Chapter 30
The fallout from Sophie’s exposure swept through Blackthorn Academy like wildfire. Everywhere Andrea went, whispers followed.
“Did you see the forum last night?”
“I can’t believe it was Sophie this whole time…”
“Did you read the messages? All those fake threats she set up against herself? And the videos? Ugh, I feel bad, but still…”
Andrea pressed her books tighter to her chest as she walked through the main hallway, her face impassive despite the swirl of emotions inside her. She didn’t know who had leaked Sophie’s private information, but the details were damning—intimate photos, personal messages, and, most shocking of all, evidence of the violence Sophie had endured at home.
The halls of Blackthorn were ruthless, and Sophie’s once-untouchable status crumbled overnight. No one spoke to her. No one defended her. The looks of pity and disgust followed her everywhere.
By mid-afternoon, the whispers stopped abruptly as news broke that Sophie had withdrawn from the academy.
“She’s gone,” someone said, their voice quiet.
Andrea heard it and felt a pang of something she couldn’t name. Relief? Sadness? Guilt? Maybe all of it. Sophie had hurt her in unimaginable ways, but the fallout was cruel even by Blackthorn’s standards.
Still, Andrea couldn’t bring herself to dwell on it. Sophie had made her choices, and Andrea couldn’t afford to let herself be consumed by sympathy now.
That evening, Andrea found herself wandering through the academy gardens, her steps unconsciously leading her to the spot where she had first drawn her Queen of Hearts card.
The stone bench sat beneath the old oak tree, its surface cool and familiar. Andrea lowered herself onto it, the weight of the day pressing heavily on her shoulders.
“You keep finding your way back here.”
Andrea looked up sharply to see Nathaniel standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets. His expression was softer than usual, his sharp edges dulled by the moonlight.
“I guess I do,” Andrea said quietly, looking back at the bench. “It feels… important, somehow.”
Nathaniel stepped closer, his presence steady and reassuring. “Because it is,” he said, sitting beside her.
For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sounds the rustling leaves and the faint hum of crickets.
“It’s over now,” Nathaniel said finally.
Andrea nodded, her fingers fidgeting in her lap. “I should feel relieved, but I don’t. Not completely.”
Nathaniel tilted his head, studying her. “Because of Sophie?”
Andrea hesitated, then nodded. “She hurt me in ways I didn’t think were possible. But the way everything came out… the things about her family, her life… No one deserves to be humiliated like that.”
Nathaniel’s jaw tightened slightly. “She didn’t hesitate to humiliate you. To hurt you. She would’ve destroyed you if she could.”
“I know,” Andrea said softly. “But it still doesn’t feel good.”
Nathaniel was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the ground. “The truth always comes out, Andrea. And sometimes, the truth hurts everyone involved.”
Andrea sighed, leaning back against the bench. “I just want to feel safe again. Like this whole thing is finally behind me.”
Nathaniel turned to her, his dark eyes locking onto hers. “You are safe. I’ll make sure of it.”
Andrea felt her chest tighten, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around her like a protective shield. “Why?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nathaniel didn’t hesitate. “Because you matter to me.”
Her breath hitched as his words sank in. “Nathaniel…”
He leaned closer, his voice softer now. “I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of, Andrea. But protecting you isn’t one of them. I’m done playing games with my brothers, competing for your attention. I want you to know that.”
Andrea’s pulse quickened, her thoughts spinning. “Nathaniel, this is complicated. You know that.”
“I don’t care,” he said firmly. “I know what I want.”
Andrea’s heart pounded as he reached out, his hand brushing lightly against hers. “And what if I say no?” she asked, her voice trembling.
Nathaniel’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Then I’ll still protect you. Always.”
Andrea’s resolve faltered, the intensity in his gaze melting her defenses. Before she could overthink it, she leaned forward, her lips meeting his.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but it quickly deepened, the weight of everything unspoken pouring into the moment. Nathaniel’s hand cupped her face gently, his touch steady and grounding.
When they finally pulled apart, Andrea felt breathless, her cheeks flushed.
Nathaniel rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper. “Be mine, Andrea.”
Andrea searched his eyes, her heart pounding. For weeks, she had been torn, unsure of who to trust, unsure of her place in the dangerous world of Blackthorn. But now, sitting with Nathaniel under the oak tree, she felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time: certainty.
“Yes,” she said softly. “I’m yours.”
