Chapter 1

"Please! Please, Bivianne, just this once. I won't bother you after this game." Yeshua pleaded, her hands clasped together as she followed me walking towards our classroom. I didn't turn to show how reluctant I was to fulfill her request. More like, I couldn't.

Before I could enter the room, Yeshua slammed her palms against the door, blocking my way. One of her proud traits was her determination. It could be annoying to others, but she didn't care. If she wanted something, she would do everything to get it.

I had no choice but to look at her with my usual poker face. We had only recently become friends, but I already knew how persistent she could be. I couldn't stop her no matter what.

"What do I gain from joining? I could get hurt or seriously injured just playing that game. Are you willing to take responsibility? Are you ready to trade legs with me if something happens?" I raised my right eyebrow, challenging her.

She raised hers in response. "What are you talking about? It's just intramurals, Bi. No one gets permanently hurt in intramurals."

"And I could be the first. Besides, how can you be sure? No matter what you call that program or competition, the game is still risky. Sports will always be risky."

Yeshua sighed and ruffled her hair. "You'll just be filling in for the team, Bi. I'm not telling you to play seriously or anything. The girls' team will be disqualified without even fighting back because we lack one player. We don't even have reserve players."

"And how does that concern me?"

She looked taken aback. "How can you be so heartless?"

I started walking away from her, and she followed. We sat in the last row near the window. Our classmates briefly glanced at us, thinking we looked like a couple having a disagreement. Yeshua acted like she owned the place, even though this wasn't her room.

"Who's the heartless one between us? You want me to play something so dangerous without considering what might happen to me. You should research what 'heartless' really means before using that word."

"Like I said, intramurals aren't dangerous. Just fill in for the team, try kicking the ball into the goal, try defending or just stand in the middle of the court. Don't worry! We'll take care of the playing part. We just need to be complete on the field."

I took a deep breath before turning my head in her direction. "Aren't you leaving? Our instructor will be here soon."

She sighed again, seemingly giving up. "Thanks for nothing. Don't ask for my help in the future because I won't help you. Ever."

As soon as Yeshua left the classroom, our instructor arrived. Let's see about that. I know you won't give up until the intramurals actually arrive.

I don't understand why that game means so much to her; it's just intramurals. Their opponents are from another section, and since we're in grade twelve, they'll likely be younger. Aren't they ashamed?

I tried to focus on the lecture, but I couldn't. I've been thinking about Yeshua's offer since earlier. Even if I hide it deep in my mind, it keeps coming back.

I'm about to enter college, so I don't have time for anything that might distract me. Clearly, joining futsal will just be a disturbance, a distraction from my studies.

It won't only hinder my studies; once my mom finds out I joined futsal, she might get angry again. No one wants to anger a Zenith Cordova. Not even me, her daughter.

After class, I went to my favorite store and ordered Taro milk tea. Ever since Yeshua convinced me to try it, I've been buying it at least once a week. I remember how reluctant I was to try it at first, but now I crave it.

I was looking for an empty seat to relax when someone bumped into me. I muttered a curse under my breath. I looked at my spilled milk tea on the floor. It didn't stain my clothes, but it was still a waste of money.

"I'm sorry," the guy in front of me said. "I didn't notice you."

He sat down and tried to pick up the spilled milk tea, but one of the staff stopped him.

"Let's clean it up for you, sir. Just leave it there."

"I wasn't looking either, so I'm sorry too." I continued staring at the spilled milk tea on the floor as it was being cleaned up by the staff. I wanted to sip it right now, but I didn't want to spend again for another one. I'm saving money because I need to.

"Let me buy another one for you," the guy offered.

I was about to protest when he disappeared in front of me. I tried to stop him from buying, but he was too insistent.

"You don't have to buy me another one. I'll drink it next time."

"It's okay. Here," he said before handing me the cup. "I'm really busy right now, so I need to leave if it's okay. Just enjoy your cup of milk tea."

Before leaving, he slightly bowed in front of me before turning away. I was still surprised by what happened, unsure of what to say or do. In the end, I couldn't do anything because I already had another cup of milk tea in my hands.

While staring at the cup in my hand, I smiled discreetly. "I only drink Taro for my milk tea, though," I whispered before sipping the chocolate-flavored milk tea.

