Chapter 40
Eliana looked up as Stella joined her at the lunch table, smiling What’s up?” she asked, her voice casual.
Elana shook her head quickly. “Oh, it’s nothing. Are you finished eating? Let’s get going if you are.
Yeah, I’m done. Let’s head to the courts.” Stella smiled, standing up with her tray,
Together, they left the cafeteria and walked to the tennis courts;
The space was already buzzing, filled with students warming up for the upcoming match. Several players were already
warming up
Eliana carried the racquet Cameron had given her, with Stella by her side, as they settled into the lounge area.
It wasn’t long before Willow arrived with Charlene and Vespera.
Willow and Charlene were partners, while Vespera had originally been paired with Shaeryl, who had to drop out after Vespera was expelled from the team.
As the trio passed by, Charlene shot a disdainful look at Eliana and Stella,
Stella wasn’t one to back down; she returned the glare without hesitation.
Willow, choosing not to engage, sat nearby and pulled out her own racquet–a bright, grass–green model that drew
attention.
Charlene’s eyes widened as she noticed it. “Wow, Willow! Your racquet looks amazing–Is it a custom design?” she asked. loudly.
Willow blushed and nodded modestly. “Yeah, my parents had it made for me when they heard I joined the tennis club. It’s a global limited edition–only one like it in the world
“Can I take a look? Charlene asked eagerly
“Sure.” Willow handed it over without hesitation, and Charlene examined it with envy.
This must be one of Aurea Haven’s custom models, right? Super expensive! They go for 20 thousand dollars each Willow, your parents must really spoil you, Charlene exclaimed.
Charlene’s loud admiration caught the attention of the nearby crowd, who turned to look at Willow.
Willow basked in the moment, a sense of vanity swelling inside her.
Then, Eliana took out her own racket.
With a mischievous grin, Stella mimicked Charlene’s earlier enthusiasm. “Wow Eli, your racket is stunning! So much better than some people’s green monstrosities.
In an instant, all eyes turned towards her.
Eliana paused for a moment, feeling Stella was laying it on too thick. But Stella just winked at her, leaning into the performance.
“Look at this,” Stella continued loudly. “Another Aurea Haven model–a special, limited–edition custom piece. You can’t get one of these for less than seventy thousand dollars!”
With Stella’s enthusiastic help, the attention shifted from Willow to Eliana, stealing the spotlight completely.
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Chapter 40
Willow clenched her jaw in anger, funous that her moment had been overshadowed
“Stop yelling like that Charlene snapped. “So tacky”
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“Oh, Im sorry Stella shot back, smirking. “I guess it’s okay for you to yell about a twenty–thousand–dollar racket, but not a seventy–thousand–dollar one?“
Charlene’s jealousy was palpable as she sneered, “Who knows if it’s real? It’s probably fake.
At that moment, a deep male voice cut through the noise from the back row of the bleachers. I bought it. Any other
questions
All eyes turned to see Cameron seated at the very top, his gaze piercing
Not far from him. Thomas and his friends strolled over casually, lounging next to Cameron with a relaxed confidence.
Everyone froze.
Charlene’s face flushed with embarrassment. She thought of Shacryl’s fate and immediately backtracked. “No, no, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just joking, she stammered.
Cameron’s expression remained cold. His eyes narrowed slightly as he replied, “Just joking? Do you think you can spread rumors without facing consequences?”
Panic flashed across Charlene’s face as she turned to Eliana, stammering, “Eliana, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply your racket was fake. Please, don’t hold it against me
Eliana regarded Charlene coolly, then glanced up at Cameron.
Seeing that Eliana wasn’t pressing the matter, Cameron let it drop as well.
Moments later, the match began.
Eliana and Stella stepped onto the court, rackets in hand.
Stella looked nervous, but Eliana was calm, her steps steady and confident.
“Eli, aren’t you nervous? There’s such a huge crowd here today. Stella whispered.
The finals of the tennis club’s tournament had drawn in a sizable audience, filling the stands to capacity.
Especially with Cameron and his friends sitting in the back row, Stella thought.
Eliana smiled gently. Just focus on the game. We’ve got this,”
Stella took a deep breath, nodding as they moved into position.
On the other side, Willow and Charlene took their places.
The humiliation earlier had clearly fueled Charlene’s determination–she played aggressively, sending powerful serves their
way.
Willow, while not the most skilled, seemed to channel her frustration into every swing.
With both girls good looks, the match was as much a spectacle as it was a game.
Eliana, her gaze icy and intense, locked eyes with Willow. She gripped her racquet firmly, her expression unwavering and focused
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Chapter 10
Eliana’s lips moved, forming words that were barely visible.
Willow froze for a split second, reading the silent taunt clearly. “Watch your face
It was exactly what Willow had been itching to say herself.
The sight of Eliana’s poised expression only enraged her more.
The match began with the ball flying high into the air.
After several fast–paced rallies, Willow’s hands were already aching. She had assumed Eliana’s earlier victories were flukes. strokes of good luck.
But now, facing her directly, Willow realized the truth–Eliana was a formidable opponent, every shot deliberate and powerful.
Her doubt solidified when a ball whizzed past Charlene’s ear–just barely missing–causing the scoreboard to flash: 1-0.
Willow shot Charlene a frustrated look, but Charlene’s face was already tense.
“It’s over. Willow,” Eliana said calmly, tossing a new ball in her hand.
Eliana tossed another ball into the air, effortlessly controlled. Her gaze bore into Willow, her stance radiating determination. She didn’t give Willow any time to recover, serving swiftly with well–practiced move.
The ball sliced through the air toward Willow, who dodged instinctively.
The scoreboard updated: 2-0.
The ball bounced off the court with enough force to echo.
Willow had heard the rush of air as it passed; if she hadn’t move, it might have broken her nose.
Shock washed over her. The bitch! she thought.
Eliana’s eyes, shadowed under her cap, watched Willow with a detached calm. The look infuriated Willow–it was pity.
A condescending sympathy that only fueled Willow’s anger.
With a furious snarl, Willow hit the ball, her shot fueled by pure anger.
Eliana’s racquet moved like lightning–there was a sharp thwack, and the ball flew back, hitting Willow in the face. The pain was sharp and immediate, her nose bruised but not broken.
The match ended in a swift, undeniable defeat.
“A–Team wins,” the referee announced clearly.
Applause erupted from the stands, a roaring wave of approval.
