CHAPTER NINE 

The atmosphere at Westview High felt different that morning.

Whispers moved faster than usual.

Students were looking toward the school gate like something interesting had arrived.

Aurora noticed it immediately.

She was arranging her books when Mira suddenly rushed past her, whispering loudly to her friends.

“She’s back.”

Aurora didn’t understand.

Back?

Before she could ask anyone, the sound of a car engine echoed through the school entrance.

Not just any car.

A sleek black sports car pulled in smoothly, shining under the morning sun.

Students gathered around.

The door opened.

And she stepped out.

Tall. Confident. Perfect posture. Long dark hair flowing over her shoulders. Sunglasses covering calm, sharp eyes.

She walked like she owned the ground beneath her feet.

Aurora felt something strange in her chest.

Because when Leonard saw her —

He froze.

Not scared.

Not angry.

Just… still.

The girl removed her sunglasses slowly.

“Leonard,” she said smoothly.

Her voice carried confidence. History.

“It’s been a while.”

Aurora stood a few steps away, watching silently.

Leonard walked toward her.

“What are you doing here, Valeria?” he asked.

Valeria.

The name felt heavy.

Valeria smiled slightly.

“My father transferred me back,” she said casually. “Missed the city. Missed the excitement.”

Her eyes shifted slightly.

And landed on Aurora.

She studied her from head to toe.

Not rudely.

But carefully.

“And who is she?” Valeria asked.

Aurora felt her fingers tighten around her books.

Leonard didn’t hesitate.

“She’s none of your concern.”

The air shifted instantly.

Valeria raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?” she said softly. “Since when do you defend girls like that?”

Mira and her friends were watching from a distance, clearly enjoying this.

Aurora felt small under Valeria’s confident gaze.

But she didn’t step back.

She simply stood there quietly.

Valeria walked closer to Aurora.

“You’re new,” she said smoothly.

“Yes,” Aurora replied softly.

Valeria tilted her head slightly.

“You don’t look like his type.”

The words weren’t loud.

But they were sharp.

Leonard’s jaw tightened.

“Enough,” he said firmly.

Valeria looked back at him.

“I’m just curious,” she said lightly. “You used to like girls who could keep up with you.”

Silence fell.

Aurora didn’t know what “used to” meant.

But it felt dangerous.

Valeria stepped back slightly, adjusting her bag.

“Don’t worry,” she said, looking at Aurora again. “I’m not here to cause trouble.”

But the small smile on her lips said the opposite.

As she walked past them, she paused near Leonard.

“You still race at night?” she asked quietly.

Leonard didn’t answer.

Valeria smirked.

“I’ll see you around.”

She walked away confidently.

The crowd slowly dispersed.

But the tension remained.

Aurora finally looked at Leonard.

“You used to date her?” she asked softly.

Leonard didn’t answer immediately.

His silence was enough.

Aurora nodded slowly.

“I see.”

She turned slightly, preparing to walk away.

But Leonard reached for her wrist gently.

“It wasn’t serious,” he said quietly.

Aurora looked at him.

For the first time, something flickered in her eyes.

Not fear.

Not sadness.

Something new.

Jealousy.

“I don’t need explanations,” she said softly.

But her voice wasn’t as steady as usual.

And Leonard noticed.

And for the first time —

He realized something important.

Valeria wasn’t just back.

She was a threat.

Not to his reputation.

But to something far more dangerous.

His feelings.