"So this is your class. ", kaiser said placing his arm on the door. I just couldn't help, but notice a pretty green ring glowing in his right hand index finger.
"I thought we were in the same class?. ", I asked confused.
Walking on the road, we have been talking. I told kaiser everything about me, which was school related, and he clarified that we were in the same class.
"I am sorry about the fact that I am not going to attend today's class. ", he replied with an saddened look. "I have a meeting to attend. ".
"Ok, that ring on your finger looks cute. ", I said with an playful smile.
"Thanks, that something every single member of my family has. It's really important to me. ", Kaiser said with an serious expression.
"See you later. ", I said as I slowly walked into my class room.
I stepped into the grand lecture hall, the thick click of the polished door echoing as she entered. My breath caught in my throat. Marble floors, golden accents, and students dressed like fashion magazine covers — Witmore College was every bit as rich as the rumors claimed. And me? I was the sore thumb, the girl who didn't belong.
I was late. On her first day.
Perfect.
As I walked into the classroom, the professor slammed a book shut. The sound made me flinch at of surprise.
"You're late," he snapped, not even asking her name first. "I hope you understand this isn't one of those community centers. Witmore values time and discipline."
I bowed her head with respect. "I'm sorry, sir."
The professor waved his hand dismissively. "Since you've already interrupted, introduce yourself. Quickly."
I turned to face the class. My voice was quiet but steady, I was nervous.
"My name is Alice Bennett. I'm 17. I recently received a scholarship to attend Witmore. I… I'm an orphan. I've spent most of my life in foster homes, and I'm honored to be here."
Silence.
Not applause. Not a single welcoming smile.
Some students didn't even look up. Others snickered into their hands, murmuring insults just loud enough for me to hear.
"She doesn't even have a last name that matters."
"Probably begged her way in."
"Scholarship trash."
I clenched my jaw. I wasn't surprised — not really. I just thought… maybe it would be different here. Maybe someone would care. Maybe someone would be kind, just ike Kaiser. But this was reality, things doesn't always goes the way we want it to.
My thoughts drifted to him—his calm and warm smile, the quiet confidence in his voice. He was one of the first people I had met here, and he seemed… different. Gentle. Polite. Nothing like Damien, whose eyes carried secrets I didn't want to understand yet.
But even now, thinking of them both sent chills through my body, though for entirely different reasons.
I walked slowly to the only empty seat in the back, pretending not to hear the soft laughter around me.
I was alone.
But I'd been alone before.
This time, I will have to learn to survive this world of the wealthy.
Even if I had to bleed for it.
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