ARIA’S POV
I stood there in the hallway watching Zane drag Bianca away, and something inside me just… sank. Disappointment hit me hard, heavier than I expected. I mean, I knew he was engaged to her. I knew he had to keep up appearances. But after everything....the way he waited by my locker, the way he offered to take me home, the way he stepped in when she slapped me....I thought maybe he was finally choosing me. At least a little.
Guess I was wrong.
He still took her side. He still left with her. My cheek still stung from her slap, but the real ache was deeper. I’d spent the whole morning getting ready, picking this outfit, doing my makeup, planning how I’d smile at him, touch his arm, use everything the brothers taught me to make him look at me the way I wanted. I was ready to be bet
