Kingsley Academy

Chapter 20

I storm away from Kade, my heart pounding in my chest, the hurt swirling in my veins like poison. I can still hear his words ringing in my ears. You thought you were special, princess? It felt like a slap in the face—worse than anything I'd expected. After everything we'd shared last night, after the kiss, he just... threw it away.

I wipe at the tears that keep threatening to spill over, trying to pull myself together. But it's no use. It hurts more than I want to admit.

As I make my way down the hall, I bump into Noah. He's leaning against the lockers, talking with a couple of other guys, but when he sees me, his whole demeanor changes. His carefree smile falters, and his eyes widen with concern.

"Allison?" Noah's voice is soft, but there's a seriousness there that I've never really noticed before. He steps toward me, his brow furrowed. "Are you okay?"

I try to swallow the lump in my throat, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace. "I'm fine."

But Noah's not convinced. His eyes sweep over my face, lingering on the tear tracks I've failed to completely wipe away. "Doesn't look like it," he says gently. "Did something happen?"

I'm about to brush him off, to make up some excuse, but instead, something inside me snaps. Maybe it's the hurt. Maybe it's the need to prove to myself that Kade doesn't matter. But before I can think twice, the words slip out.

"Let's go on a date tonight," I blurt, my voice shaky but determined. "You and me."

Noah's eyes widen in surprise, but then a slow smile spreads across his face, genuine and warm in a way that catches me off guard. "Seriously?"

I nod, not really thinking, just needing something—anything—to take my mind off Kade and the mess he's made of everything.

"Yeah," I say, forcing myself to sound more confident than I feel. "Why not? Let's just... go out. Have fun."

Noah's smile widens, and for a second, I almost feel relieved. At least someone in this messed-up school is happy. "I'd love that," he says, his voice soft but sincere. "Pick you up at eight?"

I nod again, my heart still pounding, but now for a different reason. "Eight sounds good."

He hesitates for a moment, his eyes searching mine, like he's trying to make sure I'm really okay. But when I give him a tight smile, he seems to accept it. "See you then," he says, his grin returning as he heads off down the hall, clearly excited.

I watch him go, a strange mixture of relief and guilt settling in my chest. I don't know why I asked Noah out. Maybe it's to forget. Maybe it's to make Kade jealous. Or maybe I just need to feel like someone actually cares. Either way, it's happening now.

And for tonight, at least, I'm going to pretend like Kade doesn't exist.

Noah shows up at my dorm right on time, his usual carefree smile lighting up his face as I open the door. He's dressed well, in a fitted jacket and jeans, and I have to admit, he cleans up nicely. I've thrown on something simple—a sleek white dress —and I can feel the eyes on us as soon as we step outside.

People notice. They always do.

As we walk through the courtyard, a few students snap photos, whispers following us. We head into town, and for a while, it feels... easy. Noah's relaxed, charming, and he makes me laugh despite the knot of tension still twisting in my stomach. We grab dinner at a small restaurant, and the conversation is light. Nothing too serious. Nothing like the heavy, tangled mess I just walked away from with Kade.

But even though Noah is trying, I can't stop thinking about Kade. About what he said, about the way he acted like I was nothing. Maybe that's why I'm here with Noah in the first place. To make Kade see what he lost. To make him feel something.