Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
“People like us how many of us really get to choose who we marry?”
Colton’s voter was calm.
48 Pears
Everyone in their class was born into privilege, second–generation heirs of wealth and power. But with that privilege came
sacrifices.
Like their future marriages.
Still, it wasn’t something they had to worry about just yet.
“It’s fine. Now that you’re in Class Six, if Zayden ever messes with you again, we’ll make sure he regrets it.”
Henry’s firm stance made Eliza’s thanks heartfelt. “Thank you.”
In her previous life, she’d been timid and full of self–doubt, always orbiting around Zayden like he was the center of her world. She hadn’t had a single friend.
Now, for the first time, she understood what it felt like to be chosen and defended by someone who truly cared.
Back in Class One, Naomi was in tears, sobbing like a pitiful flower in the rain.
A few classmates gathered around to comfort her, while the two girls who had been arguing with Naomi earlier were waiting for Zayden to return and take their side.
It wasn’t long before Zayden came back.
Pamela rushed to him first, crying, “Class rep, Eliza was bullying our classmates from Class One! You have to stand up for us!”
“Yeah! She’s totally abusing her power–she needs to be punished! They should just expel her!”
Zayden shot them a cold look.
Both girls froze.
put in Eliza’s lunchbox?”
“What did you two put
Pamela’s face went pale. She couldn’t meet Zayden’s eyes.
“Zayden, it’s my fault, Naomi chimed in quickly. “I saw you and Eliza getting close to Class Six and got upset, so I complained a little, and…”
“So you knew?”
Zayden frowned, eyes turning frosty as he looked at Naomi
That one look made her shiver.
“Eliza may have left Class One, but she was still one of us. How could you treat her like that?”
Naomi’s face fellas Zayden came to Eliza’s defense
Everyone in class looked around in confusion.
Zayden had never cared for Eliza before. In fact, they barely exchanged a single word.
So why was he standing up for her now!
“From now on, no one is allowed to mess with Eliza. If anyone does don’t blame me for turning my back on you
His cold gaze swept over everyone
the TODILI
Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
Finally, his eyes landed on Naomi
She felt uneasy and but her lip.
Zayden didn’t say anything else, but the warning was clear.
If Naomi hadn’t been crying earlier, he never would’ve gone after Eliza without hearing both sides
That afternoon.
PE class was about to start.
The rest of Class Six had already gone downstairs.
Only Eliza had stayed behind to use the restroom.
Outside the bathroom, Naomi had clearly been waiting for a while.
As soon as Eliza came out, Naomi stepped in front of her.
“Eliza
Eliza frowned “Class is about to start. What do you want?”
“Eliza, I’m really sorry about what happened at lunch. I didn’t mean it… You’re not really mad at me, are you?”
Naomi looked up at her nervously, trying to look fragile and remorseful.
“Come on, you’re my sister. How could I ever be mad at you?”
+ Pearls
Eliza didn’t want to waste time with Naomi. They had a physical fitness exam this afternoon, and she just wanted to get it over wath
“Eliza“”
Naomi blocked her again, hesitating. “Sis, I have one more favor..”
“What is it now?”
Naomi bit her lip, looking embarrassed “I… I’m on my period. My stomach really hurts. The teacher asked me to carry some equipment, and L…”
“You want me to do it for you?”
Naomi nodded quickly.
Eliza’s face remained unreadable.
Even though Class One and Class Six didn’t have PE together, their schedules lined up. And today, because of the test, both classes would be taking the exam at the same time.
“I won’t make you late for your exam. I promise. Please, Eliza
Naomi’s eyes were full of pleading
Eliza hesitated for a second, then reluctantly said. “Fine. But class starts in five minutes. You’ll have to come with me and help”
Naomi’s face instantly lit up. “Eliza! I knew you’d say yes! Thank you!”
Out on the bekl
Class Six was already assembled.
Henry glanced toward the main building, confused. “Anyone seen Eliza
Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
Class was about to start, and she still wasn’t there.
This was no ordinary class–it was a physical exam.
If she was late, then strict PE teacher wouldn’t hesitate to disqualify her
y her score
Nolan’s eyes darkened.
And then, the bell rang
The PE teacher started walking toward them.
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