A powerful full drama movie filled with love, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
Follow a powerful story where relationships are tested, hidden truths are revealed, and lives change forever. From romantic moments to shocking surprises, this drama keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
Featuring stories about CEO, billionaire lifestyles, family connections, and life-changing decisions, this movie delivers strong emotions and unforgettable scenes.
Watch the full movie and discover what happens in the end.
New full drama movies uploaded regularly. Stay tuned for more captivating and trending stories.
#drama #fullmovie #lovestory #dramatic #billionaire #ceo #family #relationships #movie #story
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00:01¡Gracias!
00:35Jace, I like you.
00:36Before Jace could respond, Mason Blake shouted from beside the ring.
00:40What? Tessa Lane, did you just say you like Jace?
00:42His voice carried through the gym.
00:45Damn, champ, even the fatty wants you.
00:47Is that why you keep rejecting girls?
00:48You were waiting for her?
00:52You serious?
00:53My face burned beneath everyone's stares.
00:55I lowered her head, unable to answer.
00:57I had not expected them to laugh at him.
01:00I should have waited until we were alone.
01:02I just want to know one thing.
01:04What the hell made you think you could confess to me?
01:06Do you really think my taste is that fucked up?
01:08My whole body went stiff.
01:09The blood drained from my face.
01:11Don't you think you're disgusting?
01:12The laughter around me grew even louder.
01:15I could not take it anymore.
01:16I ran to a corner of the gym storage room and broke down crying.
01:20Suddenly, hurried footsteps rushed closer and stopped at the doorway.
01:24I raised my head.
01:25The next second, the door slammed shut.
01:27It was locked.
01:28I scrambled to my feet and rushed to the door.
01:31Wait!
01:31Someone's in here!
01:32We know!
01:33Stay in there.
01:34Girls like you don't get Jace.
01:35Learn your place.
01:36People had mocked my body for as long as I could remember.
01:40Until Jace came into my life.
01:43Whenever someone mocked me, he raised his fists and forced them to apologize.
01:48Look at her.
01:48She's so weird.
01:49I was naive enough to believe that could save my life.
01:51Sorry.
01:52But today, he crushed that hope himself.
01:57Don't you think you're disgusting?
01:59I finally understood.
02:01Girls like me never got exceptions.
02:05The next morning, one of his friends came to move his things to another desk.
02:09So, uh, Jace got so sick after yesterday.
02:12He's taking three days off.
02:14He asked me to move his seat.
02:17It has nothing to do with you.
02:19Don't overthink it.
02:19I blinked against the tears in my eyes.
02:21I never understood why everyone hated me so much.
02:24Just because I ate half a donut more than they did?
02:27Three days later, Jace came back.
02:29His arm around Brielle Hayes' waist.
02:32The second they walked in, he started kissing in front of the whole class.
02:36Brielle was captain of the cheer squad, every guy's dream girl.
02:39She was 5'6 and weighed only 101 pounds.
02:42I, Tessa Lane, was 5'4 and 154 pounds.
02:45Champ finally got a girl?
02:47Is this real or just a joke?
02:48What do you mean?
02:49Do I look like I let just anyone kiss me?
02:52Jace lazily raised an eyebrow, silently confirming it.
02:55People cheered and congratulated them.
02:57I lowered my head over my prep book and loosened my grip on my pen.
03:00Okay, okay.
03:02At least no one cared about that day anymore.
03:04That was already good enough.
03:06For a long time, Jace and I had nothing to do with each other.
03:10College applications were less than a year.
03:12I buried myself in schoolwork.
03:13On our next AP physics test, I beat Leon Brooks for the first time.
03:17The best student in the class.
03:20As soon as class ended...
03:21Ms. Carter says my analysis is a disaster.
03:24She wants me to learn from you.
03:27New desk mate.
03:28Nice to meet you.
03:28It took me a moment to realize someone was beside me again.
03:31I was a little excited.
03:33Here.
03:33This is what I use.
03:36Thanks.
03:36When I looked up, I unexpectedly met Jace's distant gaze.
03:40Jace looked away first, a cold smile tugging at his lips.
03:44I hadn't known my confession disgusted him that much.
03:47Apparently, even seeing me happy bothered him.
03:49The next morning, Leon brought me two sandwiches.
03:52These are for me?
03:53Yeah.
03:54Consider it a thank you.
03:56Thank you.
03:56A quiet laugh came from beside us.
03:58Jace leaned over Leon's desk, his hands braced against the edge.
04:02I didn't know your taste was so specific.
04:05What the hell does that mean?
04:11A gift.
04:13This is your type, right?
04:15Do you want me to help you find a few more dates?
04:17Who the fuck likes fat girls?
04:19Oh.
04:20You moved over here, so I thought you were into her.
04:23No.
04:23Mason and the others joined in,
04:24turning our desks into the center of attention again.
04:27Leon cursed under his breath.
04:29Without another word, he went back to his old seat.
04:31I stared at the printouts scattered across my desk.
04:34Why are you doing this?
04:38Are you so desperate for love?
04:42Give everything to every guy who sits beside you?
04:48From that day on, things only got worse.
04:51Whenever I walked past,
04:53my classmates would pretend to be earth-quaking.
04:56I went online, hoping someone would understand.
04:59Instead, I found my confession video
05:01all over the school forum.
05:03The comments were so cruel,
05:05I could barely breathe.
05:07Everywhere I went,
05:08people pointed at me and whispered.
05:10After that,
05:12no one wanted to be my friend.
