“Deviana! Wait!”

Adrian’s voice echoed across Deviana’s front yard that night. She had just stepped out of the luxury car Adrian had given her, her body still tired after a day consumed by the birthday party and its tangled intrigues. She turned, eyes sharp—the hurt behind them unmistakable.

“What now, Adrian? What do you want this time?” Deviana’s tone was cold, though it trembled.

Adrian hurried forward, holding the gate so it wouldn’t close. “I know you’re angry. But I can’t stand by while Leviana throws accusations around like that.”

“If you really couldn’t stand it, why did you stay silent when everyone heard those accusations?” Deviana shot back, bitterness...