_Chapter 10: Social Divide_
The next day, Emily's friends gathered at lunch, buzzing about the latest gossip.
"Emily, what's going on with you and Axel?" Sarah asked, her brow furrowed.
Emily hesitated. "We're just friends."
Her friends exchanged skeptical glances.
"Be careful, Emily," Rachel warned. "Axel's trouble."
Emily's defenses rose. "You don't know him."
As the conversation continued, Emily realized her friends didn't understand Axel's complexities.
Across the cafeteria, Axel sat alone, watching Emily with an intense gaze.
Tyler approached him, a smirk twisting his face. "Stay away from Emily, Jackson. She's too good for you."
Axel's eyes narrowed. "Mind your own business, Richardson."
The tension between them was palpable.
After lunch, Emily joined Axel in the library, seeking refuge from the gossip.
"I'm sorry about my friends," Emily said, her voice soft.
Axel shrugged. "I'm used to it."
Emily's heart went out to him. "You don't deserve their judgment."
Axel's eyes locked onto hers. "You're the only one who sees me, Emily."
As they studied together, Emily felt the social divide between them shrinking.
But little did she know, their growing connection would soon face its greatest challenge.