05:14Even then,
05:15I never considered dieting again.
05:17The only time I had tried
05:19was when my feelings for Jace
05:20outweighed my love of food.
05:22But I didn't like him anymore.
05:24On Friday,
05:26our PE coach let us use class
05:28as a free period outside.
05:30Halfway through,
05:31a violent storm rolled in.
05:33Everyone rushed toward the field house for cover.
05:36I hadn't even made it off the track
05:37when my kneecap suddenly slipped out of place.
05:40I crashed to the ground.
05:42When the bone slid back in,
05:44the pain peaked so sharply.
05:46I lay on my side on the track,
05:47unable to sit up.
05:49Then,
05:49a person stopped beside me.
05:51I grabbed one pant leg without thinking.
05:54Rain poured into my mouth
05:55when I tried to speak.
05:57I can't stand!
05:59Could you please help me up?
06:01The person stopped.
06:02A few seconds later,
06:03he pulled his leg out.
06:05No.
06:05It was Jace.
06:07Brielle laughed beside him.
06:09That's what happens
06:10when you refuse to lose weight.
06:14You're too heavy
06:15to even run without falling.
06:18Jace held an umbrella over Brielle.
06:21Beside them,
06:22I looked even more pathetic,
06:24soaked from head to toe.
06:26Jace's face showed nothing.
06:27He walked past me without looking down.
06:30His cold voice disappeared into the rain.
06:32I can't help you.
06:33My mouth was filling with rainwater,
06:35yet my throat felt painfully dry.
06:37So dry,
06:38I couldn't ask again.
06:39I could only struggle to sit up.
06:42From the field house entrance,
06:43I heard people talking
06:45while phones recorded me in the rain.
06:48She doesn't look like she's faking.
06:50Should we help?
06:51You want her to confess to you?
06:53Go ahead.
06:55OMG, shut up, please!
06:56It took me nearly eight minutes to sit up.
06:59I still couldn't stand,
07:00so I sat quietly in the rain.
07:02I tried to imagine
07:03what Grandma might make for dinner.
07:06Otherwise,
07:07the pain in my knee
07:08and the eyes watching me
07:10would shake me down.
07:11In the end,
07:12I pushed myself up alone.
07:14I limped toward the athletics office
07:16and borrowed the security phone
07:17to call Grandma.
07:19Grandma took me to the hospital.
07:21The doctor said my weight
07:22was starting to affect my health.
07:24After that,
07:25Grandma decided to help me lose weight.
07:29I rested for two days
07:30before returning to school.
07:32That morning,
07:33Grandma only let me eat
07:35one whole wheat egg and cheese sandwich.
07:38I was still sulking over it
07:40when Miss Carter entered the room.
07:42A strange transfer student followed her.
07:44His entire face disappeared into shadow.
07:47Miss Carter scanned the room
07:49and pointed at me.
07:50Reed Whitley,
07:51take the seat beside Tessa.
07:53After that,
07:55she hurried back to the main office.
07:57The boy named Reed
07:58sat down beside me.
07:59Neither of us seemed interested in speaking.
08:01Mason, as usual,
08:03couldn't control his voice.
08:04He turned and jerked his chin toward Jace.
08:08Champ,
08:08look at this guy.
08:09He looks like a serial killer.
08:12Think his face got burnt off?
08:13Definitely.
08:15If you were hot,
08:16show his face.
08:17The fatty and the freak.
08:19Cute couple, right?
08:20Jace showed no reaction.
08:23He only spun his pen between his fingers
08:25and said nothing.
08:27Reed and I went almost a month without speaking.
08:30I stayed quiet
08:31because I was afraid
08:32the same thing that happened with Leon
08:34would happen again.
08:35Then, one afternoon,
08:37I noticed Reed slumped over his desk after class.
08:40One hand pressed hard against his stomach.
08:43I hesitated before walking over.
08:45Is your stomach hurting?
08:48Yeah.
08:48The back of his neck was covered in sweat.
08:50He was clearly in terrible pain.
08:52I'll help you to the nurse.
08:54Thankfully,
08:55he didn't pull away when I touched him.
08:57Most of his nearly 6'3 frame leaned against me.
09:01Good thing I was sturdy.
09:02Otherwise,
09:03I never could have carried him.
09:07The school nurse gave him medicine
09:09and asked me to bring back some food.
09:11I immediately agreed.
09:12I hurried to take on the buns and rushed back.
09:15Reed was alone in the nurse's office.
09:18His eyes curved with amusement.
09:21You can't stand me, but you still helped?
09:24You're pretty nice,
09:25You're pretty nice, Tessa.
09:26What?
09:27I don't have a problem with you.
09:30I thought you disliked me.
09:32That's why I didn't talk to you.
09:34Why would I dislike you?
09:36Because I'm fat.
09:37Reed laughed softly.
09:39His voice was clear and pleasant.
09:41His eyes were beautiful, too.
09:43Cool and bright.
09:45Like sunlight moving over a lake.
09:47I had a feeling the rumors were wrong.
09:50I didn't think he was disfigured at all.
09:53After that day,
09:54Reed and I gradually grew closer.
09:56But he was still strange.
09:58He never removed his mask or cap.
10:01And he never spoke to anyone but me.
10:03My weight was changing, too.
10:05Before I realized it,
10:07I was down a lot.
10:08Grandma was thrilled.
10:09She said I looked better.
10:10To my surprise,
10:12Jace was the first person at school to notice.
