An accusation of rape wasn’t just about getting expelled. It would destroy him for life.
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Kayla thought bitterly, ‘Is this guy insane? Why does he keep trying to take everything onto himself? I’ve never treated him kindly. I’ve even lashed out at him, and still he does this? What’s he after?‘
Stunned by the slap, Payton blinked, frowning with a trace of hurt, like a spoiled cat sulking after being scolded.
He opened his mouth to speak, but Kayla clamped a hand over it and leaned in close, her voice low. “Are you stupid? I’m not pregnant. What the hell are you admitting to?”
If Payton confessed, she’d have no way to clear herself.
His eyes widened, shock flashing through them, though confusion lingered.
He had seen her with his own eyes, walking into the obstetrics department, and there had been photos and recordings all over the campus forum.
Kayla remembered that day, too. Of course Payton had misunderstood.
With a weary sigh, she explained, “I walked into the wrong office. That’s all. I was never pregnant.”
She hadn’t even graduated from high school yet. She still carried the weight of past grudges, vengeance left unfulfilled. There was no room in her life for romance, much less sex.
She didn’t care if others whispered, but that didn’t mean she liked it. A pregnancy would only hand people ammunition to mock and humiliate her.
Hearing her explanation, Payton finally believed her. Relief washed over his face, his eyes curving into a smile.
Kayla’s gaze caught on the small mole beside his nose. She had never noticed it before, but now, with his smile, even that tiny mark seemed to carry warmth. It was strangely charming.
Davon, watching the two whisper to each other as if no one else existed, looked as though his rage could boil over at any
moment.
“Kayla, are you out of your mind? After what Payton did to you, you’re still defending him?” His voice shook with fury.
Marianna jumped in, her tone dripping with spite. “Don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for his pretty face. Are you really in love with a rapist?”
Kayla snapped out of the moment and released Payton, turning a glare on the pair. Annoyance radiated from her expression.
She said, “You didn’t even bother to figure out the truth before dragging a crowd over to accuse me. Tell me, which one of us looks stupid now?”
Hailey let out a cold laugh, her lips curling in mockery. “The truth is plain as day. Even Payton admitted you two are involved. The baby in your belly is his, and you’re still trying to deny it?”
Kayla almost laughed at the absurdity. But the smile on her lips was icy, stripped of any warmth.
She brushed her hand over her perfectly flat stomach and sneered. “Deny it? Why would I need to? You keep calling me shameless, saying I sleep around, calling me indecent. You keep branding Payton a rapist. And it’s all because you’ve convinced yourselves this so–called baby is his, isn’t it?”
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The crowd stirred uncertainly, their conviction faltering, though they still clung to what they thought was the truth.
Before anyone could question her further, Kayla threw down a bombshell. “Oh, I’m pregnant, am I? Funny, because that’s news to me.”
The crowd fell silent, caught off guard.
Davon was the first to snap out of it, his face twisting in anger. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? You basically admitted…”
Kayla cut across him sharply. “Admitted what, exactly? I said no such thing. I’m not pregnant, so what is it you expect me to confess to? Or do you really think repeating a lie makes it true?”
Hailey’s voice rose, shrill with certainty. “Don’t even try to talk your way out of this. The whole campus has seen the posts, photos of your checkup, recordings, and videos. You can’t just wave your hand and make it disappear.”
Kayla crossed her arms, her expression flat. “And you think doctored clips count as evidence? Anyone with a laptop and too much time on their hands can splice a recording to say whatever they want. It’s hardly rocket science.”
Her calm defiance rattled them, and the crowd began to waver. Marianna, sensing the shift, jumped in quickly. “That’s impossible. The photos of you at the OB–GYN are real, and the recording, Dr. Brown himself said it clear as day. How can you stand there and say you’re not pregnant?”
Kayla’s brows arched, her chin lifting slightly as her lips curved into something between a smile and a sneer. “Dr. Brown? Interesting. How do you happen to know that doctor’s name?”
Marianna’s lashes fluttered, panic flashing before she stammered, “I–I didn’t… You misheard me. I never said that. And anyway, that’s not the point. The point is you went for an exam, and you’re not going to talk your way out of it.”
Kayla gave her a long, steady look, the answer already taking shape in her mind.
Of course Marianna was behind the rumors. Who else could have leaked such personal details, stories only she and Davon knew? If it wasn’t Davon, then Marianna was the obvious culprit.
The lengths Marianna would go to ruin her were almost impressive.
A glint of steel flashed in Kayla’s eyes as her voice rose, cool and cutting. “You want the truth? Fine. The truth is, I went to the hospital for a minor injury and walked into the wrong office. That’s it.
“There was no prenatal exam. Payton was there. He and the doctor can both back me up.”
Davon gave a harsh laugh. “Payton? Please. The two of you are in this together. Who in their right mind would believe him?”
Payton’s brows drew tight, his gaze flicking to Kayla’s steady face before settling on Davon. His voice was low, dangerous. “Watch your mouth, Davon. Say one more word and you’ll regret it.”
Davon smirked, dismissive. “What, did I strike a nerve? You gonna hit me now? Go on. I dare you.”
His tone dripped with mockery. “That’s right. I almost forgot. You’ve got a reputation, our resident thug, always looking for a fight. So go ahead, swing. Because the second you do, I’ll make sure you never set foot in this school again.”
Payton’s fists clenched, every muscle tight, ready to snap when suddenly a sharp crack split the air.
The entire group froze. Kayla stood there, hand still raised, her palm stinging. She blew across her fingers lightly, as if brushing away the heat, and muttered with a wry smile, “Figures. Equal and opposite reaction. Next time I really should use something sturdier.”
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Davon’s face burned with shock and fury. He stared at her in disbelief, his voice trembling with rage. “You hit me? You actually slapped me over some worthless thug?”
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