chapter 3. A New DAY

Chapter 3

Matilda’s POV

I woke up the next morning with puffy eyes and a terrible headache from crying too much the night before.

I slowly sat up in bed and rubbed my eyes. My body felt heavy, and for a moment, I just stared at the wall, remembering everything that had happened.

I picked up my phone to check what class I had that morning.

When I saw the time, my eyes widened.

My class was starting in the next one hour 30 minute

“Oh no.”

I quickly dropped my phone on the bed and rushed straight to the bathroom.

When I reached the mirror, I stopped and looked at myself.

My eyes were swollen, and I looked nothing like the happy girl I had been the day before.

I took a deep breath.

“I won't cry anymore over that cheat,” I told my reflection. “He doesn't deserve my tears. I won't let him see that I'm weak. I won't let him see that this breakup has affected me.”

I stared at myself for a few seconds before forcing a smile.

“There. I'm fine.”

I turned away from the mirror and went to take my bath.

Thirty minutes later, I came out of the bathroom, dressed and ready for school. I styled my hair and wore a pair of black skinny jeans, a pink crop top, and a jacket

I looked at myself in the mirror one last time.

I had always been confident about my body. My curves often attracted attention whenever I walked past people, especially guys who couldn't resist turning around for another look.

But today, I wasn't interested in anyone's attention.

I grabbed my bag and hurried downstairs.

I didn't want to miss breakfast with Mum.

Having breakfast with her had become something I never wanted to miss. Ever since Dad died, she was the only family I had left, and our mornings together meant more to me than she probably realized.

When I entered the kitchen, I smiled.

“Good morning, Mum.”

She looked up at me and smiled warmly.

“Good morning, my darling. How was your night? I hope you had enough rest.”

“My night was good, Mum. I rested well.”

She studied my face for a moment.

“I'm glad you're feeling better.”

I smiled and pulled out a chair.

“Of course, Mum. I'm fine.”

I sat down and reached for my plate. Mum had made my favorite breakfast: pancakes, eggs, and tea. I quickly ate and left for school.

When I got to school, I noticed several people staring at me as I walked through the school compound.

I didn't give it much thought. Maybe they were simply looking at what I was wearing.

I adjusted my bag and continued walking toward my class.

I still had about ten minutes before the lecture started, so I wasn't in a hurry.

I was almost at my classroom when someone suddenly bumped into my shoulder.

I stopped and turned around.

It was Lucy.

She stood there with a smug smile on her face.

She didn't even bother to apologize.

I looked at her for a few seconds before turning away.

I wasn't in the mood for her drama.

I walked past her, but she quickly stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

I looked at her.

“To class.”

She laughed.

“Without even saying hello?”

“I don't remember us being friends.”

Her smile disappeared for a moment.

“You've really become proud, haven't you?”

I sighed.

“Lucy, please move. I don't have time for this.”

She folded her arms.

“Or what? You're going to run to Luke and complain about me again?”

The mention of his name made my heart ache, but I refused to let her see it.

Instead, I smiled.

“Luke?”

“Yes, Luke.”

I looked at her calmly.

“Oh, you mean the guy you were sleeping with yesterday?”

Her eyes widened.

A few students nearby turned to look at us.

Lucy lowered her voice.

“Watch your mouth.”

“Why?” I asked. “Does the truth hurt?”

“You think you won because Luke chose you?”

I laughed softly.

“Trust me, Lucy. I don't want him anymore.”

She stared at me.

“You're lying.”

“No, I'm not.”

I stepped closer to her.

“You can have him. Honestly, I'm doing you a favor.”

Her face reddened.

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me.”

I smiled.

“Congratulations, Lucy. You finally got the man you were fighting me over.”

She looked furious.

“You're such a—”

“Just be careful what you wish for,” I interrupted. “You spent so much time trying to take him from me. Now that he's yours, I hope you enjoy him.”

Lucy opened her mouth but couldn't find the words.

I walked around her and continued toward my classroom.

Behind me, I heard her angrily mutter something, but I didn't turn back.

For the first time since yesterday, I felt a tiny sense of satisfaction.

I wasn't going to fight Lucy.

I wasn't going to cry over Luke.

And I definitely wasn't going to let either of them ruin my day.

As I walked away, I started hearing whispers behind me.

“Isn't that the girl who snatched Matilda's boyfriend?”

“I can't believe she actually did that.”

“So Luke really cheated on Matilda with Lucy?”

The gossip spread quickly.

I glanced back and saw Lucy standing there, clearly furious.

She looked around at everyone who was whispering about her, her face turning red with embarrassment.

I didn't bother looking again.

I simply continued to my classroom.

When I entered, I immediately felt relieved when I saw Anna sitting in our usual spot.

At least I wouldn't have to sit alone today.

I walked over and dropped my bag beside her.

“Hey, Matty. You look good.”

I smiled.

“Thank you, Ann.”

I sat beside her and held her hand.

“Thank you for yesterday.”

Anna squeezed my hand.

“It's nothing, babe. I'm just glad you're okay.”

I smiled at her.

“I'm trying to be.”

She pulled me into a hug.

“I know. And you're going to be fine.”

I hugged her back tightly.

For the first time since yesterday, I felt like I could breathe a little easier.

Anna always knew how to make me feel better.

We pulled apart and started talking about random things—school, our classmates, and some funny things that had happened earlier that morning.

For a few minutes, I completely forgot about Luke and Lucy.

Then the lecturer walked into the classroom.

Everyone quickly returned to their seats.

I opened my notebook and prepared for the lecture.

Maybe today wouldn't be as bad as I thought.