Nadine rushed out like someone the law enforcement agency was after, and she approached Jeremy and Luna, who were both contemplating what to do with her bags and belongings. On sighting Nadine, they heaved a sigh of relief.
"Oh, Nadine, we thought something bad must have happened," Jeremy said. Even though Nadine appreciated the concern, she couldn't help but be worried about Zeke and his weird interest in her. So, masking her fears, she smiled and thanked the two profusely.
"Thanks, Jimmy, and you too, Luna. But I think I can take it from here."
Luna returned the smile, held Jimmy's hand, and the two talked while walking out.
Seeing that she was alone, Nadine fell on the bed nearby but instantly twisted her face in pain. "What kind of hard surface they call a bed is this? Gosh."
She began arranging her belongings in the magnificent room, which was so neatly put in order despite being unused for years. But now, she was occupying it with Luna—what a great arrangement.
---
Meanwhile, in another part of the school, in the Platinum dorm where the two girls resided, Emily was looking so dejected and sad. Slyvia, who was blabbering continuously about Ezekiel's stunning features, realized her friend was not herself and became sober.
"What's wrong again, Emily? I thought we had established that no sad faces are allowed. It makes me sad, and sorry I didn't listen to you earlier. I was too excited about Ezekiel helping me that I lost track of reality."
Emily finally broke into tears. "It's my tuition fee. It's time to pay up, and the school is on my neck. If I can't pay the desired amount in due time, I'll be suspended forever."
Slyvia's face paled instantly. She was helpless at this point because the fees were outrageous, and asking her parents to pay for Emily would affect them financially.
"I am so sorry to hear this, Emily, but I am helpless. My family can't pay for the two of us because, as you know, the fees are choking and it will affect them financially."
Emily felt more disappointed. Slyvia was her last hope. She had planned on doing various part-time jobs, but none could help her in her current situation. The payments were miserable—even their uniform, the majestic white the males and females wore, could not be bought with her salary, let alone the tuition fees. At this moment, her only option was going back to her disgusting family, and that was the last thing she wanted to do.
"It's okay, Slyvia. I will find a way. I don't know where the solution will come from, but I will find it."
Slyvia hugged her and smiled. "Don't worry, you'll get through this. I'll try helping with little expenses so it won't choke you. So let's wash up and sleep. Tomorrow is the lecture day. I think it's high time we get to see the newcomers."
A microphone blazed through all the corridors of the school, sending its final message: "Lights out, students, and warning—no one is allowed on the school grounds after 11 p.m. If not, the consequences are lethal."
---
It was a beautiful morning in Paradise High, and Rose was feeling so energetic. Her roommate was a nerd who had refused to talk to her all through the day, but she didn't give a damn.
Who cares about a dumb-looking girl with glasses? Not bothering to look at her so-called roommate, she took her bath, arranged her hair, combed it neatly, braided it sideways, and wore the majestic white floral gown with her impeccable white-silver boots. She carried her silver handbag and walked out majestically, cat-walking through the hallway, but something stopped her from walking further. It was a gang-up, and seeing what was going on, she became interested.
"Oh, Emily, I see you have finally separated from Slyvia. Guys, look at the murderer who killed two of her best friends. One was because she was so beautiful that an ugly toad like her couldn't take it."
The owner of the voice was Nina, and the venom in her voice hit Emily so hard that people began gasping and throwing stones. Emily felt embarrassed and humiliated beyond measure. She was almost in tears, the mockery was just too much to bear.
Nina giggled evilly. "Oh, Emily, do you actually think you'll go scot-free, you murderer? Someone showed a little kindness to a trash can like you—a worthless being—and you opened your mouth to say trash. What a dumb little animal."
The gasps of students filled the air, and at that moment, Ava came in with Simon holding her waist with his hand. Seeing the scene, Ava smirked and walked closer to Emily together with Simon.
Seeing the two, Rose's lips formed a deep line.
"This is getting interesting. Why don't we check this out? I never wanted to fight as I promised my mom, but apparently, I can't help this. Sorry, Mom."
Ava carried a bucket filled with urine and was about to empty it on Emily's head when someone held her hand heavily.
"Who is that? Who is that fool of a person?" Ava turned back and came face-to-face with Rose.
Slyvia came at that moment with her books, and seeing the commotion, she became confused. Once again, she encountered Ezekiel, but he was with his friends, Kai and another guy. But someone else was with him—the fool Joakim, or Harlan, whatever the mugu says.
But come to think of it, Slyvia thought, why is Ezekiel following Harlan? Oh no, she just realized something—they were following Ezekiel, not the other way around. Ignoring the proud fool, as she called him, she approached the grey-eyed beauty.
"Zeke, please, what's happening? Aren't we meant to have class this moment?"
Ezekiel's eyes stopped at Slyvia's presence, and he let out his stunning smile once more.
"Oh, Slyvia, it's something you won't like. Nina has attacked your bestie, and Ava joined the attack. But you know the best part? Rose stopped them."
Slyvia choked on her saliva. "What? Rose Anderson?"
Zeke nodded. "Me too. I was surprised, but it appears Rose has taken an interest in Emily. Now they will despise your bestie even more."
Slyvia watched as Ezekiel carried his book and walked toward the class direction, while Harlan, who was hanging around, smiled before whispering, "Mind if we fuck?"
Slyvia grimaced in disgust as Harlan left with Kai. She rushed forward to Emily, but what she saw made her freeze.
Rose carried the bucket of urine and directly emptied it on Ava's head, to the dismay of others who gasped in horror.
Simon wanted to help, but Rose landed him three executive slaps that made his chin burn and his face spin madly.
Vesper and Ophelia were dumbfounded. Who the hell was this person? Was she human? They rushed to Ava, who was smelling of urine and waste. Her body was oozing so badly that she ran out in horror, screaming insanely.
"Yeah, run away. And you, girl," Rose said, approaching Nina, who faced Rose bravely. But before Nina could slap Rose, Rose twisted the poor girl's hand and punched her stomach so hard that she fell heavily on the floor without moving. Rose deadpanned.
"Anyone that touches her while I'm in this school will lose all their teeth, and I promise you even the devil himself won't recognize the person."
Rose pointed at those around and instantly rushed to Emily and hugged her.
"Are you okay? I hope you're not hurt."
Emily raised her head and hugged Slyvia so madly.
Meanwhile, Nadine got out from her room with her books and writing materials, and instantly her eyes caught a pair of grey eyes she knew so well. At that moment, her heart skipped a beat, but a soft, melodious voice came whispering behind her.
"Hello, Nadine, or should I call you Asher? You look beautiful, boy."
Nadine faced the handsome face, and instantly he became spellbound.