Chapter 7
Charity POV
I tossed on the bed for the umpteenth time and squeezed my face when I heard my stomach grumble hungrily. Now I regret leaving the school earlier. At least I would've gotten the chance to have a free meal there if I hadn't left earlier. What was I going to eat now that I came home?
With the little strength left in me, I dragged myself from the bed and headed to the kitchen hoping to find something I could eat to give me strength, but I was met with an empty kitchen and I felt like crying my eyes out.
"Not now, please. I don't have a dime on me," I whined, facepalming myself frustratingly. I have spent my savings on my rent and I was left to starve now.
"I am an ulcer patient, please," I whined, almost in tears.
"When were you diagnosed with an ulcer?" My subconscious mind asked me, and I sighed before I walked back into my room and crashed against the bed.
My phone beeped, and when I checked it, I sighed and shook my head. The video of me teaching that bitch a lesson in school earlier today was on the school website already, which I found really crazy. It's not that I wasn't expecting something like that though.
"Ugh! Do these people ever study?" I mumbled and shook my head unbelievably.
My phone beeped, and when I checked, my heart dropped. It was a text from the principal.
'Come to school first thing tomorrow morning' Slowly, I raised my eyebrows shockingly. Did I get myself in trouble by doing that earlier? Am I going to be expelled from the school? I asked myself. Yes, I didn't care about it earlier, but now I was scared of being expelled once again. It was a nightmare I won't ever want to come true.
"Ugh! This is so frustrating," I groaned as I tossed my phone on the bed. Since I didn't have anything to eat or some money to get myself something to eat, I just lie on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, waiting for the time I would finally fall asleep. Who knows, maybe sleeping and waking up would do the magic and I won't be hungry anymore, but deep inside me, I know that was never going to happen. It has never happened before, and it won't now just because I wanted it to.
Seconds slowly ticked into minutes and soon an hour passed, but that was the height to which I could hold the hunger, so I quickly had my bath and left to find something to eat. I might as well find a part-time job because I needed the money most this time.
My phone beeped, and just like a miracle, I got an alert of a hundred dollars from my aunt, followed by a text from her.
'I know you must be having a hard time now. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you but don't worry dear, I just had some shits to deal with over here. Hope you are having a nice time in school over there. I love you, Cha Cha baby and I miss you' You know the feeling when you are at gunpoint and thinking you were going to lose your life, but somehow, a savior came to rescue you? That's how I felt when I got the alert.
"You are such a darling, aunt. I love you with everything in me," I whined excitedly, and without bothering to reply to her text, I dashed down the road and headed to the nearest restaurant.
"A plate of pasta," I placed my order confidently, feeling so proud of myself even though it wasn't the money I worked hard for.
"Here is your order, Miss," the voice sounded so familiar that I was forced to raise my gaze to check who the waiter was, and I was shocked to find that it was Knoxville, one of the members of the toxic bullies in my school. What the hell is he doing here?
"Cha Cha, right? What are you doing here?" He was shocked to see me too, but the expression I was expecting wasn't there. I was expecting him to look embarrassed and maybe try to hide his face from me, but the expression he gave me was quite different. He rather looked proud doing this, and that only made me curious.
"It's obvious... I came to eat. What about you?" I raised my eyebrows curiously, and he scoffed.
"You are funny. I'm wearing an apron and just finished serving your food, so what does it look like I'm doing here? I'm a waiter, of course," He shrugged, and I scoffed as I slowly nodded my head.
"Enjoy your meal," He smiled at me before he walked away. Unlike the other members of the group, Knox was different. I found him to be this coolheaded young man that wasn't so much interested in bullying others. My curiosity almost made me lose my appetite, but realizing that I was hungry, I couldn't give in.
As I eat, I kept peeling glances at him serving other customers, and the more I tried to get the pieces together, the more they kept falling apart. The last person I would expect to see in a place like this working as a waitress was a student from my school since 99.99% of them were all from wealthy homes, but the one I never expected the most was someone from the group. Is this some joke or are they copying and pasting people here? I mean, it couldn't be Knoxville that I know, right?
"Stop thinking about him and eat your food before it gets cold, Charity. You have no business with him," I said to myself, but still, I couldn't concentrate.
I was finally done eating, so I called his attention to come get his money.
"Don't worry, I will take care of it," he smiled at me as if we were friends.
"I know you are shocked to find me in such a place. This is what I do," He smiled at me confidently, and I slowly nodded my head even though I had so many questions to ask him.
"See you in school," He uttered, turning to leave.
"Excuse me..." I called his attention, and he stopped to look at me. I stood up.
"I haven't said thank you for the other day since you haven't been coming to class. Thank you," I finally got the chance to thank him for saving me from the toilet the other day. Maybe I would've been rushed to the infirmary if I had spent more time there that day, but he was nice to save me when every other person ignored me and wanted me to die inside.
