One Kiss Left

Chapter 30

Valentina's POV

The morning light filtered through my bedroom curtains, casting a soft glow on the walls. I blinked, groggy from the night before, and reached for my phone. As soon as I turned it on, my heart skipped a beat. A new message notification glared at me from the screen. I opened it, my breath catching in my throat as I saw the image.

It was a picture of me and Heaven kissing at the party. Below it, a caption read: "I know what you are."

Panic surged through me. My mind raced with questions. Who could have taken this photo? Why would they send it to me? I felt a lump form in my throat as I tried to process what this meant.

I needed to talk to Heaven. She was the only one who would understand. I dialed her number, but it went straight to voicemail. I tried texting her: *Heaven, please call me. It's urgent.* No response.

Desperation clawed at me. I couldn't just sit here and do nothing. Maybe Detective Martinez could help. I pulled up his number and was about to text him when my phone buzzed again.

Another message from the anonymous sender: *Don't call Detective Martinez or I'll send this picture to the whole school.*

A cold shiver ran down my spine. My hand trembled as I put my phone down. I felt trapped, like there was no one I could turn to. The weight of the situation pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. Tears welled up in my eyes as I curled up on my bed, sobbing. I felt so alone. I knew I wasn't alone, but I felt like I was, and despite not having Heaven with me, I know that she's busy.

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Heaven's POV

The sun was shining brightly as I walked hand-in-hand with Alan. We were at the local park, the perfect place for a casual date. Alan had been insistent on spending time together, and I had reluctantly agreed. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was avoiding something—someone—but I pushed it to the back of my mind, trying to focus on the present.

Alan stopped by a bench and pulled me down next to him. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" he said, smiling.

"Yeah, it is," I replied, forcing a smile. But my thoughts kept drifting to Valentina. I hadn't checked my phone since we left the house, and guilt gnawed at me.

Alan leaned closer, his hand resting on my thigh. "We haven't had much time alone lately. I miss this."

I nodded, but his touch felt invasive. "Yeah, it's been busy."

He leaned in, whispering in my ear. "Why don't we go back to my place? We can have some real alone time."

I stiffened. "Alan, I don't think that's a good idea."

He pulled back, his expression hardening. "Why not? We're together, aren't we?"

I looked away, my heart pounding. "I just... I don't feel like it."

He frowned, his grip tightening on my thigh. "You never feel like it anymore. Do you even love me?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "Alan, this isn't about love. I'm just not in the mood."

He stood up abruptly, anger flashing in his eyes. "You're never in the mood, Heaven. What's wrong with you?"

I felt a surge of anger. "What's wrong with me? You cheated on me, Alan! And you expect me to just forget about it?"

His face twisted with guilt and frustration. "I apologized for that. I've been trying to make it up to you ever since. What more do you want from me?"

"I want you to understand that it's not that simple," I said, my voice shaking. "You broke my trust."