Chapter 22 Cracks in the Mask
Zayden looked at Naomi–and there was something different in his eyes this time.
Naomi felt a chill run through her. Her heart skipped a beat. Did he just see right through me?
Just because I stay quiet doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention,” he said quietly.
+8 Pearls
Eliza had missed several unit tests before. Sometimes she was locked in the bathroom. Other times, she was trapped in a classroom on the seventh floor.
Once, she was even locked inside the library,
And every single time, she didn’t offer a single excuse or explanation.
Back then, he hadn’t thought much of it. If Eliza didn’t care enough to make a fuss, he didn’t feel the need to get involved either.
But now? Naomi was the one who got locked in–and suddenly she wanted to blame Eliza.
“Class is starting soon. Don’t waste your time out here.” Without another word, Zayden turned and walked upstairs, not even glancing back at Naomi.
She felt like her whole body went limp.
She’d seen it–Zayden’s disappointment was written all over his face.
Eliza.. it’s all because of Eliza. Biting her lip, Naomi rushed upstairs.
Just as Eliza reached the doorway to Class Six. Naomi’s voice rang out behind her. “Eliza! Why did you do that to me?”
There was no one else in the hallway–just the two of them.
Her eyes burned with rage, and she looked like she was about to snap
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Eliza said, turning with a puzzled expression. She looked genuinely confused by the
accusation.
“It was you! You locked me in there! Why won’t you just admit it?”
Then let me ask you something,” Eliza said, tilting her head slightly. If the equipment was already moved, why’d you drag me to the supply room?”
- Naomi opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Just like when Zayden had questioned her–she had no answer.
“You told me you dropped your phone in the bathroom, so I went in to help, and you locked the door behind me. Then you asked me to return a book and used the librarian’s login to trap me in the library. Another time, you lied and said a teacher wanted to see me in the seventh–floor classroom–and I ended up locked in there for two full periods” Eliza’s voice stayed calm and steady. “You really thought I wouldn’t catch on? That I’d fall for it every single time?”
Naomi’s lips started to tremble. She grabbed Eliza’s arm, tears spilling from her eyes. “Eliza. those were just pranks! I already apologized for all that!”
“Then what was today about?”
Because because you’re too good at everything. Eliza I got jealous. I shouldn’t have, okay? I’m sorry. Please don’t tell Mom
and Dad…
Naomi’s voice dropped. She looked genuinely scared
If their parents found out what happened today, they’d definitely sit her down for a serious talk. She was the golden child. and the last thing she needed was to get dragged into one of their never–ending lectures.
“You’re my sister. Why would I rat you out?” Eliza said gently. “Let’s drop it. I just want you to stop coming after me. After all…
Chapter 22 Cracks in the Mask
I’m the one representing you in next month’s math competition. You remember that, right?”
Her voice was calm and steady, like she was trying to put Naomi at ease.
Naomi’s nerves finally started to settle.
“Since I’m helping you so much.” Eliza added casually, “maybe you could return the favor!”
“Huh?” Naomi blinked, caught off guard. Eliza had never asked her for help before
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I need to focus for the competition, and I really don’t want Mom and Dad hovering. I already talked to my teacher and got approval to stay in the dorms. You’ll talk to them for me, right?”
“Of course!” Naomi said quickly. “If you score well. I’ll say whatever you need. I’ve got your back!”
“Perfect” Eliza smiled.
The bell rang
Naomi darted back to class, not wanting anyone to see her hanging around outside Class Six
Nac
Eliza’s smile faded. Her face returned to its usual cold, unreadable expression.
As Eliza stepped into the classroom, she nearly bumped into Nolan–he was standing right behind the door.
“You’re competing in the math competition next month, and you still have time to cover for her?”
Eliza shrugged. I said I’d help. Doesn’t mean I actually will. She’s the one who took it seriously.”
In my last life, I was the idiot who treated every promise like it actually mattered. But lucky for me. Naomi still thinks I’m that same pusher. That’s why she didn’t even question it when I said I’d take the test for her. Honestly, pretending to play nice with her makes my skin crawl. But if this gets me permission to stay in the dorms…then I’ll finally get a break from that suffocating house. Totally worth it.
Inside the classroom, Henry slumped over his desk, clearly bored. “Man, your sister’s wild. Throwing you under the bus for no reason? Are you two even from the same mom?”
Colton rolled his eyes. “Seriously? Not the same mom? What are you even talking about?”
Eliza couldn’t help but let out a dry laugh. If only Naomi and I didn’t share a mom. That would’ve made things a lot easier
