Alessia stepped off the bus, her backpack slung over one shoulder, and started the familiar walk home alone. What had once been a maze of unfamiliar streets had become so routine that she could have found her way with her eyes closed.

Dusk had settled in, and the streetlights flickered to life, bathing the sidewalk in a soft, amber glow. As Alessia rounded the corner, she spotted a familiar figure standing under the nearest lamp.

“Lessie, time for dinner,” Zachary called, waving her over.

As she drew closer, Alessia noticed the dark bruise marring Zachary’s cheek.

“What happened to your face?”

He shook his head, silent, and Alessia frowned but decided not to push further.

“Did you work things out?” she asked quietly.

“Pretty much,” Zachary replied.

“If you need to talk anything over tomorrow, I’ll wait for you in the Crestview High classroom. I was planning to hit the library and look over some practice problems anyway.”

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

“No, my parents just got home too, so it’s perfect timing.”

They chatted about nothing in particular, as if the recent drama had never happened.

it, the weekend arrived. The Mortons were busy with the final preparations before their grand opening, Ethan and his friends were chasing their dreams, and Alessia, after

was immediately greeted by a familiar

out to play without me again!” York’s eyes went

face remained perfectly calm as she shut the door behind her. “What are you doing here

the housekeeper I was

Chapter 161

deserved

curled in a small smile. She

expected to praise him, and York’s cheeks flushed

to something, I

was clutching a paper

two sneaking off to

off guard. York, on the other hand, looked a little

rubbed the back of his neck. “Uh,

Ivan, suddenly shy–so

and let go of his hand so he

was a brand–new book, still wrapped. The same title York had ripped apart during

torn book, and Karen had bought a replacement, telling

expected York to remember–York always acted like nothing bothered him. But there he was, turning up first thing

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