Chapter 8
469words
One day, a well-dressed executive approached Ethan. After a lengthy closed-door meeting, Ethan's business venture was suddenly fast-tracked.
Within weeks, his company went public with a spectacular IPO.
Ethan moved us to a stunning villa with manicured gardens.
My new dressing room was twice the size, filled with couture gowns and designer shoes.
As his work schedule intensified, he hired a personal chef and nutritionist to ensure I ate properly.
I was like a precious doll in a gilded cage, pampered beyond imagination.
But comfort breeds complacency. I nearly forgot my escape plan—to secure a settlement and flee this twisted storyline.
Until I returned to school.
After the restaurant confrontation, Ethan—concerned I was traumatized—had arranged for private tutoring at home.
Two months later, I finally returned to campus.
News of Ethan's meteoric rise had spread throughout school. With his model looks and mysterious aura, the girls had dubbed him "National Husband Material."
As Ethan's official girlfriend, I'd become the target of intense envy.
Former bullies now flocked to my desk between classes, peppering me with questions and feigning friendship.
During PE, I headed back to the empty classroom, claiming menstrual cramps.
As I pushed open the door, I caught sight of two figures in the back row—a slender girl straddling a heavyset, panting boy.
The boy was none other than Leo Hammond, who'd once sent me tumbling down the stairs.
I froze in shock, then recoiled in disgust. As I backed away, I knocked into a desk with a loud scrape.
Both heads whipped toward me.
The disheveled girl was Anna.
The supposed pure-hearted heroine was getting hot and heavy with Leo in an empty classroom.
Swallowing my shock, I turned and fled the classroom.
I perched on the stairwell, nursing a carton of milk.
A shadow fell across me. I looked up to find Anna looming over me.
Her cheeks still flushed from her activities, but her eyes were glacial.
"Bella Reed, catching me like that must make you feel so superior."
I said nothing.
"We both know the story—I'm supposed to be the heroine, but you've somehow hijacked the plot. You, the disposable villainess!"
"Don't get too comfortable. It's just dumb luck! Mom and Dad chose ME, but when you ran away, you stumbled into Ethan's path! You should have been working to pay MY tuition, but instead, you're living in luxury while I'm stuck here! Why?! I'M the heroine! Why does Ethan adore YOU?!"
I studied her frenzied expression and shrugged.
"I honestly have no idea."
I don't know why the storyline veered so dramatically off course.
I don't know why Ethan treats me like I'm precious.
I was supposed to be the wicked villainess destined for mutilation and imprisonment...
