The days after my return to school settled into a strange, tense rhythm. The bullying from Mia and her circle continued in small, stinging ways, but something new had started happening. Max Lucian’s popular rival had begun showing interest in me.

At first, it was subtle. He would nod at me in the hallways. Then he started sitting near my table during lunch, making casual conversation. “You’re stronger than people think, Lily,” he said one afternoon, his eyes lingering on my curves a little too long. “Not many girls could handle what you’ve been through.”

I shot him a hard glare. “I know you hate me, so keep your kind...