Racheal walked into the campus courtyard, the sun warm against her skin. She felt a quiet confidence after the garden conversation with Declan the previous afternoon. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to smile genuinely, feeling lighter than she had in ages.
But the moment she rounded the corner near the library, whispers reached her ears. She froze.
"Look! It's them again," one student murmured.
"They're always together now," another added, a hint of judgment in her tone.
Racheal's heart sank. She tried to ignore it, walking faster, but the whispers seemed to follow her.
And then, of course, Margaret appeared. Leaning against a railing with that smug expression she always wore, she crossed her arms. "Well, if it isn't Racheal… and her mysterious friend," she said with feigned sweetness, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.
Racheal's lips pressed into a thin line. "Margaret," she said coolly.
Margaret smirked. "So, everyone saw you leaving the library with Declan yesterday. Funny how close you two are getting. I hope he's treating you well… or are you just being used for attention?"
Racheal's chest tightened. She wanted to lash out, to defend herself, but before she could, Declan appeared from behind her, arms crossed, exuding calm authority.
Margaret's eyes flicked to him. "Oh! And the famous Mr. Unknown makes an appearance. How convenient."
Declan's expression didn't change, but his voice was low and measured. "Margaret, whatever your problem is, it's not with me. Stay out of my business."
Margaret's smirk faltered for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure. "Just making an observation, Declan. Don't get too defensive."
Declan stepped closer to Racheal, subtly shielding her from Margaret's gaze. "Racheal," he murmured softly, "ignore her. She doesn't matter."
His words were quiet, yet they carried a weight that steadied her. For the first time, Racheal didn't feel small or anxious. She felt protected, not in the sense of fear, but in a sense of trust.
Margaret huffed, rolling her eyes, and walked away, muttering something under her breath. Gideon and Noah appeared at that moment, smirking.
"Smooth," Gideon teased Declan. "She finally got told off by you."
Noah laughed. "Finally. And you didn't even have to raise your voice."
Declan chuckled softly, his gaze flicking to Racheal. "See? Some things are easier when you stay calm."
Racheal's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible, but filled with sincerity.
They continued walking through the campus, side by side. The whispers and gossip still lingered in the air, but Racheal felt stronger, bolder. Declan had shown her that she didn't have to run, that she didn't have to let petty rumors dictate her life.
And for the first time, she believed it.