#Chapter 32: Magic Touch

Celeste

The persistent hum of the treadmill was the only thing I could focus on as I tried to block out the world around me. I kept my head down, fingers gripping the handrails, and ran, hoping to get through my workout unnoticed.

Lost in my thoughts of avoiding Matt and trying to prove to myself that I could handle this workout alone, I almost didn’t feel the sudden sharp impact against my ankle.

But it was followed by a searing pain that made me lose my balance. The treadmill’s rapid pace threw me off, and I hit the ground hard, the shock of it leaving me breathless.

Pain seared through my ankle, and an involuntary cry escaped my lips. Gasping for air and clutching my hurt ankle, I forced my teary eyes open, only to be met with the unmistakable smirk of Sabrina.

My gaze followed her line of sight, and I found the culprit of my fall: an exercise ball.

“Why?” I whispered more to myself, the sheer malice of her act incomprehensible.

Before I could process further, strong hands cradled