The days continued to pass, and Riley began to feel like she was slowly emerging from a storm she hadn't even known she was in. Zayden's presence was a constant, steady anchor, and for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was on solid ground. But as with everything in life, the calm was never meant to last.
It was a Friday afternoon, and Riley was walking through the bustling halls of Crestwood Elite Academy when she noticed something unsettling. Whispers seemed to follow her like a dark cloud, and as she looked around, she saw the usual cliques of wealthy, privileged students exchanging glances, their gazes sharp and judgmental.
Riley had never been the type to care about the opinions of others. After all, she wasn't here because she belonged to their world. She was here on a scholarship, an outsider in a world of excess. But this felt different. Something was off.
"Hey, Morgan," a voice called out, cutting through the tension. Riley turned to find Jessica Matthews, a girl from one of the wealthier families, striding toward her with a smug expression on her face.
Riley tried to hide her irritation, but it was hard. "What do you want, Matthews?"
Jessica's smile was almost predatory. "Just thought you'd like to know that Zayden's been seen with someone else lately. Someone... not you."
Riley felt her stomach drop at the implication. Of course, Zayden wasn't hers. They weren't in a committed relationship—not yet, anyway—but the thought of someone else even looking at him made a strange, painful jealousy surge inside her. She tried to shake it off, but the doubt gnawed at her.
"You're full of shit," Riley said, trying to keep her composure. "Zayden and I are fine."
Jessica's smirk only deepened. "Are you sure about that? I guess you're not as special as you think, Riley."
With that, she walked away, leaving Riley standing there, her thoughts swirling in confusion and unease. Was it true? Had Zayden really been with someone else? The mere thought of him with someone else, someone who could have everything she couldn't, stung like a thousand needles.