The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the campus garden. Sara walked slowly down the path, her thoughts heavy with Grace's threats from the night before. Her books weighed on her shoulders, but not as much as the burden in her chest.
"Hey."
She turned to find Daniel leaning casually against the stone wall, his hands shoved in his pockets. His expression softened when he saw her. "You didn't answer my call last night."
Sara hesitated. "I… wasn't in the mood to talk."
Daniel studied her closely, his sharp eyes catching the shadows under hers. "Something happened, didn't it?"
Her first instinct was to deny it, to put on the same mask she wore at home. But when she met his gaze, the walls cracked. His presence was steady, warm — fire against the ice freezing her heart.
She shook her head lightly, looking away. "It doesn't matter."
Daniel stepped closer. "It matters if it hurts you."
The words were simple, but they cut through her defenses. Sara's lips trembled, her voice barely a whisper. "Grace… she's trying to control everything. Even my future. She wants me to marry Zhao Ming. And if I refuse, she'll ruin everything I've worked for."
Daniel's jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. "That woman…" His voice was low, edged with fury. "She doesn't deserve the power she has over you."
Sara blinked back the sting of tears. "But she has it. She always does."
Daniel took a deep breath, then reached out, gently lifting her chin so she met his eyes. His touch was steady, grounding. "Listen to me, Sara. She can threaten your reputation, your school, even your family name. But she can't take you. She can't take your strength, your heart, or your will to fight back. Those belong to you alone."
The warmth in his voice melted the cold fear clinging to her. For the first time in days, she let herself breathe.
"Daniel…"
He gave her a faint smile, though his eyes still burned. "I'll stand with you. No matter what she tries, you won't face it alone."
Sara's chest ached at the promise. She wanted to believe it, to lean into the safety he offered. But a flicker of doubt whispered: What if Grace uses him against me? What if I drag him down with me?
Before she could speak, a familiar voice rang out.
"Well, well. Isn't this sweet?"
They both turned to see Adrian standing a few steps away, grinning like a cat who'd caught a secret. Leo trailed behind him, his expression far more serious.
Adrian crossed his arms dramatically. "Our dear Daniel, spouting knightly promises under the morning sun. Sara, you've got yourself a real prince here."
Sara flushed scarlet, stepping back quickly. "It's not—"
Leo cut in smoothly, his gaze fixed on Daniel. "You know what we told you, right? The more obvious this becomes, the more dangerous it will be. For both of you."
Daniel's smile faded, replaced by quiet defiance. "I know. But I won't back down."
Adrian chuckled. "Brave. Stupid, maybe, but brave."
Sara looked between them, guilt and warmth twisting inside her. She hadn't asked Daniel to stand up for her, yet here he was — willing to take the heat that should have been hers alone.
Lina appeared then, raising an eyebrow as she joined the group. "What's going on here?"
"Nothing," Sara said quickly, but Lina's knowing smirk said she wasn't fooled.
Adrian threw an arm around Sara's shoulder, earning a glare from Daniel. "Just catching up on the latest love story of the century."
Lina swatted him away. "Leave her alone." Her gaze softened as she turned to Sara. "Whatever it is, we've got your back."
Sara's heart squeezed. Fire and ice — warmth from Daniel, cold threats from Grace, and the fragile balance of friendship holding her together. For the first time, she realized how much she relied on this circle.
But in the distance, Emily watched from the classroom window, her nails digging into her palm. The sight of Sara surrounded — protected, even loved — sent a surge of rage through her veins.
"Enjoy it while you can," she hissed under her breath. "I'll tear it all apart."