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Hated By The Bully King 106
CoraMy phone rings at six o'clock on Sunday morning.With a groan, I grab my phone. It's a video call from Ethan.After quickly patting my hair in place, I accept the call. Ethan's handsome face greets me, smiling as soon as I appear on the screen. "Hey, Ethan.""Hey." His smile widens, but then he frowns. "Did I wake you? What time is it?" He glances at his phone. "Shit, I miscalculated the time. Sorry.""Where are you?" I ask."Japan."My eyes widen. "Japan?""Do you know how huge gaming is in Japan?""Yeah, I just didn't expect you to be there.""We're launching in Japan first. Then in Europe and then in America. I'm headed for Europe tomorrow morning.""Oh," I say, trying not to sound defeated. I hoped he would tell me he'd be back tomorrow. "You'll miss school."He shrugs. "I'm ahead in all my classes.""Right. How did Japan receive the game?""Very well," he says with a relieved smile. "It's gotten good feedback so far. We're aiming for Game of the Year in America, though I'm n
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 107
CoraI lie back in bed, a million different scenarios playing in my head. Is this maybe...a date? I know it wasn't the most romantic way to ask someone out, but I've already established that Alessandro is a very difficult person to deal with. Maybe he's nervous about the whole thing. Though he didn't seem nervous. But you can never tell with a text. Besides, who said it's a date? Maybe he just wants to take me to the mall or something.Since I'm wide awake, I get dressed and do some homework. But it only makes the time crawl slower than a snail. My mind keeps conjuring up different possibilities what Alessandro has planned, but none of them make sense. Ugh, why am I so anxious about this?Finally, it's ten to nine. I put on my jacket and head downstairs to wait outside for Alessandro. He's already waiting by the limo. I try to study his expression to see if he's excited, nervous, anything, but his face is closed off.The driver opens the door, and Alessandro gestures for me to climb i
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 108
CoraA strong breeze suddenly sweeps through the air, ruffling Alessandro's short hair and blowing my long locks in my face. With his eyes still shut, Alessandro raises his eyes toward the sky, soaking it all in, like he's getting a hug from his mom. Who knows, maybe he is.Alessandro remains in that position for quite a while, like he doesn't want to release himself from his mom's embrace. My own eyes fill with tears as I watch him struggle with new ones. I kind of know a little of what he's going through because I went through something similar when I lost my other best friend Chloe. My heart cries for Alessandro, for the pain he feels every day. I wish I could give him a hug of my own, but this is a moment between him and his mom.After a little longer, Alessandro opens his eyes and looks at me. "Thanks," he says in a quiet voice."Of course."He wipes the corner of his eyes with the tips of his fingers. "This is the first time I brought someone here.""Really? You never came here
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 109
CoraAlessandro and I stand before another grave.Matriarch Eleanor Rose Beckham, a woman who filled our hearts and minds with nothing but compassion and generosity. Her presence in this world will never be forgotten."Your grandmother," I say.Alessandro places the rest of the flowers on her grave. "She asked to be buried close to my mom's grave, but not too close. She joked that she and my dad should have their privacy even in death.""So your dad's going to be buried near your mom?" I ask, trying to remember if there was an empty lot near his mom's grave."Yeah.""See, your dad did love your mom."He shrugs. Then he and I sit before his grandmother's grave and talk to her just like we did with Alessandro's mom."I heard you love game shows," I say, throwing a smile at Alessandro. "Alessandro and I watched a few shows when he and I visited my parents one weekend. Card Sharks is such an awesome game. You have taste, Mrs. Beckham. And we named a narwhal plush after you.""The granddau
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 110
CoraI don't see much of Alessandro or Colt the next few days, other than by meals and the few classes we have together. We're just swamped with so much homework because midterms are coming up. Thank goodness for phones and texting, because Alessandro and I stay up late chatting nearly every night. About what, I have no idea. But we never run out of things to talk about.On early evening on Wednesday, I get a text from Colt.Colt: Meet me in Sandro's room.I still have so much work to do, and since Ethan's not here, I'm a little behind. Alessandro helped me a bit in the beginning...but that was a terrible idea. We ended up kissing instead of working. I figured I'd get more work done alone. And Colt? He barely even studies. I don't know how he gets his good grades. The guy must be a genius.Me: I have so much homework.Colt: We hardly see our favorite girl. C'mon, Cora.Me: Okay, fine. But if I fail my midterms and can't get my papers done in time...Colt: I'll pay off the teachers.Me
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 111
CoraWe eat in silence. Well, not really in silence because we're devouring our burgers like we've been starving for days. I find Alessandro smirking as he looks at me. "What?" I demand."Your face is a mess," he says."So? It's a burger. It's supposed to be messy.""Colt's face isn't a mess. Neither is mine."I narrow my eyes. "Are you calling me a pig?""No. Of course not," he says with another smirk."You're lucky that all I want to do is sit here and finish my burger, or else I'd have to introduce your jaw to my fist."Alessandro chuckles. "You really think you can take me?""No," I say.That makes him laugh again."Well, I know the real way to eat a burger," I say. "And that is as messy as possible. So you two are in the wrong." I roll my eyes. "Rich people."Colt's eyes move from me to Alessandro. "I'm really glad you two are getting along again."My eyes meet Alessandro's. He gives me a small smile, which I return.Then he puts down his burger and points to his chin. "You've go