10:14One afternoon,
10:15I finished Grandma's grilled chicken,
10:18brown rice,
10:19and broccoli on the grass.
10:20I was carrying the empty bowl
10:22back to the classroom.
10:23Jace suddenly caught my wrist.
10:25You're starving yourself again?
10:26None of your business.
10:27Let go, Jace.
10:29You get a coma when you're hungry.
10:31Did you forget?
10:32Planning to pass out somewhere and die?
10:34He was so annoying.
10:36I was already miserable
10:37from living without carbs.
10:39I gave him one final warning.
10:41Let go,
10:42or I'll bite you.
10:43He finally dropped my hand.
10:45You really don't know what's good for you,
10:46do you?
10:47I stepped back and looked at him calmly.
10:50I slowly spat out four words.
10:52You're such a fake.
10:54I turned and walked back toward the classroom.
10:56Only a few students were in the classroom.
10:59Reed was there, too.
11:00When I saw him with his head on the desk again,
11:03I hurried over.
11:04Is your stomach hurting again?
11:07A little.
11:10I wanted to get medicine,
11:11but I forgot where the nurse's office is.
11:14I saw you downstairs,
11:16but you were talking to a guy.
11:19I didn't want to interrupt.
11:21He seemed almost pitiful.
11:23Tess,
11:24into very pain.
11:25My sympathy took over immediately.
11:27I'll go get it right now.
11:29Wait here.
11:32I'll come with you.
11:34Then I'll remember the way.
11:36I supported his arm toward the nurse's office.
11:39We ran into Jace on the stairs.
11:42Reed suddenly lost his balance and collapsed against me.
11:45It hurts too much to walk.
11:48Could I stay like this for a minute?
11:49I opened my mouth,
11:51but he let out a faint groan.
11:54I couldn't refuse.
11:56Jace's eyes turned cold.
11:58He had just taken one step toward us
12:00when Mason and Brielle caught up behind him.
12:03Mason saw us and shouted dramatically.
12:05Holy!
12:07The fatty and the freak?
12:09Hey, you two actually-
12:11Reed, who had been too weak to stand,
12:13suddenly straightened.
12:15He looked at Mason,
12:16his voice flat and lifeless.
12:18What did you call her?
12:20Fatty.
12:21Am I wrong?
12:22If she's not fat, am I?
12:25No.
12:26You're not fat.
12:27You're just small where it counts.
12:29Before Mason could swing at him,
12:31I grabbed Reed and ran.
12:33I didn't stop until we reached the nurse's office.
12:37Thank you, Reed.
12:38But ignore him next time.
12:40He's a state-ranked competitor.
12:42If you provoke him, he'll beat you up.
12:44Reed gave a nearly invisible smile.
12:47He was bullying you.
12:52Tess, I won't let anyone bully you.
12:55The next morning, Mason came to school with his face bruised and swollen.
13:00He couldn't have been anyone from school.
13:01Except for Jace.
13:02Nobody here could hold me down like that.
13:04I swear when I find him, I'll fucking kill him.
13:06Forget you.
13:07Listen to this.
13:08Passing the main office, I heard the principal say a billionaire's son was joining our senior class.
13:11Apparently, he just got back from abroad, speaks three languages, and got into heart early.
13:17Who do you think it is?
13:19When I looked up, I met Reed's clear eyes.
13:22Tess, can you explain this one?
13:24Times fly.
13:26Before I knew it, graduation was only a month away.
13:31Brielle was in charge of ordering costumes for the graduation showcase.
13:34That day, she stood at the front of the room, collecting costume sizes.
13:39Tessa, are you an XXL or XXL?
13:41I wear a small.
13:48You are Tessa?
13:53Grandma had told me to stop, but dieting had shrunk my appetite.
13:58School was stressful, and graduation was close.
14:01Right now, I was 5'4 and only 99 pounds.
14:06Everyone turned to stare at me.
14:08Their shock told me that, aside from Reed and Jace,
14:11no one had noticed how much I had changed.
14:15Holy shit, that's Tessa?
14:17I told you she'd be gorgeous if she ever lost the weight.
14:19Brielle's expression immediately darkened.
14:21Everyone's strange looks made me uncomfortable.
14:23Leon, who hadn't spoken to me in months, stared with open amazement.
14:27That only made it worse.
14:28I knew the looks people used to give me.
14:31Comments like these usually followed them.
14:33Tessa, you ate an entire rotisserie chicken?
14:35One burger and fries weren't enough?
14:37How did you finish that breakfast sandwich in three bites?
14:40When Leon realized I was staring back at him, his ears turned red.
14:43We still need a lead poke list, right?
14:44Why not let Tessa do it this year?
14:46Tessa's shorter than I am.
14:48I don't know if she can carry the lead dress.
14:49She's prettier than you.
14:51We can buy another dress.
14:52What the hell is this?
14:53You defending the fatty now?
14:54She loses some weight and suddenly you're into her?
14:57Why can't I be?
14:58Besides, she probably wouldn't want me now.
15:00Something in those words hit Jace.
15:02His fist slammed down, sending his metal bottle crashing to the desk.
15:06The room fell silent.
15:07My hand slipped.
15:08The blow had reopened a cut across his knuckles.
15:11He was so calm he seemed unable to feel pain.
15:14Blood was dripping from his fingertips.
15:16Can I have one?
15:16I shook my head at Jace.
15:18It won't stop bleeding.
15:19His bleeding had nothing to do with me.
15:20I had no idea why he insisted on asking me.
15:23Jace didn't seem surprised.
