The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Chapter 65

ASTRA

Tuesday Morning

6:45 AM

55 wor

“I’m serious, Astra. You can go to school today,” Elira said gently as she helped Mason adjust his tie. “I’ll take care of Lucas: 1 don’t want you missing any more classes.”

Mason looked mildly annoyed at being babied but didn’t protest. He was very independent for his age.

I stood there watching Elira, my chest tightening. Her eyes were red and puffy, like she had cried for hours. Even with perfect makeup, the swelling was visible. She looked exhausted.

“Ma’am… are you okay?” I asked softly, voice full of concern.

Elira paused, then gave me a small, tired smile.

“I’m fine, sweetheart. Just a long night. Now go get ready for school. You’ve done more than enough.”

I hesitated. I wanted to push, to ask what was wrong. She had been so kind to me since I arrived. But I could see the wall she was putting up. So I nodded.

“Okay… but please call me if Lucas needs anything. Or if you do.”

She smiled again, softer this time.

“Thank you, Astra. Now go.”

I went upstairs, changed into my school uniform, and stared at myself in the mirror for a moment. My mind kept circling back to Elira’s swollen eyes. What could make a woman who seemed to have everything, wealth, beauty, status cry like that?

Then I remembered what Dr. Ray had told me the day he told me about this job.

“The Ashton family comes to the hospital quite frequently.”

Coming to the hospital was never a good thing. Not for anyone. Not even if you owned half the city.

It bothered me deeply. Elira had been nothing but kind to me. Seeing her hurt made my soft heart ache.

By 7:00 AM, I was downstairs with my school bag. Mason was already at the kitchen island eating breakfast. Chef Marco served me a plate too, scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.

I sat beside Mason and smiled at him.

He turned to me. “Thanks for taking care of my brother yesterday!

We talked a little while eating. He was such a sweet, observant kid.

Then, from behind me, a very familiar deep voice spoke.

“Hey, Trouble.”

My fork paused mid-air.

I turned slowly.

Chapter 65

Zane stood there in his full school uniform, looking unfairly handsome, white shirt, loosened nie. blazer slung over one shoulder. His dark hair was still slightly messy, and those green eyes were locked on me with that signature intensity

He smirked.

“Let’s go.”

1 frowned. “My name is Astra.”

He rolled his eyes, already turning toward the door.

“Yeah, yeah. Trouble. Let’s go.”

First it was Trash-tra not trouble.

Will it ever end?

But I didn’t have the energy to argue this early. I quickly finished my last bite, downed my juice, and turned to Mason.

“Have a good day, okay?.”

Mason nodded.

I grabbed my bag and followed Zane out to his car. He didn’t say anything as I climbed into the passenger seat. The silence was heavy as he started the engine and drove off.

I kept my eyes on the road, heart beating a little too fast.

Yesterday’s events still hung between us like smoke.

And now we were alone again.

This was going to be a long ride.

But to my surprise, Zane didn’t say a single word during the entire drive.

No mocking nicknames.

No dark comments.

No jabs.

He just drove, one hand on the wheel, eyes fixed on the road like he was somewhere else entirely. His jaw was tight, brows slightly furrowed. He looked… distracted. Almost troubled.

I kept stealing glances at him, unable to help myself. The silence felt heavier than any argument we’d ever had. Part of me wanted to ask what was wrong, but it wasn’t my place. I was just the girl who lived in his house and tutored him now. Nothing more.

At least… that’s what I kept telling myself.

We arrived at Harrington Academy faster than I expected. The moment the car stopped in the senior parking lot. I telt eyes

on us.

Students were already glancing our way, some whispering, some openly staring. It had spread like wildfire that I now lived and worked for the Ashton family. Stepping out of Zane’s car every morning only added fuel to the gossip.

I quickly grabbed my bag and stepped out, smoothing down my uniform skirt. Zane didn’t say anything as he got out too. He simply locked the car and started walking toward the main building, expecting me to follow.

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