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14:39 SUN, 13 Apr
Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Landon slipped a small note into Isabella’s locker, which she discovered during lunch. The message was simple but clear: they would meet after class.
After confirming that Isabella had found the note, Landon steadied himself. His heart raced with anticipation as he finally prepared to confess his feelings to her.
Meanwhile, at the cafeteria, Charlotte orchestrated her latest scheme.
“Charlotte, what’s wrong? You look so upset,” a classinate asked, their tone laced with concern.
Charlotte’s gaze drifted toward Isabella, who sat alone in the comer, quietly eating her lunch, seemingly detached from everyone around her.
“She said I have no right to pack lunch and called me a freeloader, Charlotte said, her voice trembling “I didn’t bring anything to eat because Isabella might get mad and throw it away. Rather than waste food, I left it at home. I can’t risk losing my place to stay, so I do whatever she wants.”
Tears threatened to spill from Charlotte’s eyes, but she blinked them away.
Her friends exchanged looks of disbelief and sympathy. Anyone would pity a girl who seemed to be nothing more than an orphan mistreated by the child of her benefactors.
One of them shook their head and handed over their packed lunch. “Here, take this. We always have extra food at home.”
“That Isabella,” another chimed in bitterly. “If her family weren’t so powerful, she’d never get away with acting like she owns the place!”
“Leave it to me, Charlotte. I’ll put Isabella in her place,” Jake said with a grin, throwing in a wink for good measure.
Of course, Jake wasn’t fooled by Charlotte’s façade. He knew her manipulative nature all too well. Still, he didn’t mind playing along, especially since Charlotte had been strategic in keeping him on her side–even going so far as to flirt and manipulate him to secure her position against Isabella.
As Isabella walked past their group, the tension in the air was palpable. Naturally, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to antagonize her.
When Isabella walked past their table, Jake called out mockingly, “Hey, cousin! Where’s Charlotte’s lunch?”
Isabella clenched her jaw, clearly trying to suppress her growing frustration. She fixed her cousin Jake with a piercing glare. “Do I look like a lost and found box to you?”
Clearly annoyed, one of Charlotte’s friends retorted. “This is why you keep losing things! Maybe someone took it because they can’t stand your attitude“”
Isabella pulled the note from her pocket and waved it in the air. “Oh, really? Too bad we already agreed that whoever finds it will return it to me!”
Charlotte’s eyes landed on the message written on the squared post–it: ‘Meet me after school on the roof deck. I’ll give you the necklace
Her stomach strapped as she recognized the handwriting–Landon Moretti, the guy she’d been obsessively following at the basketball court for months.
Why would he want to meet with Isabella?
It was the same Landon who’d rejected her feelings. In an attempt to get closer to him, she even joined the cheerleading team. But instead of drawing him in, it only deepened his disdain for her–especially after he found out she had been one of
14:39 Sun, 13 Apr 01 +
Chapter 59
the key instigators in bullying Isabella.
Jake’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “You were looking for the necklace Grandina gave you?”
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He glanced at Charlotte, and without saying a worl, their eyes exchanged a silent question–was the necklace with her?
Charlotte’s unease grew, her anger toward Isabella bubbling beneath the surface. Why did Isabella get to have it all? A perfect family, wealthy friends like Lucas and Cassie, and now even Landon’s attention?
Trying to mask her jealousy with a forced sweetness, Charlotte spoke up. “Guys, did one of you give that note to Isabella? The necklace means so much to her–it was a gift from their grandmother. Please, return it now…”
Jake smirked, a cruel realization settling in that deceiving Isabella was their only option. “I took your necklace! I didn’t think you’d actually fall for my little prank. You look pathetic searching everywhere for it.”
Isabella remained composed, extending her hand with cold authority. “Where is it? If you don’t give it to me now, I’ll tell Grandma.”
Jake’s pride stung, especially since he’d often faced punishment at home for his rebellious nature.
“I threw it in the ocean so you won’t find it!” he spat. “Out of all of Grandma’s grandkids, why is it always you who she cares about, huh?”
In a burst of frustrated rage, Jake grabbed Isabella’s lunchbox and hurled it to the ground.
“What’s wrong with you?” Isabella snapped, pushing him away in frustration.
“How dare you hit me?” Jake shot back instantly,
“Enough!” A teacher’s sharp voice interrupted their argument as she came from the corner.
While the teacher looked into the situation, Charlotte’s friends quickly spun their lies
“Isabella’s the real bully – she won’t let Charlotte eat lunch,” one of them accused.
“We had to share our food with Charlotte out of kindness,” another added.
“You idiots! Anyway, stay away from me! I’d rather feed lunch to the dogs than give it to Charlotte.”
Isabella’s outburst, though justified, only increased her tormentors‘ hostility.
“You shameless-“Jake growled, clearly ready to lash out, but the teacher’s gaze warned him sternly.
Isabella’s anger toward Charlotte was apparent, and she often struggled to control her emotions, which made the conflict with Charlotte’s group worse.
The homeroom teacher stepped in, sternly instructing them to keep their distance or risk being sent to the discipline office.
Charlotte watched with a satisfied look, knowing Isabella would ignore Landon’s note.
That afternoon, she was the one who had met him on the roof.
Chapter 60
Chapter 60
