Chapter 35
Words quickly spread through the department that Elana had fed tandon some soup.
With plenty of people crushing on Landon Eliana soon found
herself the target of his most devoted fans.
After class, Hana headed to the restroom.
A group of girls exchanged looks before quietly trailing behind her.
Just before entering, Eliana quickened her pace and numed a comer. The sudden move caught the girls off guard, but they followed and watched as the stall door closed.
Without hesitating they blocked the door with a mop handle and dumped a bucket of water over the top
A shriek echoed from inside. “Who’s there? A woman’s voice called out in a panic.
spenticat
The girls burst to laughter outside the stall, one of them taunting. “Eliana, you’d better stay away from Landon, or you can kiss your student lite goodbye”
“Exactly” Atrashy girl like you has no shot with him. Don’t think that just because you’re kind of pretty, you’re special. Landon’s exes were all way more attractive than you, another girl chimed in, gesturing animatedly.
Not to mention wealthier. Who do you think you are, some fake rich girl?” A third girl chuckled, crossing her arms as she joined the conversation.
Suddenly, Eliana’s voice came from behind them, and she clapped her hands. “Well done. Impressive performance.”
The girls whipped around, shocked to see Eliana standing behind them, her expression calm and composed. “Eliana! How… how are you here?” one stannered. Weren’t you inside?”
Elana folded her arms across her chest, her face perfectly serene. “Did you actually see me go in?”
The girls froze, stunned into silence.
“So who is in there?” one of them asked.
One of them slowly removed the mop handle, opening the door to reveal the drenched young dance instructor glaring at them. furious I won’t forget this,” she said, her anger unmistakable.
“Sorry! We’re so sorry, Miss,” the girls immediately pleaded, apologizing profusely.
Elana chuckled softly and walked out of the restroom without looking back
The tennis club trials drew a large crowd.
The court buzzed with energy as hopefuls lined up, numbers in hand.
To advance, they needed to win a four–on–four match.
Stella was lucky enough to be paired with Eliana.
She turned to Eliana and asked, “How’s your tennis game?”
Eliana gave a light smile and bounced a tennis ball in her palm. Oh, I’m alright. Just average.”
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Chapter 35
Stella grinned, confident No worries. I’ve got you covered. I’m pretty good.”
Ehana raised an eyebrow. “Really
Stella wayed her racket proudly. “I played in a city tournament before. Our team won the group championship.”
Meanwhile, Willow, surrounded by a group of friends, spotted Eliana preparing for the trials. Her eyes narrowed with determination–Elana had to be eliminated in the first round.
Willow had already bribed the trial organizer to pit Eliana against strong opponents,
Knowing Eliana’s limited skills, she was certain Eliana wouldn’t stand a chance.
One of Willow’s friends pointed and snickered, “Look at Eliana’s outfit–she doesn’t even know how to dress for a tennis
match
Yeah, what’s she thinking? Trying to catch the eye of some senior in the tennis club?” another girl scoffed.
Probably She’s such a flirt, the first girl echoed.
Most of the girls at the tryouts wore proper tennis gear: sporty clothes and sneakers.
Willow herself had on a professional tennis skirt, showing off her long, toned legs, attracting the attention of many onlookers.
In contrast, Eliana hadn’t changed out of her casual classroom attire, a comfortable outfit that covered her fully.
Willow laughed, “Oh, don’t be so harsh. Maybe my dear sister has some hidden talent.
Willow, you’re kidding, right? Her, talented?” The group cackled and continued to belittle Eliana.
Willow was satisfied to hear others belittle Eliana
Stella and Eliana approached the organizer to draw their opponents. The senior in charge handed them a slip with a number. “Your opponents are over there,” he said, pointing to two tall freshmen guys.
Stella frowned. “Why are we playing against boys? We’re both girl”
The senior shot them an indifferent glance. “The trials are co–ed. Didn’t you notice the mixed pairs over there? It’s just your
bad luck.”
Stella’s face hardened. Something felt off–pairing two girls against guys was highly unusual unless they were exceptionally unlucky.
Just as she opened her mouth to argue, he cut her off, “Are you playing or not? If not, feel free to withdraw. We don’t have time for whining
Stella went silent, her jaw tight with frustration.
Eliana glanced at his name tag: Caius Faulkner. She committed it to memory.
“We’re playing,” she said, giving Stella’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “If this is our draw, then let’s go for it.”
As they walked away, Stella muttered angrily, “This feels like a setup. It’s so unfair.”
Aburst of laughter echoed from across the court. Eliana looked over to see Willow and her group, laughing among themselves.
Eliana understood immediately–this had Willow’s fingerprints all over it.
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“Don’t worry.” Eliana said, “if we get eliminated early, we’ll just save ourselves some time. The next rounds are all about skill anyway, and eventually, we’d face strong opponents.”
Stella nodded, sighing. True. There’s no shame in losing to someone better.”
The match began, and both teams stepped onto the court.
The crowd’s attention shifted as Eliana and Stella took their positions. Even Willow’s group fell silent, eyes glued to the
COUT
Though Eliana’s outfit was simple, she was undeniably beautiful. The official event photographer captured every moment. planning to edit the footage into short clips later.
Eliana’s delicate features held up even under the high–definition camera, her face soon appearing on the court’s big screen. drawing murmurs from the crowd.
“Wow, she’s stunning. Is she in the drama department? someone asked.
“Yeah, their department’s always full of beauties–future stars, you know.” A man leaned in, voice low but excited.
True, but she’s something special. What’s her name?” another man asked.
Seated in the front row, Willow’s smile vanished as she listened to the whispers.
Jealousy gnawed at her–Eliana always stole the spotlight.
She wished nothing more than to ruin Eliana’s flawless face.
Shed nearly succeeded once, when Eliana narrowly avoided using a tainted sunscreen.
Next time, Willow vowed, she’d make sure Eliana wasn’t so lucky
As the match continued, Roman entered through a side entrance with several student council members.
He paused, catching sight of Eliana’s focused expression on the court. Every time he saw her, she seemed to reveal a new side of herself.
Roman had come only to pick something up, but now he found himself lingering, watching Eliana play until the very end.
