7
BRIARWOOD SCHOOL *****
A red Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stopped in the parking lot. The car door opened, and a pair of Chelsea boots stepped out, catching the attention of the crowd outside.
Isabella emerged from her red car, wearing her uniform: a white shirt, a black and red flare skirt, black pop socks, Chelsea boots, and a black jacket with the signature "B" for Briarwood Academy.
" Briar make way, the queen is here!
"Welcome back, Isa!"
" I love your boots, Issa!"
" I love your hair! Can I get you coffee every morning?"
" Can we be best friends, Isa?"
Isabella walked into the enormous building, her chin held high, a proud and confident smile on her face. She was their queen, and she knew it.
"Isabella, I missed you," Chappell exclaimed, coming to hug her. Chappell was one of Isabella's three friends, known for her natural red curly hair that Isabella loved.
"I missed you too. Where are Gloria and Abby?" Isabella asked.
"Gloria can't make it today. Her curling iron exploded this morning, and she won't come to school without straightening her hair. Abby has a pimple and can't be seen with an imperfection during the first week back," Chappell explained, rolling her eyes.
Isabella nodded and opened her locker to store her book. A picture of a shirtless hot guy greeted her, posing seductively by biting his gold necklace.
"You still have a crush on Elijah? You've been trying to get his attention for two years, but I don't think he cares," Chappell remarked, peeking into Isabella's locker.
"Actually, things might change this summer. He texted me during our holiday after seeing my bikini shoot. He said I looked hot," Isabella blushed, closing her locker.
"Are you serious?" Chappell's eyes widened.
"I swear! He even invited me to watch their game tomorrow evening at the Cyber house," Isabella said with a proud smile as they headed to the classroom.
"Damn! Did he ask you to bring your friends? Can you take me? I'm a huge fan of Ace," Chappell begged.
A guy was sitting in Isabella's usual spot. She dropped her Louis Vuitton backpack on the table, and he quickly moved away without being told.
"You're such a queen, Isa," Chappell said in amusement, taking the sit beside her before a classy female teacher walked in, and the noisy class fell silent.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a great holiday?" she asked.
"Yes, Miss Abigail," the students replied.
"Good, because we have a new student joining us," Miss Abigail announced, prompting the new student to enter. Isabella couldn't believe her eyes.
" Wow, she's so pretty!
" I love her heels and socks!
" Her lips are amazing; I think I might be a lesbian now!
" New girl, can you share your skincare routine?
" I'm single!
Isabella was confused. She was used to receiving these kinds of compliments.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone. My name is Valeria Ruiz, and I believe we'll have a fun time together," Valeria flashed the sweetest smile anyone had ever seen.
" Damn, my heart just skipped a beat!
" She's the prettiest girl in this school I've ever seen!
Isabella looked back in shock at the person who made that statement.
"Are you blind? I'm literally the prettiest," she said with a stormy gaze.
"No need for comparison. Everyone is pretty. Let's give Valeria the warmest welcome. Isabella, kindly move to the back and sit with Brett, while Valeria can stay with Chappell," Miss Abigail instructed.
Chappell gasped, and Isabella's eyes widened.
"You can't be serious, Miss Abigail," Isabella protested.
"Do I look like I'm kidding?" Miss Abigail gave her a stern look. Isabella angrily packed her bags and moved to the back.
Valeria walked to Isabella's seat and dropped her Chanel bag on the table, causing another stir.
"You're using the latest Chanel bag? Isa has always wanted one, but her dad won't buy it for her," Chappell gasped.
"Oh? This is nothing for me. I have a collection of Debbie Wingham bags in my closet," Valeria boasted.
"Wow, I'm Chappell. I love your socks," Chappell introduced herself.
"And I love your red hair," Valeria winked.
Isabella watched, clenching her fists so tightly she almost broke her pen.
"It's nothing serious. Chappell is just being friendly," Brett said. Isabella slowly turned to him.
"What gives a poor, stupid scholarship back bencher the right to interfere in my business?" she asked angrily.
Brett looked down at his book.
