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Mirabel's POV
Thirty minutes later, her chest still ached with anger.
"I won't forgive this bastard for what he's done to me," she muttered, biting her lip so hard it hurt. She had promised herself she wouldn't cry—she didn't want to look weak. But the tears betrayed her anyway, spilling fast down her cheeks.
A knock.
She quickly wiped her face with her palms. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Tracy."
"Come in. And why are you knocking? This is your room too," Mirabel tried to sound normal.
Tracy stepped inside, her eyes softening when she saw Mirabel's swollen face. "You were crying…"
"It's nothing," Mirabel said, brushing her cheek as though that could erase the evidence.
"Was it about what I asked earlier?" Tracy's voice carried concern.
Mirabel shook her head quickly. "No. You don't need to worry." She didn't want to relive it, not now.
Tracy sighed. "Then how about we go to the garden?"
"Alright. I'll join you outside," Mirabel said.
On her way out, Mirabel was suddenly blocked—Rose and Bella double-crossed her in the hallway. Rose slyly slid her foot across Mirabel's path, sending her stumbling.
"Oh, new bitch, are you blind?" Rose sneered, grabbing her arm roughly.
Mirabel's anger flared. She caught Rose's hand mid-slap. "I've been told you're a rude whore, and since my arrival I've known you as nothing but an old, jealous hag." She shoved Rose hard. "But I don't have time for your nonsense. I have better things to do."
As she turned away, Bella yanked her back and slapped her hard across the face. "Hey, crippled little thing, how dare you!" Bella snarled, gripping her hair and jerking her head back.
"Agh—" Mirabel groaned. Bella's fist slammed into her stomach, knocking the air out of her.
Before Bella could land another blow, Tracy appeared out of nowhere, catching her arm mid-swing. Her eyes were cold, dangerous.
"If you touch her again…" Tracy leaned close with a wicked smirk. "You're dead."
She shoved Bella down, grabbed Mirabel's trembling hand, and pulled her away.
Rose and Bella glared after them, humiliated.
---
At the garden
"I'm sorry for what happened," Tracy said softly, applying ointment to Mirabel's cheek.
"It's okay. I'm alright," Mirabel forced a smile.
"Don't worry, they won't bother you again. And if they do…" Tracy's voice hardened. "They'll have to go through me first."
"Thank you." Mirabel exhaled, trying to relax. "Let's just… enjoy the view."
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Dave's POV
Later, Mirabel was walking back to her room when her foot slipped. "Ah—!"
Before she could hit the ground, strong arms caught her, steadying her by the waist. Their eyes locked.
"Why are his hands so warm…" she thought, her pulse racing. Embarrassed, she looked away.
"Thank you so much, Dave."
"You're welcome." He smiled gently.
Mirabel cleared her throat. "Um, you can let me go now."
"Of course." He released her slowly, but his gaze lingered. "What happened to your face?"
"Oh, nothing—I fell down earlier. My friend treated me already."
"I see. Have you eaten yet?"
"No. Why?"
"I was about to have lunch. Want to join me?"
"…Sure."
They walked together until they reached the small dining spot.
"What do you want to eat?" Dave asked.
"Something light."
"Alright, just a second."
When the food arrived, Mirabel dug in immediately. "Mmm—this is delicious. It's been so long since I've tasted something like this."
Dave didn't answer. He just watched her, his chin resting on his hand.
Mirabel frowned. "Dave… you're not eating? Is the food not to your taste?"
"Oh, no—it's good. Really good."
"Then why are you barely touching it?" she asked, pouting a little before taking another bite.
He leaned in closer, eyes focused on her. Her breath caught.
"What are… you doing?" she whispered, heart pounding. She could feel his breath brushing her skin.
"Don't move," he murmured, reaching out. He brushed away a tiny speck of dirt clinging to her cheek.
Mirabel froze, her cheeks burning.
"There," he said with a warm smile. "Much better."
She looked down quickly, trying to calm her racing heart. "T-thank you."
Dave's lips curved into a soft grin. "My pleasure."
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