"It's nothing. Stay away from trouble," He offered me a piece of advice before walking away, and I left the restaurant too...
Chapter 8Chase POVI scoffed after I watched the video from yesterday for the second time again this morning. The new commoner is pretty interesting. I thought I should throw her out of the school before, but fuck it. I won't ever do that. I had something in store for her this time.My phone beeped, and a text from Mom popped on the screen.'Are you dropping by to have breakfast before you leave for school? I already made something for all of you' I scoffed when I read the text. Going to the mansion to see her was the last thing on my mind, knowing that will frustrate the living soul out of me. I didn't have the energy for her nagging.'No, Mom. Knox already made breakfast, so we will eat here before leaving for school' I replied to her text, and as if she was waiting to get my reply, her message popped up on the screen again.'You are going to kill Knox. Do you all ever do stuff for yourselves? Anyway, don't you dare skip class today if you don't want me to go crazy' I rolled my eye
Chapter 9Charity POV"You have to expel that girl from the school. Do you know the damage she caused to my child?" I heard a feminine voice from the principal's office, and I needed not to be told that she would definitely be Xee's Mom. If only my Mom was alive, she would've been here for me."I'm sorry, ma'am...""Do you know how much I paid to get my girl here? Do you know how much I'm paying every damn semester? I've been supporting this school, and if one girl that got here through scholarship would be a problem to my daughter and the school can't do anything, then I would have to transfer my daughter from here," I heard the woman arguing with the principal, and I couldn't fight back the tears that threatened to leave my eyes as I allowed them to fall freely down my cheeks. "She will be expelled, Mrs. Stewart," my heart dropped when I heard the principal's voice, and I knew that it was really over for me this time. After I was expelled from here, I wouldn't ever be admitted into
Chapter 10Mason AndrewsStanding in front of the mirror in the restroom, I felt nervous as I stared at my reflection. Dipping my hand into my inner pocket, I brought out the jewelry box I hid neatly there, and opening it, it revealed the diamond ring laying neatly inside. I was finally going to propose to my girlfriend after a few years of being together now."Be confident, Mason. Be confident," I whispered to myself, trying to stop myself from being nervous, but I couldn't. Once I was calm, I headed back into the restaurant where we were both having a date."I'm sorry that took much time. I felt really pressed," I apologized to her when I got to our seats, and she nodded her head. Melissa Joel was the prettiest woman I've ever seen all my life. She was the woman that stole my heart at first sight three years ago, and all I ever wanted was to spend the rest of my life with her. She was the definition of perfection. Sexy curvy body, long raven hair, smooth skin, 5'5 ft tall, had a pair
Chapter 11Charity POVSince going home wasn't an option for me at the moment, I headed to the park where I will be able to clear my head and maybe go home later. As I walked to the Park, people kept throwing glances at me and some of them were making comments because of how horrible I looked. I should wash myself and change my clothes, but I couldn't even think of that.'How does it feel? I told you to leave yourself' Those words replay in my head over and over again, how they were throwing insults at me, how they bullied me. Just the thought of it made me want to stop existing. For the first time in my whole years of existence, I was bullied and I couldn't even fight back, for the first time, they made me feel like a weakling, I couldn't fight for myself, and it felt so horrible."Is it my fault that I'm poor? Is it my fault that I was born like this? You wealthy people are horrible and disgusting," I yelled at the top of my voice as I stopped at the side of the road to catch my bre
Chapter 12Charity POV Following the address whoever the person was sent to me, I scoffed when I got to the penthouse and found out that it was Chase I was going to meet. When I arrived, one of the several guards led me into the spacious living room, and as much as I wanted to take my time to admire the beauty of the penthouse, knowing that this was my enemy's house, I knew better to comport myself.He soon came to the living room, dressed casually, and I wondered if he didn't go to school today, but that wasn't supposed to be my problem, right?"You came? I didn't think you would show up," he uttered, sitting on the couch and crossing his legs, and I scoffed."If I knew you were the one that called me, I wouldn't have come down here. So, don't waste my time and go straight to the point. What do you want from me this time?" I asked rudely, looking down at him as I was standing on my feet."Come, you should take a seat. We aren't fighting, are we?" He sounded sarcastic and it was anno
Chapter 13Charity POVIt was a tough decision to make, but I didn't have any choice at this point. Waking up this morning, I had my bath and got ready for school. I have made up my mind to go plead with Xee to talk her Mom out of withdrawing her command to expel me from the school. This was going to be another way for them to bully me again, but I would endure whatever I had to until I leave the school. I have made up my mind to be the weak girl they wanted me to be, the girl they will bully and won't fight back. If that was the only thing it would take me, I would make the sacrifice.The cab I boarded soon got to the usual spot where he drops all the time, I headed to the school gate. Standing in front of the school gate, I stopped to ask myself if what I was doing was right, but then, I didn't have any choice.Taking a deep breath, I finally walked into the school compound and walked slowly toward the verandah. I could feel every students' gaze on me as they whispered. I could hear
