The Target Was Mine

Top of the class

We won.

Of course we did.

Our simulation baby was perfect — genetically balanced, disease-free, beautiful. Just like her mother. Well, simulation mother.

I stood at the front of the room as the scores were revealed. The screen blared our names: CASSIAN VALENTINE + WEDNESDAY HALE — 97.8% — RANK: #1

Applause erupted. Half-hearted from the rest of the class. The teachers clapped harder than the students. Some girls shot daggers at Wednesday. Some boys looked stunned. Theo and Jax were hooting behind me.

Wednesday stood beside me, silent, arms crossed, expression unreadable as always. Her gaze was fixed ahead — not looking at me, not looking at the screen. Just enduring.

I couldn’t help it.

I stepped forward, grinning like a fool, and took the mic.

“I’d like to dedicate this victory to my very lovely, very terrifying lab partner…” I paused dramatically, eyes sliding to her. “Wednesday Aurora Lalis — our genius, our ghost girl, and now, officially, the hottest mom in this entire school.”

Some people laughed. Most stared.

Wednesday glared at me.

I kept going. “She did 90% of the work. I did 10% of the emotional support. But really, if our baby ever becomes real, I hope she ends up with your brain, your fire, and your complete inability to tolerate me.”

A beat of silence.

Then she turned her head — just slightly — and looked at me. The barest shift.

I swear my heart jumped.

“Congrats, bestie,” I whispered, just for her.

She walked away without a word.

Wednesday

He was insufferable.

The whole class stared at me like I was the problem. Like I was the weird dark girl who had somehow stolen the golden boy’s attention. As if I asked for any of this. As if I wasn’t doing everything in my power to keep him at arm’s length.

And yet…

When he said those things — even if they were a joke — they… landed. Somewhere under my ribs. Somewhere soft. I hated that.

Later that day, the announcement came.

“Top team of the Baby Project will be paired again for Phase Two: The Evolution Challenge. A psychological-social simulation involving adaptability, chemistry, and trust. A couple’s activity.”

“Of course,” Cassian said behind me, “they want to see how well we function as a real couple.”

I turned. “We’re not a couple.”

“You’re breaking my heart, Wednesday.”

Cassian

The teacher assigned us a setting: Formal presentation + dinner setting = simulated event date. We were told to dress accordingly. Play the part. Observe each other’s behavior under social pressure.

I didn’t expect what came next.

When I saw her… walk into the hall…

My mouth went dry.

She wore black satin — slit high, tight at the waist, cut low enough to make every breath a struggle. Her long legs, her hourglass shape, the way the fabric hugged her like it belonged there… It was like seeing a myth step into reality. Cold, untouchable. Beautiful enough to hurt.

Theo whispered, “Bro… BRO…”

“I know,” I muttered. “Jesus.”

She walked straight past me. As usual. No smile. No glance.

But I leaned in as we took our seats at the project table and whispered, “If you looked at me like that just once, I’d give up every other girl in this school.”

Still nothing. She didn’t flinch.

“You’ve been hiding that body, Ghost Girl,” I teased gently, eyes roaming her with clear reverence. “I should arrest you.”

She finally turned.

“Speak again,” she said softly, “and I’ll ruin you.”

God, I was in love.