The next morning, Maya walked into Ridgewood International feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread. The memory of the rooftop lingered, making it impossible to focus on anything else. She knew Vanessa had seen her there with Liam. That meant trouble was coming.
Sure enough, as soon as she entered the main hall, Vanessa appeared. She leaned casually against a locker, watching Maya with a calculated smirk. It was the kind of look that promised manipulation, and Maya felt a chill run down her spine.
Vanessa called out, her voice loud enough for several students to hear. "Well, well, the scholarship girl and the golden boy. Busy spending time together, I see."
Maya froze, feeling her cheeks burn. She tried to respond with a casual shrug, but Vanessa's presence was like a spotlight, drawing attention from every corner of the hall.
Liam appeared beside her silently, his presence magnetic and protective. He did not say a word, but the subtle tilt of his chin and the intensity in his eyes made it clear that he was aware of every move Vanessa was making.
Vanessa's smirk widened. "Careful, Maya. You do not know how things work around here. Some games are dangerous."
Maya swallowed, her pulse racing. "I can handle myself," she said, keeping her voice steady.
Liam finally spoke, his tone quiet but firm. "She is wrong. You are not alone in this."
Vanessa's eyes narrowed, her smirk faltering for the first time. She stepped closer. "Oh, I do not underestimate anyone. But I do watch. And I play."
Before Maya could respond, the bell rang, scattering students to their classes. Vanessa walked away slowly, her eyes never leaving Maya and Liam.
Once the hall emptied, Liam leaned closer. "She will try to push you, test you. You need to stay focused."
Maya met his gaze. "I know. But I do not even know what she wants exactly. Why target me?"
Liam's expression darkened slightly. "Vanessa thrives on control. Anyone who threatens her position, social or academic, is a target. You caught her attention. That means you matter more than you realize."
Maya's stomach twisted at the implications. Ridgewood International had always been intimidating, but now she realized that she was in the middle of something much bigger than grades or scholarships.
"You have to promise me something," Liam said, his voice softer now, almost intimate. "No matter what happens, do not let her scare you. Stay yourself. Be fearless."
Maya's chest tightened. His words carried weight, a kind of reassurance she did not expect. "I will try," she said.
"Good," he said with a faint smile. "This is only the beginning. Vanessa is clever, patient, and dangerous. She will push until she finds a crack. And she always finds one if you let her."
Maya nodded, feeling a mixture of fear and determination. She realized that with Liam by her side, the rooftop moment was not just a secret thrill anymore. It was a bond, a promise that whatever came next, they would face it together.
As the day went on, Maya found herself glancing at Liam frequently. He had returned to his confident, untouchable self, but she knew beneath the ease there was a vigilance, a silent awareness of every move Vanessa made.
By the end of the day, Maya understood one thing clearly. Vanessa would not back down. The games had begun. Ridgewood International would never be the same.
Yet, as terrifying as it was, Maya felt a thrill she could not deny. With Liam Kingston involved, danger felt exciting, and every challenge made her heart race faster.
For the first time, she welcomed it.
The battlefield had been set, and she was ready to fight.