15:25In the end, I became the lead vocalist for the graduation showcase.
15:29After that, my picture appeared on the anonymous school gossip account.
15:32For the first time, it wasn't really kindness.
15:34I had simply become thin enough for them to treat me like a person.
15:37Tessa, I accidentally bought two ice Laces.
15:40Want one?
15:41I refused out of habit.
15:43The boy lowered his head and started to leave.
15:45Reed called him back.
15:46Hey, wait.
15:47Tess, I think my blood sugar's dropping.
15:49I want that drink, but I forgot my wallet.
15:53It's okay.
15:54I have money.
15:57Can I buy it from you?
15:58My seat partner wants it.
16:00The boy looked furious and speechless at the same time.
16:07Being around Reed felt easy.
16:09Even after more people started paying attention to me, he remained my only real friend.
16:14Soon, rumors spread that we were dating.
16:16Have you heard about Tessa Lane?
16:17She got hot and still chose the freak.
16:19That has to be some kink.
16:20I saw his whole face once.
16:22It's covered in burn scars.
16:23So Tessa likes kissing skin that looks melted?
16:26Reed had never removed his mask or cap in front of anyone.
16:29He even ate alone.
16:30If it weren't for me, people wouldn't be making such vicious stories about him.
16:34So I started avoiding him.
16:36Reed noticed.
16:37One morning during study hall, he stayed silent for a long time.
16:40Then he spoke quietly.
16:42Tess, you can ask to change seats.
16:44I blinked and turned toward him.
16:46What?
16:48I'm used to being alone.
16:51You don't need to ruin your reputation by staying around me.
16:54Everyone says someone ugly and disgusting like me shouldn't be close to you.
16:58Well, Tess, you should find another seat.
17:01Who said that?
17:03That doesn't matter.
17:04At first, Reed refused to tell me.
17:07After I kept asking, he finally gave me several names.
17:10I recognized every one of them.
17:12They were all boys who had tried to flirt with me.
17:14Reed used to defend me when people called me fat.
17:17Now it was my turn to do something for him.
17:19I found those boys and rejected them again.
17:21This time without softening it.
17:23Then I warned them that one more rumor would be reported as cyberbullying.
17:27When Reed found out, he covered his eyes with one hand.
17:29His shoulders shook silently for a long time.
17:32I guessed he was crying because he felt wronged.
17:34I patted his shoulder to comfort him.
17:36No one will say those things again.
17:38Don't be scared.
17:40His shoulders shook even harder.
17:41Based on the evidence, I reached a logical conclusion.
17:44Reed was deeply moved.
17:46Nothing else went wrong before graduation.
17:49The only news worth discussing was Jace and Brielle's breakup.
17:52One afternoon, Reed and I were walking ahead of them.
17:55Behind us, Mason carefully tried to comfort Jace.
17:58Don't take it so hard, champ.
18:00There are better girls out there.
18:01Jace passed me at an unhurried pace.
18:03As our shoulders brushed, he said casually,
18:06Why would I care?
18:06I never liked her.
18:08Reed suddenly pointed toward the athletic field.
18:10See, partner?
18:11I think a dog's barking.
18:13My final grades and college decisions were better than I had expected.
18:16The next day, Chloe organized our senior banquet at a hotel.
18:19When I arrived, I found Jace outside the ballroom.
18:22He leaned against a pillar while the tip of his vape blinked red between his fingers.
18:26His dark eyes locked on me and made my skin crawl.
18:29I looked away and tried to pass him.
18:31Jace caught my wrist.
18:32He yanked me back against his chest.
18:34Are you insane?
18:36I raised my hand to hit him.
18:37Without even looking, he trapped that wrist, too.
18:40Jace looked down at me with a half-smile.
18:42No matter how much I beg now, you'll never give me another chance.
18:45Right?
18:46I don't know what you're talking about.
18:48Bullshit.
18:49You know exactly what I mean.
18:51You knew I said I never liked Brielle because I wanted you to hear it.
18:55Yes.
18:56I knew.
18:56I also knew you liked me long before I confessed.
19:00Otherwise, I never would have humiliated myself by trying.
19:03The first time I tried to lose weight, I hid it from everyone.
19:09I starved myself and stopped taking the bus.
19:13Instead, I walked to and from school every day.
19:17I wanted to lose weight as fast as possible,
19:20wear the dress I had loved for months,
19:23and confess to Jace.
19:24But he noticed my pale face
19:27and the hand pressed to my stomach.
19:29He had been on his way to the boxing gym with Mason.
19:32When he stopped, he frowned.
19:34Your period?
19:35I shook my head and brushed him off.
19:38I'm fine.
19:39It'll pass.
19:41Jace refused to let it go
19:43and insisted on taking me to the doctor.
19:46I finally admitted that it was probably from not eating.
19:49His frown deepened.
19:50He signed us out,
19:52claiming he was taking me to urgent care.
19:55Then dragged me to a diner.
19:57He held my hand and walked ahead of me.
20:00You care that much about what people think?
20:03You'd rather starve to death?
20:04I was too dizzy with hunger to understand him.
20:08I nodded automatically.
20:10Yeah.
20:10Jace was furious.
20:12His grip on my hand tightened.
20:15But after a long moment,
20:17he forced himself to compromise.
20:20Can you stop starving yourself?
20:21Next time someone jokes about your body,
20:23I'll break his jaw.
20:25Happy?
20:26I smiled faintly.
20:27You don't think I'm fat?
20:29I look ugly like this.
20:32Jace stopped.
