MARKED BY THE ENEMY

THE QUEEN BEE STRIKES

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Chapter 9 — The Queen Bee Strikes

The next morning, Ashley walked into school with a lighter step than usual. After days of tutoring, laughter, and even being introduced to Devin’s friends, she felt… different. Like she belonged to something outside of her quiet, invisible world.

But not everyone was happy about it.

Across the courtyard, Kika stood with her usual entourage, her sharp eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Ashley walking beside Devin. He was relaxed, hands in his pockets, listening to something Ashley was saying with the faintest smile on his lips.

A smile.

For her.

Kika’s jaw tightened. Devin Park never smiled like that. Not for anyone.

“Who does she think she is?” Kika muttered, venom dripping from every word. “Walking around like she owns him.”

One of her minions spoke timidly, “Maybe it’s not what it looks like—”

“Shut up,” Kika snapped, her nails digging into her palm. “No one takes what’s mine. Not some nobody.”

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Later that day in the cafeteria, Ashley sat with Lia and William, her tray balanced carefully as she tried not to draw attention. But the whispers had already started.

“Is she really hanging out with Devin Park?”

“I saw them together yesterday.”

“She’s so plain—why would he bother with her?”

Ashley hunched her shoulders, cheeks burning. She hadn’t meant to attract attention, but now she could feel eyes following her every move.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over the table.

Kika.

She placed her perfectly manicured hand on Ashley’s tray, leaning down with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You’ve been awfully close to Devin lately, haven’t you?”

Ashley froze. “I-I… we’re just—”

“Tutoring, right?” Kika interrupted smoothly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “That’s what everyone’s saying. But you should be careful, sweetheart. Getting involved with him doesn’t usually end well.”

Lia bristled. “Leave her alone, Kika.”

Kika’s gaze flicked toward Lia, cold and dismissive. “This isn’t about you. It’s about her.” She leaned in closer, her voice low enough that only Ashley could hear. “Stay in your lane, shorty. Or I’ll make sure you regret it.”

Ashley’s stomach twisted. The nickname — the one Devin had teasingly given her — sounded poisonous in Kika’s mouth.

With a final satisfied smirk, Kika straightened and sauntered off, her minions trailing behind.

Ashley sat frozen, her food untouched, the weight of Kika’s threat heavy on her chest.

For the first time, she realized that being close to Devin Park didn’t just come with late-night tutoring sessions and quiet smiles.

It also came with enemies.

Enemies who played dirty.

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