Agnes Carter

Agnes Carter enters college at 18, still carrying the weight of years of bullying. She hides in oversized sweaters, messy hair, and second-hand glasses. Her reputation in school as a loser never left her mind. James, once the boy who fed her money in exchange for control, is now in the same college. He has changed—confident, popular, and surrounded by friends. Agnes avoids him at first, but their paths cross in class. He recognizes her instantly. For Agnes, old fears return. For James, the past gives him leverage. He reminds her of what she owed him. She struggles between breaking free from his shadow and slipping back into dependence.