Chapter 3 A WORLD APART

Ava didn't have time for distractions especially not Caleb Hayes.

But apparently, fate didn't care.

By the time Friday rolled around, she had balanced five tutoring sessions, three late shifts at Page & Quill, and a mountain of homework that seemed impossible to finish. She was exhausted. All she wanted was to disappear into her books and survive the semester.

Unfortunately, Caleb Hayes made everything harder.

"You're late," she said quietly when he finally strolled into the library, ten minutes past their scheduled meeting.

Caleb dropped into the seat across from her, stretching his arms over his head as though the entire world existed for his comfort. "Relax, Tutor Girl. I'm here, aren't I?"

Ava gritted her teeth, fighting the urge to snap back. She couldn't afford to lose her patience-not when her grade depended on this project.

"You missed the outline review," she said, flipping through her notebook. "If you'd shown up on time, you'd know we're supposed to present a proposal next week."

Caleb didn't seem fazed. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm as he smirked at her. "You talk like I'm not going to pass either way."

Ava sighed. "Not if you keep slacking off."

He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is this what you do for fun? Stress over school and bark orders?"

For a moment, Ava froze. The words hit harder than they should have because once-before Madison ruined everything-she hadn't always been like this. There had been a time when she laughed more easily when the weight of responsibility didn't press so hard against her chest.

But that girl didn't exist anymore.

"I work," Ava said, her voice softer. "Not that you'd understand."

Caleb's teasing expression faltered for a split second before he recovered, a mask of indifference sliding back into place. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ava hesitated, regretting the slip of her tongue. She didn't want to explain herself to Caleb Hayes or anyone.

"Nothing," she muttered, turning the page. "Let's just focus on the project."

---

Ava barely made it to Page & Quill on time that evening. The tiny bookstore smelled like old paper and vanilla candles comforting, unlike the chaos of Westbridge. She tied her apron around her waist, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she clocked in.

Her manager, Mrs. Harper, smiled warmly from behind the counter. "Rough day?"

"You could say that," Ava said, forcing a smile.

For the next few hours, she lost herself in the quiet routine stacking shelves, ringing up orders, and breathing in the peacefulness that work provided. Here, she wasn't "the scholarship girl" or "the girl Madison ruined." She was just Ava.

But of course, the universe wouldn't let her have peace.

The bell above the door chimed, and Ava froze when Caleb Hayes strolled inside.

What was he doing here?

He wasn't alone. His best friend, Noah Bennett, trailed behind him, chatting easily as they moved through the shelves. While Caleb looked as effortlessly cool as ever-black jeans and, an expensive leather jacket Noah had a softer energy. He was calm, grounded, and, unlike Caleb, didn't carry himself like he owned the world.

Ava ducked behind the counter, hoping they wouldn't see her.

"Is this where you hide when you're not lecturing me?"

Too late.

Caleb leaned against the counter, a crooked smile on his face. Ava straightened her posture, refusing to let him see that he'd caught her off guard.

"Do you always follow people, or is it just me?" she asked coolly.

Caleb chuckled, the sound warm and low. "Relax, Tutor Girl. Noah dragged me here."

"It's true," Noah said, stepping closer with a kind smile. "I needed a gift for my sister."

Ava let out a quiet breath. So, he wasn't here to torment her-just to help his friend.

"What do you recommend?" Noah asked.

Ava hesitated, surprised by his polite tone. "Depends. What does she like?"

"Fantasy," Noah answered without missing a beat. "She loves anything magical."

Ava softened at that. "Follow me."

As she led Noah toward the fantasy section, she tried to ignore the way Caleb's eyes followed her. She pulled a hardcover from the shelf and handed it to Noah. "This one's a favourite. Beautiful world-building and it has a strong female lead."

Noah examined the cover with interest. "Perfect. Thanks, Ava."

Ava blinked at the sound of her name. Most people at Westbridge barely acknowledged her existence let alone remembered her name.

"You're welcome," she murmured.

As Noah wandered toward the counter, Caleb lingered behind, watching her with an expression she couldn't quite read.

"You really work here?" he asked as if the idea genuinely puzzled him.

Ava crossed her arms. "Not everyone's life comes with a trust fund, Caleb."

His mouth curved into a faint smirk. "Touché."

"Why do you even care?" Ava asked, hating how defensive she sounded.

For once, Caleb didn't offer a sarcastic reply. Instead, his gaze lingered a little longer before he shrugged. "I don't."

And just like that, the careless version of him returned.

Ava rolled her eyes. "Of course you don't."

Without another word, she turned back toward the counter missing the flicker of something softer that crossed Caleb's face as he watched her walk away.

---

The next week passed in a blur of work, school, and trying to avoid Caleb.

But for some reason, he wouldn't leave her alone.

He was always there-pushing, teasing, watching her when he thought she wouldn't notice. And what bothered Ava most was that... sometimes, he did show up on time. Sometimes, he paid attention.

And those moments were far harder to ignore.

"Why do you think he's bothering you so much?" Grace asked one afternoon, twirling a pen between her fingers.

Ava sighed, pushing her notes aside. "I have no idea. Maybe he's just bored."

Grace tilted her head thoughtfully. "Or maybe he's curious about the one girl who isn't falling all over him."

Ava shook her head. "I'm not playing his games. I don't care about Caleb Hayes or his richboy drama."

Grace arched an eyebrow. "Just be careful. Guys like him... they don't always mean well."

Ava already knew that. She had the scars to prove it.

But no matter how much she tried to avoid him, it was becoming harder to ignore one truth.

Caleb Hayes was starting to get under her skin.