The cafeteria buzzed with chatter, the smell of food filling the air. Ashley sat alone at a corner table, trying to eat in peace, when a boy slid into the seat across from her.
He was tall, awkward, and wore thick glasses. His name was Alex—another nerd, and judging by his shy smile, someone who didn't fit in any more than she did.
"Hey," he said nervously. "You're new, right? I'm Alex. Just… be careful around Daynaud."
Ashley raised a brow. "Why?"
Alex sighed, pushing his tray aside. "He's… everything I'm not. Rich. Perfect. Teachers adore him—especially the women. He gets grades without lifting a finger, while people like me study all night just to scrape by. Everyone loves him here."
Ashley frowned. Rich? Perfect?
She thought about Aunt Helen. So… does that mean she's dating some billionaire? Is that why she calls him her son?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Alex lowered his gaze. "It's just unfair, you know?" he muttered.
Ashley's heart softened. She placed her hand gently on his. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. At least you're real." She smiled, and Alex's eyes widened.
But before either of them could say more, a shadow loomed over the table.
Daynaud.
Alex jumped to his feet instantly. "I—I should go." He scurried off, leaving Ashley alone with Daynaud.
He slid into the seat Alex had left, folding his arms across his chest. His eyes were cold, his voice sharp. "Flirting with nerds, really? And didn't I tell you to stay in the car?"
Ashley narrowed her eyes, refusing to be intimidated. "I can talk to anyone I want. You don't control me."
Daynaud leaned back, smirking. "Fine. But if you want to survive here, you'll need a squad. Otherwise Kelly and her girls will eat you alive." He pointed to a group of three girls laughing at another table. "Them. Natalia, Talia, and Jennie. Go talk to them."
Ashley crossed her arms. "Why don't you go beg your girlfriend instead?"
Daynaud's smirk deepened. "Kelly's not my girlfriend. But I can still make out with her if I want to."
Ashley slammed her fork down. "Are you saying Kelly's cheap?"
He tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Aren't all of you cheap?"
Her jaw dropped. "Excuse me?"
The smirk stayed. He was provoking her on purpose.
Ashley stood abruptly, glaring at him. "You're impossible." She marched toward Natalia, Talia, and Jennie's table.
To her surprise, the girls welcomed her instantly, almost as if they had been waiting. Within minutes, they were laughing, chatting, and gossiping. It didn't take long for Ashley to twist the conversation.
"Why don't we form our own group?" she suggested boldly. "Girls with pride. Girls who don't fall for Daynaud's stupid charm."
The girls exchanged looks, hesitant at first. But then Natalia sighed. "You know… he's played us all. We were on his list once. Every single one of us."
Ashley's stomach dropped. His list?
Jennie leaned closer. "There's a party at Kelly's house tonight. It's going to be wild. And if you want to stop Daynaud from messing around, you should be there."
Ashley clenched her jaw, annoyed at the thought. "Fine. I'll come. He's not going to get away with this."
---
After School
As the final bell rang, students crowded around Daynaud, waving and saying their goodbyes. Everyone… except Natalia, Talia, and Jennie. They walked past him without a glance, smirking at Ashley instead.
Ashley smiled to herself, but the victory was short-lived.
Daynaud stepped out, blocking her path. His voice was low, almost dangerous. "Why did you turn my girls against me?"
Ashley ignored him, pretending not to hear.
He smirked, slipping his phone into his pocket. "Fine. Have it your way."
Ashley's smile faded when she noticed the school bus leaving without her. Kids piled into cars with their parents, while she stood frozen. "Wait… we're not taking the bus?" she asked.
Daynaud glanced at her, unimpressed.
A sleek limousine rolled up in front of them.
"Buses are for poor people," he said coolly, sliding inside.
Ashley frowned, climbing in after him. "They are not. I always took the school bus back home."
Daynaud's lips curled. "Exactly. That's because you're poor."
The driver chuckled under his breath, and Ashley's cheeks burned red. She crossed her arms, staring out the window, silently promising herself that one day, she'd wipe that smug smirk off Daynaud's face.