All Chapters of Falling for the bad girl: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

[Lucy]The weekend finally arrived, and anticipation buzzed in the air like the electric hum of a firefly-filled evening. I had spent the past few days shaping my plans for a perfect date with Cole. After a week peppered with quirky pranks and overnight studying, tonight felt like the right time to let all hell loose, so to speak.Cole picked me up at my house, just as the golden hues of the sunset cast a warm glow over everything. Clad in a soft navy hoodie and jeans, he flashed that signature grin that made my heart race. I met him at the door, my own outfit—a playful sundress that flowed with each step—reflecting the lightness in my heart.Don't judge, my mum picked the outfit. She said and I quote, "you are going on your first date, you dimwit. You have to look nice at least once in your relationship!" Then she smacked my head down. Crazy lady, but I still love her.“Ready for a night filled with romance and popcorn?” Cole asked with a twinkle in his eye.“Oh, absolutely! I hope y

[Lucy] As Dad drew closer, I could feel the heat of my emotions swirling inside me—fear, anger, but mostly a profound sense of uncertainty. I glanced at Cole and Tamara, who stood a few paces behind me, unsure of how to navigate the unfolding scene. “Hey,” my father said, his voice tentative as he stopped in front of me. He looked older than I remembered from photos—graying hair and a few lines etched on his forehead, but his eyes were still that familiar shade of blue I had inherited. “Hi,” I managed, unsure of how to break the ice. I could feel my heart racing, wild beneath my ribs. He cleared his throat, casting a glance at my friends before turning back to me. “Thank you for agreeing to meet.” The awkwardness honed in on us, the silence stretching as we both searched for words that wouldn’t come. I glanced down at my shoes, wondering if I should say something light, something to diffuse the tension, but nothing felt appropriate. “I… um,” he stammered, rubbing the back of hi

[Lucy]As the picnic wound down and Sophie's flower crown began to wilt, I felt a strange sense of emotional exhaustion settling over me. Cole and Tamara had been quietly observing from a distance, giving us space while remaining close enough to offer support if needed.I caught Cole's eye, and he raised an eyebrow—a silent question asking if I was okay. I managed a small nod, more to reassure myself than him.Dad—and it still felt strange to think of him that way—began packing up the picnic supplies. Sophie helped, her enthusiasm turning even the most mundane task into a game. She carefully folded napkins, her tiny hands moving with a concentration that made me smile despite myself."We should do this again," Dad said carefully, his tone tentative. "Maybe next weekend?"Before I could respond, Sophie jumped in. "Can Cole and Tamara come too?" she asked, looking up at me with those wide, hopeful eyes that seemed impossible to resist.I glanced at my friends. Cole looked amused, while

[Lucy] The plan to take down Viktor wasn't straightforward. It required precision, patience, and a level of coordination that pushed our makeshift family to its limits. Tamara' and Kevin's digital investigation uncovered a complex web of connections. Corrupt cops, underground money laundering, trafficking networks—Viktor's operation was more than just a simple criminal enterprise. It was a hydra, with multiple heads that needed simultaneous attack. "We can't just go to the authorities," Tamara explained, spreading digital files across her laptop. "Half of them are on Viktor's payroll." Cole, still recovering but increasingly restless, became the strategist. His background—something he rarely discussed—proved invaluable. "We need to hit their financial infrastructure," he said, studying the maps and connection diagrams Tamara had created. I guess there's still a lot I don't know about Cole and Tamara.

[Lucy] With summer stretching out before me like a blank canvas, a renewed sense of purpose settled into my heart. The initial apprehension about moving so far from home faded away, replaced by a burgeoning excitement for what lay ahead. I had a chance to immerse myself in the world of art, to learn, grow, and discover parts of myself I’d never encountered before. As the days passed, I dove into preparations for my new journey. Packing was a labor of love; I selected pieces of my life that felt right to take along—my favorite sketchbooks, a few beloved novels, and a collection of photographs filled with memories of laughter, friendship, and love. Each item became a reminder of where I had come from and the bonds I intended to keep strong despite the distance that would soon separate me from my childhood home. Meanwhile, Cole continued to be my unwavering support. Every day after school, we would meet at the park, basking