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CHAPTER Eight — THE COMPETITION BEGINSThe City Youth Academic Competition drew more attention than usual this year.Not because of the competition itself—but because of me.Reporters crowded the entrance.Parents whispered.Students stared.“The girl who got the perfect score is here.”“I heard she almost got expelled.”“Do you think she cheated?”A familiar chorus.But today, I didn’t shrink away from it.I walked forward steadily, my uniform neat, my expression calm.The judges watched me with curiosity.Unknown to me, in the VIP balcony, someone else watched too.The auditorium brightened as a small crowd of executives walked in. Photographers raised their cameras, the atmosphere shifting instantly.He walked in the center.Tall.Sharp suit.Cold expression that silenced the room.Elias Trent.Youngest billionaire investor in the region.Owner of several tech companies.Sponsor of the competition.Not that I knew any of that—yet.Most students stared in awe. Some whispered.Lucind

Midterms were supposed to be ordinary.At least, that’s what everyone expected from me.But when the teachers began grading, whispers slithered through the staff room like smoke.“Look at this.”“That can’t be right. Check again.”“She’s… number one?”“But—wasn’t she barely passing before?”For ten full minutes, all they did was stare at my test paper.The math teacher even held it up to the light, as if answers would magically reveal themselves as “fake.”Finally, unable to decide, they posted the results publicly.And the school exploded.The hallway was packed so tightly it felt like the walls were breathing.Students screamed, shouted, argued. Phones recorded every second.“Who’s number one?”“Move, I can’t see—”Then the list refreshed on the digital board.The top two names appeared.1. Sheraphina Vale— 98%2. Lucinda Vale—80%The crowd went silent.Then chaos.“That’s rigged!”“She must’ve cheated!”“The principal totally favors her!”“Lucinda had always been the top one!”Thei

Chapter Six : The BetThe announcement came at the end of class.“The Regional Science Competition,” Mr. Hawthorne said, tapping the paper in his hand, “will be held in six weeks. This school may nominate up to two candidates.”Excitement went through the classEveryone sat straighter This competition mattered. Rankings. Reputation. Futures.Mr. Hawthorne’s gaze swept the class. “Those interested may submit their names by Friday.”I looked up from my sit, raised my hand and said“I’ll participate.”The room went quiet.Then laughter.Not cruel. Not loud.disbelieving.“You?” someone whispered.“She’s only been here a week.”“She thinks she’s that good?”Lucinda turned in her seat, eyes wide with concern. “Big Sister… are you sure? This competition is very demanding.”“I’m sure,” I replied.Mr. Hawthorne studied me, brows drawn. “You understand this isn’t a classroom exercise, Miss Sheraphina. It’s regional.”“Yes.”He sighed. “Confidence is admirable. But results matter.”I nodded .

The classroom went quiet the moment I stepped in.Not the respect reserved for teachers, but the silence of judgment.Sharp glances, and disgust hung in the air like something stale.I took my seat without hurry and stared out the window. I didn’t open my notebook. I didn’t bother pretending to listen.Lucinda arrived a few minutes later.And I watched as everyone in the class tried to help her with one thing or another.She laughed softly, practiced and sweet, the picture of grace.she was the school beauty for a reason.Her eyes flicked to me.Surprise.When the teacher,Mr Hawthorn entered the class, the helping students all ran to their sit. Mr. Hawthorne began his lecture. His voice methodical and dull. I drift—not out of disrespect, but disinterest. I had already learned this. Twice, if I count my past life.I felt his stare before he spoke.“Miss Sheraphina.”I turned .“Do you find my lesson unworthy of your attention?” he askso coolly.A ripple of laughter passes through the c

After the morning drama, I lost interest and decided to just go home straight. On my way home, I passed by the market and decided to buy a few things. I wanted to make something simple and sweet for my grandpa, but by the time I got home, it was already late. The house was quiet and even empty.I was halfway up the stairs when I heard my name.I stop.Grandfather’s office door is slightly ajar, light spilling into the hallway. His voice is low, clipped in a way I rarely hear—controlled, careful.“I won’t pretend this doesn’t complicate things,” he says.Another man responds, but I can’t make out the words. His voice is rougher. Older. Someone who isn’t family.“—she doesn’t know,” Grandfather continues. “And I intend to keep it that way for now.”My fingers curl around the stair railing.Keep it that way?A chair scrapes softly inside the room. Papers rustle.“She’s still a child,” Grandfather says, more firmly now. “She’s already been through enough.”The man sighs. I catch fragment

The days passed by peacefully and I didn’t hear from Selena, her daughter or my simp of a father. Life was peaceful, I went to endless shopping sprees with grandpa. He claims we are getting school supplies but I think we both know that he is just too happy because I decided to stay with him.School is resuming in a week and I won’t lie , I’m excited. In my past life, I couldn’t attend school because Lucinda was scared people would realize she is the adopted daughter so she went crying to my father and I ended up home schooled, but this time it won’t happen, I will put my all into school work and make grandpa proud . School resumed after a week and I was taken to my new class by the principal who handed me over to my homeroom teacher. The classroom goes quiet the moment I step inside.Thirty pairs of eyes turn toward me—curious, measuring, already deciding what kind of girl I am. The homeroom teacher clears his throat and gestures for me to come closer.“This is Sheraphina Vale,” he