Ella's POVTrent and I crouched behind the row of bushes, straining to hear the principal's voice drifting out from his cracked office window. We had been staking out the administration building for almost an hour now, waiting for any clues on their magazine launch plans."...yes, that's correct," Principal Reynolds was saying into the phone. "We're all set on our end with the cover photo file and content. Your printing team should have everything they need from us by tomorrow morning."My heart leapt into my throat at his words. He must be talking to someone at the publishing company! This was the opening we had been waiting for.Trent met my wide-eyed look, giving a short nod. He had heard it too - they were preparing to send the final magazine materials over in less than 24 hours. Which meant our window to sabotage the cover was rapidly closing."We'll have the full file package uploaded to your secure server by 9am sharp," Principal Reynolds continued. "From there, you'll be able

ELLA'S POV My fingers drummed an anxious rhythm against the table as I stared at the empty space before me. Where were those magazines? Weren't they supposed to have arrived by now for the big launch event? I couldn't stop the worry gnawing at the pit of my stomach. What if something had gone wrong with Damien's plan to swap out the cover photo? The thought made me shudder. Unconsciously, I found myself glancing over towards the entrance every few seconds, hoping to catch sight of someone finally wheeling in those elusive magazine bundles. Just one glimpse at that cover would be enough to put my mind at ease that it was no longer my face smiling back. "You're going to put permanent grooves in the tabletop if you keep tapping like that," came an amused voice beside me. I startled slightly, my chin whipping around to meet Trent's warm gaze. He was watching me with a fond smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Sorry," I mumbled, stilling my restless fingers. "I'm just getti

TRENT'S POV I stared up at our faces smiling back from that glossy magazine cover, heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear the confused murmurs rippling through the crowd over the roaring in my ears. Dad was finally seeing the proof of Ella's identity, of our relationship, laid bare before his very eyes.Oh no, this is really bad... My throat worked furiously as I swallowed past the lump of dread lodged there. What was Dad going to do now that the truth was out? Go after the love of my life in retaliation like he'd threatened before?Panic seized my chest as I forced my eyes away from the cover shot. Sweeping my frantic gaze across the room, I half-expected to find Dad's glare already boring into me from somewhere, that harsh scowl spread across his face.But then I spotted him - seated amongst the crowd, brow furrowed in confusion as he squinted at the stage. His glasses were off, I realized with a jolt. Dad didn't have his glasses on, so he couldn't properly see whose images

Ella's POVButterflies danced in my stomach as I smoothed my hands over my costume. Today was the big day - the Riverside Annual Talent Showcase that Ryan and I had been practicing so hard for.If I was being totally honest with myself, part of me had been dreading this event at first. Not because I didn't love dancing - quite the opposite, in fact! Ever since Ryan started tutoring me, I'd fallen head over heels for the art form. No, my hesitation stemmed from the intimidating roster of elite dancers set to compete. Professionals from prestigious academies all over would be judging and watching our every move.But Ryan, bless his heart, had been so supportive and encouraging. With his charming pep talks and unshakeable faith in my abilities, he'd managed to bolster my shaky confidence. "Trust in yourself, Ella," he would say. "You're an incredible dancer. Let that inner radiance shine through!"After all, if someone as experienced as him thought I had what it took to shine on that bi

Ella's POVMy mind was still reeling as Ryan spoke those words to me. I felt like I was caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to fully process what he was implying."So was that why you transferred to our school?" I managed slowly. "Because you...wanted to see more of me?"Ryan's intense gaze never faltered as he gave a small nod. "Yes...I was instantly captivated by you, Ella. I just had to find a way to get closer to this amazing, beautiful woman I couldn't stop thinking about."I felt rooted to the spot, heart pounding wildly in my chest. Ryan...had feelings for me? Romantic ones? The realization made my head spin.All our dancing, the sweet gestures, the meaningful looks - it was suddenly cast in a whole new light. How had I been so blind to the depth of his feelings this entire time? He slowly began closing the distance between us. Before I knew it, his palm was cradling my cheek, rough fingertips lightly tracing along my jaw. "Don't you see it, Ella?" he murmured huskily.