Sophia had been waiting for the question, and after a moment of feigned hesitation, she began to explain in a soft, sorrowful voice.

“It’s because of her relationship with James. Now that everyone knows about it, she feels too ashamed to return to school. She’s been crying in her room all day.”

Sophia’s eyes flicked to Mitchel, who was sitting on the other side of the room.

Even though he rarely came by, every time she saw him, she couldn’t help the bitter ...