Chapter 1

Judy's POV

The bell for morning study rang right on cue. Our homeroom teacher, John Sanders, walked up to the front of the classroom.

"The final citywide mock SAT is next week. Your scores will determine how many recommendation slots you get. Everyone, you need to focus on your studies," he advised.

As soon as he finished speaking, my ex-boyfriend, Jace Shelton, suddenly raised his hand and stood up. "Mr. Sanders, I request to sit next to Roxy."

The entire class was in an uproar.

Jace and I had been desk mates for two years. Mr. Sanders had paired us up in the first place, hoping we would do better together.

Mr. Sanders frowned and said sternly, "Nonsense! The SAT is coming up soon. Why change seats now? Your current grades are enough to get you into Payton University. Don't let your foolishness ruin your future!"

Yet, Jace explained, "Roxy's fundamentals are too weak. Her current deskmate can't do anything to help her. Only I can tutor her properly and make sure she improves her SAT score in this final stretch.

"Judy's study methods are too rigid. All she does is grind through practice questions. She lacks flexibility. Sitting next to her would simply be a waste of my time."

My hand holding the pen paused for a moment. For the past two years, more than half of his so-called flexible approaches were things I stayed up late working out for him. But somehow, they had become the reason he was belittling me.

Mr. Sanders was still hesitating, but Jace pulled out his trump card. He said, "Sir, if you won't agree, I'll have to consider giving up my spot in the recommendation selection."

The threat from the top student in the grade carried considerable weight.

Mr. Sanders sighed and reluctantly nodded.

I didn't say a word. I simply moved the books on my desk to make room.

During break time, most of the students had already left the classroom. I was going over my mistakes when a shadow fell across my desk.

My so-called best friend, Roxy Sutton, stood in front of my desk, holding a thick notebook. That was Jace's precious book of notes, the one he never went anywhere without.

"Judy, don't blame Jace," she said sweetly, but her voice had a hint of smugness. "He stayed up until 3:00 am last night helping me organize the key points. He said you're too independent. You can solve everything yourself. But I'm so clumsy and can't manage without him."

I looked up, my gaze landing on the page she had opened. I pointed to one of the formulas and chuckled, "Your fundamentals are so weak. Can you even understand these formulas?"

Roxy froze at my words, her eyes darting away. She stuttered, "O-Of course I do."

I pressed, "Then tell me, what is this formula for?"

She was left speechless. Her face turned bright red as she struggled to answer me.

"Enough!" Jace strode over and pulled Roxy behind me, glaring at me.

He chided, "Judy, if you've got a problem, take it up with me. Picking on Roxy doesn't make you tough."

I leaned back in my chair, looking at them coldly. "We were just discussing academics. You can't call that bullying. Since our dear top student is so eager to play savior, you could at least make sure she understands the basics."

He turned livid and gritted his teeth. "You're just jealous. Do you think you can win me back by resorting to these petty tricks to give her a hard time?"

He suddenly stopped, glancing around the room before lowering his voice.

"The SAT isn't something you can fake your way through. With my help and the bonus from that new rule, Roxy will definitely get into college. Someone as selfish as you could never understand what it means to help each other become better."

I almost burst out laughing. Help each other become better, he said?

"Fine." I spread my hands, smiling brightly. "I'll be watching. Let's see if you two can still help each other become better when you're sitting for the SAT."