❝Why do always call me Cherry?❞
❝Because your lips taste like Cherries.❞
When teenage supervillain Havoc stands up to the head of the League of Villains, Colby Madden's family is forced to change their identities and relocate to a sleepy Texas subur...
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𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 carved out some precious time for herself. The world outside her bedroom seemed to disappear as she sank into the comfort of a soft bathrobe, the scent of lavender and vanilla candles filling the air. A pile of fluffy towels sat neatly beside her, a mug of warm herbal tea steamed gently on the vanity, and her favorite playlist hummed quietly in the background. She had been looking forward to this all week—a proper spa day to unwind, escape the pressures of school, friends, and the chaos of her secret skateboarding rendezvous with Colby.
Her hair was wrapped in a towel turban, and her face was dotted with a soothing clay mask, leaving only her wide, thoughtful eyes visible in the mirror. She closed her eyes, leaning back against the plush pillows on her bed, and let herself drift into the sensation of calm. For once, no deadlines, no judgmental friends, no Colby-induced heart palpitations—just peace.
And then, without warning, her moment of tranquility was shattered.
"BOO!"
Aveline screamed, flinging herself backward on the bed and slapping at the air, only to find Hartley standing in the doorway, grinning triumphantly.
"Hartley!" Aveline gasped, reaching up to peel the clay mask from her face. "You scared me half to death!"
Hartley laughed, stepping into the room, hands on her hips. "Good! You needed it. Honestly, you're way too cozy in here all the time. Get out of the spa bubble. Life doesn't pause just because you put on a face mask."
Aveline groaned, rubbing her eyes. "I know, I know... I just—" She gestured vaguely toward the bathrobe and tea. "I was having a spa day. This is important!"
Hartley rolled her eyes, unbothered by the clay smears across Aveline's cheeks. "Important? Really? Or are you just avoiding the world?"
"Maybe a little of both," Aveline admitted, tugging at the edges of her robe.
Hartley tilted her head, smirking. "Well, newsflash. The world is calling. And by world, I mean me. Come with me—Madden house. You're going to meet Colby's family. Yes, all of them. And yes, you're going."
Aveline froze mid-sip of her tea. "What? No! I... I was just relaxing. I don't feel like—"
Hartley crossed the room in a few quick strides, perched on the edge of the bed, and leaned close, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Aveline, trust me. You need to go. It's not like you can hide in here forever. And besides... I know you've been thinking about him."
Aveline's cheeks heated, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be absorbed in adjusting her towel turban. "I... maybe... I don't know what you mean," she mumbled, trying to sound casual but failing spectacularly.
Hartley raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Don't even try to lie. You're humming that Avril song again—Complicated—the one about not caring what people think. You've got that exact vibe right now, pouting and ignoring the world. Admit it—you're thinking about Colby."
