Chapter Eight

On Monday, the news of my breakup with Adrian had spread like wildfire through the school. You didn't need to be an expert in rumors to know that Clara hadn't been slow to tell everyone what had happened. Curious glances, giggles, and whispers multiplied in the hallways, making me feel like I was under a magnifying glass.

But, surprisingly, I didn't care. Perhaps a part of me feared exclusion, loneliness, but another part, the strongest, felt liberated.

During the first class of the day, my thoughts flew to Jacob. I wondered if he had heard anything about the breakup. I remembered his hug, his unconditional support, and I felt a peace that I could no longer deny.

When I left class, I saw him leaning against a wall in the hallway, with his calm gaze and his typical carefree air. We exchanged a brief glance, he offered me a smile that made me feel safe.