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eighteen.
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2024-11-13 14:05:54Related chapters
Hated By The Bully King nineteen.
CoraThe Museum of Natural History has always been my favorite, and I’ve been here more times than I can count, whether with my parents or on school trips. Today’s trip is very different from what I’m used to. While at my old school we traveled via the school bus, here at Royal Elite Academy, each student was given their own personal driver to take them to the museum.It still boggles my mind just thinking about it.We’re off on our own to explore the museum, couples leaving in pairs or friends going in groups. I, as usual, am left alone. Anyway, it’s better this way because honestly, I wouldn’t be able to handle being forced to spend hours with kids whose only goal in life is to torment me. Here, alone with these exhibits, I’m finally at peace.We’ll have to write a report about the museum, and my mind is already buzzing with so many options. I settle down on a chair in one of the exhibits to jot down some notes, probably putting too much effort into this. Maybe compensating for the
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty.
CoraEntrepreneurship is mandatory for all students, mainly because many of them will inherit their parents’ companies. It’s a class I’m fairly decent at. If law school doesn’t work out for me, maybe I’ll try starting my own business and who knows, maybe I’ll become as stinking rich as everyone else here.It’s the only class, other than pre-calculus and chemistry, that I have with Alessandro. I still can’t get the images from the museum out of my head. As I lay in bed last night, I tried to convince myself that I hallucinated. It’s the only explanation, because I don’t think my brain can fathom the possibility of Alessandro having a heart. Because if Alessandro has a heart, why the hell is he making me live a nightmare?Mrs. Roeder enters the room and announces it’s time to work on a project that will count for thirty percent of our grade. Many kids look bored out of their minds, some frown at the thought of more work. I sit forward, not taking my eyes off Mrs. Roeder. Thirty percent
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-one.
CoraMy brain hurts from all this schoolwork. Leaning back in my seat, I rub my eyes and sigh. That’s what my weekends have come to: staying holed up in my room all by myself and going out of my mind. I need a break.After shutting all my books, I leave the dorm and wander around campus. Some students are playing ball in the courtyard, some are lounging on the grass and doing their homework. The weather is so beautiful this morning, sunny with a light breeze.I stroll for half an hour, enjoying the scenery. The trees are changing colors and are so gorgeous. Then I find myself standing outside a building near the gym. The pool. I totally forgot Royal Elite Academy has an indoor pool that’s available to all students during non-school hours. I’m not the best swimmer out there, but Elissa and I love spending our summers at the community pool back home.I pull the door open and enter, immediately noticing the swimsuits available, still in their packaging. The sign next to them says they ar
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-two.
AlessandroI launch a dart at the board and a smile creeps onto my mouth. Bullseye again. Colt rolls his eyes. I don’t know why the guy bothers. He never beats me.“Another round,” he says.Shaking my head, I laugh. “Just give up. And hand over the cash.” I hold out my hand.He shoves his hand in the pocket of his slacks and slams the money on my open palm. “As if you need it.”Before each game, we bet on who will win. If not for his company keeping him afloat, he’d be swimming in debts like his parents. That might be an exaggeration, but if he doesn’t keep his shit together, he might actually lose everything.“Another round,” he repeats, standing up from the chair next to me to retrieve the darts. I reach for my can of Coke and take a sip.The door bursts open and Ethan charges in, heading straight toward me. His eyes yell nothing but rage. “Don’t you think you’re taking things a bit too far?”I lower my can on the nearby table. “What are you talking about?”“You really want her dead
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-three.
Cora“Just a few more hours until you’re out of here,” Elissa says as she pokes her elbow in my ribs. She’s seated next to me on the hospital bed, a large grin on her face. The TV is on to an oldie show my parents are watching.I try to return my best friend’s grin as I think about what awaits me as soon as I’m released from the hospital. How would Principal Hipskind take my decision to leave Royal Elite Academy? How would my parents? They’re so proud of me. Elissa told me my mom brags to whoever she meets—neighbors and strangers alike. And what about Asher Beckham? I hate that I’m letting them down, but this is the right decision.“Hey.” Elissa pokes me again. “You okay?” She searches my eyes. “I know that look. Something’s bothering you.” Her gaze flicks to my parents. “Is it the bullying?” she whispers.I shake my head, once again hating that I’m lying to her. But after I leave that school, I won’t think about Alessandro or his band of jerks again. “Everything’s fine. I guess this
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-four.
CoraMonday morning, I’m sitting in the Royal Elite cafeteria, poking at scrambled eggs and pancakes. After tossing and turning in bed last night, flinging the idea to and fro, weighing the pros and cons, I’ve made my final decision: I’m leaving Royal Elite Academy. No more questioning if I’m doing the right thing, no more trying to convince myself the bullying isn’t so bad. I’m done with this place and these people.After I shove the food down my throat, I’ll head to Principal Hipskind’s office and tell him my choice.I feel people staring at me as I continue trying to eat. Some students have humor in their eyes, like they’re glad I nearly drowned. A few, like Heather and her stupid friends, look pissed. I still have no idea who pushed me, but I won’t be surprised if she had something to do with it. Their looks only strengthen my resolve to be done with this place.As I’m forcing some orange juice down my parched throat, a pair of black shiny loafers slides in my line of vision. Slow
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-five.
