Third POV
Vanessa’s possessiveness was growing. She clung to Logan like he was her lifeline, leaning into him during conversations and shooting Emma icy glares when she caught her glancing their way.
Logan, for his part, seemed trapped between two worlds—his loyalty to Vanessa and his feelings for Emma. And no matter how much Emma wanted to believe he could choose her, she couldn’t ignore the reality of their situation.
But Logan had started pulling back, distancing himself from Vanessa’s games and her carefully orchestrated plans. He barely responded to her texts, his replies short and curt, and at school, he avoided her as much as he could. His focus was elsewhere, his attention straying to something—or someone—Vanessa couldn’t control.
It didn’t take long for her to notice the change. One afternoon, she cornered him by the lockers.
“What’s going on with you?” Her narrowed eyes searched his face for answers, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Why are you acting so distant? If you’re not into this, just say it.”
“I didn’t say that,” Logan replied, his voice low and strained.
“Then act like it!” Vanessa shot back before storming off.
Logan was coming undone. At school, he moved through the halls like a ghost, his usual charm replaced with a weariness that was impossible to miss. Vanessa clung to him more than ever, but her attempts to draw him closer only seemed to push him further away.
One afternoon, Emma caught a glimpse of them arguing by the lockers. Vanessa’s voice was sharp, her hands gesturing wildly as Logan stood with his arms crossed, his jaw tight.
“I don’t understand why you’re pulling away!” she said, her voice rising.
“I’m not pulling away,” Logan said, though his tone lacked conviction.
Vanessa narrowed her eyes, tears brimming. “You’re lying. You’ve been distant for weeks.”
Logan’s expression was unreadable, his voice flat as he replied, “Maybe I’m tired of playing games.”
He brushed past her without waiting for a response, his indifference stinging more than any argument could. Vanessa’s eyes followed him, her suspicion growing as she watched him walk away. She crossed her arms, her mind racing with possibilities. What had changed? What—or who—had shifted Logan’s loyalty?
It didn’t take long for her to find a clue. In class, she caught him glancing at Emma when he thought no one was watching, his gaze lingering for just a moment too long. Vanessa’s lips curled into a cold, knowing smile. The pieces fell into place, and with them came a new plan.
If Logan wasn’t going to play by her rules, she’d find another way to get what she wanted. After all, Vanessa always thrived on control. And if she couldn’t have Logan, she’d make sure Emma didn’t either.