PRESENT Aiden muttered a song as he ate his breakfast. Aria was seated next to him and she sang along as they ate. Their mother hasn't shown up yet. They were done with their breakfast and were surprised to see Alessa didn't show up.“Is our Mum at home?” Aiden asked one of the maids in the room.“Yes, sir.” the maid replied with a bow.“Hmm. I guess she is busy.” Aria said. “No, I don't think so. Come on.” Aiden said and helped Aria off the chair. They both walked out of the dining room and headed up the stairs. They got to the front of her room and walked in. They got in and noticed she was on her bed with the covers over her head. They both walked to the bed and got on it.“Mummy,” Aria called and she groaned in response. Aiden pulled the covers off her head and noticed she looked so pale and her eyes were shut. He placed his tiny hand on her forehead and flinched immediately.“Whoa, she is hot like Pluto,” Aiden said and Aria rolled her eyes at him.“No, dummy. It's Mercury
“Aliyah saw it.” Lily suddenly said and Alessa froze in shock. What does she mean by Aliyah saw it? Aliyah was with her so how is Aliyah involved in this situation? She turned to Aliyah and stared at her. Aliyah stared back at her, holding her gaze. Alessa felt relieved a little bit. Aliyah would tell the truth that they were together and Lily was lying. “Aliyah, did you see it happen?” Madam Olga asked and Aliyah looked at her. Everyone looked at Aliyah, anticipating a response. “Come on Aliyah. Tell her the truth.” Alessa urged. Aliyah gulped before speaking.“Yes,” Aliyah replied and Alessa’s heart skipped a beat.“What did you see?” Madam Olga asked. Aliyah hesitated a little before answering. “I… I saw… I saw Alessa threaten Lily in the locker room and after we left, she stole a knife during lunch and stabbed Lily. Alessa did it.” Aliyah said and Alessa’s lips parted in shock. She stared at Aliyah in disbelief as she felt her heart shatter. That was a lie! Tears welled up
“Fight or I will put a bullet in both your heads.” Alessa stared at Aliyah worriedly. None of them was ready for this. Alessa hoped a miracle would happen but it seems like they were doomed. She can't fight Aliyah, she just can't!“Ma’am.” A voice suddenly called and they all turned to the lady who had tried to bully Alessa earlier.“Yes, Lily?” Madam Olga asked. ‘Lily? A sweet name for a bully?’ Alessa thought.“I would love to take Aliyah’s place if you don't mind,” she said. Aliyah’s face widened in shock.“No, no. I will fight Alessa, I will.” Aliyah hurriedly said and turned to Alessa.“Stop.” Madam Olga ordered and she sighed.“Get in,” she ordered Lily and Aliyah looked at Alessa with an apologetic look but all Alessa did was smile. She was intimidated by Lily but she hid it. Hiding emotions has been something she has been getting good at. Lily got into the ring with a smile, she would take any opportunity to fight with Alessa. Just as they were about to begin, Madam Olga
The fight began and it started badly for Alessa. He punched her repeatedly and she fell to the floor within seconds. He laughed at her and the guys cheered.“What's so special about you? You were pregnant and in here, any lady could do it.” he mocked and all the guys laughed. Alessa stared at him without doing anything. She stood up and turned to get out of the ring.“Again.” Madam Olga suddenly said and everyone looked at her. Alessa stopped and turned to her too“What?” one of the teachers asked her.“Again,” she ordered sternly. Alessa sighed and glanced at Aliyah who stared at her worriedly.“I guess I will have to beat you twice.” he chuckled and Alessa’s heart raced. Just like before, in seconds, Alessa was on the ground again.“Again.” Madam Olga yelled again and she stood up. Again and again, he kept defeating her and Madam Olga kept ordering them to go again. Alessa was getting weak already. “Come on, Alessa. You are not even trying.” Aliyah yelled at her as she stood up
SIX YEARS AGO“I wonder what Madam Olga wants us to do today, this is different,” Aliyah said as she wrapped her hands around with a band just like Madam Olga had instructed. Other students were doing the same too as soon as they were done dressing. They were all in the locker room. They were dressed in black pants and a shirt. “Yeah, this is really different,” Alessa replied as she put on her shirt. It's been a week since she gave birth and she has tried not to think too much about them. Madam Olga assured her they were safe and all she needed to do was focus on her training. The week has gone by smoothly because they haven't done any training. They wondered why because it seemed like Madam Olga was going easy on them. An hour ago, other high-ranked students brought these clothes to them and told them to get dressed and ready.“I will help you with that,” Aliyah said as she picked up the band to wrap around her hands.“I am not pregnant anymore, Aliyah. I can do things myself.”
The table was quiet, and no one said anything. They all just kept exchanging looks. For some reason, they were all intimidated. Including Bryan’s parents. Since no one spoke, Alessa decided to speak.“Good, now let’s talk business. How far have we gone with the Aurora project?” she asked and Mr. Hart cleared his throat.“Bryan?” he called.“It's going well, we will have a meeting soon to discuss the update,” he said and Alessa nodded without looking at him. Lydia suddenly cleared her throat and smiled.“Alessa, when Bryan divorced you, where did you go? Did you leave the city? Did you get a job? Why don't you tell us about what happened?” Lydia asked and Alessa paused. She glanced at her children to see their reaction. She lied to them, she never told them she was married to Bryan. Would that make them realize everything? They are smart, of course, they would put the two together and understand everything. Surprisingly, they weren't looking at her. They were both focused on their