Chapter 14Charity POVI woke up feeling refreshed and excited. My expulsion has been withdrawn, and I will be resuming school today. After the incident two days ago, I got a message yesterday that I should resume school today, and trust me, I've been so excited, but at the same time felt reluctant to go there, knowing that today would be the beginning of my misery as a student. They won't stop until they drain me this time."Stay focused, Cha Cha. You know why you are going to the school, so you should just think about that and leave every other bad energy," I said to myself and grabbed my backpack, leaving my room afterward. I already tidied up my room and had breakfast, so I just left for school afterward. I didn't bother to take a cab, so I just headed to the bus stop where I took the first bus and soon, we got to the last bus stop which was just five minutes walk from my school.Arriving at the school gate after a long walk, I held my backpack nervously and gulped down the lump i
Chapter 15Charity POVIt was finally lunchtime, and I didn't plan to go out for lunch. My body felt stiff, and I could barely move a finger after spending my morning washing the toilet and the restrooms. I was trying to fix my textbook when I heard someone call my name, and I raised my gaze to find a student whom I assumed to be from the junior class."Yes?" I raised my eyebrows, wondering who he was and why he was calling me."Chase asked to see you," I gasped sharply, recalling that Chase asked me to see him earlier. I quickly stood up and put my book away, rushing out of the class before another hell would be let loose on me. My legs hurt when I started taking the stairs to the rooftop, and I soon got there. I thought I would meet all the boys there, but I was stunned to find him alone there. What is he up to now?"You've got some guts. I asked you to come see me, and you were waiting for me to send someone to call you...""I'm sorry," I quickly apologized to him. Listening to h
Chapter 43Just less than twenty-four hours and Charity felt like she was going to die anytime soon.It was supposed to be a beautiful Tuesday morning, but with Chase under the same roof as her, no day would ever be beautiful for her.Charity stood in front of the mirror and admired the beautiful woman who was looking back at her. It was her reflection. She was proud of herself for the strong and beautiful woman she had grown into, and the only thing she could at least do for herself was to smile."Yes! I'm good to go," she smiled at her reflection one more time, then reached for her backpack she left on the bed earlier and dashed out of her room. She left the house early as usual so she could get to school early.A sweet aroma welcomed her as soon as she stepped into the living room, and her stomach grumbled hungrily, her mouth didn't fail to salivate and the only thing she wanted was to have a taste of the food that smelt so good. When she recalled that the food was made by Chase, s
Chapter 43"Ch... Chase? What is going on here?" Charity could barely speak because she was still shocked by the sight of the living room, not to talk of the weird Chase standing in front of her. This couldn't be the chase Denver she knew. He was the last person to act like this around him."Nothing. Oh, the living room? I'm sorry I didn't inform you before I did this..." He paused and smiled at me."The couches were a bit work out, so I thought I should get a new one and also renovate this place. What do you think? Do you like them?" Charity felt like the world had turned upside down. Was something wrong with her eyes and ears because no way this could be Chase."What's wrong with you, Chase? Did something happen? You can talk to me. Did you get into an accident and hurt your head? What's going on?" She was forced to ask, scared of the way this guy was putting up an act."I'm perfectly fine, Charity. Come on, let's go to the dining room. The food is going to get cold," She was still
Chapter 41Charity POV"When is the class going to end, please?" I whined silently after I checked my wristwatch. It was Monday today and we weren't supposed to come to school since they were celebrating a festival here or whatever they called it, but our History teacher asked us to come to school for a test. Who does that? I thought Chase would be in class too, but it seemed like he wasn't concerned about the test. I shouldn't have expected less, anyway. He was the son of the school owner, anyway. He could buy his way out."And that is all for today. See you tomorrow," the history teacher finally left the class, and as if we all planned it, every one of us in the class sighed in relief."Finally! I thought he was not going to leave," Enny breathed out as he came to sit on her chair. We were separated earlier because she wouldn't stop talking. Good for her, anyway."I feel so drained. We should go home, Charity," she whined tiredly as she brought out her backpack from her drawer and d
Chapter 40"What do you mean you are moving with Charity?" Knox asked as he watched Chase pack his things."It's just temporary, man. I'm not going to stay there forever. You are making it look like I'm leaving forever," Chase paused and looked at Knox."This doesn't make any sense, honestly. You can't possibly leave this place just like that, Chase. I mean, it doesn't make any sense," Jax spoke up as he sat on Chase's bed."There is nothing wrong with that, Jax...""To what end, Chase? To what fucking end are you going to do this? This is madness. I'm your friend and I should tell you the truth. You've fucking lost it," Tristan lamented bitterly, the urge to slap Chase at the back of his head maybe to reset his brain spurred through him but he held back himself. Causing trouble was the last thing on his mind at that moment."Come on, guys. Can you all stop making this look like a big deal when it's nothing? We are still going to see often, we are still going to school together, and..
