Nadia’s POV

The school cafeteria buzzed with the usual midday chaos, the clatter of trays, and the murmur of conversations filling the air. I was sitting alone, nursing a cup of coffee, when Jake slid into the seat across from me, his smile charming yet somehow off.

"Hey, Nadia," he began, his tone casual. "I need a favor."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "What kind of favor?"

Jake leaned in, lowering his voice. "It's a ...