The whispers had become impossible to ignore by Thursday morning.
Claire walked through the crowded hallways with Xander’s arm securely around her shoulders, but the stares felt heavier than usual. A group of juniors near the vending machines fell silent as she passed. One of them muttered something about “gold-digger” loud enough for her to hear. Further down the hall, two girls from her English class exchanged glances and giggled behind their hands.
She’s only with him for the money.
Australian girl knew exactly what she was doing.
The rumors Becky had started were spreading like wildfire across the school’s social media and whispered conversations. Claire kept her head high, but each new comment chipped away at her resolve. She had tried to brush them off at first, but the sheer vol
