LOVE PAINTED IN LIES
Chapter 10
The school did not feel the same anymore.
Mila noticed it the moment she stepped through the gates. The walls that once held laughter now felt like they were listening. Every corner felt watched. Every whisper sounded like it was meant for her.
Lena was gone, but her presence lingered.
Police had questioned students. Teachers had tightened security. Yet nothing felt safer. If anything, the danger had simply learned how to wait.
Adrian walked beside Mila, close but not touching. The space between them felt heavier than distance ever had.
You don't have to stay today he said softly.
Mila shook her head. I won't hide anymore.
That answer both scared and impressed him.
In class, Mila tried to focus, but her thoughts drifted. Her phone buzzed once.
No number.
Just a photo.
It was her locker. Taken minutes ago.
Her heart raced.
She slowly looked up.
Nothing seemed out of place.
She typed back.
Stop.
The reply came almost instantly.
You're still telling me what to do.
You never learn.
Mila's hands trembled, but she didn't panic. Not this time.
She saved the message.
At lunch, Mara pulled her aside.
People are saying things she whispered. About Ethan.
Mila's chest tightened. What things.
That he's been seen talking to the police. That he's blaming you for what happened.
Mila felt something crack.
After everything.
She found Ethan behind the library, where they used to sit and talk before things went wrong.
He looked tired. Guilty. Afraid.
Why are you telling them things about me Mila asked quietly.
Ethan flinched. I'm not blaming you.
Then why does it sound like you are.
He ran a hand through his hair. They asked how Lena knew so much. I told them we used to talk. That you trusted me.
Her voice shook. I did trust you.
I know he said quickly. But if I don't cooperate, they'll think I helped her on purpose.
You did help her Mila said. Maybe not how she planned. But you did.
Silence stretched between them.
Ethan swallowed. I never meant to betray you.
But you still chose her over me.
He looked up sharply. That's not true.
You gave her information about me Mila said. You lied. You watched me fall apart and still stayed quiet.
His voice broke. I thought I could fix it.
That doesn't erase the damage she replied.
Footsteps approached.
Adrian stopped beside them.
He looked at Ethan coldly. Stay away from her.
Ethan didn't argue.
He walked away without another word.
That night, Mila sat on her bed staring at the ceiling.
Her phone buzzed again.
Another message.
You look strong now.
But strong people break better.
Mila closed her eyes.
Tears slipped down her temples, but she didn't wipe them away.
She typed back.
You won't control me anymore.
This time, the reply took longer.
Good.
Then let's see who you really are without everyone protecting you.
The next day, something shifted.
Adrian didn't come to school.
Mila texted him. Called him.
Nothing.
A cold fear settled in her chest.
By afternoon, rumors spread.
Someone said Adrian had been questioned again. Someone else said he was involved more deeply than people thought.
Mila's heart raced.
She went to his house after school.
His mother opened the door, eyes red.
He didn't tell you she said quietly.
Tell me what Mila asked, panic rising.
He turned himself in for questioning this morning.
The world tilted.
Why.
She sighed. Because he believes Lena is targeting you because of him.
Mila felt breathless.
That night, the betrayal cut deepest.
Not from Lena.
Not from Ethan.
But from the truth.
Adrian had been hiding something.
Mila sat alone in her room when her phone lit up again.
This time, it was a video.
Adrian, sitting in a small interview room.
His voice shaky.
I'll do anything to keep her safe.
The video ended.
Another message followed.
See what love does.
It destroys quietly.
Mila pressed the phone to her chest, heart breaking in ways she didn't know it could.
She whispered into the empty room.
I love him too.
Outside her window, a shadow paused.
Then disappeared.
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