Chapter 21
‘Can I handle it? Damn right, I can!‘ Eliana thought, channeling the unshakable determination of a Monoese woman.
Eliana had always been a fighter, the kind who thrived on challenges. She vividly remembered her past and how she’d once endured the grueling fifteen–day military training at Mount Saber. Back then, it had transformed Willow into the undisputed goddess of the freshman class
When the campus belle contest rolled around, Willow easily made it to the top ten. A photo of her from training camp went viral, earning her the title of Isonstead University’s “freshman goddess” and paving the way for her future acting career.
Critics could bash Willow for her acting, but no one dared to question her looks–those photos were pure gold, turning her into an overnight internet sensation.
Eliana sat cross–legged on her bed, smirking as she typed: [That’s a dumb question. Depends if I’m in the mood.]
Thomas [Damn, badass!]
Landon [Hell yeah!]
Adam chimed in: [We’ll bring you water.]
Even Cameron, who rarely spoke in the group chat, offered a simple (Good luck.)
Eliana smiled at their messages before switching to the Isonstead University forum.
Three days had passed, and still no apology from Willow. Even the post about her wardrobe malfunction had mysteriously vanished.
Eliana knew Willow was behind it. No apology, no nothing–just pretending like it never happened.
Eliana had expected Willow wouldn’t apologize, but she waited patiently for three days. Now, with no apology forthcoming, she resolved to make Willow’s campus life difficult.
Willow had ignored Eliana’s words, so Eliana decided it was time to teach her a lesson.
The next day, freshmen gathered for the training session at Mount Saber, transported by Isonstead University’s special bus. Everything unfolded just as Eliana remembered.
Once in training gear, everyone appeared natural without any makeup, including Elinna. However, Willow had put effort into looking good with a fake natural makeup look.
Willow approached Eliana, holding sunscreen. ‘Eliana, the sun’s strong out there. Want some sunscreen? It’s a great import from Bobhana, you should try it.”
Eliana tucked her long hair under her hat without looking at Willow, leaving Willow feeling awkward.
Eliana had inherited her flawless skin and striking beauty from her mother, Lucy. Her complexion was so naturally perfect that she didn’t need any makeup, and her features were simply attractive.
Willow glanced at Eliana’s face, a flicker of envy crossing her eyes.
Noticing this, Stella stepped in to ease the tension.
“Hey, Willow, I forgot my sunscreen today. Could you lend me some?” Stella asked casually.
Willow hesitated for a moment before agreeing “Sure, go ahead.”
Stella gratefully accepted the sunscreen,
Eliana watched Stella briefly and sighed, shaking her head.
In her previous life past, Willow had pulled the same trick, offering Eliana the sunscreen. The outcome had been disastrous: Eliana suffered an allergic reaction, with rashes spreading across her face and neck.
Standing in the scorching sun during training with such a face while sweating heavily and wearing face paint to deter bugs had only
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made things worse.
The rashes nearly ruined Eliana’s face and took six months to heal completely.
Back then, Eliana had suspected everything but the sunscreen–perhaps even the fabric of her uniform. Now, she realized it had been Willow’s sunscreen all along, part of Willow’s deliberate scheme against her.
This realization fueled Eliana’s anger. She stood up and warned Stella, who was oblivious to the danger. “Stella, different skin types can react differently. It’s safer to use your own sunscreen.”
Stella paused, puzzled “What do you mean?”
Eliana didn’t explain further and joined the group outside.
When Willow overheard Eliana’s warning, she felt a wave of anxiety. “Could that bitch know something? No, that can’t be possible, she told herself.
“Stella, don’t worry. This sunscreen is great for all skin types. You haven’t tried it before, so this is the perfect chance,” Willow reassured Stella.
Willow’s words were meant to make Stella misunderstand Eliana Coming from a modest background, Stella felt that Eliana was
nocking her for not being worthy of expensive sunscreen.
Upset, Stella exclaimed, “Who does she think she is? Just because my family isn’t wealthy doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy nice things. She’s just a phony heiress acting high and mighty.”
Willow responded, “Stella, don’t be upset. I’m sure Eliana didn’t mean it like that. Here, take it as a gift from me.”
“Really? Willow, you’re so generous!” Stella said, happily accepting the sunscreen and applying it to her face,
Willow gave a subtle smile and joined the others outside,
Once everyone was gathered, Willow’s naturally polished look stood out among the girls. The boys often glanced her way.
During the midday break, after a morning of training, the students chatted..
“Willow looks amazing,” one student said. “Even in the heat, she stays preity. Look at those girls with messy makeup. She looks so elegant compared to everyone else.”
“Exactly, but I think Eliana looks nice too,” another added. “She seems more approachable, even if she is a bit quiet.”
They’re different, a third commented. “Willow is sweet, while Eliana is there reserved. I prefer someone like Willow.”
The boys continued to compare Willow and Eliana.
Eliana kept to herself, avoiding interactions, while Willow made sure to connect with everyone. Willow even had her maid buy drinks for everyone and personally handed them out, boosting her popularity.
In the afternoon, as the sun blazed, Willow vanished from the training lines. Yet, when the sun set, she reappeared looking fresh and cheerful, all similes and charm while the others were exhausted.
Eliana participated in the entire training, her cheeks flushed and her forehead covered in sweat as she endured the heat alongside everyone else.
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