CoraThese past two weeks have been…interesting.The bullying has stopped. I mean, I still get the occasional note in my locker or shoved under my door and students still give me dirty looks in the halls or call me Peasant Girl, but that’s minor compared to the things they used to do. I can see how their eyes burn to trip me during class, though, or how they itch to slam the ball into my head during gym. But they hold back.Monday morning, I walk toward my first period with my head lowered, clutching my books to my chest, worried the silence has been building up to something major and it’s just a matter of time until BAM. But first period leads to second period and second leads to third and…nothing. Is it possible the bullying has actually stopped?I tell myself not to lower my guard. I don’t trust these kids.As I’m shoving some books into my locker at the start of lunch period, I feel that familiar charge in the air. Spinning around, I catch Alessandro, Ethan, and Colt marching down
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King twenty-six.
CoraThe library is the perfect place to keep a low profile, since hardly anyone comes here, except for the bookworms. True there hasn’t been a reason to keep a low profile, since there hasn’t been any more bullying, hardly any notes either. I trek the halls with every cell in my body on high alert, certain someone will pull something soon. But nothing. I don’t know what’s worse, getting bullied or worrying I’ll get bullied any second.Most of the students hardly look my way. If I do get disgusted looks, they’re usually from Heather and her friends or Jayson and his crew. But none of them approach or touch me. In fact, when Jayson passed my lunch table earlier today with a pudding in his hand, I could have sworn he’d pour it down my back. I even twisted my body slightly, ready to flee if he got too close. But he didn’t even look my way. I’m not sure if I should count my blessings or run for my life.Someone flops down on the chair across from me. I groan when I take in that familiar c
Last Updated : 2024-11-13
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Hated By The Bully King sixty.
CoraOnce Alessandro finished eating, I take his bag and lead him to my room. It's not much, less than half the size of my room at Royal Elite, but the character makes up for it. Years and years of things gathered since I was a baby, and a lot of pink because I had a stage when I was five and was obsessed with the color. I wanted to fix it up, but then Dad lost his job and it didn't seem like a worthy expense."It looks...""Pink," I finish with a laugh. "Thanks to my five-year-old self.""I was going to say like you had a happy childhood."Oh.He takes the suitcase and places it on the bed, unzipping it and taking out his clothes."I'll just remove some of my clothes from the drawers and make room in my closet," I say.I'm not sure if I should leave him to his own devices or offer to help. But when I see he's got a handle on things, I tell him I'll be back later and head into the kitchen, where my parents are sitting at the table, their heads bent, whispering."What's the big secret,
Hated By The Bully King fifty-nine.
CoraAs soon as the driver finishes helping us bring the bags to the front door, it bursts open. "Cora!" Mom flings her arms around me and squeezes me so tight I might pop. "I've missed you so much. So, so much! Let me have a look at you." She steps back and studies me from head to toe. Her eyes shine with love and pride. "Oh, honey. You're so beautiful.""Mom," I hiss, my face flushing. My eyes slide to Alessandro."Oh, Alessandro! What an honor to have you in our home!" She throws her arms around him and squeezes him, too. "Welcome, welcome. You and your father are always welcome in our home."Alessandro stands as still as a statue in Mom's arms. Totally stunned. Like he's not used to getting hugs.Dad grabs me in for a hug, and then I'm back in Mom's arms, and then Dad wraps his arms around the two of us. I might have been embarrassed if I didn't relish this as much as them."Come in," Mom says as she takes Alessandro's hand and leads him into the house. "We prepared some refreshme
Hated By The Bully King fifty-eight.
CoraFinally after a long week, Friday evening rolls around. I'm so excited to go home and celebrate Mom's birthday. It's been so long since I've seen my parents—since the pool incident.Once all my bags are packed, I ask a staff member to help me carry them outside and call for a car. I send off a text to the guys, reminding them that I'm going home this weekend. Colt and Ethan have already said their goodbyes during lunch, but Alessandro wasn't around. He hasn't responded to my texts, either.The staff member carries out the large present I bought for Mom. I know she's going to love it."The car will be here any moment, Miss Williams," he tells me."Thanks so much."I catch sight of Alessandro walking with Henry Miles. They say a few more things to each other before Mr. Miles pats his back and climbs into a waiting limo. When Alessandro notices me, he heads over, his eyes dipping to my bags."You're leaving?" he asks."Going home for the weekend, remember? I texted you twice.""Oh,
Hated By The Bully King fifty-seven.
