She rejected Fred's proposal without hesitation.No—his command.Because it hadn't been a suggestion. It had been an order.Fred's expression darkened. "Did I hear that right? You're actually turning me down?"He hadn't expected this. He had told Zoella to join the team because, in his mind, there w
The words "as a family" sounded utterly ridiculous to Zoella.She had believed that once, too.Back in her past life, she had thought they were a team, a unit. But on the eve of the championship, she had been replaced—pushed aside so Jasmine could take her spot.Some family.Zoella's voice was calm
"Listen up. I'm only going to explain this once."He picked up a pen, pulled over a sheet of scrap paper, and began writing as he walked her through the problem.Zoella froze, staring at the man in front of her, an inexplicable mix of emotions rising in her chest.Because of Jasmine, she had no real
Just when Zoella thought she couldn't take it anymore, Jasmine finally showed up.She jogged over. "Sorry, I was discussing our competition strategy with Fred. Lost track of time."Dennis responded smoothly, "It's fine. At least you're contributing something to the family. Better than a certain ungr
Zach looked at her, his expression unreadable. Then, he glanced away, his voice cool. "Don't ask such simple questions next time."Zoella smiled.That meant she could keep asking. Just not the simple ones.For days on end, after school, Zoella lingered in the infirmary, refusing to leave until she h
Zoella straightened her back. She had always known that Jasmine's father had saved her life.That was why, when Aaron first brought Jasmine home, she had never objected. She had even treated her like a younger sister.But over time, she realized—silently and gradually—that Jasmine was taking her bro
Jasmine flushed. "I'm sorry, teacher. It won't happen again."One of her usual followers quickly chimed in, "Teacher, Zoella has been studying really hard lately. She probably knows the answer."At that, the entire class turned to look at Zoella—most of them expecting to watch her embarrass herself.
Zoella stopped in her tracks, her voice polite but distant. "Hello Bobby, Dennis, Fred."If she didn't greet them, they'd just accuse her of being rude and throwing a tantrum. She didn't have the energy to argue about pointless things right now. It was a waste of time.Fred raised an eyebrow. "How w
Zoella raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp."I remember it clearly," she said.She would never forget.Without another word, she shut the door.Bobby stood outside, staring at the necklace in his hand, replaying his own words in his head.Regret hit him immediately.But he couldn't ignore the delibera
Bobby lifted a hand to his face and pressed his palm against it. So Zoella had done this much for him all along.He had never realized. He used to think her healthy dishes didn't take much effort.Regret crept in. He had overlooked her efforts too much. He had no idea how much Zoella had silently gi
It sounded as if Zoella was assuming Zach liked her.Zoella held the phone, her mind drifting to the online crush from her previous life. She had never confessed, and he had never said he liked her.But his presence had been like a flickering ember in the bleakness of her world, a small, steady warm
Zoella's expression darkened. She knew this was coming."Zoey, I'm your guardian. That school doctor isn't. There are already rumors going around the school. I can keep you home to focus on your exams," Bobby said.She lowered her gaze, masking the anger rising in her chest.Her voice came out hoars
Zoella looked at the stuffed bear. She had never agreed to participate in the finals.Right. This brand—she used to like it.The oversized bear was a limited edition, hard to get. In her past life, she had managed to buy one after much effort, only for Jasmine to use it as a giveaway for a livestrea
Fred approached, his expression complicated.He hadn't needed to bring Jasmine to school today, but something had compelled him to come anyway. Maybe because he knew Zoella would be here.He hadn't slept a wink last night.Being forcibly shut out by her—what the hell was that supposed to mean?Zoell
Zoella lay against Zach's chest, dazed and still.Zach lowered his gaze. All he could see was her smooth forehead, her damp hair sticking to her skin, the moisture seeping between them, even making her shirt slightly translucent.His Adam's apple bobbed as he gulped. Then he let go of her. "Here. Th
Anyone who played this game admired King. How could they not?Zach watched the video replay of Zoella pulling off a twelve-hit combo. His expression softened. After all these years, she was the only one who had managed to do it.They logged in to the game together. Their teamwork was seamless as the
Right now, Zoella was sitting in the car with Zach.As she watched the traffic outside, a knot formed in her stomach. "Bobby will definitely send people to look for me. He'll probably go to school too to cause trouble for you."This was, after all, the Finchman family's territory.It was the reason