Chapter 23
Eliana knew all too well the exhaustion that came from working tirelessly for a minor role in her previous life.
Despite graduating from a prestigious acting school, Eliana had spent years struggling in the entertainment industry, constantly thwarted by Willow’s spiteful interference.
For six months, Eliana couldn’t secure a single role. The few roles she did get were either insignificant or required her to endure grueling action
Menes
While most young actresses opted for the lucrative and easygoing idol dramas, Eliana had no choice but to take on the tougher, low–paying action films. She needed the work to gain exposure and grab any opportunity to make a name for herself
Eliana immersed herself in action roles, learning how to perform all kinds of difficult moves just to get noticed. Starting with minor parts, she eventually managed to land some supporting roles.
Unfortunately, just as her career began to show promise, Willow took notice and intervened again.
Suddenly, Eliana found herself without any scripts, not even the smallest roles. Her only option was to work as a stunt double, a dangerous job that required her to perform stunts regardless of whether the lead actress dared to or not.
At just over twenty, Eliana endured this harsh reality for three years. By the time she was nearly thirty, her body felt like it belonged to a sixty–year- old.
Covered in injuries, she pushed through the pain with determination, even showing up on set with broken bones.
Living under such pressure with no hope in sight was a life Eliana grew weary of. If given a chance to start over, she probably wouldn’t even consider her current struggles as hardships. After all, she had faced far worse before.
Eliana didn’t bother responding as she quickened her pace, running faster. Although her physical condition in this life hadn’t yet reached its previous peak, she was determined to catch up.
With her rich experience, she felt confident her progress would be swift. She was familiar with hardship and didn’t fear it. What she truly dreaded was enduring suffering without any reward.
At lunchtime. Willow proudly displayed the mosquito repellent to the girls, claiming it was a gift from Roman. The other girls were envious..
“Willow, you’re amazing You have such a good connection with the student council president, a girl said.
“Yeah, Roman is so handsome!” someone exclaimed.
“Yeah, be is cute. Willow, since he gave you the repellent personally, maybe he likes you, another chimed in.
Willow was thrilled, covering her face as she replied, “Oh, stop it! I think he was just being nice because we go to the same school. He’s friendly to everyone. Anyway, don’t spread rumors. It would be embarrassing
The others laughed. “Look an Willow. She’s so shy.”
Nearby, Eliana overheard their conversation while sipping water. Since they seemed to be having such a good time, Eliana thought she might as well stir things up a bit.
Eliana anonymously posted on the school forum: “Breaking news! Willow Garcia skips the freshman’s training session without reason yet gets special treatment compared to her classmates?”
The post quickly gained attention.
The freshman’s training session at Isonstead University was very strict and always attracted interest. Privileged exemptions like Willow’s were supposedly an open secret, but few students among thousands enjoyed such rights.
Naturally, this led to outrage against Willow.
forum. Eliana continued her training as usual after posting.
By the afternoon, the post had become one of the top five trending topics on the for
Students remained unaware of the post until the evening
That evening after everyone washed up and returned to their tents, someone checked the forum on their phone.
Oh my gosh! Look, Willow Garcia is exposed on the forum!”
1/2
“Really?”
“Yeah, it explains why she always looks so good while training. It’s because of special treatment!”
This is outrageous! We’re exhausted and suffering, but why does she get special treatment?”
“Well, it’s because she has influential parents. This is definitely a case of favoritism!”
The next day, Willow greeted everyone, but few girls responded. Unbothered, she planned to interact with the boys, only to find them uninterested
Confused, Willow approached Stella, who was close to her, to find out what happened.
Stella replied in a sarcastic tone, “We wouldn’t dare get close to you. You’re the one with special treatment, anyway!”
“What do you mean!” Willow was puzzled.
As Stella covered her face with more concealer to hide her rashes, she said. “Check the forum. You’ve caused quite a stir. The whole class is upset about your special treatment. And was something wrong with that sunscreen you gave me? I got an allergic reaction after using it.”
Willow was briefly taken aback, almost laughing at the sight of Stella’s face, which was so blotchy that even foundation couldn’t hide it.
“How is that possible, Stella? I used the same sunscreen 1 gave you, and I didn’t have any allergic reactions. Maybe you’re allergic to something else. Anyway, I need to go. Check your other makeup,” Willow said.
After leaving Willow immediately checked the forum on her phone. When she saw her name trending, her face twisted with anger.
It was no wonder hardly anyone spoke to her today–someone was plotting against her.
In Willow’s view, it had to be Eliana. No one else would challenge her like this
With many students already unhappy about the intense training, Willow’s special treatment was bound to cause their frustration.
Willow never imagined being exposed on the forum like this. Determined to fix her reputation, she decided to take action.
The next day, Willow arrived at training wearing makeup that made her look pale and exhausted as if she were on the verge of collapse.
Sure enough, before the morning exercises even began, the officer noticed her. “Willow Garcia, why are you in the lineup? Step out.”
Willow’s eyes were filled with tears, and she stubbornly replied, “No, sir, I want to train with everyone. Please don’t worry about me:
Eliana, standing at the back, watched Willow’s act with calm detachment. She had expected Willow’s act. But this time, she wasn’t going to let Willow–off easily.
The officer said, “Willow, if you’re sick, you shouldn’t be training. Didn’t you submit a medical exemption?”
“Medical exemption?” someone in the lineup murmured.
Willow took the opportunity to say, “Sir, even though 1 submitted a medical exemption, I’m okay. My epilepsy isn’t severe. I can handle it. My classmates are already upset with me. I can’t keep slacking off. Please let me train. I can’t skip training just because I’m worried about triggering my epilepsy with intense exercises”
