Jade’s POV
I barely slept that night.
Even with Ashley curled up beside me on my bed, whispering comfort, and my parents checking in every few hours, I felt like my world had shifted—again. But this time, it wasn’t just heartbreak or humiliation—it was confusion.
Confusion… and guilt.
I’d wanted to reject him. The words were on my lips, hanging between us like a fragile blade.
But then his hand was there—warm, steady, pleading. Not silencing me with force, but begging me with touch.
And I froze.
Why?
Why didn’t I fight him harder? Why did the feel of his hand linger like a brand?
Because a part of me—goddess help me—didn’t want to say those words.
And that terrified me more than anything else.
I pulled the blankets over my head and turned to face the wall. The clock on my nights