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 112
CoraHomework, homework, homework. Why the hell was it invented?Again, I've hardly seen the boys, not even by meals because I've been skipping some. I just don't have enough hours in the day to catch up. But I did notice something about Colt—he's been acting a little strange the last couple days. I can't really describe what's different about him, because he's doing a really good job pretending to be normal. Maybe it's a feeling I have.Thursday night, I text Alessandro.Me: Is something off with Colt?Alessandro: You noticed it, too?Me: Damn, I hoped I was imagining it. What could it be?Alessandro: No idea.Me: I don't think I've ever seen him so...I don't know.Alessandro: Bothered?Me: Yeah, I guess that's what it is. He seems stressed about something. Could it be his business?Alessandro: I heard it's doing really well.Me: But you never know.Alessandro: Yeah.I toss and turn all night. I know he doesn't like to deal with reality and always pretends to be happy—that's what wor
Last Updated : 2024-12-22Hated By The Bully King 113
CoraWhen I'm all packed, I make my way downstairs and to the boys' dorm. Colt isn't here and neither is the car. For a second, I wonder if I dreamed the whole thing, but then I catch him opening the door to the boys' dorm, a backpack slung over one shoulder."Hey." I wave.He smiles brightly. "Hey."I don't see even a glimpse of the dark emotions I saw before. Maybe this trip to New York is exactly what he needs.He swings an arm over my shoulder. "The car should be here soon. What do you say, Cora? Excited?""Totally. I've never been to New York City before."His jaw falls open. "You've never been to New York City?"I laugh lightly. "Is it a crime?"Colt starts singing New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, making me laugh. Some of the passing girls stop walking and stare at Colt, longing in their eyes. Then their gazes move to mine, and they look like they want to claw my eyes out.I lean forward and whisper in his ear, "I think they want to scratch my face."Colt glances at them. "T
Last Updated : 2024-12-22
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Hated By The Bully King 130
CoraFour years laterAlessandro, Ethan, Colt and I stare at the mansion that sits before us, our jaws practically hitting the ground.Colt whistles. "That's a little bigger than our last house."I throw him an incredulous look. "Major understatement of the year. This isn't a mansion—it's a palace."He throws an arm around me and grins. "A palace fit for the most beautiful queen in the world. Our queen." He brushes his lips across my cheek.I playfully swat him away. "You know I don't like when you guys call me your queen.""Too bad. Because you are our queen. Just get used to it, Cora. The guys and I want to spoil you rotten. You gotta learn to accept it."I smile and shake my head. "Never."Ethan slides his hand into mine. "Ready to see our new home?""I'm more than ready."The four of us march up the stairs, where staff members scurry around to help us with our bags and welcome us in. I'm still trying to get used to the whole staff thing. The guys insisted we have them at our old h
Hated By The Bully King 129
CoraBeckham watches his son for a very long time, the fury seeming to grow even more intense. Then he finally sits forward, placing his palms on his desk. "What a little boy you are," he hisses. "You think you're in a damn romance movie? This is real life, Alessandro. In real life, you don't get to live in fantasy worlds. You don't get to decide what happens. You do what it takes to jump over everyone else, or else they will be the ones on top and they will step on you. So stop with this childhood nonsense. You'll marry a girl whom I see fit, someone who will help you advance in your life and career."Alessandro folds his arms over his chest, his fury a match for his father's. "Someone like Heather Mclauren?""Yes. Heather Mclauren is the perfect match for you.""Match," Colt mutters under his breath. "Who the hell gets matched up these days?"Alessandro lowers his hands on the desk, leaning close to stare his dad down. "You sent her after me, didn't you?""Of course I did! Someone h
Hated By The Bully King 128
CoraThe limo stops before the Beckham Mansion. I stare up at it from the window, once again marveling at how stunning it is. I can't believe just four months ago, I came here for the first time working at Alessandro's party. I remember that day as though it happened yesterday: how there were so many people, but Alessandro was still alone. How I saved his life, which led me down the path that would become my dream future. It's funny how one small act can change your life forever."Cora?"Ethan is holding out his hand for me. Colt and Alessandro have already climbed out of the car, Alessandro looking a little anxious. He's not trying to hide his emotions anymore—none of the guys are. The three handsome young men who stand before me are the true souls I have come to love with every fiber of my being.I accept Ethan's hand and let him help me out of the car. Colt puts his hand on my shoulder while Alessandro slides his hand into mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever happens,
Hated By The Bully King 127