Instead of staying in the store, I decided to call Mang Kiko, my driver, to pick me up. I didn't want to linger around many people while drinking. I might bump into someone again, and I might not get another milk tea next time.

"How's your day, Ms. Bivianne?" Mang Kiko asked when he sat in the driver's seat. He maneuvered the car and left the parking space before heading home.

Leaning back in the seat with my eyes closed, I sighed. "Tiring! They're giving us so many activities like we're some kind of factory machine or something. And they didn't extend the deadline either." I sighed again before opening my eyes.

Mang Kiko smiled at my response. "But you'll finish them all on time, Ms. Bivianne." It wasn't a question.

"I know, but at least consider my classmates. And I told you to call me Bivianne or Biv. Drop the 'miss'; it's too formal."

"I can't do that. Mrs. Cordova will surely punish me if I do."

She pouted. "At least call me by my name when we're together. I won't tell my mom."

"Okay. I'll try my best, Bivianne."

Kiko Fernando is a thirty-year-old driver. He lives in the Cordova residence with his wife, Cassady Fernando. He's also the son of James Fernando, my mom's driver. Their family has been serving ours for several years, making us very close. He has been my driver since childhood. On the other hand, Cassady is one of our household help. One of the reasons they got to know each other and got married.

As soon as the car stopped, I got out while finishing my milk tea. A household staff opened the door for me before I entered. I hopped on my way to my room, while Mang Kiko parked the car in the basement. I don't have any assignments tonight, so I plan to watch an anime I started a few weeks ago.

A soft and cold voice stopped me before I could reach my room. "I told you those drinks are not good for your health, right?"

I slowly turned and forced a smile. "I don't drink this every day."

She stood in the hallway, leaning against the wall. She was still wearing her white long sleeves and black slacks, but her black blazer was now hanging on her arm.

I wasn't prepared to see her now. I thought she was still on a business trip and wouldn't be home for two weeks. But now that she's in front of me, my heart rate increased, and I felt a shiver.

"But it's still not good even if you only drink half of it. Am I wrong?"

It's just one drink, I wanted to say.

I bit my lip to stop myself from responding. I knew the outcome wouldn't be good if I answered. And it's not like I have the courage to answer back.

This isn't the first time my mom scolded me for what I eat and drink. But no matter how many times it happened, I'm still not used to it.

"I heard you weren't paying attention in Mr. Carter's class earlier. Care to explain why?"

I almost cursed loudly after hearing that. "I did. I just lost focus, but I was listening."

I was surprised when she suddenly slapped me hard. I instinctively touched my cheek. I clenched my jaw, but it was too late. Even though I knew it would happen, I couldn't avoid being shocked.

"And do you think that's good for your college application?" I couldn't answer. "If you don't listen to every lecture, there are things you might miss. And those things can be important. So, what do you need to do? Listen from start to finish. Don't let any distractions stop you. Do you understand?"

As expected, it was pointless to explain that to her. But even so, at least I tried.

"Yes. I'm sorry. I won't space out in class anymore."

"Good. And since you have time to buy such drinks, I assume you have more time to study for the upcoming entrance examination, am I right?"

"I do. Don't worry."

After she left, I still stood in front of my room. I tightened my grip on the doorknob. I took a few deep breaths before counting backward from ten. This way, my head wouldn't explode from anger. It wouldn't be good if I let my temper win every time she lectures me.

It's my fault for not listening carefully in class. I know I need to excel in everything I do. As the only child and heir to my mom's company, I need to do better. I need to excel even more so that my mom's friends won't have anything to say.

Above all, I need to become like my mom. I need to be as good as her. But for now, I'm not even halfway there. My mom was a valedictorian in our school, so I also need to be a valedictorian. In college, she was the summa cum laude.

So if I slack off, I might not even get valedictorian, especially with Yeshua Yada, my close friend and rival, around. She doesn't care whether she becomes valedictorian or salutatorian, but she's already smart even without giving her best. She doesn't even make an effort in studying; sports are always on her mind. What if she decides to study hard? I won't allow her to take my spot as number one in our batch.

One wrong move, and everything I've worked for will be gone. And I won't let that happen.