"Good, and never speak to me again. I'm sitting here by chance. Tomorrow, you won't even get to smell my body lotion, so enjoy it while it lasts," she rolled her eyes and crossed her legs angrily.
Brett stayed silent, taking a quick glance at her and shaking his head
***** ******* *******
RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE ****
"Boss, there's a little issue," Diego said, walking into Alejandro's office. Alejandro was on a business call, so Diego waited until he finished.
"You were saying?" Alejandro asked.
"Mr. Hugo canceled. He's no longer buying the Greek House from us," Diego reported.
"Why?" Alejandro's eyes darkened.
"He switched sides to Marcus Global Ventures because Mr. Rafael offered him better deals," Diego replied.
"Damn," Alejandro muttered a silent curse. "This isn't the first time Rafael has snatched clients from me. Submit all our building plans; we need to re-strategize."
"Yes, boss. I'll do that right now," Diego nodded respectfully before leaving.
Camila walked in.
"What are you doing back here?" Alejandro asked without looking at her, engrossed in paperwork.
"Do you expect me to sleep in the sketch room? I've gone through all the building plans," she rolled her eyes.
"And what do you think?" he asked.
Camila was stunned. "Are you asking me?"
"Is there anyone else here?" Alejandro shook his head.
"They're good but a bit cliché and basic for a huge company. You might need more professional artists," she suggested.
"Would you like to volunteer for that post?" he asked.
"If you want me to," she shrugged.
"I talked to your father yesterday, and he's okay with you working here as my wife. I'm giving you the title of an architect," he handed her a folder containing a contract.
"Seriously?" Camila took the contract and began reading. "You want me to work seven hours every day with no break except Sundays?"
"You think I married you so you could warm my bed?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I don't even work like this in my father's company," Camila frowned.Alejandro smirked, moving closer to her. He cupped her chin, making her look into his eyes. "This isn't your father's company, wifey. Your husband loves to work and loves hardworking women too," he pressed, walking back to his desk to get his telephone."Sandra, report to my office," he ordered. Sandra walked in. Her office was opposite his, but Alejandro preferred using the telephone. Even if someone stood by the door, he would still use the phone."My wife will join the architects. She called some of our work basic and cliché. I want you to keep a strict eye on her performance. Can I trust you with that?" he asked, giving Sandra a serious look."Yes, Mr. Ruiz. You can trust me," Sandra smiled.Alejandro smiled briefly and walked to Camila again. He gripped her chin and planted a kiss on her lips, making her eyes widen. She wasn't expecting that."Behave, wifey," he warned before leaving his office."Let's go, Cami
9Camila slowly turned to him.“Am I not allowed to quit anymore?” she asked, her eyes full of surprise.“Your father did not tell me you're a quitter. How can you quit after one day of working?” Alejandro faked a confused look.“I hate you!” Camila gritted her teeth and turned back to the sketch room, but Alejandro’s voice stopped her.“Call it a day, Sandra,” he ordered.Sandra looked pained. She still wanted to punish Camila some more, but she dared not disobey Alejandro.“Yes, Mr. Ruiz,” she gave a respectful bow. “Good night, Mrs. Ruiz. Remember to come early tomorrow,” she gave Camila a sweet smile, but Camila did not buy it.“I will take my leave now, Mr. Ruiz,” Sandra greeted Alejandro goodbye before walking away from the office.“Are you hungry?” Alejandro then asked Camila.She stared at him but did not reply.“Get prepared and meet me at the car outside. We are going to have dinner at a restaurant, and I don’t want you to waste my time,” Alejandro rolled his eyes and walked
10Camila’s eyes were already teary.“I didn’t get married to you just for marriage’s sake. I practically bought you because your father sold you to me. And he hasn’t told you, but I will. He borrowed a huge sum of money from my family to fix his upcoming project before he had an accident. He said he would give me anything, and I said I wanted you. I don’t think your parents told you that,” Alejandro smirked.Camila shook her head, refusing to believe it. How could her parents sell her? And come to think of it, how did Alejandro come from nowhere and offer to help them from bankruptcy? How had she never thought this through?“Go and change, Camila. Five minutes is all you get,” Alejandro ordered and called another worker. “Lead her to the dressing room,” he said.The worker took Camila along, and she could not argue. Camila put on the stripper’s wear and could not look directly in the mirror. She was practically naked. The bra was half-covered, showing half of her present, and the g-s
