Chapter Nine – The Choice Yn was in the cafeteria, trying to ignore the whispers. Ever since Lila arrived, rumors had spread like wildfire — and most of them painted Yn as the jealous ex who couldn’t let go. Freya slammed her tray down beside her. “You’re not going to believe this — Lila told the principal you cheated on the history project. Said Malachi did all the work.” Yn’s stomach dropped. “What? That’s not true!” Before Freya could respond, Lila strutted in, Malachi right behind her. She spotted Yn instantly and walked over, her heels clicking like gunshots. “Enjoy your lunch?” Lila asked, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Because I just made sure you’re banned from the school competition. Can’t have cheaters representing us.” Yn stood, her voice shaking but loud. “You’re lying, Lila. And you know it.” Lila smirked. “Oh, I know it. But Malachi believes me.” Malachi’s eyes flickered between them. “Lila—” “No,” Yn cut in, her voice rising. “You’re just going to stand there and let her ruin me? After everything we’ve been through?” Malachi’s jaw tightened. “Yn, you walked away. You made your choice.” “I walked away because you lied to me!” Yn yelled, the cafeteria going silent. “And now you’re letting her destroy me because it’s easier than admitting you still care!” Lila’s smile faltered. “He doesn’t care, Yn. He’s with me now. You’re just… history.” Freya stepped forward, glaring at Malachi. “You’re seriously going to let her talk to Yn like that? You know she’s lying.” Mekonnen, who had been watching from the corner, finally spoke. “Malachi, man, this isn’t you. You’re letting her control you.” Malachi’s voice cracked as he shouted, “Enough! I’m tired of everyone telling me what to do!” The room was tense, every eye on him. Yn’s voice softened, but it cut deeper than any yell. “Then tell me, Malachi — is this really what you want? To stand next to someone who tears people down, instead of someone who tried to build you up?” Malachi looked at her, then at Lila. His silence was the loudest thing in the room. Lila grabbed his arm. “We’re leaving.” He let her pull him away, but his eyes lingered on Yn until the door closed behind them. Freya whispered, “He’s going to regret this.” Yn didn’t answer. She just sat back down, her hands trembling, knowing that whatever was left between them had just shattered — and there was no going back.