20:34Still holding my hand,
20:35he turned around.
20:36Then he bent until his face was close to mine.
20:39He studied me with the same focus he used
20:42before stepping into a boxing ring.
20:44I checked.
20:45His voice was serious,
20:46without a trace of amusement.
20:48You're cute.
20:49All of you.
20:51Not cute because you're round.
20:53Your face is beautiful.
20:55Jace repeated.
20:56You have a beautiful face.
20:57He sounded as serious
20:58as if he were answering
21:00the most important question of his life.
21:02In that moment,
21:03everything I felt for him grew beyond control.
21:06I squeezed his hand and tried,
21:08for the first time,
21:09to climb out of my shame.
21:11Then,
21:12one second later,
21:13he shoved me straight back into it.
21:16For a long time after that,
21:17I couldn't stand up again.
21:20Jace's lashes shook.
21:22His grip on me loosened.
21:24Yeah.
21:24He looked down
21:25and gave a broken smile.
21:27I liked you long before you confessed.
21:30But being with you meant taking on too much.
21:33The looks.
21:34The jokes.
21:36My teammates.
21:38My followers.
21:39Everyone laughing at the national champ
21:41for dating the fat girl.
21:42And that's why you don't deserve another chance.
21:45I couldn't listen to his confession anymore.
21:46I cut him off
21:48and walked away.
21:49After several steps,
21:50I faintly heard his voice again.
21:53Maybe he knew his words meant nothing.
21:55They were so quiet,
21:56they sounded meant only for him.
21:58But I loved you more than any of them.
22:02I steadied myself before entering the ballroom.
22:05I looked around,
22:06but Reed hadn't arrived.
22:08Ms. Carter smiled and waved me over.
22:10Those college offers were impressive, Tess.
22:13Come sit down.
22:14Brielle had looked miserable since I walked in.
22:17Then something seemed to occur to her,
22:19and she smiled.
22:20Don't let her grades fool you, Mrs. Carter.
22:23Perfect little Tessa
22:24was sneaking around with a guy all year.
22:27I looked at her in disbelief.
22:29What are you talking about?
22:31Brielle widened her eyes innocently.
22:33We already graduated.
22:35You don't have to be embarrassed now, Tess.
22:38Before I could respond,
22:39Ms. Carter asked,
22:40With whom?
22:43Her seat partner.
22:45Reed Whitwork.
22:46Ms. Carter's eyes widened behind her glasses.
22:50Brielle looked even more pleased.
22:52I know, right?
22:54How does a straight-A student
22:56end up with a failing troublemaker?
23:00Come on, Tess.
23:01You can't deny your boyfriend
23:03just because he's ugly.
23:04Make him take off the mask tonight.
23:06Let everyone see those burn scars.
23:09The rumor that Reed and I were dating
23:11bothered me less than the way she attacked him.
23:13Have you ever seen scars on Reed's face?
23:15She faltered.
23:18No, but then you made it up.
23:20Everyone says it
23:21and used her own formula.
23:24Everyone also says your parents paid a recruiter
23:26to fake your dance.
23:27That's how you got into Westbridge.
23:29By your logic, that must be true, too.
23:32Brielle immediately panicked.
23:34Who the hell is saying that?
23:35She spun around,
23:36searching every face for guilt.
23:38The ballroom was loud.
23:40Another group had been arguing just as intensely.
23:42They pulled Ms. Carter into the conversation.
23:44We heard the principal talking about
23:46some billionaire heir in our senior class.
23:48Who is it?
23:49Is he hot?
23:50Of course he is.
23:51He's a billionaire's son.
23:52Ms. Carter was being questioned from both sides
23:55and couldn't get a word in.
23:57The noise rose until no single voice could be heard.
24:00Then the ballroom door opened.
24:03The room fell silent.
24:04Everyone stared at the tall boy in the doorway.
24:08His features were striking enough for a movie screen.
24:11The girl sitting closest to him blushed first.
24:13Um, are you looking for someone?
24:18Ms. Carter finally recovered and let out a breath.
24:20You don't recognize him?
24:22The person you've all been discussing is standing right there.
24:25Reed Whitney?
24:26Someone on the other side shouted.
24:28The Whitford heir?
24:30Wait, what is happening?
24:32That guy is Reed,
24:34the trigalinkual billionaire's son with an early offer?
24:36Ms. Carter pushed me toward Reed while I was still frozen.
24:39And apparently, he's Tess's boyfriend.
24:43I felt like I had been hit by a truck.
24:44Reed looked strangely unfamiliar without the mask.
24:47He raised one lazy eyebrow act.
24:49Works for me.
24:50What worked for him?
24:51The ballroom erupted.
24:52The ballroom erupted.
24:59I once handed out his test and saw he got every multiple choice question right.
25:02He skipped all the work and wrote only the final answers.
25:05I thought he cheated.
25:06I always knew he couldn't be ugly.
25:09His eyes were too pretty.
25:10He wore the same sneakers as my favorite NBA player once.
25:13I was sure they were fake.
25:14Dinner ended quickly under wave after wave of shocked whispers.
25:18On the way home, Reed patiently answered every question I had.
25:22When he first transferred, he wore the mask and cap
25:24because he had just been in a fight and the bruises hadn't healed.
25:27After that, wearing them became a habit.
25:29As for why he retook the SAT and submitted new applications
25:32when he already had an early offer,
25:34Reed looked at me with open amusement.
25:36To go to the same university as you, girlfriend.
25:39That reminded me of the other problem.
