The next morning, Fina woke up feeling lighter than she had in days. Her mom's reassurance had soothed some of her fears, though Sophia's words still lingered in the back of her mind. She stretched lazily, sunlight warming her room, and decided she wasn't going to let one person ruin her day.

After taking a long shower and pulling on her favorite hoodie and jeans, Fina grabbed her bag and made her way downstairs. The smell of pancakes filled the kitchen, and her dad, Alessandro, was at the stove flipping golden-brown circles.

"Morning, principessa," he greeted, a proud smile lighting his face as he slid a pancake onto a plate.

"Morning, Papa," Fina replied, her voice soft but steady.

"Hungry?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Fina nodded, feeling her stomach grumble. "Yeah, actually."

"Good. Sit. Eat," he ordered playfully, setting a plate in front of her.

As she poured syrup over her pancakes, her mom walked into the room, her hair tied back and a cup of coffee in hand. "How are you feeling today, sweetheart?" Isabella asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Better," Fina said honestly. "I think I'll be okay."

Isabella gave her a warm smile. "I'm proud of you."

Alessandro watched them from the stove, his protective instincts still strong. "If that Sophia girl bothers you again, you tell me. I'll handle it," he said, his tone firm.

"Papa," Fina said, her cheeks flushing. "It's okay. Mom and I talked about it."

Isabella chuckled softly. "Let's save the 'handling' for another time, caro."

Alessandro muttered something under his breath but let it go, sliding another pancake onto her plate before sitting across from her.

After breakfast, Fina grabbed her phone and sent a quick text to the Fab Four group chat:

Fab Four

Feeling better today. You guys ready for school?

My Mia💕: Yay! So glad you're feeling better! Let's walk in together?

Ethan🤪: I'll make sure no one messes with our girl today.

Aiden❤️: I'm ready when you are. Meet you at the gate?

Fina smiled at the messages, her heart warming at their support.

The walk to school was uneventful, and Fina felt a little more at ease with her friends by her side. Mia linked arms with her as they entered the gates, Ethan walking ahead like a self-appointed bodyguard. Aiden stayed close, his hand occasionally brushing hers, sending a flutter through her chest.

In class, things were normal—until lunch.

Fina was sitting at the usual table with her friends, laughing at Ethan's terrible impression of their teacher, when Sophia walked in. She scanned the room, her gaze zeroing in on Aiden.

"Oh, great," Mia muttered under her breath, leaning closer to Fina. "Here comes trouble."

Sophia sauntered over, her smile sweet but her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Hi, Aiden. I was wondering if you wanted to sit with me and my friends today."

Fina froze, her appetite vanishing.

Aiden frowned, glancing at Fina before answering. "No, thanks. I'm good here."

Sophia's smile faltered, and her gaze flicked to Fina. "Oh, right. You'd rather stay here with—" She stopped herself, her lips curling into a smirk. "Never mind. See you around, Aiden."

Fina stared at her tray, her hands clenched into fists. She didn't notice Aiden watching her until he leaned closer, his voice low. "You okay?"

She nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Yeah. I'm fine."

But she wasn't. The rest of the day passed in a blur, and by the time the final bell rang, Fina was barely holding herself together. As soon as she was out of class, she pulled out her phone and called her mom.

Isabella answered on the first ring. "Fina? Are you okay?"

"Can you... can you pick me up like right now ?" Fina's voice wavered, and she felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

"Of course. I'll be there in ten minutes," Isabella said without hesitation.

When Fina stepped outside, she saw her mom's car pulling up. Isabella got out and immediately walked over to her, wrapping her arms around her daughter. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's go home."

From across the parking lot, Aiden, Mia, and Ethan watched, their expressions a mix of concern and confusion.

"What's going on?" Ethan asked.

"I don't know," Aiden said, his brow furrowed.

Mia crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Fina. "We'll figure it out tomorrow."

Back at home, Isabella guided Fina to the living room and sat her down on the couch. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" she asked gently.

Fina hesitated, her fingers twisting in her lap. "It's Sophia," she admitted. "She keeps... she keeps trying to get to Aiden. And it's stupid, but it makes me feel like—like I'm not good enough."

Isabella's heart ached for her daughter. "Sweetheart, it's not stupid. Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to feel upset about this."

Fina looked up, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "What if she's right, Mom? What if I'm not good enough for Aiden?"

Isabella cupped her face, forcing Fina to meet her eyes. "Listen to me. You are more than good enough. Aiden cares about you because of who you are, not in spite of it. Don't let someone like Sophia make you doubt that."

Fina nodded, sniffling. "Thanks, Mom."

Isabella smiled and opened her arms. "Now, come here. I need some cuddles from my favorite girl."

Fina laughed softly, crawling into her mom's embrace. For the first time all day, she felt a sense of peace.