Xavier Castillo had everything—looks, talent, intelligence. Whether on the basketball court, the soccer field, or in the classroom, he never fell short. At Westbrooke Academy, status was everything, and Xavier was at the top. His friends followed his lead, teachers praised him, and the girls? They adored him. He was untouchable.

But power comes with its own kind of cruelty.

There was one girl who didn’t fit into their world. She was softer, curvier—not the picture-perfect image of Westbrooke’s elite. And that made her an easy target.

Xavier made sure she knew it.

A comment here, a joke there—always enough to sting. His friends laughed, the school ignored it, and she? She never fought back. She just lowered her head and kept walking. And that made it all too easy.

Like today.

The cafeteria buzzed with energy as Xavier lounged at his usual table, surrounded by his friends and the top cheerleaders. When she walked by, Brielle smirked. “Look who decided to bless us with her presence.”

Xavier leaned forward, lips curling. “You sure the cafeteria has enough food left?” Laughter erupted.

Aubrey rolled her eyes. “We should charge her extra for taking up so much space.”

Brielle stepped into her path just as she passed. The girl stumbled, her tray slipping, food crashing to the floor. A beat of silence, then Xavier chuckled. “Damn, you’re a mess.”

Aubrey smirked, shoving her shoulder as she walked past. More laughter. More silence from the girl on the floor.

“She should really start thanking us,” Brielle murmured.

Xavier twirled his basketball, smirking. “She should.”

But silence didn’t mean weakness.

Not forever.