Elena had always been cautious, passive-just went along with whatever people said.
When had she become brave enough to fight for something?
“Sarah, you’re way too kind. You’re just giving up a chance like this?”
“Exactly. With your grades, you’re guaranteed to win something. This would look great on your SATs!”
“That’s Sarah for you-so sweet! If Elena weren’t her sister, I’d have cussed her out by now.”
Sarah put on a pained expression. “Please don’t say that. Elena’s my sister. If she wants something, I’ll always give it to her.”
Elena, sitting not far away, snapped her book shut coldly.
Disgusting.
Absolutely nauseating.
Zayden had been watching Elena the whole time. Then suddenly, under everyone’s eyes, he stood up and walked straight over to her.
“Zayden…” Sarah froze.
Zayden grabbed Elena by the arm and, without a word, pulled her out of the classroom.
Caught off guard, Elena frowned. “Zayden, let go of me!”
Outside the classroom, Elena yanked her arm free from Zayden’s grip.
The students in the hallway turned to stare at them.
Zayden didn’t miss the look Elena gave him-pure disgust.
The kind of disgust that didn’t try to hide itself, like she’d just swallowed a mouthful of flies.
“Zayden, I already switched seats. What more do you want?” Elena rubbed her sore wrist.
He’d grabbed her so hard earlier, she thought he might’ve crushed her bones.
Zayden’s voice was cold. “Give Sarah her spot back.”
Elena let out a laugh. “I earned that spot. Why would I give it back?”
“Earned it?” Zayden snorted like she’d told a joke. “Sarah gave you that spot. Don’t play dumb.”
When Elena didn’t answer, Zayden went on, his tone harsh. “Elena, you know this is a city-level competition. You might be okay with the humiliation, but I’m not, and the school isn’t either! What if you bomb the test-have you thought about the consequences?”
His raised voice was starting to draw attention.
More students trickled out of the classroom to see what was going on.
One of them chimed in, “Yeah, Elena. This is seriously out of line. You’re dragging down the whole school’s reputation.”
“Elena didn’t even score higher than me on the last math exam. If she competes, people’ll think anyone off the street can get into Townsville High.”
“Some girls will do anything to chase a guy. Don’t they have any shame?”
Sarah stepped out from the crowd and moved to defend her.
“Guys, don’t say that about my sister,” she said sweetly. “This math competition really is a great opportunity. It makes sense that my sister would want to try. If she does well, it’ll help her SAT scores. I totally understand.”
She reached out, took Elena’s hand, and smiled. “Sis, go ahead and take the test. I’m giving the spot to you.”
“Sarah, you’re so generous. Too bad someone doesn’t appreciate it.”
“Seriously, how can two people from the same womb turn out so different?”
The voices buzzed around her, but Elena didn’t react.
Sarah’s eyes flashed with smug satisfaction.
She knew Elena was insecure. She figured Elena would run off crying any second now.
But instead, Elena held onto Sarah’s hand and said, “Sarah, I know you’re going abroad next year. You don’t need SAT scores, so you gave me the opportunity instead. I won’t waste it. I’ll make sure the school is proud.”
Sarah’s smile froze.
How did Elena know their parents had already secured her a spot at a school overseas?
“You’re going abroad?” Zayden turned to Sarah, surprised.
She had never mentioned that before.
Other students started murmuring.
“Sarah, you’re studying abroad next year? When did that happen?”
“Yeah, weren’t we all supposed to be prepping for the SAT together?”
“Wait… did you already get the study abroad slot?”
The chatter grew louder.
Everyone knew there was only one guaranteed study abroad slot per class.
It usually wasn’t confirmed until senior year, when the application process officially began.
But they were only juniors-and Sarah already had it locked down?
Their expressions shifted.
They all knew Sarah and Zayden came from money, which naturally set them apart.
But Sarah had always acted humble, easy to get along with, and that’s why they liked her.
Still… who wouldn’t want that study abroad spot?
If it was already decided in her favor, it wasn’t fair.
And kids at that age didn’t take well to unfairness.
“No, it’s not like that… It’s my parents… I didn’t even want to… Please don’t misunderstand,” Sarah stammered, biting her lip.
Sensing the shift in the crowd, Zayden finally spoke up. “Class is about to start. Get back inside. Don’t crowd the hallway.”
The students returned to their seats, but not without a few lingering looks.
As Sarah turned to leave, she threw a furious glare at Elena.
Elena acted like she didn’t notice.
Play innocent? I can do that too.
Let Sarah be the class villain this time.
The girl who stole everyone’s study abroad slot? No one’s rooting for her.
“Elena, stop.”
Zayden’s voice was sharp and cold.
Once the others had filed back into class, only he and Elena remained at the door.
She looked at him blankly. “What is it, class rep?”
Her change in tone made him take a breath before replying, “My mom wants to see you tonight. Get ready.”
“Okay.”
Elena turned to leave.
Zayden frowned. “That’s all you’ve got to say?”
“What else should I say?”
Zayden didn’t know how to answer.
In the past, if Elena found out his mother wanted to meet her, she would’ve lit up with barely concealed excitement.
But this time, she looked like she’d already expected it. Not a flicker of emotion.
“My mom’s upset because I mentioned calling off the engagement yesterday. Try to smooth things over tonight.”
Whatever else you could say about Elena, she had always been good with adults-especially his mother.
She used to give shoulder massages, make tea, run errands… everything to please her.
Now, Zayden said it like it was her job.
Elena raised a brow. “You upset your mother, and you expect me to cheer her up?”
“You-” Zayden started, wanting to say That’s what you always do, but the bell rang before he could finish.
Elena was already back in her seat.
That cold indifference on her face made Zayden feel like something was pressing down on his chest, suffocating.
What happened to her?
Was she just pretending not to care?
As class neared the end of the day, the homeroom teacher appeared at the door and waved to Elena.
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