11"I see what's going on. You badly want me to punish you, and I will help you with that," Alejandro leaned back in his chair."All of you leave and don't come back until I say so," he ordered the maids, who promptly obeyed.Camila watched the maids leave from the corner of her eye. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered what Alejandro would do, but she remained glued to her chair. No matter what happened, she had decided not to show any sign of intimidation in front of him.When no traces of the maids could be found, Alejandro stood up from his seat and moved in front of Camila. She stared back at him with a daring look. Suddenly, he grabbed her by the neck and roughly pulled her up.Camila tried to process what was happening or where they were going until her back harshly hit the wall."You've been so stubborn. I should put you in your place," he said, forcing one of his hands into her mouth. Despite her resistance, he made sure his hand went deep into her throat. She struggled t
12 Elijah, Ace, Easton, Alan, and Jeff run the cyber team. They have been to several game shows and live streams and never fail to return with an award.The boys are recognized everywhere but they go to school at Briarwood. Elijah is the leader of the group and the hottest. He's tall enough to be a high school dream guy, and he has a cute smile that drives the girls crazy.Ace is a hot Asian guy. Black is his favorite color, and he gives off hot goth vibes with his straight hair covering his eyes. He loves rings so much that he pierced his ears, nose, lips, tongue, and even his belly button.Easton is the playful guy. Apart from gaming, he is also a model and the tallest guy in the group. He has been on several magazine covers and banners, even on the school advertisement banner.Alan is another handsome member who loves tattoos more than his life. His neck, arms, and chest are covered in tattoos, adding to his hotness.Jeff loves to be random and casual, but wherever he goes, he's al
13EVENING, CYBER HOUSE **The lights were dimmed blue, filling the room with a crowd holding posters, colored lights, and banners of the Cyber Boys' pictures and cute messages. "Go Cyber Boys!" "You can do it!" "I love you, Elijah!" "Bring back an award as always!" "I breathe for you, Cyber Boys!" "Cyber Boys!" "Ace!"The chants came from the Cyber Boys' fans who were currently watching them play a live game. They wore their gaming uniforms, a white and purple mix that made them look like robots."The Cyber Boys are taking the lead again. Elijah is blasting his opponent, showing off another new skill no one knew existed.""Oh, Ace is coming in with his usual triple kick!""OMG, what is Jeff doing? Would you look at that high jump? That's the highest his character has ever jumped!""Now Alan is coming in with his speed. Wait, he is joining forces with Easton.""And they are almost finished!!!!"The crowd screamed even more when a huge "Game Over" appeared on the screen. The win
14 "Why are you still awake at this time?" Alejandro asked without turning to look at her."Not like it's any of your business, but if it will make you feel better, I came to drink water," she replied and walked to the fridge while Alejandro's lips curved into a smirk."Why are you awake at this time?" Camila asked while pouring water into her glass.She heard him let out a throaty chuckle."You really want to know that?" he asked. She wasn't looking back, but she could tell he was already looking at her. She pushed the glass to her mouth and tried taking a sip.His footsteps came close to her, and she suddenly felt his shadow at her back. His strong arms went to her waist and pressed her back close to him."You've been on my mind all day," he whispered."I... have?" Camila sounded nervous and curious at the same time."Hmm," he sniffed her neck, and her body stiffened in his arms. "I can't stop thinking about this morning and that face you made when you were about to c*m. I want to
15 Camila yawned tiredly as she worked on a sketch. So many papers were on her desk, and more were still coming. Her phone rang; it was her mother, and she quickly answered, having not spoken to her in so long."Camila, my dear, how have you been?" Sofia asked from the other end."I'm good," Camila replied, squeezing another piece of paper and throwing it on the floor."How is marriage treating you? I hope Alejandro isn't giving you a hard time?" Sofia asked worriedly."He is giving me hell, and I hate it here," Camila wanted to tell her mother, but she kept it to herself for reasons she couldn't explain."Everything is fine, Mom. How is Dad doing? I hope he's not falling sick again?" Camila asked about her father.Sofia sighed."Mom?" Camila called again."He's sick, Cami. He couldn't go out today because his condition has worsened. He's sad because the company is really suffering," Sofia sniffed, trying to hold back her tears."Everything will be fine, Mom," Camila could only say.
