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thirteen.
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2024-11-13 13:44:57
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Hated By The Bully King fourteen.
CoraWhat a crazy night Friday was. Campus security questioned me again, asking me detailed questions about the knife. By the time I was done with the questioning, I wondered if I imagined the whole thing.As I stroll down the hallway toward my locker Monday morning, I catch many kids throwing me murderous looks. I know they’re pissed at me for calling campus security on an illegal party, and I’m pretty sure I’m herby banned from any future secret party. But I don’t regret it. Things could have ended really badly.Those same looks are shot my way throughout the rest of the morning. When Mrs. Danby asks me to solve an equation on the board while she steps out for a minute, I’m assaulted once again by crumpled pieces of paper. And a few kids even launch spit balls at me. So gross. Looks like I’ve given them more ammunition to use against me. Did they forget that I also got in trouble for being at the party? I can’t leave campus for a whole week.After I solve the equation and walk back
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King fifteen.
CoraJust when I get comfortable on my bed with my book, my phone rings with a video call from Elissa. I switch it to a regular call because I’m not in the mood to put on a cheery face.“Hey, let’s go on video chat,” she says.“No, I can’t right now. Too many people around.”“Oh, bummer. So, what’s up?”“Nothing much.”She’s quiet for a few seconds before she says, “Is that jerkwad still picking on you?”“A little,” a lie. “But it’s getting much better. Really, it’s not even a big deal anymore.”I hate lying to her, but I can’t stand the thought of her or my parents worrying about me. And quitting Royal Elite is totally out of the question now. How could I leave after Asher Beckham showered my parents and me with such generosity? He invited us to his home, served us dinner, took an interest in our lives. I’m stuck here for the next three years, and then I’ll be off to my dream school and then the path to my amazing future.“You there, Cora?”I snap back to the present. “What?”“I said
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King sixteen.
CoraI order my breakfast and browse social media on my phone, smiling at all of Elissa’s posts. She’s a beacon on a cloudy day. Just scrolling through her photos will surely get me through the hours.More kids have settled down in the cafeteria and taken their orders. They throw me those same looks, but they don’t come over and cause any trouble. Alessandro saunters in with his two friends at his sides, and his eyes immediately latch onto mine. His whole expression changes into something ugly, like he still can’t believe I’m here. Idiot. Does he really think I’ll be chased away by some spoiled rich pricks? Think again. My conversation with Elissa last night about Chloe’s death further cements my determination to be the best lawyer in the country. I won’t let anyone get in the way of my dreams.Girls crowd around the Princes, vying for each of their attentions. Colt’s all too eager to please them, but Alessandro ignores them and continues looking at me like he wants to bash my head in
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King seventeen.
Cora“What a nutjob,” Ruby mutters to the girl sitting near her. I think her name is Clarissa. The two of them bend heads, giggling and whispering, no doubt about Mr. Peterson. I try not to grit my teeth. He’s not weird. Okay maybe a little, but he’s so passionate about art and digging into your soul. If these kids would just try to see past their own rich, selfish noses, maybe they could learn a thing or two from him.Halfway into the period, Mr. Peterson announces that he’s leaving for a few minutes and that we should continue working hard on our projects. I smile as my gaze sweeps over my painting. My teacher was right about not quitting—it actually looks pretty decent. No, more than decent. I rummage in my bag for my cell to snap a pic to send to my parents and Elissa, when something cold and wet sloshes down my face. I leap out of my seat, the liquid now rolling down my torso and back and splattering the floor.Green paint.I whirl around, wiping it out of my eyes, and find Ruby
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated By The Bully King eighteen.
CoraI try not to groan as I study myself in the mirror. My hair still has some green in it. Washing it three times last night in the shower was futile. Too bad I’m a dirty blonde and it’s pretty obvious. It’ll be a constant reminder in the halls, not that the kids need a reminder—pictures of me as a green paint monster has been circulating all over campus. I should know, because I’ve gotten countless texts.I twist my hair up into a bun, hoping most of the green is concealed. As I continue getting ready for school, memories of yesterday afternoon creep in my head, specifically one of a dark-haired, mysterious guy. I can still feel his soft fingers as they washed the gunk out of my hair, the gentle fingertips skidding along my scalp, my face. I have no idea what that was about—I mean, he’s one of Jerkshit Alessandro’s best friends, which automatically makes him my enemy. But my enemy wouldn’t have bothered helping me, would he? No, it’s a trick, I know it is. I bet Alessandro put him
Last Updated : 2024-11-13Hated 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 : 2024-11-13
Latest chapter
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