CoraEthan's just as happy to see me at his door as Alessandro was. There's a change in his face, and as I make my way inside, I try to figure out what it is. He seems...happier, maybe? No, it's more than that. It's like—"What?" he asks with a laugh as he sits down at his desk and motions for me to come over."Sorry, was I staring?" I head over to him, where he pulls me onto his lap, my back pressed tightly to his chest, and his arms wrapped around my stomach. "I don't mean to. There's just something different about you.""There is?"I stretch my neck to scrutinize his mesmerizing emerald eyes. "You look alive.""Alive?" A soft chuckle reverberates through his chest. "Yeah, I think I'm breathing.""You're laughing, Ethan. A real one. I can't remember the last time I saw you like this."He tucks some hair behind my ear. "I'm happy, Cora. I think for the first time since my family died, I feel genuinely happy. It's like up until today, I was just trudging through life, going through th
Hated By The Bully King 126
CoraAlessandro's eyes fill with surprise when he opens the door. "Cora, hi.""Hi. Can I come in?""Sure." He widens the door.His desk is cluttered with papers—business documents. "Am I bothering you?""You never bother me," he says with a smile, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes.I take his hand and lead him to the bed, where we sit side by side. "Sandro, what's going on?""What?""I know something's bothering you. And I have a feeling it's not the three boyfriends thing."His cheeks puff up. "You know me really well, don't you?" He shakes his head. "It doesn't matter. I'm okay.""If we're going to be together, you need to be open and honest with me. You don't have to worry about protecting me. I want to be here for you. I want you to pour your heart out to me. I want to feel as close to you as I can.""I want that, too." He caresses my cheek, gazing at me with raw emotions. "I want that really badly."I press my lips to his palm. "Tell me what's going on."He turns away from me,
Hated By The Bully King 125
CoraThe four of us are quiet.Colt looks at Alessandro. "I'm sorry for being selfish. I guess I was a little jealous of how close you and Cora were getting. I've wanted something like that for a really long time. It was never my intention to steal her from you or anything. I want you to be happy, Sandro, really I do. But the more time I spent with you, Cora, the more I liked you. I didn't ask you to come to New York City for some romantic getaway. I wanted to escape my life for a few days, and I knew you would be the one to make me feel better. But it was never my intention to kiss you. It kind of just happened. I'm sorry for being so selfish, Sandro."Alessandro's quiet for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'm the selfish one. A part of me suspected you and Ethan might like Cora, too. But I wanted her all to myself. We should have talked about it.""Like we're doing now?" Colt says with a wry smile. Then he faces me. "All I want is for the two of you to be happy. So if you an
Hated By The Bully King 124
CoraAnother week passes with Alessandro and Colt not speaking."That's it," I mutter Saturday morning. "It's time I take matters into my own hands."I'm sick of feeling confused and guilty. I'm sick of seeing three former best friends hardly saying a thing to each other.I send Ethan and Colt a text, telling them to meet me in the bowling alley in half an hour. Then I head over to Alessandro's room. I could send him a text, too, but I know he won't meet up with us. It's harder to refuse someone when they stand right in your face. Well, that's what I'm counting on, anyway.I knock a few times on his door, hoping he didn't go away for the weekend. A few seconds later, footsteps approach."Who is it?" his voice calls."Cora."I hold my breath. There's a good chance he'll ignore me.The air slowly leaves my mouth when I hear him turn the handle. He stands before me with an unreadable expression on his face. I look at him closely, making out the hint of emotion hiding behind his blank mas
Hated By The Bully King 123
CoraI try texting Ethan the rest of the night. He answers a few, usually one worded answers, assuring me he's okay, but that's about it. Colt and I text, too, talking about the silliest things in the world. I guess neither of us wants to broach the kiss, Alessandro, or even Ethan.Alessandro doesn't answer any of my texts. It's been a week already. Is he ever going to forgive me? Or at least talk to me?Somehow, I fall asleep. I wake up the next morning way too early, and the first thing to enter my mind is Ethan. I reach for my phone and send him a text.Me: Are you feeling better?He responds almost immediately.Ethan: A little.Me: I hate that you were alone yesterday.Ethan: I wouldn't have been the best company.Me: I don't care about that. I just didn't want you to feel so alone.He's quiet for a bit before he responds.Ethan: I am alone. The only one left in my family.That causes tears to prick my eyes.Me: Can I take you out today? I want to take your mind off things.Ethan:
Hated By The Bully King 122
CoraColt's talking to me, which is such a relief. Though he doesn't mention anything about New York or what happened right after. He, Ethan and I sit together during lunch, but Alessandro is nowhere to be found. I don't think he even eats lunch. And I can't voice my concerns with the guys because I don't want to cause any more drama.The fact that Alessandro and Colt are still not talking to each other is like a stab in the heart. I never meant to ruin their friendship. I don't think Alessandro talks to Ethan, either. He must feel so lonely.Friday morning, I'm woken up by a text from Alessandro. I'm so shocked and thrilled that I drop my phone. After quickly sweeping it off the floor, I read the text.Alessandro: Hard day for Ethan. You should make sure he's okay.My fingers fly across my phone screen.Me: What do you mean? Why is it a hard day?He looks at the text right away, but he doesn't respond.Me: Alessandro, why is today hard for Ethan?Finally, he responds.Alessandro: His
