The Last Lie We Told - Chapter #4 - Free To Read

I never thought pretending to be in love would be this exhausting.

By the second day of my “relationship” with Noah, the entire school is talking about us. I hear whispers in the hallways, feel curious stares burning into my back. It’s working. Jason is paying attention. Savannah is watching.

But something about this game makes my stomach twist.

“Relax, Evans.” Noah’s voice is smooth as he casually drapes an arm around my shoulders, steering me toward our next class. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

I scoff. “I’m fine.”

He grins. “Yeah? Then why do you look like you want to run?”

I glare up at him. “Maybe because you’re touching me.”

Noah laughs, completely unfazed. “It’s called acting. We can’t have people thinking you’re still hung up on Jason, can we?”

I hate that he’s right.

So I force myself to lean into his touch. Just enough to make it believable.

And, of course, that’s the moment Jason walks by.

I feel it before I even see him.

His entire body stiffens as he passes us, his eyes darkening. He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t have to. The way his gaze lingers on Noah’s arm around me, the way his jaw tightens—it’s enough.

Something flickers in Noah’s eyes. He notices, too.

And just like that, he tightens his hold on me, pulling me closer as he smirks. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Jason turns sharply. “What?”

Noah shrugs. “You keep looking at us. I figured you had something to say.”

Jason scoffs. “I don’t give a damn what you two do.”

Noah hums, tilting his head. “Really? Because your face says otherwise.”

Jason’s nostrils flare, but before he can respond, Savannah appears beside him, looping her arm through his.

And she’s smiling.

Like this is all just entertainment to her.

“Oh, this is fun,” she muses, glancing between us. “I have to say, Layla, I’m impressed. You don’t waste time, do you?”

My stomach tightens.

I know exactly what she’s trying to do.

I force myself to smile. “What can I say? Noah’s a much better upgrade.”

Savannah giggles, resting her chin on Jason’s shoulder. “You hear that, babe? Layla thinks she’s moving up in the world.”

Jason doesn’t respond. He’s still staring at me.

I meet his gaze, holding it.

Then, before I can overthink it, I turn to Noah, stand on my tiptoes, and press a soft kiss to his cheek.

It’s quick, barely anything, but the effect is immediate.

Jason’s eyes darken. His fists clench.

Savannah’s smirk grows wider.

And Noah… Noah is watching me with an expression I can’t quite read.

“Well, well,” Savannah purrs, breaking the silence. “This is going to be interesting.”

I don’t respond.

I just take Noah’s hand and walk away.

By lunchtime, the tension is unbearable.

Noah and I sit close—closer than necessary—but I need Jason to see it. To feel it.

And he does.

I catch him glancing our way every few minutes, his grip on his fork tightening, his jaw clenched so hard I think his teeth might crack.

Savannah, of course, is completely unbothered. She sips on her drink, watching everything unfold with a glint of amusement in her eyes.

“So tell me, Layla,” she says suddenly, resting her chin on her palm. “How long have you and Noah been a thing?”

I don’t blink. “Since last week.”

She raises an eyebrow. “That’s funny. Because I could’ve sworn you were still in love with Jason last week.”

I feel Noah tense beside me.

Jason looks up.

I refuse to let her see me crack. “Things change.”

Savannah’s lips curl. “Clearly.”

Jason exhales sharply, shoving his chair back. Without a word, he stands and storms out of the cafeteria.

I feel an odd sense of satisfaction watching him leave.

But Savannah…

Savannah just smiles.

And for some reason, that unsettles me more than anything. The day should’ve felt like a victory. Jason is finally reacting. Savannah is irritated. My plan is working.

So why do I feel so—off?

I sigh, turning over, when suddenly—the flip phone vibrates.

I frown, grabbing it off my nightstand.

A new message appears on the screen.

“Some games have consequences.”