Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
“People like us how many of us really get to choose who we marry?”
Colton’s voter <b>was </b>calm.
48 Pears
Everyone in their ss was born into privilege, second–generation heirs of wealth and power. But with that privilege came
sacrifices.
Like their future marriages.
Still, it wasn’t something they <b>had </b>to worry about just yet.
“It’s fine. Now that you’re in ss Six, if Zayden ever messes with you again, we’ll <b>make </b>sure he regrets it.”
Henry’s firm stance made Eliza’s thanks heartfelt. “Thank you.”
In her previous life, she’d been timid and full of self–doubt, always orbiting around Zayden like he was the center of her world. She hadn’t had a single friend.
<b>Now</b>, for the first time, she understood what it felt like to be chosen and defended by someone who truly cared.
Back in ss One, Naomi was in tears, sobbing like a pitiful flower in the rain.
A few ssmates gathered around tofort her, while <b>the </b>two girls who had been arguing with Naomi earlier were waiting for Zayden to return and take their side.
It wasn’t long before Zayden came back.
<b>Pam </b>rushed to him first, crying, “ss rep, Eliza was bullying our ssmates from ss One! You have to stand up for us!”
“Yeah! She’s totally abusing her power–she needs to be punished! They should just expel her!”
Zayden shot them a cold look.
Both girls froze.
put in Eliza’s lunchbox?”
“What did you two put
Pam’s face went pale. She couldn’t meet Zayden’s eyes.
“<b>Zayden</b>, it’s my fault, <b>Naomi </b>chimed in quickly. “<b>I </b><b>saw </b><b>you </b>and Eliza getting <b>close </b>to ss Six and got upset, so Iined a little, and…”
“So <b>you </b>knew?”
Zayden <b>frowned</b>, eyes turning <b>frosty </b>as he looked at Naomi
That one look made her <b>shiver</b>.
“Eliza may have left ss One, but she was still one of us. How could you treat her like that?”
Naomi’s face fes Zayden came to Eliza’s defense
Everyone in ss looked around in confusion.
Zayden had <b>never </b>cared for Eliza before. In fact, they barely exchanged a single word.
So why was he standing up for her now!
“From now on, no one is allowed to mess with Eliza. If anyone does don’t me me for turning my back on you
His cold gaze swept over <b>everyone </b>
the TODILI
Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
Finally, his eyesnded on <b>Naomi </b>
She felt uneasy and but her lip.
Zayden didn’t say anything else, but the warning <b>was </b>clear.
If Naomi hadn’t been crying <b>earlier</b>, he never would’ve gone after Eliza without hearing both sides
That afternoon.
PE ss <b>was </b>about to start.
The rest of ss Six had already gone downstairs.
Only Eliza had stayed behind to use the restroom.
Outside the bathroom, Naomi had clearly been waiting for a while.
As soon <b>as </b>Eliza came out, <b>Naomi </b>stepped in front of her.
“Eliza
Eliza frowned “ss is about to <b>start</b>. <b>What </b>do you want?”
“Eliza, I’m really sorry about <b>what </b>happened at lunch. I didn’t mean it… You’re not really mad at me, are you?”
Naomi looked <b>up </b>at her nervously, trying to look fragile and remorseful.
“Come on, you’re my sister. How could I ever be mad at you?”
+ Pearls
Eliza didn’t <b>want </b>to waste time with Naomi. They had a physical fitness exam this afternoon, and she just wanted to get it over wath
“Eliza“<b>” </b>
Naomi blocked her <b>again</b>, hesitating. “Sis, I have one more favor..”
“What is it now<b>?</b>”
<b>Naomi </b>bit her lip, looking embarrassed “I… I’m on my period. My stomach really hurts. The teacher asked me to carry some equipment, and L…”
“You want me to do it for you?”
<b>Naomi </b>nodded quickly.
Eliza’s face remained unreadable.
Even though ss <b>One </b>and ss Six didn’t have PE together, their schedules lined up. And today, <b>because </b>of the test, both sses <b>would </b>be taking the exam <b>at </b>the same time.
“I won’t make youte for your <b>exam</b>. I promise. Please, Eliza
<b>Naomi’s </b>eyes were full of pleading
Eliza hesitated for a second, then reluctantly said. “Fine. But <b>ss </b>starts in five minutes. You’ll <b>have </b>toe with me and help”
Naomi’s face instantly lit up. “Eliza! I knew you’d say yes! <b>Thank </b><b>you</b>!”
Out on the bekl
ss Six <b>was </b><b>already </b><b>assembled</b>.
Henry nced toward the main building, confused. “Anyone seen Eliza
Chapter 17 The Cost of Choice
ss was about to start, and she still wasn’t there.
This was no ordinary ss–it <b>was </b><b>a </b>physical exam.
If she waste, then strict PE teacher wouldn’t hesitate to disqualify her
y her score
Nn’s eyes darkened.
<b>And </b>then, the bell rang
The PE teacher started walking toward them.
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