25:41You misunderstood.
25:42Briella was just...
25:43I've never dated anyone before.
25:49There aren't many people in my family who like me.
25:51I grew up being compared to everyone
25:53and crushed under their expectations.
25:55I was raised by nannies.
25:56Once, my family forgot my birthday.
25:58So I decided to do something to make them notice me.
26:00But nobody cares.
26:03Eventually, I got used to it.
26:04Reed tried to sound casual,
26:05but I still saw the sadness he hadn't hidden in time.
26:08My nose stung.
26:09Apparently, even growing up rich could be painful.
26:11He noticed my red eyes and brushed a thumb beneath one of them.
26:14Then, he laughed softly.
26:16Don't be sad for me.
26:17This is the first time someone chose me instead of leaving.
26:22That's already enough.
26:23Reed spoke as if he were used to surviving on scraps of affection.
26:27I pressed my lips together, but the tears still came.
26:29Reed pulled me into his arms and gently stroked the back of my head.
26:32Don't cry, Tess.
26:35Then, he returned to the subject he had interrupted.
26:38What did you say I misunderstood?
26:39I went still.
26:40My tears hung in my eyes without falling.
26:42I blinked quickly.
26:44Nothing.
26:45Boyfriend.
26:46If I rejected him now,
26:47Reed might jump into the Charles River on the spot.
26:49He was desperately starved for love,
26:51and I knew my feelings for him weren't entirely platonic.
26:54There was no harm in trying.
26:56Greater Boston was packed with elite universities.
26:59The school that had accepted Reed early,
27:01and my first choice university,
27:03were similarly ranked.
27:04So when he turned down his first offer and enrolled with me,
27:07his cold-hearted family didn't object much.
27:09By the end of summer,
27:10I had completely accepted Reed as my boyfriend.
27:13He knew how to take things slowly.
27:15The most intimate thing he had done
27:16was kiss my forehead when he walked me home at night.
27:19Aside from being clingy,
27:20he was almost perfect.
27:22My first day at college destroyed every fantasy I had about campus life.
27:26Two of my three suitemates ignored me when I introduced myself.
27:29The third was Brielle.
27:31Her dance credentials had given her a major advantage in admissions,
27:34so it wasn't surprising that she had gotten into Westbrook.
27:37Compared with my despair,
27:38she looked almost amused to see me.
27:40What a coincidence.
27:42It really wasn't.
27:43A large part of our graduating class had stayed in Greater Boston,
27:46so running into former classmates wasn't unusual.
27:48But some coincidences were still exhausting.
27:51For example,
27:52Reed told me over dinner that Jace was in his major.
27:55After sulking for a moment,
27:56I remembered that Jace could even beat Mason.
27:59I quickly warned Reed,
28:00Don't get into a fight with Jace when you're alone.
28:02You can't beat him.
28:04If he bullies you,
28:05tell your academic advisor.
28:06If it gets serious,
28:07we'll call the police.
28:08Reed was picking the carrots out of my dinner.
28:10Without looking up,
28:11he asked,
28:12How do you know I can't beat him?
28:14Reed had no idea how dangerous Jace was.
28:17This was about his safety.
28:18So I put down my fork
28:19and spoke very seriously.
28:21Don't try to prove anything.
28:25He's the national youth boxing champion.
28:27The last time you got into a fight,
28:30your whole face was bruised.
28:32I've seen Jace fight more than once,
28:34and he barely gets touched.
28:35Maybe I sounded too harsh.
28:37Reed went quiet.
28:38After a while,
28:39he pushed the carrots-free plate toward me and nodded.
28:42I understand.
28:44I'm useless,
28:45so I'll stay away from him.
28:47Oh no.
28:47I had forgotten how sensitive Reed was.
28:49I had heard him.
28:50He barely spoke for the rest of dinner.
28:52Even while upset,
28:53he silently peeled my shrimp for me.
28:55I bit my fork and watched him nervously.
28:57That only made me feel guiltier.
28:59After dinner,
29:00we followed the standard college couple routine.
29:03We took a walk.
29:04We crossed the athletic field
29:06and reached the quiet lake behind campus.
29:08I spent the entire way apologizing to my moody prince.
29:12Reed finally softened.
29:14He pulled me into his arms
29:15and rubbed his face against my neck.
29:17He looked like an abandoned puppy,
29:19begging to be petted.
29:20Tess,
29:21make me feel better.
29:23I hugged him back.
29:24I am.
29:26Not enough.
29:28His breath against my ear slowly grew hotter.
29:31Kiss me.
29:31His lips were almost touching my earlobe.
29:34Please?
29:34I shivered.
29:35My breathing quickened too.
29:37Where?
29:38Both our voices dropped,
29:39as if neither of us wanted to disturb the intimacy around us.
29:43Reed tugged down the collar of his sweatshirt.
29:45His pale throat showed faint blue veins.
29:47Here.
29:48The moment I rose onto my toes and kissed him,
29:51Reed cupped the back of my head.
29:53His throat moved.
29:55His voice turned rough.
29:57Leave a mark, Tess.
29:59Let everyone know I'm yours.
30:01I followed his instructions,
30:03sucking the skin before biting gently.
30:05After several tries,
30:06I gave someone a hickey for the first time in my life.
30:09My face turned as red as a tomato.
30:11It's done.
30:12I pushed him away and stared at the ground.
30:14Reed bent until our eyes were level.
30:16His smile was warm and lingering.
30:18His thumb rubbed slowly over my lips.
30:21You're really good at that.
