to ease the tension.

"Old? I don't care! You don't just kiss people and do this!" Stella snapped, her emotions all over the place.

Marci raised an eyebrow, a little more detached than the rest of us. "Why do you care? He's an asshole, sweetheart."

I could understand Stella's frustration, but I had to admit that Marci had a point. Grayson was a mess. He was always playing games, never clear about his intentions. "You're right, I have my mother's drama to focus on," Stella muttered, her arms crossed tight against her chest.

Her gaze was cold, her signature glare back in full force. Avery piped up, a little quieter now. "It's not my heart that's going to be broken anyway, it's his."

"Nope, she's bringing hearts into this," Avery whispered, shaking her head, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Stella rolled her eyes but didn't respond, instead changing the subject. "I do have a heart! And that was a figure of speech," she hissed, glancing at Avery. "Who even asked for your opinion in this, Aves?"