MARKED BY THE ENEMY

THE UNEXPECTED SAVIOUR

Chapter 2 — The Unexpected Saviour

The quiet hum of the library had always been Ashley’s safe place. She had meant to study, but the warmth of the late afternoon sun and the stillness of the shelves lulled her to sleep.

When she finally stirred awake, she realized with horror that it was already dark outside. The library lights flickered as she packed up her things, rushing out into the chilly evening.

Her steps echoed along the empty streets. She hugged her bag tighter. That’s when it happened.

“Hey, pretty thing, where are you going all alone?” a voice slurred from the shadows.

Two men stepped forward, their eyes glinting with something that made Ashley’s stomach drop. Panic seized her, and she instinctively took a step back.

Before she could scream, a blur moved between them. In the next moment, the thugs were on the ground groaning in pain.

Ashley’s eyes widened. Standing before her was the last person she wanted to see—Devin Park.

His expression was unreadable, his eyes shadowed as if this was nothing new. Without saying a word, he brushed himself off and walked away into the night, leaving Ashley trembling in confusion.

Was this staged? she thought, hugging her bag tighter. No… no one could possibly do something so messed up. Could they?

The whole way home, the scene replayed in her head. By the time she crawled into bed, she had made up her mind. She would thank him tomorrow. She couldn’t let herself seem ungrateful—not after he had saved her.

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The next morning at school, Ashley forced herself to act normal. She didn’t mention a word to William or Lia. If they knew, they’d only worry or make it into a bigger deal than it already was.

But when she walked into class, Devin’s seat was empty. All day, he didn’t show. By recess, Ashley had worked up enough courage to find him.

And she did.

In the hallway, leaning casually against a locker, Devin stood with none other than Kika, the school’s notorious queen bee. Kika was gorgeous, sharp-tongued, and feared by nearly everyone. Trouble followed her everywhere, though somehow, she always managed to slip away unscathed—whether it was because of her father’s money or her manipulative ways.

Ashley swallowed hard. Her palms were sweaty, her heart thudding painfully. But she couldn’t back out now.

She stepped closer, clutching the strap of her bag for courage. “H-hi,” she stuttered.

Devin’s eyes flicked toward her for the briefest moment. Then… he turned away. Completely ignoring her.

The humiliation stung hotter than fire. Ashley’s face flushed red as she spun on her heel, walking quickly away before anyone could see the shame in her eyes.

Behind her, Kika let out a sharp, amused scoff. Her lips curved into a cruel smile.

That brat, she thought darkly. How dare she approach him like that? She’ll regret it.

And with that, the dangerous seed of rivalry had been planted.