twisted care

Rae is the fiercely independent, sharp-tongued girl who's always been the top of her class and the center of attention-until she gets sick with a stomach infection that knocks her down. It's nothing deadly, but to Rae, it's a blow to her pride. She doesn't do weak. She's the one who's always in control, and being vulnerable, especially with someone like Maddox, is the last thing she wants. But when Maddox-her long-time school rival-shows up at her door to take care of her, things take an unexpected turn.

Maddox has been a thorn in Rae's side for as long as she can remember. He's cocky, brooding, and the kind of guy who doesn't take no for an answer. A natural athlete and top of his class, he thrives on competition and keeping people at a distance. But when Rae falls ill, his initial plan to just "do his duty" and make sure she's okay takes an unexpected shift. He's secretly terrified of the emotions Rae brings out in him, and caring for her turns into something more. Before he knows it, he kisses her-an impulsive moment that stirs something deep inside him, something he's tried so hard to bury.

As they navigate this new, confusing dynamic-what started as a rivalry morphs into something far more complicated. Rae is annoyed by the fact that Maddox, of all people, is taking care of her. Maddox can't stand how Rae's stubborn independence pushes him to be more than just the guy who teases her. Both of them are forced to confront their buried feelings, emotional walls, and the undeniable chemistry that's been there all along.

But their growing connection is tested when their pasts start to catch up with them, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew about themselves-and each other. What started as a twisted game of competition turns into a tangled web of emotions, trust, and vulnerability neither of them is prepared for.