look at us now // Cole Walter

PROLOGUE: the fool

THE FOOL

I acted like the greatest fool alive. How could I have been so naïve? How could I fall for Cole Walter, of all people, and believe he wouldn't betray me?

And betray me he did — in the worst way. With his brother's girlfriend. Typical Cole, never knowing the meaning of boundaries, not even with someone who had been part of his life since we were three. Not even with his own brother.

Every word he'd whispered, every touch we'd shared, curdled into lies the moment I saw his lips on hers. Still, I swore he'd never see the wreckage he left behind. My heart might be shattered, but I'd never hand him the satisfaction of knowing how deeply it cut.

Now, even the smallest things sting. The empty passenger seat where he used to drive me to school. The way everyone in the Walters' home still greets me warmly — everyone but him. He used to be the first. Now he acts like I'm the guilty one, like I'm the one who crossed the line. It's unbearable.

I was sprawled across Isaac's bed, trying to drown my thoughts in nonsense, when he muttered, "I can fight him if you want."

From the corner, Lee laughed, and Isaac promptly hurled something at his head.

"No," I sighed, pushing myself upright. "I don't need you to play hero. And let's be real, you couldn't even if you tried."

Isaac narrowed his eyes. "That was rude."

I smirked. He shoved me, and I tumbled off the bed with a dramatic yelp.

The door swung open. And there he was. Cole.

"Oh," he said flatly. "Sorry. Thought something happened—"

"Get out," Isaac snapped.

Cole's jaw tightened, but he gave a stiff nod and closed the door behind him.

My pulse hammered. "I've gotta go," I muttered, already reaching for my bag.

"You're staying for dinner," Isaac insisted, blocking me with a sigh.

"It's too awkward!"

"Ah, young love," Lee teased.

I launched a pillow at his face. "Shut up, Lee!" Isaac and I barked in unison.

Isaac tried again. "It's only awkward if you make it awkward."

I rolled my eyes. "No, it really is awkward."

Lee jabbed a finger in my direction. "It is."

When I finally tried to leave, Isaac blocked the door again, softer this time. "Stay. Katherine wants you here. We want you here."

I groaned, flopping back on his bed. "I hate you."

"Cry about it," he smirked.

So I stayed. And when Isaac carried me into the dining room slung over his shoulder like a sack of flour, cheeks flaming, I realized just how much of a mistake that was.

George raised a brow. "I don't even want to know."

I slid into my usual seat — directly across from Cole. Of course.

Isaac grinned smugly beside me as Katherine's warm smile softened the tension. "How was everyone's day?" she asked, her gaze lingering kindly on me.

"Oh, you know," I replied lightly. "Helped Grandma in the garden, got kidnapped by Isaac, now I'm trapped here."

Katherine laughed. "Isaac, stop dragging her around."

"I'm innocent," he said solemnly. "She befriended me. Not my fault."

Dinner should have felt normal, but Isaac's phone buzzed nonstop, until George finally asked, "Who's texting you so much?"

Isaac tossed his phone aside. "Everyone."

"Why?" Alex chimed in.

Isaac gestured at me. "Asking if she'll go out with them. Like I'm Tinder now."

I groaned. "I said no!"

He smirked. "One guy even offered me whatever I wanted if I set him up. Unless I liked Violet for myself."

"Yuck," I muttered.

"Tell me about it. People don't see I'm hotter than her."

"Excuse me?" I snapped. "We've been over this. I'm hotter than you."

"Well, doesn't matter. I told them yes. So now you've got eighteen dates lined up, and I've got eighteen favors coming my way."

"You what?!" I yelped, shoving him.

And that's when Cole's chair screeched back, the sound slicing the air. He stormed out without a word, slamming the front door behind him.

I clenched my jaw. "Isaac, you have five seconds to run."

His eyes widened. Then he bolted.