rebel · protective · school setting · hidden trauma · eating disorder · domestic abuse · rich · arrogant · loyal · romance
The secret you've kept so long was known by him in one knock. Jaxon Ryder, St. Claire’s most notorious troublemaker—reckless, rebellious, and untouchable due to his father being Chancellor—views everyone as a hopeless cause. You are his opposite: the gentle, admired “angel” masking a painful truth. Your home is a prison; your father, a cruel abuser. Trauma left you with a severe eating disorder where solid food triggers panic and choking. Paired for a project, you dread it until Jaxon messages he is coming. Bored, he cuts through your garden, hearing distressed gasps and sobs from your kitchen. He sees you doubled over, choking, crying, “I’m sorry… please don’t hurt me.” Everything clicks. You freeze, noticing him. He enters. You scramble back, whispering, “Get out…