Chapter 6 Eliza’s Not the Same Anymore.
Class had already started, but Zayden’s gaze kept drifting toward Eliza
She happened to be sitting in the front row–right where he could see her clearly.
Today’s Eliza felt different.
She used to be insecure, always trying to imitate Naomi by wearing her hair down.
But she didn’t know how to manage it, so it always looked like a tangled mess.
Today, though. Eliza had tied her hair up, and it changed her entire vibe.
She looked more mature. More composed.
Naomi, sitting beside Zayden, noticed he had been staring at Eliza all morning. The uneasiness in her heart grew.
Of course Eliza didn’t wake her up this morning. So this was the plan–to get to school early and flirt with Zayden
Sure enough, Eliza placed her worksheet on Zayden’s desk and asked sweetly, “Zayden, I’m having trouble with this question. Can you help mé
Zayden’s thoughts, interrupted by Naomi’s voice, refocused on the paper. One glance told him it was from the last pop quiz.
“Naomi, did you read this wrong?” he asked.
“Huh!” Naomi looked down at the worksheet. “No, I didn’t”
“This was on the last quiz.”
“But I just don’t get it,” Naomi said, sounding a little pitiful.
Zayden didn’t say anything.
He remembered clearly–Naomi had practically gotten a perfect score on that test.
The only change in this question was a single number. There was no reason she shouldn’t understand it.
Naomu sensed his silence and, though she didn’t understand why, suddenly felt flustered. Trying to cover it up, she feigned annoyance and snatched the paper hack. “Fine, whatever. I’ll figure it out myself.”
Even Eliza, sitting in the very front, could hear Naomi’s whiny tone.
Naomi loved to act pouty around Zayden–and he indulged it.
Zayden had always been drawn to girls who were a little clingy, a little spoiled. Meanwhile, in her past life, Eliza had kept everything bottled up, never said a word even when she was hurt.
To Zayden, her silence had been unbearably dull.
Dying once had taught Eliza the bitter truth: spoiled girls get what they want.
The bell rang, and the class finally relaxed. But instead of the usual change of teachers, the homeroom teacher walked in alongside the math instructor.
His face was serious–something big was coming,
His eyes landed on Zayden and Naomi
“Zayden, Naomi,” he said, “there’s a city–wide math competition coming up. Each class gets to send two students. Based on the scores, I think you two are the best fit. Fill out this form after class. You’ll be doing weekend prep–this award carries a lot of weight
The words math competition made Eliza’s heart skip.
Chapter 6 Eliza’s Not the Same Anymore
In her past life, this had happened at the exact same time.
The city–level competition had been prestigious–great for boosting an SAT application
+8 Pearls
Back then, she and Naomi had switched test papers during the monthly exams, which led the teacher to believe Naomi was the stronger student. Naomi ended up going to the competition with Zayden.
But Naomi didn’t have the math skills. To cover it up, she begged Eliza to wear a mask and compete in her place.
In the end. Naomi got all the glory. She and Zayden stood together on the winners‘ podium like some kind of dream couple.
That math competition had been the turning point in both of their lives.
This time, Eliza wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip away.
Before Naomi could respond, Eliza stood up and said, “Teacher, I’d like to be considered for one of the spots”
A wave of whispers spread through the classroom.
“Eliza’s lost it. This is a city–wide contest–what makes her think she can do it?”
“Right? Naomi got perfect scores in the last two math exams. Eliza barely scrapes by.”
“She’s really willing to do anything to chase Zayden. Doesn’t even care if she embarrasses the whole school.”
The class made no effort to hide their scorn.
The teacher looked troubled. “Eliza, I understand this is an important opportunity, but it’s meant for students who are ready. Naomi’s math grades have been much better than yours. If you want to try next year-
“Sir Eliza interrupted, “I know my recent test scores haven’t been great, but I used to consistently rank top three in the grade for math. I believe I have what it takes to earn that spot.”
Her eyes were steady, filled with determination.
The teacher hesitated..
Her historical performance was more stable.
But Naomi had stood out in the most recent exams.
As he weighed his options, Naomi suddenly stood up.
“Teacher,” she said, “Eliza’s performance is more consistent than mine. I only did well the last two times because I got lucky I think she deserves the spot more than I do.”
Naomi had always been the teacher’s favorite.
Eliza had expected this
Naomi knew she wasn’t capable of handling the competition. In their past life, she’d only turned to Eliza to cover for her when there was no other way out
Now that it had come up so suddenly, she had to back out early–put on a show of generosity to leave a good impression
This way, she avoided the risk of failing in front of everyone.
The teacher looked touched. “That works too. But Eliza, if your performance in the next two weeks doesn’t meet expectations. I’ll still reassign the spot to your sister.”
“Understood, sir. I won’t let you down.”
Math, English, and French had always been Eliza’s strengths.
She’d forgotten most of it over the y
years, but that it
just 17
made the weekend prep sessions even more important.
Chapter 6 Eliza’s Not the Same Anymore
Zayden stared at Eliza’s profile, eyebrows furrowing even deeper.
Eliza had always been cautious, passive–just went along with whatever people said.
When had she become brave enough to fight for something?
“Naomi, you’re way too kind. You’re just giving up a chance like this?”
“Exactly. With your grades, you’re guaranteed to win something. This would look great on your SATS!”
“That’s Naomi for you–so sweet! If Eliza weren’t her sister, I’d have cussed her out by now.”
+8 Pearls
Naomi put on a pained expression. “Please don’t say that. Eliza’s my sister. If she wants something. I’ll always give it to her.”
Eliza, sitting not far away, snapped her book shut coldly.
Disgusting.
Absolutely nauseating.
Zayden had been watching Eliza the whole time. Then suddenly, under everyone’s eyes, he stood up and walked straight over
to her.
“Zayden. Naomi froze.
Zayden grabbed Eliza by the arm and, without a word, pulled her out of the classroom.
Caught off guard, Eliza frowned. “Zayden, let go of me!”
