Chapter 40: Chapter 39

Amelia's POV

Rose, Maya, and I were walking through the crowded hallway. Rose suddenly mentioned, “I need to go to the washroom. Anyone coming with me?”

Maya immediately offered, “I’ll go with you.”

I replied, “Okay, you two go ahead. I’ll find us some good seats in the classroom.”

Rose and Maya headed off, and I made my way to the classroom, weaving through students and keeping an eye out for a suitable spot. I found a few seats in the middle of the room that seemed just right and settled in, organizing my things and waiting for my friends to return.

Moments later, the classroom door swung open, and Madison stormed in with her usual group of followers. Her eyes locked onto me, and I could tell she was fuming.

Without a word, Madison marched over to my desk, slamming her hands down with a loud thud. The sudden noise drew the attention of several students.

“What’s your problem?” I asked, trying to keep my composure.

Madison’s eyes flicked to my notebooks, and before I could react, she snatched them and started tearing pages out with a fierce determination. “You think you’re so special, don’t you?”

I stood up, trying to stop her, but Madison was relentless. Just as she was about to rip another page, Akira stepped in.

“Madison, that’s enough,” Akira said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Madison looked up, surprised by his intervention. Akira’s presence was commanding, and he gave Madison a stern look. “If you have an issue, handle it differently.”

Madison scowled but let go of the notebooks, stepping back as her group followed her out of the classroom.

Akira turned to me, his expression softening. “Are you alright?”

I nodded, still a bit shaken. “Yeah, thanks for helping.”

How does she have the audacity to look down upon me even after what happened at the cafeteria. I gave Madison who was sitting at last a glare. You know what Madison let me teach you a lesson. You just exceeded my tolerance level. Now wait for what I give.

I stood up from my seat, blocking out the surrounding noise as I dialed Aiden's number. I pressed the phone to my ear, striding out of the room with determination. The ringing seemed to last forever, but finally, he answered.

“Where are you?” I asked, my tone firm and direct.

He started to reply, “I’m with a friend, heading to the—”

“Meet me behind the football field,” I interrupted sharply. I didn’t wait for a response. I ended the call immediately, my mind already set on what needed to happen next.

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In the ground I caught sight of Aiden, leaning casually against the wall with his hands in his pockets, his gaze locked onto me. There’s a confidence in his eyes that pushes me to make a decision.

I straighten up and meet his gaze. “Alright, Aiden. I’m ready to fake date you.”

His eyebrow arches in surprise. “Wait, am I hearing things?”

I shake my head, exasperated by his antics. “No, you’re not.”

A grin spreads across his face. “So, I finally got Amelia to fall for me?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I retort, rolling my eyes. “I’m only doing this because Madison needs a reality check, and I figured you could help me teach her some manners.”

He chuckles, clearly entertained. “You want to use me?”

I nod. “You’re always going on about how much you like me, so I assume you won’t mind.”

His smirk widens. “Not at all, love. I’ll be your willing accomplice. Use me however you want—as long as it means you’re by my side.”

His words stir something inside me, but I push those feelings down. My focus has to stay on the plan. Madison has to learn that she can’t push me around.

"So what's your plan sweetheart?" Aiden asked casually.

I kept my gaze on Aiden, my voice steady. “She’s always trying to make me look bad in front of others, acting like I’m desperate for attention. But I want to show her that it's the opposite of what ahe tries so hard to prove . So, act like you’re head over heels for me. I’m sure you can handle that.”

Aiden’s smirk remained, but his answer took me by surprise. “I can’t pretend to be head over heels.”

My smile faltered. Confusion hit me, catching me off guard. "What?" This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. He was supposed to agree, no questions asked. My mind scrambled for something to say, but before I could respond, Aiden closed the distance between us, cutting off my thoughts.

“I won’t pretend to be lovesick,” he repeated, his tone softening but still playful. “Because I don’t need to pretend. I already am. For you.”

His words left me speechless, warmth spreading through my chest. For a moment, I just stared at him, my mind blank. This wasn’t what I expected. And the worst part? A part of me wanted to believe him but how am I so special to make this man standing infront of me fall in love.

I couldn’t afford to afford lies ir heartbreaks. Not now. I forced myself to focus on the goal—teaching Madison a lesson—and pushed aside the emotions stirring inside me. “Well, good,” I finally said, trying to keep my cool. “Then this should be easy for you.”

Aiden’s grin grew wider, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Very easy. I told you, Amelia, I’m here for whatever you need. Just say the word.”

I nodded, trying to mask the inner conflict. This was just a plan, nothing more. But as I turned to leave, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Aiden’s words might complicate things more than I had planned.

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I was heading toward my classroom when I noticed Madison coming my way. Ignoring her wasn’t an option. I needed to show her that all her efforts to humiliate others just highlighted her own desperation. My plan was simple: Aiden and I would pretend to be happy together, and that would be enough to expose her. I didn’t want to stoop to her level or escalate things further.

As we got closer, I tried to walk past her without incident. But despite the distance between us, she deliberately veered closer and slammed her shoulder into mine. Pain shot through me, and I instinctively rubbed my shoulder with my other hand, glaring at her.

"Seriously, what’s your problem?"

Madison’s expression was cold as she responded, “My problem? Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see a slut here. My eyes just have a little issue—they can’t spot desperate girls trying too hard to get a guy’s attention.”

Her words cut deep. Fury surged through me as I grabbed her by the collar, pulling her closer. “You know what, Madison? Time will tell who I really am. Why don’t you stop throwing yourself at Aiden and find someone else to obsess over?”

Her smirk vanished, replaced by a stunned expression. Seeing her reaction was incredibly satisfying. I couldn’t help but smile brightly, feeling a rush of triumph.

“Enjoy your day, Madison,” I said sweetly, savoring the moment. “Make the most of it while you can.”

With that, I walked away, the smile still plastered on my face.

Good girls should be good enough to not let anyone bully them.

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I walked into the classroom, feeling the weight of every pair of eyes on me as whispers filled the air. It was clear that the incident with Madison and the drama with Aiden had everyone buzzing.

I made my way to my usual seat where Rose and Maya were already waiting. As I sat down beside them, I caught their amused expressions.

“So, looks like today’s all about you,” Rose said with a grin.

“Yeah, thanks to your brother,” I replied, glancing at the girls across the room who were still exchanging whispers and curious looks. “I’ve become the center of attention.”

Maya laughed softly. “Aiden’s little stunt really caused a stir, didn’t it?”

I shrugged, trying to keep my composure despite the flurry of gossip around me. “Guess it’s not every day you get a front-row seat to a soap opera. Might as well make the most of it.”

The whispers continued, but I couldn’t help feeling a mix of satisfaction and frustration. This was exactly what I intended—to make Madison regret her actions. I leaned back in my chair, preparing myself for whatever came next. I would hate the situation Aiden created but if this is the price I have to pay to show Madison she can't go away after humiliating and character assassinating others I'm ready. Maybe deep down, somewhere in my heart there's something else as well but let's just shut that corner for now.