Nicolas’s POV
I knew two things for certain.
First, Imani hadn’t emailed the Dean yet.
Second, that meant I was on borrowed time.
I found out the first one accidentally.
Coach had sent me to the admin building to drop off eligibility paperwork, and as I passed the open door of the Dean’s office, I heard her name.
“She’s still listed as active on the mentorship file,” the assistant said. “No withdrawal notice yet.”
That sentence lodged itself in my chest and stayed there.
She could’ve ended this already. Could’ve reported me. Could’ve walked away clean.
She didn’t.
Which meant one thing, I’d hurt her, but not enough for her to stop caring.
And that made the guilt ten times worse.
By the time I left the building, my hands were shaking.
I couldn’t pretend anymore. Couldn’t hide
