The Boy I Admire From Afar

Claire Olsen has secretly harbored a deep crush on Zion Petrakis, the school heartthrob, for years. He's oblivious, his attention fixed on the popular 'It girl,' Maddie. Claire resigns herself to admiring him from a distance, her feelings a well-guarded secret. But fate has a funny way of bringing people together. As senior year unfolds, unexpected events push Claire and Zion into each other's orbits, transforming her quiet infatuation into something undeniably profound. Can she keep her heart hidden when every interaction pulls them closer?

Oh no! I'm going to be late.

My heart was pumping so hard as I ran like crazy, like running for my life. My skin felt cold as ice, and sweat ran down my spine. Whew! I stopped to catch my breath, my lungs burning.

I couldn't miss the school bus. I had a long Math quiz, my first subject of the day, and this was our last year in high school. I was aiming for perfect grades to qualify for the Manchester University scholarship program. Being an orphan with no one to support me, that scholarship was my only hope of getting into university.

I wiped the sweat off my forehead, glancing at my wristwatch. Oh no. I had to run faster now, or I'd definitely miss the bus.

Just then, a car horn blared behind me. It was Ashley Farris, my stepsister. She rolled down her window and yelled, "Run faster, Claire!" Her laughter echoed, a mocking sound that grated on my nerves. She was the reason I was in this predicament, having made me iron her school uniform repeatedly until there wasn't a single crease left.

The Boy I Admire From Afar

High School Orphan Secret Love Enemies to Lovers Crush