Chapter 0014

Sunday was just as exhausting as Saturday. Instead of swimming, I had to run. Marathon day meant pushing through 26.2 miles in two and a half hours. By Sunday night, I finished my homework and braced myself for another grueling week.

Monday arrived like any other morning. My turn to drive meant picking up Nathaniel on the way. We split up for first period. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Adrian watching me. He didn’t follow me today, and I was grateful. After what happened Saturday morning—thanks to him—I couldn’t face him without my cheeks burning. Just the memory made me cringe.

The day passed smoothly until lunch. Nathaniel and Genevieve met me in the cafeteria. While Nathaniel went to grab food, I unpacked my leftovers. The room suddenly hushed. A delivery guy walked in, holding a dozen white roses.

Lucky girl, whoever she was.

The delivery guy scanned the room, then asked for directions. A student pointed straight at me.

What the hell?

"Evelyn Sinclair?" he asked, stopping at our table.

I frowned at the flowers. "Yes?" It came out more confused than certain.

"These are for you."

"Who sent them?"

"There's a card. Enjoy."

I stared at the roses, stunned, until Nathaniel nudged me. "Read it."

I opened the card:

Evelyn,

Roses are white.

Guardians are true.

Can you guess who I am?

Or will I have to tell you?

Your Secret Admirer

Nathaniel leaned over my shoulder. "Damn. You’ve got a secret admirer?"

I glanced between the card and the flowers, as if they held answers.

"Apparently."

Genevieve sighed dramatically. "That’s so romantic! Who could it be?"

"No idea," I muttered. "Seriously, who?"

They both shrugged.

Great. Now I had to carry these around for my last two classes. As if I didn’t already stand out enough. Whispers followed me down the hall. If Sebastian didn’t send these, he’d hear about it.

Was it him? He’d basically declared his feelings Friday night. But this didn’t seem like his style. The flowers, maybe—but not the cryptic note.

I scanned the room, searching for guilty looks. Instead, I locked eyes with Adrian. Of course he was smirking. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, grabbed my things, and headed to class.

As I left the cafeteria, I called over my shoulder, "If you’re here—thanks. I’ll figure it out."

Behind me, I swore I heard a deep, amused chuckle.