30:22His voice seemed designed to steal my common sense.
30:26That felt amazing, Tess.
30:29Give me more next time.
30:31Wasn't dating supposed to go both ways?
30:33Why wasn't he kissing me?
30:34I couldn't bring myself to ask.
30:37I stared at him for several seconds and shook my head.
30:40No.
30:40Hopefully, he would think about what he had done wrong
30:42and offer to kiss me back.
30:45Freshman Orientation Week wasn't difficult
30:47for someone who had spent senior year dieting and walking everywhere.
30:51Our outdoor program was run by junior orientation leaders.
30:54By the end of the first week,
30:55rumors were already spreading about freshmen
30:58hooking up with their upperclassmen leaders.
31:00Nothing like that had happened in our group,
31:02but maybe I was imagining it
31:04because our leader sometimes stood far too close when correcting me.
31:07Tessa, lift your arm.
31:09He stepped behind me, boxed me in with his body,
31:11and used both hands to adjust my arms.
31:14I could feel his breath against the back of my neck.
31:16I quietly stepped away.
31:18You can just tell me what to do.
31:19He ignored my discomfort.
31:21Then he laughed.
31:22But you're a little slow, freshman.
31:24Without warning, he flicked my forehead.
31:28Most girls would beg for this much personal attention.
31:30Helping us was literally his job.
31:33During the break, Brielle sat beside him with her water bottle.
31:36She spoke just loudly enough for everyone to hear.
31:39Wow, Tessa.
31:40He's so nice to you.
31:42If you didn't already have a boyfriend,
31:44you should give him a chance.
31:46Boyfriend?
31:47The orientation leader's expression changed.
31:49He stared at me.
31:51You have a boyfriend?
31:52I looked away from Brielle and nodded.
31:55He watched me without expression for several seconds.
31:57You have a boyfriend?
31:59And you didn't tell me?
32:02Were you leading me on?
32:04That's slutty as hell.
32:06His conclusion was so ridiculous that I laughed.
32:08Did you ask?
32:11Besides, you're not exactly worth leading on.
32:14Before he could answer, Brielle slammed down her bottle.
32:17Who do you think you're talking to?
32:19Your freak boyfriend doesn't compare to him.
32:22He's weak and creepy.
32:25Anger rushed straight to my head.
32:26Without thinking, I walked over and slapped her as hard as I could.
32:29I warned you to stop trashing Reed.
32:32Brielle touched her cheek in shock.
32:34You hit me?
32:35One second later, she launched herself at me.
32:38We fought.
32:38I unleashed every bit of strength left from my 154-pound days and pinned her to the ground.
32:44It took three girls to pull me off completely.
32:46You started it.
32:48You're spending lunch on the field running drills.
32:50High knees.
32:51The orientation leader watched me with a cold smile.
32:54Then she gave me a smug smile.
32:56Under a hundred degree sun, I spent lunch alone on the field, doing high knee drills.
33:01He didn't release me until everyone else had already gone inside.
33:05By the time I reached the dining hall, lunch service was over.
33:08I forced down a few bites of soggy mac and cheese and went straight back to the afternoon program.
33:13That evening, I returned to my suite and showered, completely exhausted.
33:17I was starving, but I had no strength to find more food.
33:20In the end, Reed called and made me come downstairs.
33:24I threw myself into his arms and started complaining.
33:27Halfway through, I burst into tears.
33:29Reed, I'm so hungry.
33:32All I had for lunch was a disgusting mac and cheese.
33:35I want a bacon, egg and cheese so bad.
33:37Reed was far too quiet.
33:39He helped me sit on a nearby bench, then immediately ran to the campus cafe.
33:43He waited until I finished eating before checking his phone.
33:46Without showing any emotion, he said,
33:48Go back to your suite and rest. I need to handle something. I'll find you later.
33:52I studied him for two seconds, then lowered my eyes.
33:56Okay. Go do what you need to do.
33:58I'm heading back.
33:59He didn't think twice before walking away.
34:01I remembered the message I had glimpsed on his phone.
34:04Reed, that asshole junior is at the off-campus frat house.
34:07Get over here.
34:08I followed Reed without making a sound.
34:10For some reason, I suddenly remembered Mason showing up bruised in high school.
34:14Fragments of memory flashed through my mind.
34:17Every one of them pointed to the same truth.
34:20Reed had been pretending to be harmless all along.
34:23My suspicion was confirmed through the basement window of the frat house.
34:27Reed had taken down the orientation leader and three other guys without a scratch.
34:31The jagged glass hovered less than an inch from the leader's eye.
34:35His expression was darker than anything I had ever seen.
34:38He even smiled lazily.
34:40You wanted my girlfriend?
34:41The leader shook his head frantically.
34:43No.
34:44I swear I didn't.
34:45Reed casually rolled the broken bottle between his fingers.
34:49My girlfriend had a terrible day because of you.
34:51How are you planning to make that right?
34:54The leader trembled.
34:55What do you want?
34:56Reed had no patience left for talking.
34:58He turned the broken point toward the man's palm and started to drive it down.
35:02I stopped him in time.
35:04Reed Whitaker.
35:05My voice was calm, but his entire body froze.
35:09Even after the four men scrambled away, he didn't turn around.
35:13I crouched in front of him and took the bottle from his hand.
35:16Reed lowered his arm.
35:17His throat moved several times before he spoke hoarsely.
35:21I'm sorry.
35:22I stayed silent.
35:23After a long moment, Reed tried again.
35:25I looked up sharply.
