Chapter 111
The air in the classroom felt tense as I met Linda’s gaze. Her lowered head, the defiant lift of her chin, and that single tear glistening on her cheek told the story of a girl who could twist perception effortlessly.
She didn’t look weak–not at all. In fact, she had perfected the art of feigned innocence, and this time was no different.
“Linda,” I said firmly, “I don’t believe for a second you’re innocent in this. I know how this all works with you.”
She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she let that tear slide down, casting a look around as though she was the victim of some great injustice.
Just as she was about to speak, the headmaster’s sharp voice cut through the tension.
“Student Linda,” he announced, “there are credible reports that you’ve tried to obtain the Principal’s Medal by using certain… Medal by using certain…
Ctions.
Your application is now voided, and let this be known–there
will be no exceptions for you in the future.”
Amurmur rippled through the room, the students who had been whispering on Linda’s behalf now standing in stunned silence.
Linda was always seen as the delicate, harmless flower, the one who wouldn’t hurt a soul. To hear that she might have used her connections to bend the rules shattered that image in an instant.
Linda froze, the mask slipping for a split second before she regained her composure, quickly adopting a look of pained innocence.
She turned to the students, tears glistening as she choked out, “I… I didn’t know. Maybe Arman was helping me, trying to support me without my knowledge. Please believe me.”
Her plea hung in the air, but this time, no one rushed forward to comfort her. The crowd watched, suspicion replacing sympathy.
The bell quickly rang signalling the start of class and after assurances from the headmaster that the matter would be dealt with satisfactorily, I said a quick goodbye to Ethan and the headmaster and headed to my next class.
On his way out, Ethan greeted me with the news that he was going to be away from the PACK briefly for a few days to attend an important meeting.
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Chapter 111
Inodded and said that I would take care of myself.
But as I walked down the hall, a strange, unsettled feeling gnawed at me.
Ethan had mentioned he’d be traveling soon and wouldn’t be around, but I couldn’t shake the
sensation that something was brewing, that Linda’s actions today were only the beginning of a larger scheme.
Classes went by in a blur as I kept feeling Linda’s piercing gaze on me, a venomous intensity that
seemed to promise some form of retribution.
I forced myself to ignore her, focusing instead on preparing for the promotion exams. By the end of
the day, I had pushed the uneasy feeling aside, focusing on the plans I had for the evening.
Returning to the pack after school, I ate my dinner alone and thought about my plans for the future.
I had a dance competition coming up, and I’d thrown myself into practice lately. My teacher was
delighted with my commitment and relieved that I hadn’t given up my passion for dance for Ryan.
She’d worried that my past with Ryan would lead me to abandon my dreams for the simplicity of
marriage. But now, I was ready to show the world who I really was.
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from beyond the door, sharp and filled with hurt. “Arman, you
aid you’d protect me! Don’t you know your sister has been bullying me at school?”
I tensed, feeling a surge of anger bubble up. Linda. The very nerve of her, following me even here,
into my own home.
I set my knife and fork down calmly, though my hands were shaking with irritation. The door swung
open, and there she stood, clad in a delicate white dress, hugging Arman’s arm like she was the
wronged party.
Tears shimmered in her eyes, and she looked up at him with the perfect expression of heartbreak. “Arman,” she whimpered, “Sophia’s been making my life miserable. All I’ve ever done is try to be a good friend.”
Arman’s expression hardened as he glanced my way, and a sense of dread washed over me. “Sophia,” he said coldly, “come here and apologize. Admit what you’ve done.”
1 swallowed hard, feeling my mind flood with memories–memories of my last life, where standing
up to Linda had always meant punishment for me.
I’d been blamed, scorned, and ultimately abandoned by those who should have defended me. Back
en, Arman had believed her every word, no matter how outlandish her claims.
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Chapter 111
This time, though, I wouldn’t be silenced.
“On what grounds?” I shot back, lifting my chin and meeting his icy gaze head–on.
.
