Chapter 5

The tips of Liam's ears were bright red, a stark contrast to his cool, composed expression. I found it incredibly amusing.

"You're a fast worker," I said, looking over his notes. They were brilliant, of course.

The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the break. He quickly gathered his things.

"Meet me in the student council room after school," he said, more of a command than a request. "We can continue this conversation there."

Before I could reply, he stood up, placed a small, crisp business card on my tray, and walked away, leaving me in a sea of stunned and jealous stares. I picked up the card. It was simple, elegant, with just his name and a private phone number.

I smiled to myself. This was going even better than I'd planned. The great Liam Hayes wasn't just a target; he was genuinely interesting.

My moment of satisfaction was cut short by a harsh voice.

"So, you're already moving on him."

I looked up to see Noah Riley looming over my table. He was even bigger up close, all broad shoulders and athletic muscle, his basketball team jacket doing little to hide his imposing frame. His face, usually handsome in a rugged way, was twisted in a hostile scowl.

"First Liam, now you're trying to get my attention?" he sneered. "You're not very subtle, are you? I've seen girls like you a million times. You think because you're a little bit pretty, you can have any man you want."

I blinked. I hadn't even looked in his direction.

[Target Noah Riley's affection has decreased by 20 points. Current affection: -20/100.]

What the hell? Negative twenty? I hadn't done anything!

I frowned. "Do I know you?"

His scowl deepened. "Don't play dumb. I saw you with Liam. Do you really think he's interested in some no-name scholarship girl? He's just being polite. He's too nice to tell you to get lost."

"And you're here to do it for him?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "How very noble of you."

"I don't like gold diggers," he said, his voice low and threatening. "Stay away from him."

A notification popped up in my vision, just for me.

[System Query: Does the Host suspect the target has memories from a past life?]

The thought was jarring. Was it possible? I quickly typed a query back. "System, can targets retain memories from previous timelines?"

[Negative. The system ensures a complete memory wipe for all non-reborn individuals. The target's hostility is likely based on prejudice or misunderstanding within the current timeline.]

So, he was just a jerk. Good to know.

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my mother.

[Your father and I have decided to cut off your allowance. Since you chose the easy path, you can figure out how to pay for your own expenses. Olivia needs our support more right now.]

I stared at the message. They had actually done it. They'd cut me off. Even though my allowance was barely enough for bus fare and school lunches, it was something. Now it was gone. The familiar feeling of desperation, of being utterly alone and unsupported, washed over me.

But then, an idea sparked. This was perfect.

I looked at Noah's arrogant, judgmental face. Then I thought about my meeting with Liam. An opportunity had just presented itself.

I stood up, my chair scraping loudly against the floor. My eyes met Noah's, and I let a single, perfect tear roll down my cheek. Then, I turned and ran from the cafeteria.

Before I reached the student council room, I ducked into an empty hallway. My heart was pounding. I took a deep breath, then deliberately stumbled, scraping my knee hard against the concrete floor. Pain shot up my leg, sharp and real. It was nothing compared to what Olivia did to me, but it was enough.

I bit my lip to keep from crying out, watching as blood welled up from the scrape. I messed up my hair, smudged the tear track on my face, and made sure my uniform was slightly disheveled.

Then, looking as pathetic and wounded as I possibly could, I limped my way to Liam's door.