Chapter 13: Carved Promises and Broken Hearts

A few days before the gala, Tyler caught me at my locker.

"Maddie. Last time was my fault, but you’ve blocked me everywhere. Do you hate me, or…is there someone else?"

He sounded genuinely hurt. "You said you’d love me forever. You carved it on that tree behind the gym."

I remembered the day we carved our initials behind the gym, the bark rough under my knuckles. I’d meant forever. He clearly hadn’t.

A rush of anger and heartbreak collided inside me. I’d given up so much for him, forgiven so many betrayals. And for what? So he could play both sides.

I grabbed his collar and slammed him into the locker, the clang echoing down the hall. Before he could speak, I slapped him hard, leaving a red mark.

I leaned in, my voice icy: "I know you and Rachel go way back. Don’t pretend to care about me while you’re her lapdog. You’re just like your mother—pathetic."

His eyes stormed, but he said nothing. I sneered and walked away.