Chapter 8 This Seat Was Off-Limits
- The entire classroom fell into a hushed silence as Mia, overwhelmed by the humiliation and stench, stormed out, unable to bear the mocking stares of her classmates.
- For a moment, it was as if their roles had reversed, Mia, once the untouchable, was now the object of everyone's ridicule.
- “Wait for me!” Mia cursed under her breath as she fled the classroom, desperately trying to escape the crowd's gaze.
- As Mia left, the classroom was filled with a complex array of expressions from the students, their gazes shifting from shock to curiosity. Olivia’s unexpected defiance had transformed her from a doormat into the center of attention, leaving everyone bewildered.
- Isabella, shaking off her shock, hurried over to Olivia with admiration in her eyes. “Livi, that was so amazing!!” she exclaimed, looking up at Olivia with awe.
- Everything Olivia had done was exactly what Isabella had only dared to dream of doing!
- Olivia, seeing Isabella’s genuine admiration, felt a wave of warmth. Her eyes softened as she looked at her only friend in St. Rona Academy.
- “Amazing?” Olivia echoed.
- Isabella nodded vigorously. “Yeah, super cool! I look up to you, Livi!” Then her expression turned a bit anxious. “But aren’t you afraid?”
- “Afraid of what?” Olivia asked, puzzled.
- Isabella hesitated before speaking. “Mia’s father is an honorary board member of the academy. If he puts pressure on the school, could you get expelled?”
- Isabella’s concern was palpable. She valued Olivia’s friendship deeply and didn’t want to see her suffer.
- Olivia chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Isabella’s hair. “Expulsion? She doesn’t have the power to make that happen.”
- The influence of Alexander’s family far surpassed that of Mia’s.
- “Really? I just don’t want you to get expelled. I feel so useless like I can’t help you.” Isabella’s voice trailed off, her worry evident.
- “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re more capable than many others,” Olivia reassured her.
- Isabella smiled shyly, thinking Olivia was just comforting her. She didn’t realize that Olivia’s praise was heartfelt.
- Though Isabella’s family was poor, her talent in piano, developed from a young age, was extraordinary.
- In Olivia’s past life, Isabella’s musical gifts had been recognized by a prominent musician shortly after graduation. Unfortunately, a tragic accident ruined her hands and ended her musical aspirations.
- As students settled into their seats, the remnants of the garbage that had been on Olivia’s desk were gone, but the lingering odor remained. Olivia scanned the room and then headed to the corner, choosing an empty seat.
- This seat had been vacant since Olivia arrived at St. Rona Academy, and she assumed it was unclaimed. She decided to take it for the time being.
- However, as soon as Olivia sat down, every student in the classroom turned their gaze toward her, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
- The once quiet classroom buzzed with murmurs.
- “Wait, is Olivia sitting there?”
- “Does she not realize she’s in trouble?”
- “Wow, she’s got some nerve! Doesn’t she fear the consequences?”
- “I heard that person is visiting the academy today. This is going to be interesting!”
- Hearing the hushed conversations, Olivia felt puzzled. She didn’t recall anyone ever occupying this seat, but before she could ponder further, Isabella rushed over, panic evident in her voice.
- “Livi! You have to get up. That seat is off-limits!”