Chapter 4

I followed Ethan through the emptying hallway, my heart hammering against my ribs. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting harsh shadows across his serious face. We ducked into a quiet corridor near the art classrooms where students rarely ventured during lunch period.

"I've been debating whether to show you this for weeks," Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced around nervously before pulling out his phone. "But after seeing you with Ryan lately... something seems off. I think you need to know."

He unlocked his screen and hesitated, his thumb hovering over the gallery icon. "Madison, this…