74Valeria burst out laughing. “You’re hilarious, Isabella. A real comedian.” She wiped a tear from her eye and stood, moving to another spot in the room.“You’re insecure, Valeria. That’s why you bully others—to cover up how bad you feel about yourself!” Isabella repeated.Valeria suddenly turned toward her, fury in her eyes.“Look at me, Isabella! I’m beautiful, I’m smart, I’m sexy! Why the hell would I be insecure?” she yelled, her face flushed with anger, startling Isabella.There was a tense silence before Isabella spoke softly, “I thought I might find something good to write about you, but I was wrong. You’re awful.”“I didn’t even try because, honestly, what good could I find in you?” Valeria scoffed.“How do your parents even like you?” Isabella mused aloud.“How does anyone like you? A shapeshifting tramp who stole her best friend’s crush and then dumped him for a gay guy,” Valeria huffed.“Is that all you’ve got on me, Valeria?” Isabella asked calmly.“You wish,” Valeria rol
73Lucia stood before him, completely naked save for the towel wrapped around her hair. His eyes widened in shock, his heart pounding as a wave of forbidden desire washed over him."Lucia... you did not just do this," he rasped, his voice heavy with lust."You can turn away... or take me to the counter," Lucia smirked. George wanted to turn away, but he couldn't tear his gaze from her. The most tempting part of her body was her small breàsts, with their perfectly pointed nïpples."Fuck!" George stormed toward her and lifted her up. He carried her to the counter, standing between her legs before pressing his lips onto hers in a deep, hungry kiss. Lucia wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with fiery passion.George’s lips moved from hers to her jawline, trailing kisses down to her neck. Lucia threw her head back, moaning."So good," she murmured.His hand wandered to her breàsts, squeezing them gently. "They’re small, but I love them, especially your pointy nïpples," he whisper
72 “If you’re incapable of managing this company, then maybe it’s time we vote for a new CEO or—”Alejandro slammed his fist on the table, finally fed up. “Or what?” he demanded, his piercing gaze silencing the room. “Who else wants to stand up? Go ahead, do it now!” His tone was icy. “Did I hear something about a new CEO?” he asked, chuckling to himself.“Mr. Marcel, Mr. August, Mr. Peterson—you three have been here the longest. Let’s say we agree to vote for a new CEO. Can any of you explain what it takes to run one of the world’s biggest companies? To make deals with both locals and foreigners, to come up with innovative strategies daily?” Alejandro challenged, his eyes daring them.The three men exchanged confused glances, unable to respond, which made Alejandro smirk.“Handling both local and foreign clients requires negotiation skills. I personally speak twelve different languages and am still learning more. Mr. Peterson, you were the first to stand up, and we’re currently work
71“Ace... yes, give it to me, Ace... oh... Oh... God... yes... yes!” Chappell moaned, her body arching as she used a dildo on herself, her eyes fixated on a picture of Ace. The ecstasy in her voice was undeniable as she lost herself in the moment."This is so messed up. Did Valeria upload this?" Isabella muttered under her breath, quickly turning off her phone. She glanced over at Chappell, who sat frozen, staring at the screen as if in a trance."I'm really sorry about this video. It’s disgusting that it was posted, but don’t beat yourself up over it," Isabella tried to console her, but Chappell remained unresponsive.“That’s it! I’m going to find Valeria!” Isabella fumed, storming out of the room. She found Valeria chatting with Gloria and Abby, yanked her by the hair, and spun her around.“Why did you post that video?” she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.“Ouch, Isabella! Handsy much?” Valeria sneered, smoothing her hair back. “And you saw the video too?” she added, feignin
