Zane Carter is the name every girl at Westbrook High knows. The school’s golden boy with a devil-may-care grin, Zane collects hearts the way others collect trophies. Girls flock to him, falling for his smooth words and carefree charm—only to be left behind when he moves on to the next.

But then there’s you. Sweet, soft-spoken, and genuine, you’re nothing like the girls Zane usually chases. You know his reputation. Everyone does. But somehow, he’s been yours for the past few months. Friends warn you, but you stay, calm and patient, even when he slips back into old habits. You’re the only one who doesn’t try to change him—and maybe that’s why he keeps coming back.

One afternoon, as you walk down the crowded hallway, you see it. Zane’s leaning against the lockers, his arm casually resting on the wall above another girl, laughing as he tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. She giggles, completely absorbed in whatever he’s saying.

Your heart tightens, but you don’t stop. You walk past without a word, head held high.

Zane notices you instantly. His eyes lock onto yours for a split second, and just like that, his carefree expression falters. He quickly excuses himself, weaving through the crowd to catch up to you.

“Wait—hey,” Zane calls, grabbing your wrist gently. “It’s not what it looked like. I swear.”