chapter 2: Schorliship girl

The next morning, I walked through the gates of Westbrridge Academy with a strange feeling in my stomach. Maybe it was anxiety. Maybe it was regret. Or maybe it was the memory of yesterday's disaster that refused to leave my mind.

Either way, I already knew one thing.

I did not want to see Evan Carter.

Unfortunately, the universe seemed to enjoy making my life difficult.

When I stepped into the classroom, he was already there.

Sitting by the window.

His tie was loose, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a pair of earphones hung around his neck. Sunlight streamed through the glass behind him, making him look less like a student and more like someone straight out of a magazine cover.

Annoyingly handsome.

I hated that description.

As quietly as possible, I slid into my seat and opened my notebook. Maybe if I ignored him, he would ignore me too.

"You're staring."

I nearly jumped.

"What?"

Evan didn't even look at me. His attention remained fixed on his phone.

"You've been looking at me for the last ten seconds."

"I wasn't staring."

A faint smirk appeared on his lips.

"Sure."

God, he was insufferable.

Before I could think of a comeback, several students entered the classroom. The atmosphere changed immediately. Girls waved at Evan. Some stopped by his desk just to say good morning. One of them even placed a cup of coffee beside him.

"Thanks," he said.

The girl practically melted.

I rolled my eyes.

Of course.

Everything about him screamed rich, popular, and completely aware of it.

The worst part?

He knew exactly how much influence he had over everyone around him.

And he enjoyed it.

A lot.

As class began, I tried focusing on the lesson. For nearly twenty minutes, everything was peaceful. Then the teacher announced a surprise quiz.

A collective groan filled the room.

I smiled.

Finally, something I was actually good at.

When the papers were collected and checked, the teacher looked pleasantly surprised.

"Excellent work, Lily. Full marks."

Several students turned toward me.

The attention made me uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, it seemed to amuse someone else.

"Scholarship Girl got full marks," Evan said lazily.

A few students laughed.

I clenched my jaw.

"At least I'm good at something."

The classroom went silent.

For the first time all morning, Evan looked directly at me.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Then he leaned back in his chair.

A slow smile appeared on his face.

Interesting.

That smile told me one thing.

The war had officially begun.

I hated the fact that a single expression from him was enough to get under my skin.

The teacher continued the lesson, but I could barely focus. Every now and then, I could feel Evan's gaze on me. It wasn't constant, but it happened often enough to make me uncomfortable.

Why was he looking at me?

Was he annoyed because I answered back?

Or was he simply looking for another excuse to make fun of me?

The bell finally rang, signaling the end of class.

I quickly gathered my books, eager to escape before Evan could say another word.

Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side.

As I stood up, my notebook slipped from my arms and landed on the floor.

Before I could pick it up, someone stepped on it.

I looked up.

Evan.

His eyes met mine.

For a brief second, neither of us moved.