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“You’ll never escape your past, Zoe Lee.”
The tall blond sneered, trailed by his two minions, towering over Zoe.
Zoe clenched her fists, restraining herself from punching that dirtbag Ray back to New York. She wished more than anything to be able to fight back, but she was completely powerless. Ray was blackmailing her—there was nothing she could do.
“Are these idiots bothering you?” A familiar soothing voice came up beside Zoe.
“Lila?” Zoe turned around in surprise.
Zoe never actually talked to Lila before, as she was in the grade above her. She only knew the girl from her infamous reputation of making Marinette’s life miserable. If she was anything like Ray, Zoe dreaded what might come next.
“We were only catching up with our friend from home,” Ray sneered. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Actually, it is my business.” Lila stepped up to Ray, her glare so intense it made him stumble back. “What would everyone, including the principal, think about you bullying your classmates?”
“I’m untouchable. My father—”
“I thought you’d say that.” Lila cut him off. “So I assume you haven’t heard the news?”
“What news?” Ray looked panicked.
“Your father struggling with his lawsuit, of course.” Lila’s voice was as sweet as poisoned honey.
Ray’s face flushed red with anger. “You’re lying.”
“Not this time.” Lila smiled. “I have powerful connections. You’re in my territory now, Raymond. I’d be careful where you step.”
Zoe was taken aback. Was she telling the truth? Lila commanded her words with such confidence, it was no wonder everyone believed what she said.
“Your father may have a trust fund to fall back on, but you can’t hide behind it forever.” Lila circled around Ray like a predator stalking its prey, running her fingers along his pristine uniform. Ray was perspiring. “I will come back for you, and soon, you’ll have nothing left.”
“No,” Ray’s eyes lit up, his pride refusing to admit defeat. “You want to protect your friend? Well back off or else I will post all her videos.”
Ray smiled cruelty at Zoe. Fury churned in her stomach.
“You mean these videos?”
The four turned to Lila, who was now standing a few steps away by the school’s second floor window. In her hands was Ray’s expensive phone, the one that he had used to constantly torture Zoe.
“NO! Get her!” Ray shouted to his minions, but their slow reaction and dim wit left them standing there stupidly while Lila clicked the big red delete button.
Then, in one swift motion, she tossed his phone out the window.
Years of torment. Gone like that. Zoe stared at the girl in awe.
“You’ll pay for this!” Ray’s face was as red as a tomato.
“Who will they believe? The new, snobby New York kids with daddy’s money? Or me, their star student who would never do anything bad?” Lila blinked innocently.
“Whatever.” Ray turned back to Zoe. “This isn’t over, Zoe.”
“You don’t scare me, Ray,” Zoe spoke up, emboldened. “You’re just an insecure bully who can’t face the facts even when it’s printed onto your face.”
“You may have friends now,” Ray was fuming, “but you will always be the poser from New York. Once everyone finds out about the real you, no one will love you.”
“I don’t think she needs to worry about that,” Lila’s hand gently turned Zoe face to her.
Zoe’s heart quickened, but she barely had any time to process anything before Lila pulled her in, her warm, soft lips pressing against hers. Zoe melted into this moment.
“Let’s get away from these idiots before we start losing brain cells.” Lila’s hand fell into Zoe’s, leading her away from the three guys with their jaws dropped onto the floor.
Zoe was still completely dazed from what just occurred. She could hardly focus on anything else besides Lila’s hand around hers.
The two broke out into the school courtyard, far away from Ray and his goons.
“They should leave you alone for now, but if they come back, let me know.” Lila dropped Zoe’s hand and turned to face her.
“Thank you, Lila. Is…is his father really getting sued?”
“No.” Lila smiled. “I lied.”
“But he’ll target you next!”
“I’m not scared of him. Besides, with the dirt I dug up on his father, I don’t think a lawsuit is too far off…”
Zoe laughed in disbelief. Lila was incredible.
“Was…anything else a lie?” Zoe asked nervously.
“No.” Lila looked into Zoe’s eyes. “That was true.”
“Even if you saw the videos?? If you knew who I was New York?”
“Zoe, I don’t care who you were in New York. I care who you are right now. In Paris. With me.”
Zoe smiled. Butterflies were viciously attacking her stomach, but she felt happier than she had in weeks. The heavy weight that appeared on her chest ever since Ray first came to Paris was gone.
Well, Zoe might have to talk to Marinette about this development. But people can change. Zoe learned to be herself instead of pretending to fit in. If Zoe was capable of change, then so was Lila.
“Want to go grab ice cream sometime?” Zoe pushed past her nerves to ask out the girl in front of her.
Lila smiled. “Anything for you.”