Chapter 30
Samantha's POV
For a split second, genuine fear flickered through me. But I quickly filed it away, maintaining my performance. Whatever it was, it was another piece of information, another card to hold close. The moment passed, and Lucas collapsed beside me, his breathing returning to normal.
I nestled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat slow, and allowed myself a small, hidden smile. He was completely vulnerable now, completely mine.
Later, as we lay tangled in the sheets, I traced lazy patterns on Lucas's chest with my fingertip. The perfect moment for the conversation I needed to have.
"Can I ask you something?" I murmured.
"Mmm?" Lucas sounded half-asleep, relaxed and vulnerable—exactly where I wanted him.
"What's really going on between you and Ellie?"
His body tensed slightly beneath my touch. "Nothing. We used to be friends, that's all."
"It seems like more than that," I pressed gently. "The way you look at each other, the things you say... like today, that comment about healing. It's like you share some secret."
Lucas was quiet for so long I wondered if he'd fallen asleep to avoid answering. Finally, he sighed. "We grew up together. Our families are close. There's history there, but it's in the past."
"I understand," I said, keeping my voice soft and understanding. "And I want you to know that I'm not jealous or anything. I just want to protect you."
"Protect me?" Lucas shifted to look at me.
"From her," I explained. "I see how she tries to manipulate you, Lucas. The way she acted today, pushing for me to be punished... she's trying to come between us."
"Sam—"
"No, listen," I interrupted gently. "I know what it's like when someone pretends to care about you but really just wants to control you. My father was like that. Ellie... she's toxic for you. I'm worried about what she might do next."
Lucas's expression shifted from defensive to confused, then concerned. "What do you mean?"
"Haven't you noticed? Since I came into your life, she's been trying to push me out. And now she's escalated to formal complaints, trying to get me kicked out of school." I let my voice break slightly. "I'm scared, Lucas. Not for me, but for you. What if she turns on you next?"
I watched the conflict play across his face—doubt, worry, guilt. Then, slowly, his expression hardened with resolve.
"She won't," he said firmly. "I won't let her hurt you, Sam. I promise."
I smiled sadly. "I just want us to be happy together. Without all this drama."
"We will be," Lucas pulled me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I'll make sure of it."
As Lucas drifted off to sleep, I remained awake, savoring my victory. I'd successfully reframed the entire situation—now Lucas would see any move Ellie made as an attack, any word as manipulation. The wall between them would only grow higher.
Whatever strange connection Lucas and Ellie shared, whatever "self-healing abilities" he'd accidentally mentioned, it no longer mattered. Lucas was mine now, completely and utterly. I'd made sure of it.
---
I returned to my dorm room the next morning feeling triumphant. Lucas had been so attentive, so protective as we'd parted ways—promising to handle everything with the disciplinary committee, assuring me that he wouldn't let Ellie ruin things for us.
"Well, well, well," my roommate Vanessa smirked as I entered. "Someone didn't come home last night. Good time with the boyfriend?"
I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. "You could say that."
"Must be serious if you're doing overnights now," Vanessa commented, turning back to her laptop.
"It is," I replied simply, setting down my bag and noticing movement across the room.
Brianna Ford, the daughter of a Silicon Valley tech mogul and one of the most popular girls on campus, was standing in front of the full-length mirror, trying on what appeared to be a costume—a stunning silver-blue gown that shimmered under the lights.
"What's that for?" I asked, unable to keep the edge from my voice.
"The anniversary performance," Brianna replied without looking away from her reflection. "I'm doing a solo for the second act."
"It's beautiful," I said, the words tasting bitter in my mouth.
"Thanks! It cost a fortune, but Daddy didn't mind." Brianna twirled, the fabric catching the light. "It's going to be the highlight of the show."
I felt a familiar burning in my chest—the same feeling I got whenever I saw someone with something I couldn't have. The same feeling I'd had watching Ellie with her perfect life, her easy confidence, her history with Lucas.
"I'm sure it will be," I managed, turning away to unpack my overnight bag.
But as I organized my things, my mind was already turning over possibilities. The anniversary performance was important to so many people—to Ellie and her new protector Jackson, to Brianna with her expensive costume, to the entire university celebrating its 150 years.
What a shame it would be if something were to happen to that beautiful costume. What a perfect opportunity to remind everyone that appearances could be deceiving, that beautiful things were often the most fragile.
I glanced back at Brianna, who was still admiring herself in the mirror, and smiled to myself. Lucas was secured, at least for now. Perhaps it was time to turn my attention to other matters—to ensure that no one else would outshine me in the coming weeks.
After all, I hadn't survived this long by letting others take what should be mine.