Chapter 3

At the hospital, the doctors ran tests.

No pregnancy, no miscarriage.

Just unexplained bleeding and severe cramping.

They were baffled.

My parents arrived, Mr. Miller looking stern, Mrs. Hayes-Miller already judging me.

"Olivia, what is going on with you?" my father demanded.

"This is a disgrace. First bruises, now this... public spectacle."

Mrs. Hayes-Miller chimed in, her voice sharp.

"Are you being reckless, Olivia? Is there something you' re not telling us? This family has a reputation."

I told them what the doctors said, that there was no clear cause.

They didn' t believe me.

"It must be something you did," my stepmother insisted.

Izzy was there too, hovering, all fake concern.

"Oh, Liv, I was so worried. You need to take better care of yourself."

She fussed over me, and while my parents were distracted, she leaned in close.

"You lost your locket at the conference," she whispered, her eyes glinting.

"Don' t worry, I found it. You need to wear it, Liv. For your protection."

She slipped the cold silver chain back around my neck.

I let her.

This time, I knew its real purpose.

The doctors discharged me, advising rest and follow-up appointments.

My reputation on campus was already taking a hit.

Whispers followed me, rumors of a wild lifestyle, a secret abortion.

From star student to campus scandal, just like before.

But this time, I wasn' t a victim.

I was planning.