Chapter 7 Give Naomi Her Spot Back
Outside the classroom, Eliza yanked her arm free from Zayden’s grip.
The students in the hallway turned to stare at them.
Zayden didn’t miss the look Eliza 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?” Eliza 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 Naomi her spot back.”
Eliza let out a laugh. “I earned that spot. Why would I give it back?”
“Earned it?” Zayden snorted like she’d told a joke. “Naomi gave you that spot. Don’t play dumb.”
+8 Pearls
When Eliza didn’t answer, Zayden went on, his tone harsh. “Eliza, 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, Eliza. This is seriously out of line. You’re dragging down the whole school’s reputation.”
“Eliza 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?”
Naomi 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
“Cores. I totally understand.”
She reached out, took Eliza’s hand, and smiled. “Sis, go ahead and take the test. I’m giving the spot to you.”
“Naomi, 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 Eliza didn’t react.
Naomi’s eyes flashed with smug satisfaction..
She knew Eliza was insecure. She figured Eliza would run off crying any second now,
But instead, Eliza held onto Naomi’s hand and said, “Naomi, 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.”
Naomi’s smile froze
How did Eliza know their parents had already secured her a spot at a school overseas?
“You’re going abroad?” Zayden turned to Naomi, surprised.
She had never mentioned that before.
Other students started murmuring.
“Naomi, you’re studying abroad next year? When did that happen?”
Chapter 7 Give Naomi Her Spot Back
“Yeah, weren’t we all supposed to be prepping for the SAT together?”
“Want 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 Naomi already had it locked down!
Their expressions shifted.
They all knew Naomi and Zayden came from money, which naturally set them apart.
But Naomi had always acted humble, easy to get along with, and that’s why they liked her.
Still… who wouldn’t want that study abroad sport
If it was already decided in her favor, it wasn’t fair.
And kids at that age didn’t take well to unfairness.
+8 Pearls
“No, it’s not like that. It’s my parents. I didn’t even want to… Please don’t misunderstand, Naomi 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 Naomi turned to leave, she threw a furious glare at Eliza.
Eliza acted like she didn’t notice…
Play innocent? I can do that too.
Let Naomi be the class villain this time.
The girl who stole everyone’s study abroad slot? No one’s rooting for her.
“Eliza, stop
Zayden’s voice was sharp and cold
Once the others had filed back into class, only he and Eliza 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”
Eliza 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 Eliza 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 all the engagement yesterday. Try to smooth things over tonight.”
Chapter 7 Give Naomi Her Spot Back
Whatever else you could say about Eliza, 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.
Eliza 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
Eliza 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 Eliza.
“Eliza, come fill this out. Once it’s confirmed, sign it.”
“Coming
Eliza stood and walked outside.
Zayden’s eyes followed her without thinking.
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Naomi noticed and scowled. She was still fuming over Eliza revealing her study abroad plans–and now Zayden couldn’t stop
staring?
“What’s Eliza doing now? Signing forms? Is this about the math competition?” she asked.
Zayden looked away. “No idea. Don’t care.”
But even as he said it, his eyes never stopped glancing toward the door where Eliza stood.
