CHAPTER 19

Autumn’s POV

When I saw Agatha standing near my room so early in the morning, acting like we were friends and waiting for me to come out, I just knew something was off.

She had that fake smile again. The kind she always wore when she was planning something behind my back. Why else would she be up this early, dressed neatly in her school uniform, and acting like she suddenly cared whether we went to school together or not?

I didn’t even say anything to her. I just looked straight ahead and walked past her like she didn’t exist.

I heard her footsteps behind me as I went down the stairs, but I didn’t turn back. I wasn’t going to let her start the day on her own terms. She’s probably hoping to trap me in one of her fake conversations so she can feel powerful.

No way.

The driver was already waiting for us at the front. He smiled at me and opened the car door. “Young Miss Autumn, please come in. I’ll take you both to school.”

I stopped and looked at the car, then at him.

“I’m not going with you,” I said flatly. “Don’t worry about me. You can take her instead.”

The driver looked confused. “But… sir Adonis instructed me to make sure you both arrive safely.”

Of course he did.

Just as I was about to turn away and start walking, Adonis’s voice rang out from behind me.

“Autumn. Get in the car.”

I rolled my eyes but didn’t move. He always had a way of saying my name like it was an order.

“I said, get in. Or I’ll carry you into it myself.”

I turned around slowly and met his eyes. He looked serious. Like he was ready to drag me by the arm if I said one more word.

I hated that he could still control me like this. I hated that my strength wasn’t enough to push him off if he tried anything. That’s the problem with someone like Adonis. Always using force when words aren’t working.

Fine. I’ll go—for now.

But I’m not letting this go.

I walked to the front passenger seat and got in. I made sure to slam the door shut hard, just to make a point. Agatha looked shocked, probably expecting me to sit at the back with her. But I wasn’t going to give her that pleasure.

She got in after me and sat alone in the back seat. Good.

The drive was quiet at first, which was strange. Usually, Agatha would be running her mouth about one thing or the other, especially when there were people around to hear her fake sweet voice. But today, she was silent.

Maybe she was trying to act innocent again.

I turned slightly in my seat and looked at her through the mirror. “Why are you so quiet? Aren’t you going to lecture me about how I should be grateful to sit beside you?”

Her eyes narrowed for a second before she quickly smiled. “You’re the one who always thinks I’m trying to fight you. I didn’t say anything.”

I smirked. “Oh, please. You think the world revolves around you. You can’t even hide how angry you are that I’m not sitting in the back with you.”

“You should stop talking like that,” she snapped, the sweetness dropping from her voice for a second. “I’m not planning anything against you. Just because we’re in the same car doesn’t mean I’m going to attack you.”

I looked out the window and laughed. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

She’s so fake. And I hate that everyone keeps falling for this innocent act of hers. I can tell she’s burning inside just because I got the front seat.

When we got to school, I was honestly glad to get away from the both of them. I just needed to breathe.

The day moved fast after that. A few teachers gave announcements and classes were dragging like always. I wasn’t really listening. My mind was elsewhere—mostly on Agatha.

She was acting too nice today. Always smiling at me like we’ve been friends for years. Saying hello like nothing ever happened. I didn’t even respond to her. I just walked past her, again and again.

If she thinks I’m going to play along and act stupid, then she’s going to be disappointed.

I noticed something though. Her two best friends weren’t back in school yet. I kept looking around for them during breaks, but they didn’t show up. Not that I missed them or anything. I just… wanted to see if they would dare face me again.

Those two stabbed me in the back in my past life. They lied, spread rumors, and laughed behind my back while pretending to be loyal. I did cry over their betrayal. But now? I don’t care anymore.

I haven’t even bothered checking on them since I made them receive those punishments. They don’t matter to me at all.

By lunchtime, Agatha was still trying to be my shadow. Sitting two seats behind me in class, pretending like it was a coincidence. Trying to make small talk during group work. Always smiling when I looked her way.

I didn’t say a word to her.

I kept my focus and ignored her like she was a stranger. It must’ve made her mad, but she was hiding it well.

Let her keep playing her little game. I'd like to see how long she can hold out.

At the end of the day, I was already walking toward the school gate when I noticed a few girls from our class walking up to me. I was confused at first. These girls never even talked to me before.

“Hey, Autumn,” one of them said, smiling nervously. “We’re having a little gathering… like a class bonding thing. It’s for peace and unity or whatever. The teacher said everyone should come.”

I blinked. “What?”

“It’s just for today,” another one added. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious. Just a few games, snacks, and talking things out with everyone. The teacher thinks we don’t get along well as a class.”

Since when did the class care about peace and unity?

“I’m not interested,” I said, already turning away.

But they moved to block my path a little, still smiling.

“It’s actually compulsory,” one of them said quickly. “Just thirty minutes, and you can leave.”

I was about to say no again, but something told me to wait.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw them glance back—and that’s when I noticed it.

Agatha.

She was standing near a group of other girls, whispering and smiling like she was proud of something. The same girls who just invited me were talking to her earlier in the day.

My stomach turned.

This whole thing wasn’t about peace or unity. It was another setup. Another fake gathering just to humiliate me somehow. Just like before.

But if she thinks I’ll run away from this, then she’s wrong.

I’m not scared of Agatha anymore. If anything, I want to see what she’s planning. I want to watch her try and fail to ruin me again. Because this time, I’m ready.

I turned back to the girls and nodded. “Fine. I’ll come.”

They looked surprised, but happy. Maybe they thought I’d be too scared to show up.

I walked ahead of them with my bag in my hand, my head held high. If this was Agatha’s new game, then I’d play it with her.

But I’ll be the one controlling the board. Let’s see how far she’s willing to go. Let’s see what she does when her lies are exposed and most importantly, let’s see who wins this time.

“Guess who's going to suffer for your games Agatha?” I laughed hysterically alone. Dragging them into this would be the best thing. After all, how would I enjoy this humiliation alone?