Chapter 39"Ch... Chase? What the heck are you doing here?" He shrugged, his hands tucked inside his pockets."Is there anything wrong with coming to see my girlfriend?" He asked as he covered the distance between them, and she huffed unbelievably."Gir... girlfriend? I told you to stop addressing me like that, Chase. I'm not your girlfriend for fuck's sake. Stop coming to my house, please," She said to him sternly and walked past him, but he held her hand and pulled her back."Are you walking out on me, huh?" He scoffed unbelievably as he turned to face her, his eyes blazing with anger."You are not expecting me to stand here with you, right?""How much did he pay you?" He asked, his face holding a serious expression, and Charity's heart skipped for a moment. How did he know that she was paid for this? Is he stalking her? She asked herself and swallowed the lump that formed in her throat as she stared at him wordlessly, not knowing what to reply to him with."Is it because of the bea
Chapter 38Charity POV"You are welcome to my humble abode. It's nice to have you here," I wasn't expecting his Mom to be as welcoming and accommodating as this, but she amazed me. I thought all wealthy people were arrogant, but she has given me a new picture to hold on to."Don't conclude yet. She doesn't know that you are a poor girl, Ms.," My subconscious mind reminded me, and I sighed briefly, giving my decision a second thought."Thank you, ma'am," I bowed slightly."You can call me Mom, please. My son is going to marry you soon, so you shouldn't be so formal with me," I almost choked on my spit when she said that, and I was forced to look at Mason, but the idiot turned his face away and left me to smile like a fool. I just hope this woman doesn't mistake this as something serious. How the heck will I explain to her that I was a hired girlfriend?"Hmm," I smiled at her nervously."I made this especially for you. I took my time to make it myself. You should try it," She uttered as
Chapter 37A few days later Charity POV"You look perfect," Enny gushed over my look, and even I knew that I looked different today. The long red pretty gown adorned with stones fitted me perfectly like it was tailored for me alone. I had no idea Enny was a stylist until today, and I must confess that she is really good at what she does. She did quite a perfect job on my hair and my make-up too. Mason called me yesterday that he was going to pick me up today being Saturday so we could go see his Mom. More like his Mom invited me over. Gosh! I'm so nervous."Is this really necessary, Enny? Not that we are doing a real thing, anyway," I rolled my eyes when she added more makeup to my face, but she scoffed."You should make this real. That is the deal. Remember you are not going there as a high schooler, so you need to look your best as the working-class lady that you are," She reminded me, emphasizing the working class, but I rolled my eyes."Whatever," I scoffed."Gosh! Just look at y
Chapter 36Chase POVI drove recklessly on the driveway, hitting the maximum speed. I was so angry that I didn't even care if anything happens to me or if I get into an accident."Ugh! Who the fuck does he think he is? Threatening me? Uh! I feel like killing him!" I yelled at the top of my voice as I pulled over at the side of the road, hitting the steering wheel and venting out all my anger on it. I felt my throat burning like a lump of hot red coal was placed on it. It was burning so hot that I could feel the radiation in my stomach. My blood felt like it was heated, and all I wanted right now was to punch that bastard."How dare that bastard! Uh!" I scoffed again, hitting the steering wheel. I threw the door open and stepped out of the car, slamming the door close behind me and hitting my leg on the tyre until I was worn out, so I just leaned against the car and scoffed loudly."Just because he is her boyfriend he thinks he owns her? He thinks he can talk to me like I'm a piece of
Chapter 35Charity POV"Ugh! I think I'm going to lose my mind, Enny. Chase is driving me nuts," I whined frustratingly as we walked down the road minutes after the school dismissed."You are in the spotlight now, so you should enjoy all you can," Again, she spilled those annoying words and I could swear that I had the urge to strangle her but tried to resist it."I may end up killing you one day, I promise," I glared hard at her, and she chuckled."Whatever! Guess what?" She squeaked excitedly."What's up?""I had lunch with Knox on the rooftop earlier, and I must confess that he's really sweet. I think I like him already. Do you think he likes me?" She held my hand and asked, blushing hard."In your dreams!" I slapped her forehead, and she winced."You didn't have to do that..." She whined, and I scoffed."I'm trying to wake you from that nonsense fantasy. You are not mad, right?" I asked her, but she rolled her eyes."Knox is not as bad as other members of the group. He is humble,