_Chapter 13: Consequences_
The kiss lingered on Emily's lips as she drifted off to sleep. She'd never felt such a deep connection.
But reality hit the next morning.
Tyler confronted Emily in the school hallway. "You're really with him now?"
Emily stood tall. "Yes."
Tyler's face reddened. "You're making a mistake."
Axel appeared, his eyes flashing a warning. "Back off, Richardson."
Tyler sneered. "You'll ruin her, Jackson."
Axel's jaw clenched. "I'll protect her."
The tension escalated until the principal intervened.
As Emily and Axel walked away, Emily's phone buzzed with a text from her mom:
"We need to talk about Axel."
Emily's heart sank.
At home, Emily's parents lectured her about Axel's reputation.
"He's trouble, Emily," her dad said firmly.
Emily defended Axel, but her parents remained unconvinced.
As the argument escalated, Emily realized her relationship with Axel came with consequences.
Axel's words echoed in her mind: "We can't go back."
But was she ready to face the fallout?