[LUCAS – POV]
I thought it was over.
After Jasmine told me everything, I made a silent promise—I'd protect her from anything. Anyone.
Especially Ayo.
But he wasn't the kind of guy to walk away quietly.
It started with whispers again. This time, about me.
Fake screenshots. Rumors that I'd cheated on Jasmine.
Even Principal Oduyemi called me in—asking if there was "a situation" brewing.
I wasn't stupid.
This had Ayo's fingerprints all over it.
At lunch, I spotted him across the courtyard, laughing like the devil didn't live inside him.
I walked straight up.
"You think this is a game?" I asked, voice low.
He leaned forward, smiling like he'd already won. "You took something that was mine."
"She was never yours."
Ayo's grin dropped. "You don't know her the way I do. You're just a phase. I was the real deal."
I clenched my fists. But I wasn't going to give him what he wanted.
"You messed her up. Now I'm the one helping her heal," I said. "Stay out of our way."
As I walked off, I could feel his glare burning into my back.
This wasn't over. But I was ready for whatever came next.
Because Jasmine was worth it.