CoraI'm so wiped when we get back to campus that I collapse on my bed. My head hits something soft. The narwhal. I reach for it and hold it in my arms, smiling as I relive the moment Alessandro tossed it to me. I hug it close to my chest. "The guy who won you is the most puzzling person in the world. Will I ever understand him?"Digging my phone out of my pocket, I tap out a text to Alessandro.Me: I never thanked you for the narwhal. So thank you.Alessandro: Was easy to beat Colt.Me: Ha.Alessandro: He thinks he can beat me, but I win every time.Me: Don't you ever get sick of being the best at everything?I add a laughing emoji to show him I'm just teasing.Alessandro: The only way to be successful in life is to win.Me: It's okay to lose sometimes. It gives you character. Makes you humble. Makes you want to try even harder the next time.He doesn't answer. I stare at my phone, waiting for the text to come. But it doesn't.I fling my phone away and hug my new friend. "I think I p
Hated By The Bully King fifty-six.
CoraEthan climbs onto the bar surrounding the queue line. I hop up next to him. We wait a short while before the guy opens the car door for us. Four seats make up a row. Alessandro is at my right while Ethan is on my left, and Colt is near Ethan."Enjoy!" the guy calls as he starts the ride.We make a turn to the left and then begin our ascent. I clutch onto the handles, kicking my dangling legs, every part of me wound up with thrill. Ethan's wearing a small smile on his lips, his face tilted toward the sun, his hair pushed back from his face.Colt's whooping."Cut that out," Alessandro mutters, his voice...strange. When I glance at him, I find him clutching the handles so tightly his knuckles are white. His eyes are squeezed shut."Alessandro, are you okay?" I ask.Colt chuckles. "He's good. Just a little—""I'm fine," he stresses. But from the way he grips the handles and squeezes his eyes even tighter, I know that's a lie.Ethan's head leans toward me. "Sandro's scared of heights.
Hated By The Bully King fifty-five.
CoraThe rest of the week passes by uneventfully. I've gotten used to the Princes walking me to class, and yes, the mini fridge is still in my room. I've fallen in love with the thing.I'm doing better in my classes, thanks to Ethan, I even nearly got a perfect score on our latest pre-calculus quiz. My lunches and dinners are spent with the Princes and I train every other day with Colt.After an extremely brutal session with Colt Friday night, I roll into bed and plan to sleep until noon Saturday.But someone pounds on my door at nine o'clock in the morning."Go away," I moan.The pounding grows louder and then a voice calls, "Get up, Super Cee!"One of my eyes pops open. Colt? With a groan, I drag myself out of bed and pad to the door, covering my mouth as I yawn. When I pull the door open, I find Colt, Ethan, and Alessandro."Morning, sleepyhead." Colt flashes me a grin.I groan again and march into my room, disappearing under my blanket."No, none of that." My blanket is yanked off
Hated By The Bully King fifty-four.
CoraColt's not only competitive, he's a hardass, too. He works me so hard during our first self-defense training session that I almost pass out. I'm not at all in shape. When we're done, I'm so exhausted and drenched that all I want is to shower and roll into bed. Ethan doesn't let me, though. He spends the whole afternoon helping me catch up with my schoolwork. Truth is, I'm basically holding at the same pace as the rest of my class, and I know he knows it. Does this mean it's an excuse for...what, exactly? To spend time with me? But we don't do anything other than homework, hardly even talk.Later that afternoon, Alessandro sends me a text, asking if I want to join him and the others for a movie. The school has a small movie theater that plays current and non-current movies, but I never ventured over because I didn't have a death wish. Though I've always yearned for it. I quickly tap out a YES! even though I'm sore and so exhausted.Ethan doesn't join us, though, because he's stuck
Hated By The Bully King fifty-three.
CoraAlessandro stands there for a moment, studying the ball and then the lane, the lane and then the ball. He looks totally lost.I walk up to him. "Put your fingers in these holes. And then try to aim for the middle.""I know how to play," he snaps.I hold up my hands and step back.He sticks his hands into the holes all wrong and holds it wrong."Alessandro, you're not doing it right." When I try to reach for the ball, he whips it away."I know what I'm doing.""Clearly not." I go for the ball again but he yanks it away. "Geez, dude, let me show you how to do it.""I said, I can do it.""Who's being stubborn now?" I grab the ball and his fingers slide out. "Like this." I stick my fingers in the right way, then hold it out to him. He once again puts them in wrong. "No, this way." I take his hand and guide his fingers into the holes. His skin feels so warm, and because I'm standing so close to him his smell engulfs me.His body stiffens at my touch. He makes a move to yank his hand o
Hated By The Bully King fifty-two.
CoraI sit down as Colt challenges a few other students. He whips their asses, throwing me a proud smile. After he's beaten every single one, he flops down near me, wiping some sweat off his forehead."I didn't know you were so competitive," I say."And you find it totally hot.""I never said that."He playfully digs his shoulder into mine.Alessandro stands there with his arms crossed over his chest and Ethan studies something on his phone. I can't believe how much fun I'm having with these guys, and I know they're having fun, too. Who would have thought something like this would ever happen?I don't want it to end.Jumping to my feet, I say, "I have the perfect thing to play."Colt raises his brows."Bowling!"They all frown."Come on, it'll be fun!""I don't bowl," Alessandro says.The other two don't look particularly excited, either."Have any of you ever bowled?" I ask."I have when I was a kid," Ethan says."I've had my share of bowling parties," Colt says.Alessandro flips som
