MARKED BY THE ENEMY

DODGEBALL DISASTER

Chapter 3: Dodgeball Disaster

Later that week, Ashley walked into gym class with no idea of the misfortune waiting for her.

The coach whistled loudly, gathering the students. “We’re playing dodgeball today. Boys against girls. Captains, step up.”

It came as no surprise when Devin Park was chosen as the boys’ captain. His tall frame and athletic build practically guaranteed it. On the other side, the girls’ team was led by none other than Kika, who accepted the position with a smug grin.

She immediately began picking her circle of loyal followers, her “minions,” leaving Lia and Ashley to stand awkwardly at the side. Ashley felt the pit in her stomach deepen when Kika’s sharp gaze landed on her.

“You,” Kika said sweetly, pointing directly at Ashley. “Front line.”

Lia frowned. “That’s not fair, Kika. She doesn’t even—”

“If you’ve got a problem, take it up with the coach,” Kika snapped, her eyes glittering with malice.

Ashley gently touched Lia’s arm before she could argue more. “It’s fine,” she whispered with a small smile. “I’ll be okay.”

But she wasn’t.

The game started with a thunderous c***k of the whistle. Dodgeballs flew from every direction, zooming across the court like missiles. Ashley, trapped in the front, ducked and sidestepped frantically, her heart hammering.

“Missed!” someone laughed cruelly when one of Kika’s friends deliberately aimed wide.

Ashley turned her head for just a second—too long.

WHAM.

A ball slammed directly into her face. Pain exploded in her vision, and everything went black.

---

Gasps filled the gym. William dropped his ball and sprinted across the court, panic on his face. But before he could reach her, another figure was already kneeling beside Ashley.

Devin.

Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. His expression was unreadable, but his grip was steady and protective. The entire class fell silent, stunned by the sight.

“Let’s get her to the nurse’s office,” Devin said firmly, turning to Lia.

Lia’s eyes widened, but she nodded quickly and followed close behind as he carried Ashley out.

---

When Ashley finally opened her eyes, she was lying on a cot in the nurse’s office. Her head ached, but what she saw first was Lia’s worried face hovering above her.

“Ash! You scared me half to death,” Lia said, her voice trembling. “I should’ve done more—I should’ve stopped Kika—”

Ashley reached out weakly and squeezed her hand. “It’s okay. Really. I’m fine.”

Just then, William walked in balancing a lunch tray. Relief washed over his face when he saw Ashley awake.

“You’re finally up,” he said, setting the tray down beside her. “How do you feel?”

Ashley rubbed her temples. “How long… was I out?”

“About two hours,” William replied.

She slumped back against the pillow with a sigh. “Great. Just great.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur, but something new lingered in Ashley’s chest. From that moment on, she began noticing Devin everywhere—in the hallways, in the cafeteria, even at the edge of the classroom.

And to her own surprise, she didn’t hate it. Not one bit