70••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lucia sat comfortably with George, chatting animatedly. She had no idea they were being watched."I don’t think he’s just her bodyguard," Fernando said, sipping his drink."Yeah," Chandler agreed, "looks like there’s something more going on between them."Fernando scoffed."Shouldn’t you call off the engagement? You’re not the marriage type, so how do you plan on treating my sister?" Chandler asked pointedly. "Plus, she’s a tough one."Fernando remembered when he first found out he was engaged. They were still in high school, and he had convinced himself he didn’t like her. She was spoiled, always getting whatever she wanted. He even made fun of her small breasts once, calling them peanuts."I didn’t know how to tell her back then that I actually like peanuts," he muttered under his breath."What?" Chandler gave him a confused look.Realizing he had said that out loud, Fernando quickly shook his head. His phone rang
69"That's what I thought, Lucia. You don’t have a choice, and I don't have a—" George's words were abruptly cut off as Lucia stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his.George’s hands instinctively gripped her waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he couldn't stop. His tongue explored her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her.When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless."Come to the party with me," Lucia said, her eyes pleading."I—""Please," she urged again before he could refuse. George nodded, and her face lit up with a smile as she took his hand, excitedly leading him inside.•••••••••The mansion was elegantly decorated and filled with the perfect number of guests. Although the music hadn’t started yet, people mingled and sipped their drinks."Okay, bye." Camila hung up her phone and faced the gathering. "Turn off the lights and hide under the tables! Dad’s coming!" she announced. Everyone quickly co
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A few minutes later, the house was fully decorated, and the cake was ready, sitting proudly on the table. The doorbell rang, and Camila opened it to find Lucia, who threw herself into Camila’s arms."I can’t believe you made it!" Camila exclaimed, hugging her tight."I told you I would, didn’t I?" Lucia smiled."Where’s your ‘bodyguard’?" Camila asked, using air quotes."He’s party-shy and refused to come in, but don’t worry, I’ll go drag him in," Lucia laughed, turning to leave but then paused. "And by the way, he really is just my bodyguard," she added with a smirk."Sure," Camila replied, giving her a knowing smile."I’m serious!" Lucia scoffed. "I’m not standing here to explain myself!" Then she left.Alejandro walked up and hugged Camila from behind. "Birthday decorations are exhausting," he mumbled.Camila smiled, holding his hands around her waist. "Haven’t you ever helped with birthday decorations for your family?" she asked."We don’t do that. We
67••••••••••••••••••••••••••••The next day, the security team helped Alejandro and Camila load their bags into the car. Peter hurriedly opened the door for them, and the ride to the Perez mansion began."My dad's going to wake up and find no one home. He’ll be so confused, but I don’t want him to worry too much," Camila mumbled.Alejandro rubbed her thigh. "He’ll be fine."Camila shared more stories about her father, and Alejandro listened attentively. Soon, the car stopped; they had arrived at their destination.Alejandro opened his door and then helped Camila out, leading her down."What time should I come back?" Peter asked."I’ll call you," Alejandro replied, grabbing their bags and heading inside. The house was quiet—no one had arrived yet."I guess we came a little too early," Alejandro muttered."We’re not early. It might take a few minutes to bake the cake," Camila said, setting down the bags she brought, along with everything she needed to bake."Do you need help?" Alejandr
66It was George.He glanced at her briefly before turning to face the men. "Leave, now," he warned."Or what?" the man with the knife sneered."Or this," George said, landing a swift kick to the man’s face. The second man tried attacking him from behind, but George caught his hand, twisting it until the knife fell to the ground.The first man stood up, trying to punch George, but George dodged his attacks, delivering several punches in return. The second man, now recovered, lunged at George, but George easily evaded him, throwing him into his friend.Realizing they were outmatched, the men retreated. George brushed himself off and walked back to Lucia."What were you thinking, coming here alone?" he shook his head, frustrated.Lucia, pushing some stray hair back from her face, looked down. "I’m still your boss. Just because you saved me doesn’t mean you can call me a fool," she muttered.George stepped closer, gently lifting her chin so she could look him in the eyes. His thumb wiped