Ch. The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 4 The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 4

Chapter 4 

She didn’t catch on. 

She just assumed I’d struck out with Ethan again. 

She fed me some fake sympathy and I ignored all of it. 

That afternoon after school, she poked my arm. 

“Hazel, I’m going out to dinner with my parents tonight. No time for homework. Same deal as always-you do it for me, and pick your reward.” 

“Either I set up a tutoring session with Ethan tomorrow, or I’ll rip into Liam and make him say something nice 

to you.” 

Vera grinned and shoved her homework at me. 

“Try to copy my handwriting better this time, okay? Last time they almost caught on.” 

I didn’t take it. 

I stood up and slung my backpack over my shoulder. “No.” 

“I’ve got a ton of homework tonight, plus I need to study. I’m gonna be up late as it is.” 

Her jaw dropped. “Liam’s been leaving you alone lately, so maybe that one’s off the table. But this is a solo tutoring session with Ethan we’re talking about. Hazel, don’t you like him anymore?” 

I thought about the fleeting gentleness I’d seen today. 

It still ached. 

But the disappointment only made it clearer that he never liked me back. 

“Yeah,” I said. “I’m done liking Ethan. And as for Liam running his mouth about me, I don’t need that either.” 

I was almost out the door when I heard Liam’s mocking voice. 

“Damn, Hazel. Saying some bold stuff today. You’re getting real brave. Why not just say you’re cutting me off 

for good?” 

“Come on, let’s walk home, Mom said she’s making your favorite tonight.” 

“Great idea.” I cut him off, looked him dead in the eye, and said every word clearly. “Cutting ties sounds 

perfect.” 

Liam’s face went rigid. 

Chapter 4 

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Liam’s face went rigid. 

I turned and walked away. 

I didn’t look at Ethan once. 

Behind me, I heard Vera snap, “Ethan, I’ve called your name three times. What are you zoning out for?” 

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