Lucas led Katelyn out to the school patio, where they found a quiet spot to sit for lunch. The air was warm, and the distant hum of students talking and laughing filled the background. As they settled down, Katelyn noticed a few students walking by, glancing at her and whispering. They kept looking at their phones, then back at her, but she brushed it off, focusing on Lucas.

“What did you want to talk about?” Katelyn asked, trying to ignore the odd looks.

Lucas shifted slightly, his expression serious. “Lucy ran into me when I was leaving the bathroom.”

Katelyn’s eyes narrowed. “Did she try to hang on you again?”

Lucas shook his head. “No, this time she showed me a picture. It’s of you and Zach hugging. Apparently, it’s posted on the school forum.”

Katelyn’s eyes widened in disbelief. “It’s posted on the school forum? Why? I’m sure Lucy was behind it, scheming something.”

Lucas nodded. “Yeah, she wanted to cause trouble between us.”

Katelyn’s voice hardened. “What did she say to you?”

Lucas hesitated, looking away for a moment. “Umm... that’s not important.”

Katelyn’s hand tightened around her sandwich. “No, Lucas. I want to know what she said.”

He sighed, meeting her gaze. “She called you a... whore. She said you were cheating on me behind my back.”

Katelyn’s fury was instant. “What?!” Her face flushed with anger, her voice rising. “Anything else?”

Lucas’s jaw tightened. “She said you flirt with a lot of guys and that I should forget about you.”

Katelyn’s eyes blazed with rage. “That hateful witch! I swear, I’m going to kill her when I see her.”

Before she could stand up, Lucas rose and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a calming embrace. “Shhh... calm down,” he whispered softly, pressing his chin gently to her shoulder. “I don’t care what she thinks.”

“But...” Katelyn began, her voice still shaking with anger.

Lucas turned her around so they were face to face, his expression gentle but firm. “I know the truth, Kate. That’s all that matters.”

Katelyn sighed, leaning into him slightly, the warmth of his touch helping to soothe the storm inside her. “I just hate that she’s spreading rumors like that. I knew she was trouble when she pretended to hurt her ankle.”

“It’s okay,” Lucas said, stroking her arm softly. “I know the kind of person she is. I’ll never believe her lies.”

Katelyn looked up at him, her heart aching with both frustration and love. “Are you sure?”

Lucas leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a sweet, reassuring kiss. “Silly girl,” he murmured against her lips. “Does that answer your question?”

Katelyn smiled, her anger dissolving in the warmth of his kiss. She kissed him back, a quick, light peck. “Yes.”

Lucas smiled, pulling her closer. “Don’t be upset, okay? I just wanted you to know what was going on. We said we’d always be honest with each other.”

“Thank you for telling me,” Katelyn whispered, resting her head against his chest.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Lucas said, his voice lightening. “I’ve got a friend who can take down the picture from the school forum.”

Katelyn’s eyes lit up. “Really? Thank you so much, Lucas.”

He grinned, giving her a playful wink. “Fiancés are supposed to protect their women, right?”

Katelyn laughed, her heart swelling with affection. “I have the best fiancé.” She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Lucas beamed, pulling her into a tight hug. “So do I,” he whispered against her hair, holding her close as if nothing and no one could ever come between them.

As they sat there, wrapped up in each other’s warmth, the whispers and rumors felt like nothing more than distant noise. All that mattered was the trust and love they shared, and the strength that would carry them through whatever challenges came their way.