chapter 1 Lara

The day I was born, my life was ruined.

Dramatic? Maybe. But if you were me, you'd get it.

My mom and her best friend had babies on the same day, in the same hospital, in rooms right next to each other. Instead of

being normal about it, they took one look at me and Jack and decided our fate.

"A perfect love story waiting to happen."

Except there was one problem.

Jack and I? We hated each other.

Our first meeting? Screaming.

Toddler years? Biting.

Elementary school? War.

Middle school? Worse.

Now, at seventeen, it's still the same.

Except now, Jack is taller. His insults are

sharper. And his ability to get under my skin is unmatched.

"You're in my seat."

I don't even look up from my phone. "It's a chair, Jack. Not your property."

Jack drops his tray onto the table, expression flat.

"I've always sat there."

"Maybe if you were faster, you still would be," I say, scrolling through my phone.

I hear the chair scrape back, and suddenly, he's next to me. I turn my head just enough to glare at him.

"What," I deadpan.

Jack smirks. "Nothing. Just sitting exactly where I always do."

"You're sitting next to me just to be annoying."

He shrugs. "And?"

I exhale through my nose, already regretting every life choice that led to this moment.

Across the table, our moms exchange that look—the they're so in love look. The just wait till they realize

look.

I swear, I feel my soul leave my body.

Jack leans in slightly, dropping his voice just for me.

"They're planning our wedding again, aren't they?"

I glance at our moms. They're whispering. Smiling. Plotting.

I groan, covering my face. "I hate this."

Jack snorts. "You love this."

"I'd rather die."

"Tragic," he says, unbothered. "Guess I'll

have to tell them to keep planning."

I look at him, eyes narrowing. "You wouldn't."

Jack tilts his head, like he's considering it. "I

dunno. A destination wedding could be nice."

"Jack."

"Somewhere tropical. Or maybe a castle? You strike me as a castle type."

"JACK."

He smirks. "Oh, I'm definitely telling them."

I kick him under the table. Hard.

Jack winces, but his smirk doesn't drop. "See? You're

already fighting for my attention."

I stare at him. He stares back.

I hate him.

I hate him.

The worst part about Jack Carter?

He's good at everything.

Academics? Top grades.

Sports? MVP.

Charm? Teachers love him. Girls love him. I hate him.

And somehow, he still has time to ruin my

life.

Take today, for example.

Chemistry Class – 9:30 AM

"You're my partner."

I stare at Mr. Dawson, waiting for him to say just kidding.

He doesn't.

I turn my head—slowly—to Jack, who's already smirking like he just won the lottery.

"No," I say. "Absolutely not."

Mr. Dawson sighs. "Lara, we're pairing up

alphabetically."

I whip around. "So change the

system, sir."

Jack leans on the table, voice low. "Oh

no, Lara. We're partners. We should make the most of it."

I glare at him. "You will blow up the lab, and I refuse to die next to you."

Jack tilts his head, grinning. "So dramatic."

Mr. Dawson claps his hands. "Start the

experiment, you two."

I swear, this is my villain origin story.

Cafeteria – 12:15 PM

Jack walks in, eyes scanning the room like

some kind of prince.

Disgusting.

He heads toward our usual table—except my bag is already on the chair he always sits in.

He stops. Looks at the chair. Looks at me.

I take a bite of my sandwich, chewing slowly. Your move, Carter.

Jack exhales through his nose. Then, without

breaking eye contact, he picks up my bag, walks over to the janitor's closet, and shoves it inside.

I choke on my sandwich.

"You PSYCHOPATH," I sputter.

"Give it back!"

Jack shrugs. "You took my seat."

"SO YOU TOOK MY BAG?!"

"Actions have consequences."

I stare at him, rage bubbling in my chest.

"You have consequences."

Jack smirks. "I'd love to see them."

Oh.

Oh, it is war.

Student Council Elections – 3:45pm

"Ladies and gentlemen," Principal

Owens says, "we'll now hear from your candidates for student body president—Lara Kingsley and Jack Carter!"

I smile, stepping up to the podium. I've

prepared a perfect speech. Flawless. Inspirational.

I glance at Jack, who looks unbothered.

Smug. Confident. Like he already knows

something I don't.

Oh, I hate him.

I clear my throat. "Students of Maplewood

High, if you elect me, I promise—"

The intercom cuts me off.

Then, over the speakers, Jack's voice

plays.

"Lara Kingsley is the WORST partner in chemistry class—"

The crowd erupts into laughter. My jaw drops.

I whip around. Jack's grinning.

I knew it. He recorded me.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU."

Jack bows slightly. "Then I guess I won't

be voting for you."