35:26His eyes were red.
35:28Are you going to break up with me?
35:30And filled with violent emotion.
35:31He looked nothing like his usual harmless self.
35:34I sighed and slipped my curled fingers into his palm.
35:37Of course I'm not breaking up with you over this.
35:41I just don't understand why you lied.
35:43Reed wrapped both hands around mine.
35:46Because I know you don't really like me.
35:47You only agreed to date me because you felt sorry for me.
35:50If I didn't act helpless, you would leave.
35:53Reed, look into my eyes.
35:55What you see there is real.
35:57I feel sorry for plenty of people.
36:00I don't date them.
36:01Love isn't cheap.
36:02It isn't something I hand out to anyone who looks pitiful.
36:05He caught my wrist, obsession burning in his eyes.
36:08You can't lie to me.
36:09Reed was wound painfully tight.
36:11If he wouldn't kiss me first, I could do it.
36:13If I'm lying, may I never eat another bacon, egg, and cheese.
36:18Reed finally began to relax.
36:20We walked along the dark campus path, swinging our joined hands.
36:24I bounced beside Reed.
36:25Listen, listen.
36:27We're perfect together.
36:28You're an amazing fighter, and I'm really strong, too.
36:31I had Briella pinned the entire time today.
36:34She barely touched me.
36:35Her face will stay swollen for at least a week.
36:38Reed played with my fingers.
36:39You don't need to fight next time.
36:41I'll handle them.
36:42But Briella's a girl.
36:44Reed answered.
36:45I'll use a pink bat.
36:46I burst out laughing and rose onto my toes.
36:49Then I planted a loud kiss on his cheek.
36:51I really like you, Reed.
36:53A sudden laugh from nearby killed the warmth between us.
36:57Jace watched me with dark eyes.
36:59So now you worship violence?
37:01He beats up a few people without thinking, and you fall harder?
37:04Reed was still bothered that I had said he couldn't beat Jace.
37:07The moment Jace provoked him, Reed started toward him without expression.
37:11I caught his arm in time.
37:12I turned into a preschool teacher and started coaxing him.
37:15Why would you fight someone that weak?
37:18Look at him.
37:19He's obviously weaker than you.
37:21You'd make him cry without even trying.
37:23Then he'd get embarrassed and call the police.
37:25Reed finally stopped.
37:27He looked down at Jace with a sneer.
37:30Coward.
37:31You couldn't even love someone openly.
37:34What makes you think you can compete with me?
37:36The words hit Jace exactly where it hurt.
37:39He laughed coldly and stepped toward us.
37:41I pulled the pepper spray.
37:42Back off, Jace.
37:44He kept coming and reached for Reed.
37:46I sprayed him directly in the face.
37:48Jace staggered blindly and hit the tree behind him.
37:50Without help, it would take him a while to open his eyes and return to campus.
37:55He stood there alone and helpless, looking almost like I had in the rain senior year.
38:00Jace, seeing you like this finally pulled me out of that storm.
38:03I would never again suffocate from humiliation whenever I remembered that day.
38:08I had never expected Jace to suffer exactly what I had.
38:11This was enough.
38:11At least it proved that consequences were real.
38:15Reed wasn't the kind of guy Jace said he was.
38:17He didn't solve problems only with violence.
38:20Before going after the orientation leader, he had already collected screenshots, messages,
38:24statements from other freshmen, and proof that Brielle had cheated someone to fake her dance records.
38:29Then, he submitted everything to the school.
38:31The next day, the orientation leader was suspended.
38:33Brielle was expelled for faking her application.
38:36Everything happened so fast that I could barely believe it.
38:39When I looked at Reed suspiciously, he flicked one of my eyelashes.
38:42My mom went here.
38:43Her foundation donated the library three years ago.
38:45Right now, they're discussing funding two new residence halls.
38:48Of course.
38:49I met Reed's mother on campus once after that.
38:51Remembering his painful childhood, I gently suggested that she treat him better.
38:55She smiled without warmth.
38:57Did that little bastard tell you we abandoned him and made him end his life?
39:05In seventh grade, he refused to spend Christmas at home with us.
39:09He stole his father's phone and texted the family assistant to prepare our private jet.
39:15He planned to fly to Melbourne alone.
39:17When we caught him, he got scared his father would punish him, so he drank laundry detergent first.
39:20The hospital spent all night pumping his stomach.
39:22Otherwise, your boyfriend would blow bubbles every time he spoke.
39:25Reed and I got engaged before senior year of college.
39:28After the engagement party, he sat with me in a hanging chair, warm and tipsy.
39:32He remembered the first time he saw me in high school.
39:34His mouth curved lazily, his eyes unfocused.
39:37The first time I saw you, I thought you looked like a marshmallow with legs.
39:44I didn't think you should lose weight.
39:46I thought you'd be less cute if you got thin.
39:48He laughed softly.
39:50But every other girl looked the same to me.
39:53Tall, short, thin, big.
39:56I felt nothing.
39:57I corrected him.
39:59That's because you're face blind.
40:01He played with my ear.
40:02Maybe.
40:03Back then, I thought I might prefer bigger girls.
40:06Then you lost weight, and I realized something.
40:09He suddenly caught my waist and turned me around.
40:12I ended up straddling his lap.
40:13You're my only type, Tess.
40:15No matter how you change, I'll always fall for you.
40:17I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled.
40:20That's funny.
40:21I feel the same.
40:23I only had one thought.
40:24If no one else wanted you, I could happily take you home and keep you for myself.