(POV Saval)
The hallway air smelled of dampness and disinfectant. I leaned against the wall, my fists clenched in my pockets. Ever since Mia showed me the files with the forged signatures, one thought had been circling in my head: Xavier knew everything and enjoyed watching us fight.
I saw him leaving the computer lab with that smile that always feels like a challenge. I walked toward him before I could second-guess myself.
—Xavier,— my voice came out deeper than I expected.
He stopped, raising an eyebrow. —Well, Saval. I thought you were busy ignoring Semiel.—
Don't give him the satisfaction. I took a deep breath. —I know what you and Santiago did.—
—Oh? —He crossed his arms, savoring every second. —And what exactly do you think you know?—
—The forged signatures. The government documents. They're in my possession.—
Xavier laughed, a short, cold sound. —So Mia couldn't resist playing detective.—
—This isn't a game,— I took a step forward. —It's a crime.—
—For you, maybe,— his smile widened. —For us, it was a well-played move.—
Us. The word cut through me like a knife.
—You and Santiago ruined Semiel's life, and you almost tore all of us apart.—
—Almost,— he repeated with a mocking glint. —But look, you and Semiel drifted apart anyway. I just… gave it a little push.—
I felt anger burning inside me. —This ends now. The police already have the evidence.—
Xavier tilted his head, feigning pity. —You think that'll stop us? Santiago always has a way out.—
—Not this time.—
He shrugged. —Suit yourself. Anyway, in a way, we've already won.—
—What are you talking about?—
—Look around, Saval. People are still whispering, Semiel is still hurt, and you're still doubting. Even if Santiago ends up in a cell, the scars are already there. —His voice dropped to a venomous whisper—. And those don't fade.—
Don't believe him. I felt my heart pounding in my ears. —You're wrong. We will heal.—
—I hope so,— he said, patting my shoulder before walking away. —But remember: shadows always leave a trace.—
I watched him disappear into the crowd of students. The hallway lights flickered as if trying to warn me of something. No. He's not going to get away with this.
I took out my phone and dialed Mia.
—Saval? —she answered immediately.
—I confronted him,— I said, my voice trembling with restrained rage. —He knows we have the evidence. Says they've already won.—
—Let him believe that,— she replied. —Antonella and I are finishing the report for the police. He can't escape this.—
I closed my eyes for a moment. Hold on a little longer, Semiel. We're going to get through this.
When I hung up, the hallway fell silent again. I walked toward the exit with determination burning in my chest. They could mock us, they could think they'd won, but the truth was on our side now, and this time, we wouldn't let it fall.