Chapter 14
Eliana strolled into the auditorium, blending into the crowd like she belonged there.
Once she was certain no one was paying her any mind, she slipped her hand into the hidden pocket of her sleeve and pulled out a photo, careful and quick.
She’d been ready for Willow’s antics today. She’d known that girl would try something. That was why she had a plan–a good one.
Eliana had stashed her own photo in her sleeve earlier when Willow wasn’t paying attention. No way in hell was Willow going to find it!
The place was packed with freshmen buzzing with energy. Eliana scanned the room, found her class’s section, and casually slipped into
a seat.
Not even a minute later. Willow came storming in, frustration all over her face. She trudged to the back row, her eyes locking onto Eliana in the front. And of course, she rolled her eyes like the drama queen she was.
The party soon kicked off, with several deans and upperclassmen taking the stage.
Eliana didn’t care about any of it. Her eyes were glued to the front row, where Silas was sitting with some school bigwigs. He didn’t seem Jo have a clue that his wallet–and more importantly, the photo inside it was missing
She knew she had to give it back. But how, it had to look natural, like she wasn’t scheming to get closer to him. She couldn’t come off as suspicious.
Last time around, she cringed at the memory–her wardrobe malfunction had turned her into a public spectacle. She’d been too busy
nursing her humiliation to notice how Willow managed to cozy up to Silas and return the photo like a hero.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the speeches wrapped up.
Someone announced, “Alright, now’s your chance to mingle! Get to know the folks you’ll be spending the next four years with!” Cue the polite–clapping, which quickly turned into chatter and movement as everyone scattered.
Applause filled the room, and everyone began to move around freely
This wasn’t just idle mingling, though, Soon, the show–offs would start performing, hoping to catch the eyes of a few directors in the crowd.
Willow, of course, was ready for her moment. She’d dressed to impress, every detail painstakingly planned. As the crowd spread out, she zeroed in on her targets the rich kids from Dratora City.
But her real prize was Roman Scott, the student council president who had spoken earlier.
Willow stationed herself strategically, holding a drink and pretending to be lost inthought.
She was planning an “accidental” run–in with Roman. Classic. Except it backfired spectacularly. Roman didn’t even take the path she was watching. He had other plans.
From the stage, Roman’s eyes had been scanning the crowd for someone. The second he spotted Eliana, he didn’t waste a moment. He stepped down and headed straight for her.
Willow, clueless as ever, waited for a good long minute before realizing Roman wasn’t coming her way. When she saw him walking toward Eliana, her face twisted in shock. She hurried after him, trying to catch up.
Eliana stood up, ready to move to a quieter spot, but barely made it two steps before a voice called out behind her. “Eliana!”
She turned to see Thomas heading her way, flanked by Cameron and two others. Her stomach dropped.
What the hell are they doing here? This isn’t how it went last time,‘ she thought. Before her time travel, they hadn’t shown up at all.
What are you guys doing here?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
Thomas just grinned. “What, this is the freshman party, isn’t it? We figured we’d join in the fun.”
Eliana shot him a look, clearly unimpressed. “Fun? You’re just here to stir shit up.”
Thomas didn’t seem fazed, but their arrival had already drawn attention. Heads turned, whispers spread, and suddenly, all eyes were on
her.
Eliana felt the heat rising to her face. She hated this. Being the center of attention was not her vibe.
