Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 21

The campsite sat in an open meadow halfway up the mountain, surrounded by a vibrant, autumn-hued forest in the distance. Several colorful tents had already been pitched nearby, and a pile of firewood sat in the center clearing.

Zack's friends had already arrived and were busy setting up.

"Zack! Over here!" a tall guy in a dark blue windbreaker yelled, waving his hand.

As soon as the car parked, the group swarmed them.

"I see how it is, Zack. Hiding her away all this time and not breathing a word to us," someone teased mischievously.

"You must be Zack's girl. I'm Louis," another guy said with a bright smile.

Louis nudged the first guy who had spoken. "With a girlfriend this gorgeous, of course he had to keep her hidden."

"I'm Vivian Shaw," a girl with short hair said, handing over a bottle of water. "Zack hasn't shut up about you for days. Glad he finally brought you along."

Willa felt a little overwhelmed by their sudden enthusiasm.

Zack wrapped an arm around her shoulder, looking a bit sheepish. "Alright, alright, back off before you scare her away."

Willa stiffened for a fraction of a second before forcing herself to relax, politely greeting each of Zack's friends.

When it came time to set up their tent, Zack refused to let her lift a finger.

He eagerly unzipped the tool bag, but his clumsy movements made it painfully obvious that this was his first time.

"Do you need some help?" Willa walked over and crouched beside him.

Zack turned his head, looking surprised. "You know how to pitch a tent?"

"Yeah, a little," Willa replied softly.

Randal had taught her how to set up a tent, guiding her hands step by step. He had constantly teased her for being clumsy, but his hands had been incredibly patient.

After they had finished setting it up, they lay on the grass, gazing up at the starry sky. Randal had taken her hand, their fingers tightly intertwined.

"Wills, all these stars have nothing on the light in your eyes."

The man who had once told her she was beautiful had now become someone she desperately wanted to avoid.

She was finally certain—this girl had a crush on Zack.

A wave of guilt washed over her. She was terrified that her role as his fake girlfriend would ruin his chances at a real, happy relationship.

She turned her head and whispered into Vivian's ear, "If you like him, you should go for it. I really don't mind."

Vivian's face flushed a deep crimson. She waved her hands in a panic. "I... I really wasn't trying to come between you two..."

"I honestly don't mind," Willa said, her expression entirely serious. Seeing that Vivian still didn't believe her, she felt she had no choice but to confess the truth. "Actually, he and I... it's just pretend."

Vivian stared at Willa in pure shock.

Willa pressed an index finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, warning her softly, "Don't tell anyone our secret."

Vivian nodded furiously, a grateful smile breaking across her face. "Thank you, Willa."

Willa looked over at Zack, who was still busy at the grill.

He happened to look up at that exact moment, their eyes locking. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away, his cheeks burning.