trophy–a mere prey.
!
When I stepped out of the bathroom, Xavier was leaning against the door.
“Are you afraid of me?” he asked.
“No. I just haven’t seen much of the world.“.
Without waiting for a response, I turned and quickly walked away.
Sophie and her father were busy entertaining guests, so I grabbed Claire and Zoey, begging them to join me outside for some fresh air.
Behind Reed Manor, there was a temperature–controlled greenhouse, where Sophie’s beloved
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 1
white roses bloomed year round.
Claire wanted to go in and take pictures, but the door was locked. With a sigh, she remarked, ” Sophie is just like a white rose–elegant, pure. She’s been effortlessly adored her whole life, constantly in the spotlight.”
She paused, her expression wistful.
“And then there’s me. I worked so hard to become the fop scorer in the city. But here at Jadebrook College, being the top scorer is nothing special. Our dorm has three.”
Claire continued, her voice tinged with a hint of self–deprecation, “Family background? I don’t have to worry about food or accomodation, but it means nothing in front of these elite families.”
She paused, looking out into the night. “Sometimes, I even find myself jealous of Sophie. She doesn’t show off, yet I can’t help but feel inferior.”
Zoey calmly said, “If you’re not born with some things, you’ll never have.”
I reflected on my past life, where my mindset was just like theirs–proud yet insecure, constantly overthinking and stuck in my own inner turmoil.
But now, I saw things differently.
“I’m happy being me,” I said. “If we’re comparing, I’m nowhere on both your levels. I come from a poor county. My mother died giving birth to me, and my father abandoned me. My only family was my aunt, who raised me. But I’m grateful for what I have today.
“After graduation, I’ll be a doctor, maybe even go into medical research. I feel like the world is full of possibilities.”
Hearing my words, they seemed a bit more at ease. The conversation had bonded us, and I felt a small comfort in knowing we were all in this together.
Claire quickly turned her attention to the fireworks show. She was already scanning for the best angles to film. Soon, she had us positioned at different spots to capture the whole display.
Before long, Sophie and the Lewis brothers–hand in hand–walked into the greenhouse. We instinctively ducked behind the hedges to avoid being seen.
From our hiding place, we could hear Sophie’s teasing voice.
“Xavier, you promised me that I’m the only one who can choose your girlfriend. So, which of my roommates do you fancy? I’ll help you win her over. But remember, you can’t fall for any of them. Your heart can only belong to me.‘
Xavier kissed her, laughing lightly. “They’re not even worth my attention. You’re the only one I’m interested in. I’m just doing what you asked–finding a girlfriend to be a cover.”
Jonathan was standing beside them, and he added his own comment, “Sophie, when you were six, you injured yourself saving us and can’t have children. It’s a blessing, really–you won’t
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have to deal with the hardships of childbirth. As R tool for us to have children. If they hurt you in am mother. Problem solved.”
Sophie smiled triumphantly, and the three of ther
Behind the hedges, the three of us stood frozen,
It wasn’t until the first firework burst in the sky t
Claire smiled bitterly and said, “My camera never tape.”
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Chapter 4
have to deal with the hardships of childbirth. As for the girlfriend Xavier finds, she’s just a tool for us to have children. If they hurt you in any way, just keep the child and get rid of the mother. Problem solved.”
Sophie smiled triumphantly, and the three of them disappeared into the rose garden together.
Behind the hedges, the three of us stood frozen, our discomfort palpable.
It wasn’t until the first firework burst in the sky that they reluctantly left the greenhouse.
Claire smiled bitterly and said, “My camera never stopped recording… I’ve got everything on tape.”
