Chapter 400

400
Rachel shrank back , eyes downcast , and nodded softly . “ ves .
Orlando’s expression turned even colder . After making sure Aria hadn’t recognized Rachel , he sneered , “ I used to think you took Lity in out of kindness Guess I gave you too much credit . Stay away from Rachel , or I won’t hesitate to have Lily transferred to another school even during SATS ”
Aria’s lips curled into a chilly smile . “ You’re welcome to try !
Only someone like him would care suggest transferring the city’s top student right before the SATS
Rachel looked at Orlando , as if wanting to say something , but couldn’t get a wond out .
Olivia’s threats still echoed in her mind . She hit her lip , and tears began to fall , quickly soaking the edge of her mask
Orlando’s gaze sharpened . “ Did Lily bully you ? ”
Inside the classroom , the last teacher had just finished a few reminders for the holiday . “ When you come back , it’s mock exams . The SAT is right around the comer , so don’t get too wild over break . ”
A student groaned , “ With all the homework you gave us , there’s no time for fun anyway
Laughter and complaints followed .
The teacher rapped the desk , grinning . “ Watch it , or I’ll keep you here longer . ”
The student immediately raised a hand , all puppy eyes . “ Sorry . My bad . ”
Everyone chimed in , “ Sorry ! ”
aht , class dismissed .”
He shook his head , amused . “ Wright ,
“ Yeah ! ”
Lily , knowing Aria would pick her up , had already packed her books and was the first out the door – just in time to hear Orlando’s sharp question
Rachel , seeing Lily , went red eyed and shook her head furiously , “ No. ”
Orlando didn’t buy it for a second . He shot Aria a frosty glare . “ Seet Lily’s bullying her . ”
Sometimes one just had to laugh at the absurdity .
Aria reached out , ruffling Lily’s hair . “ Her guardian doesn’t want you hanging out with that girl ”
Lily saw right through Orlando’s hostility toward Aria and instantly hardened her expression . “ I won’t play with her anymore . ”
For her , no one mattered more than Aria .
Orlando’s warning was ice – cold , ” hope you both remember what you said today .”
The hallway was filling up with students , and sonte overheard the exchange . One from the crash course class couldn’t help but mock , “ Please , it’s always Rachel coming to our classroom to find Lily – how’s that Lily’s fault ? ”
“ Exactly ! Lily’s been using her free time to teach Rachel basic elementary school stuff , right before the SATS ”
“ Honestly , if you enrolla kid that late , shouldn’t she be in first grade ? ”
“ Lily , don’t bother with her anymore . People might start thinking you did something to her . ”
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Rachel just stood there , ent tears rolling down her cheeks , shoulders trembling . Orlando looked about ready to explode , but Ana
“ il you mally care about her , maybe try talking to the homeroom teacher . Or , you know , talk to her yourself if you can’t actually protect her pretending your controlling is for her own good . ”
Orlando snapped . “ I don’t need you lecturing me . Just keep Lily in line . Rachel , let’s go . ”
But for the first time , Rachel didn’t move . She stood rooted in place , finally whispering . “ They didn’t bully m
She looked up at Orlando , voice trembling but determined . “ No one bullied me . I wanted to be friends with Lily ”
“ The ones who really hurt me have always been you !
Orlando froze , caught off guard .
Aria let out a short , mocking laugh . “ You’ve spent so long playing Daniel’s lackey , you’ve turned into Idiot Number Two . ”
Ostic frowned . “ Why number two ? ”
A kid at the back shot back , “ What , are you stupid ? That means there’s already an idiot Number One . ”
“ So who’s idiot Number One ? ” someone else asked , glancing at Nathan , who sat nearby in awkward silence .
Nathan’s deskmate quipped , “ Aria’s Lily’s big sister now . If you want to know , ask Lily ”
Sensing the tension , the group wisely fell silent . “ Let’s just ask next time …
Orlando’s jaw clenched so hard his temple throbbed , but before he could lose it , Rachel suddenly turned and walked away . He hurried after her , “ Rachel , what’s wrong ? ”
She didn’t look up . Her voice was muffled and flat . “ Aria’s really nice .”
When she was with Lily , all they ever talked about was Aria
In Lily’s stories , Aria was strong , kind , and good – nothing like Olivia .
Rachel honestly wished she could meet someone like Aris in her own life .
Orlando thought Lily had influenced her too much , but he held his tongue , deciding to keep a closer eye on Rachel at school .
Aria watched them go , then turned to Lily with a gentle smile . “ Let’s head home .”
She reached for Lily’s backpack ,
ck , but Lily dodged her , shaking her head . “ You’re still hurt – ‘ ll carry it myself ”
“ You’re hurt ? ” Nathan immediately straightened , eyes fixed on Aria .
“ I’m mostly better now , ” Aria replied calmly .
Lily’s worry showed . “ Still , you should take it easy . ”
After saying goodbye to their classmates , Aria and Lily left together .
After dinner , Aria was about to head out when Owen grabbed her wrist . “ it’s time to take your stitches out .
Lily , deep in thought over a tough math problem , was already at the door and missed the brief struggle between them .
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Aria lowered her voice . “ I can do it myself ”
But Owen didn’t let go . His look said everything No , I’ll do it .
Aria sighed , resigned , and called out , “ Lily , go start your homework . I’ll be there soon
“ Okay ! ” Lily answered cheerfully .
Owen released her hand and waited until the door shut behind Lily before asking quietly , “ How’s your recovery? ”
“ I feel pretty good , ” Aria said .
“ I’ll grab the med kit . ”
“ Alright . ”
set the
He set the box on the coffee table and went to wash his hands .
Aria was wearing a shirt with buttons today , easy enough to undo . As she unfastened them , Owen finished disinfecting his hands .
“ Hey … ” He turned around and caught a glimpse of bare skin , immediately whipping his head away .
“ Sorry , ” he muttered , cheeks and ears burning red .
Aria glanced down , realized what he’d seen , and quickly pulled the shirt aside to bare just her left shoulder . “ Ready . ”
Owen took a steadying breath , then turned back and carefully began unwrapping the bandages , “ Honestly , you probably could’ve taken the stitches out two days ago . ”
little . ”
He warned , “ Might sting a litt
“ I’m fine , ” Aria replied .
He started cleaning the area , the cold antiseptic stinging a bit .
“ Does it hurt ? ” he asked , voice low , so close it felt like a whisper at her ear
She swallowed the sudden flutter in her chest . “ No , it’s nothing ”
The stitches came out quickly – whatever pain there was , Aria hardly noticed .
Owen disinfected the wound one more time , speaking softly , “ Gauze for tonight . You can switch to band – aids in a couple days . ”
“ Got it ”
With her wound healing well , Owen found his mind wandering , unable to focus . H
is knuckles brushed against her warm , soft skin as he wrapped her shoulder .
His heartbeat quickened .
He finished the bandaging in record time . “ All dope .”