CHAPTER 72: IGNORING ME

Hailee’s POV

I could barely focus the entire class.

Dane and Callum were occasionally sneaking glances my way, but then there was Nathan.

Sitting in the back.

Completely still.

And completely cold.

Not once did he look at me. Not once did he acknowledge my presence. It was like I’d disappeared.

And for some reason... it hurt.

Why was Nathan avoiding me like the plague?

It made my stomach twist in knots.

Was he mad at me? Did he know something?

"Alright, class," the teacher’s voice broke through the fog of my thoughts, "pair up for your project presentations. I want partners. Groups of two. No more, no less."

A shuffle of papers and hushed voices filled the room. I turned to Lila, half-expecting to pair with her like usual, but the teacher’s next words made my heart drop.

"I’ll be assigning pairs today."

Oh no.

Please not—

"Hailee and... Nathan."

I blinked.

What?

I turned my head slowly, my eyes darting to the back of the room. Nathan didn’t even react.

He just sat there. Stone-faced.

Like my name had never been said.

" Dane and Mia."

"Callum and Floka."

When class ended, students began packing up, buzzing about their project topics. I stayed seated for a few seconds longer, trying to collect myself, then finally stood and walked toward the back of the classroom.

Nathan didn’t look up.

He was putting his notebook into his bag, his jaw tight.

I hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Hey."

Still nothing.

Okay then.

"I guess we’re partners," I continued awkwardly. "So... um, when are you free? We could figure out a time to meet and—"

"Where and when?" he cut in flatly, finally glancing at me.

His tone wasn’t sharp but there was no warmth. No emotion.

I swallowed. "I mean... my place works? Or anywhere you’re comfortable with. I’m usually free after six."

"Fine. Your place by seven."

I nodded slowly, caught off guard by how clipped his words were.

Then, before I could say anything else, he zipped up his bag and brushed past me like I wasn’t even there.

My chest tightened, but I got a hold of myself. Dane walked over just as Nathan brushed past me, not even sparing me a backward glance.

"Are you okay?" he asked gently, concern written across his face.

I looked up at him, narrowing my eyes just slightly. "Did you... tell Nathan?"

His brows pinched. "Tell him what?"

"That we... made out." The words felt weird coming out, like I wasn’t sure they were even real anymore.

Dane blinked, then shook his head. "No. Why would I do that?"

I studied his face for a moment. He didn’t look like he was lying. If anything, he looked a little offended by the question.

"I just..." I paused, then sighed. "Forget it."

But I couldn’t forget it. Nathan’s coldness was eating at me.

Why was he acting like this? Why did it feel like something had changed overnight? I clenched my jaw and forced myself not to dwell on it. If Nathan wanted to act like I didn’t exist, fine. I wouldn’t chase him. I had more important things to worry about.

As I stepped outside the building, Callum jogged up beside me, his messenger bag slung over his shoulder.

"Hey," he said, flashing me a smile. "You need a ride home?"

I nodded slowly. "Yeah. Thanks."

We walked toward the parking lot together. As we were approaching his car, I paused.

My eyes caught movement by the edge of the gym building. There, in the shade of the wall, stood Nathan.

Talking to a girl.

Not just any girl—one of the Gamma’s daughters. Amaran, I think. Pretty. Confident. Always dressed like she had a fashion show to catch.

She was laughing at something he said, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. And Nathan? He wasn’t exactly smiling, but he was looking at her. Really looking at her.

Something clenched in my chest.

I looked away quickly, pretending I didn’t care.

But I did.

God, why did I?

What was he saying to her? Why did it suddenly feel like I was the one being replaced?

"Everything okay?" Callum asked from beside me, unlocking his car.

"Yeah," I said quickly, forcing a smile as I climbed in. "Totally fine."

But I wasn’t.

Not even close.

The ride home with Callum was quiet, but not uncomfortable. He played soft music in the background, and for a moment, I allowed myself to forget the weird tension that had taken root in my chest.

Forget Nathan.

Forget his cold stare.

Forget the Gamma girl and her perfect, painted smile.

I turned my face to the window, letting the breeze from the lowered glass brush my cheek. It helped. A little.

When we finally pulled up in front of my home, I reached for the door handle—but Callum cleared his throat and stopped me.

"Wait," he said, stepping out quickly. I frowned, confused, and followed as he went around to the trunk.

He popped it open, then pulled out a small black box. It wasn’t huge, but it looked expensive, elegant. He walked back to me and handed it over with a shy smile. "Here. It’s for you."

I blinked in surprise. "What?"

"Just open it."

I hesitated, then lifted the lid slowly.

Inside was a necklace—delicate, simple, and breathtaking. A tiny crystal teardrop set in a gold chain that shimmered even under the fading daylight. My breath caught in my throat.

"Callum..."

"I had it made," he said quickly. "By my family’s goldsmith. Custom. I told him I wanted something that looked like you—quietly beautiful."

I stared at the necklace, unable to speak.

He gently took it from the box and stepped behind me. "May I?"

I nodded stiffly, turning so he could clasp it around my neck. His fingers brushed lightly against my skin, and I felt a strange flutter low in my stomach.

Once it was on, I turned back to him.

"Thank you," I whispered. "It’s... really beautiful."

His eyes met mine, a softness in them.

"Anything for you, Hailee."

Then, unexpectedly, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It wasn’t rushed or hungry. Just... gentle. Sweet.

I stood frozen, unsure how to react.

When he pulled back, his gaze searched mine carefully. "I love you, Hailee," he said, voice steady. "I just wanted you to know."

My heart thundered in my chest.

I didn’t know what to say.

I didn’t even know how to feel.

So I gave a small, awkward smile and whispered, "Bye, Callum," before turning and walking up to my door.

I didn’t look back.

Not because I didn’t care...

But because I did.

And that made everything so much harder.