Chapter 4
I even chose AP STEM just to be in the same track as you. Even though I never liked math or science to begin with.
Turns out, I made the wrong choice.
No reply. I was about to put my phone down when another message came through.
It was from Lucas Sterling–the guy who scared off half the bullies from other schools just by walking past them.
And this terrifying legend? Just sent me five pictures of Hello Kitty.
“What if I use this design on your helmet?“.
I couldn’t help but laugh. I typed back, “Whatever,” and the chat went quiet again.
The next morning, before Jason showed up, I went to his place on my own.
Not for him–for the puppy I rescued, the one I’d been keeping at his place.
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I didn’t expect to walk in and see Jason playing with it alongside Lily, who was wearing my pajamas.
Jason actually looked flustered for once.
= 14, = “” = 1 = 1
“Lily lives way out in the suburbs,” he explained quickly. “Last night went late, so she just… crashed here.”
“Whatever,” I said flatly.
www
I crouched and called the dog. He ran straight into my arms, tail wagging.
I packed everything–his food, his bed, his toys.
As I was about to leave, I turned to the housekeeper and smiled.
“Oh, and could you throw put anything that belongs to me? Or just let that girl take it. She’s got a real thing for other people’s stuff.”
I hadn’t even made it to the door when Jason’s voice came from behind me, low and angry.
“Scarlett, apologize. Enough with your spoiled princess tantrums. Didn’t your parents teach you respect?”
I turned around, sharp–eyed. That’s when it hit him.
My parents died in a car crash years ago. All I had left was Grandpa.
He rushed over like he wanted to hug me–I shoved him away.
“Why should I apologize? When you give something away, it’s kindness. But when I do it, it’s cruel? How does that make sense?”
“You –!”
Whatever guilt Jason might’ve felt evaporated in an instant. Before he could come up with a retort, Lily placed a delicate hand over his
mouth.
“Don’t say anything… it’s my fault. I got drunk last night and you stayed up to take care of me. You’re exhausted. Don’t get upset because of me.”
Then she turned to me, her eyes welling up with tears as she bowed deeply.
“I’m sorry, Searlett. I know someone like me could never compare to you. I’ll leave now.”
Thugged the puppy tighter, laughing coldly. The disgust I felt wasn’t just for this manipulative little actress-
But for Jason too. Blind, clueless, condescending Jason.
“You’re wrong. You’re not just poor. You’re a rat–born to crawl through other people’s lives, stealing scraps that were never yours to begin with.”
Chapter 4
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GoodShort
I turned on my heel and walked away, ignoring the sobs echoing through the Westwood mansion.
After settling the puppy in at home, I remembered I still hadn’t finalized my college applications yet. Almost without thinking, I texted
Lucas.
“Which school did you pick?”
He replied instantly. “Seacrest.”
”
”
I didn’t say anything else. Just typed back “Okay” and switched my application to Seacrest College.
I was about to head downstairs to tell Grandpa when I saw Jason walk in–with Lily trailing behind him, holding a giant bouquet of lilies.
My temple twitched. I stormed down the stairs.
“Get out of my house!”
Jason’s temper finally snapped.
“Scarlett! What the hell’s gotten into you?!”
1 = 1 = 4 = = =
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Chapter 4
