Breakfast was surprisingly pleasant. The kitchen, with its marble countertops and high-tech appliances, radiated a modern sophistication I wasn't used to. He moved effortlessly around the space, making omelets and toast while I sat awkwardly at the counter, tugging at the edges of my hoodie.
Now, fully dressed, I couldn't help but notice his style. He wore a black leather jacket over a fitted white t-shirt that hugged his chest, paired with dark jeans and polished Chelsea boots. A sleek silver chain rested at his collarbone, catching the morning light. His tousled curls had dried just enough to look artfully messy, like he'd walked out of a fashion magazine.
By contrast, I looked like I'd rolled straight out of bed—because I had. My school uniform peeked out from under the oversized hoodie he'd lent me. The blazer was crumpled, and my tie was barely knotted, the school's crest hanging crookedly over my chest.
"You're not in uniform," I said, breaking the silence as we walked outside.
"Sharp observation," he replied with a smirk.
"No, I mean...it's hard to find someone our age who isn't heading to school. Are you skipping?"
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I just got back to the country. Figured I'd settle in a bit—maybe a week—before diving into anything serious."
"Definitely. I wish I had parents like yours," I muttered, imagining what a week off might feel like.
He glanced at me, his lips curling into an amused grin. "Really? You wouldn't want to. Don't even wish for it," he said, almost laughing.
Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled out a sleek phone. It was a matte black device with a subtle embossed logo—probably some limited-edition model only the ultra-rich could afford. He tapped the screen, scrolling quickly before placing a call.
"Yeah, we're ready," he said curtly, his tone shifting to something more formal.
Before I could process what was happening, the doorbell chimed. Within minutes, a man in a sharp black suit entered, nodding briefly at him before leading us outside.
Waiting by the curb was a gleaming black Range Rover Velar. Its windows were tinted, and the chrome details shimmered in the sunlight. The car unlocked with a soft beep, and I hesitated before climbing into the plush leather interior.
I fidgeted with my skirt as the SUV moved smoothly through the streets. He was quiet, his gaze fixed on the scenery outside, but the air between us felt heavy with unspoken words.
When we arrived at the school gates, the car came to a gentle stop. I turned to him, unsure what to say.
"Well," I managed, "thanks for everything."
He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Take care."
I stepped out, my shoes crunching on the gravel as I shut the door behind me. The SUV disappeared down the road, leaving me standing there, the chaos of the school morning rushing back.
Tugging my hoodie tighter, I heaved a sigh and made my way toward the crowded hallway, blending back into my normal life.
As I approached the classroom, a wave of reluctance washed over me, making each step feel heavier than the last. It wasn't just the usual dread of school; it was the suffocating weight of knowing exactly what awaited me on the other side of that door.
It wasn't surprising to find Kelly, Eliana, and their usual entourage—Betty, Jessa, and a few other hangers-on—loitering by the entrance, waiting for me like predators circling their prey. My stomach churned, a mix of anger and powerlessness settling deep within me.
I tried to avoid them, keeping my head down as I made my way toward the door, but Kelly's sharp voice cut through the air, freezing me in my tracks.
"I know how terrible it feels to be dumped by your boyfriend," she said, her words dripping with faux sympathy.
A murmur rippled through the class. Snickers and whispers rose from every corner, and I could feel the weight of their stares. Most of them sided with Kelly, as they always did.
I clenched my fists and willed myself to keep walking. "Ignore her," I muttered under my breath.
But Kelly wasn't done. "You're just a freak," she added, her voice louder now, making sure everyone heard.
I turned slightly, my eyes narrowing. "I'm not in the mood, Kelly," I said through gritted teeth, trying to keep my composure.
Just as I was about to walk off, her next words stopped me dead in my tracks.
"And he's better off with Eliana."
Better off. The words echoed in my head, their sting sharper than I expected. The heartbreak I'd been trying to bury boiled over, morphing into a searing hatred. My vision blurred with emotion, and for a brief moment, I considered giving them a taste of their own medicine.
Instead, I let a single tear slide down my cheek, drawing the attention of the entire class. Their chatter softened, curiosity and unease filling the air.
"I'm happy…" I began, my voice trembling as another tear slid down my face. "I'm happy he found someone to love him better than I did."
The room fell silent, save for a few gasps. Kelly smirked, but Eliana wasn't buying it. She saw through my feigned vulnerability and stepped forward, her face contorted with rage.
"You're such a liar," she spat, raising her hand to slap me.
But before she could, a strong hand caught her wrist in midair.
"Don't you dare," Christoph said, his voice firm and commanding.
Eliana froze, shock flickering in her eyes as she slowly turned to face him. His glare was icy, his usual playful demeanor nowhere to be found.
The class erupted into condemnation, their allegiance shifting instantly.
"Eliana, that's too far!"
"Why would you do that?"
"She's already going through enough!"
I felt a smirk threatening to break across my face but held it back, keeping my expression sorrowful. I lowered my gaze and let my shoulders slump, playing the part of the brokenhearted ex.
"Thank you," I whispered softly, more to myself than to Christoph.
I walked to my seat, my steps slow and heavy, as if carrying the weight of the world. Sitting down, I buried my face in my hands and began to sob quietly.
Through the haze of my emotions, I felt a glimmer of gratitude. No matter how cruel some people were, I was lucky to have friends like Christoph and a few others who stood by me when I needed them most.