The early morning sun infiltrated the room through the open curtains casting it's ray over Megara face creating a golden hue that highlighted her celestial feature. She was startled awake by a loud bang on the door. Her drool ran over her face plastering her golden hair all over her face. It took her a minute to realise she had been sweating profusely an ached all over perhaps from yesterday's cold.
Millicent,Lacey and her Lucas badges into the room and Megara quickly ran it to the bathroom before the door was opened.
Lacey walked inside holding her father's hand. "Dad look Megara stayed out last night past curfew and hasn't even returned yet. She lied wearing an evil smirk as she looked at her mother satisfied by her plan. "There's no way she could come in after locking her outside. She muttered to herself.
Lucas brow furrowed as he clenches his fist. "I told Denver his daughter had to live by the rules how dare she defy me? He asked his voice stern and cold. "Millicent what happened why isn't Megara home and not even a single call?
Millicent walked up to her husband tugging at his shirt sleeves. "How would I know sweetie? She didn't call to inform me of anything you can even ask the maids they were with me yesterday. She lied feigning innocent. "Some kids never learn exactly like their bitch whore of a mother.
Lucas gave her a shunning lokk as though to warn her. "Dad don't be angry mum is right some people especially those poor stinky rats just think here is the country side where they can just move freely. Lacey said in support of her mother but Lucas felt something was odd.
As though right on cue they heard the toilet flush from the bathroom and to Lacey and Millicent's horror Megara emerged from the bathroom in her nightgown a cotton short, lace singlet and a lace robe covering her body. Her hair was still disheveled,plastered on her face and she wore a bright smile at her uncle before giving Millicent and Lacey a fierce flare. Her aura intimidating and commanding a symbol of a true war god's daughter.
Megara frown faltered as she smiled at her uncle and then to his wife. "Good morning uncle. She greets politely. "Why are you here so early in the morning? Don't you know it's unethical to barge into someone in their night dress for it brings bad omens to the beholder of such presence.
Millicent stood frightened and so was her daughter Lacey who trembled like a leaf unknown to her she dug her hand deep into her husband's skin hurting him as he pulls away. "How's that possible? You're not supposed to be in the house. She stammered carelessly but raises her hand to shut her mouth. Lucas turned and looked at her suspiciously. "No Honey it's isn't what it seems like I was just worried about my niece.
Lacey hurriedly points her hand out to Megara in an accusing manner. "We clearly locked you outside yesterday how did you get it? Did you break the window or pick the lock? She asked her voice angry and malice. Millicent hurried over and shut her mouth smacking her.
Megara smirked amusing at how gullible and disgraceful her aunt and cousin were. It seemed to her that her father wasn't lying when he said his aunt was a brainless dimwit who loved spending and was selfish.
"I know it's a mistake aunt that I was locked outside but I don't blame you either. I had to sit for a long hours of what seemed to be three hours I had no other options but to climb up the balcony. She explained tears welling in her eyes. "You fools what to play a dirty game but I'm more smarter than you'll ever be. She said to herself.
Lacey screamed at the top of her voice. "Dad don't believe this lying snake she clearly didn't sleep inside the house. She said despite her mother warning her with a pinch. "Check the bed and see if it has been used.
Megara still faking her tears shifted from view bringing everyone's attention to her messy bed. "Cousin I haven't offended you and don't want to but please don't slander me. She pleads and Lucas felt helpless.
Lucas was not pleased at his wife's behaviour and that of his child but he swallowed his anger. "I apologise on behalf of my wife and child Megara I wish you can forgive them too. He apologised his voice low.
"Apology accepted uncle. I'm not angry at anyone we're family and it's common that this kind of error occurs. She said her voice carrying an air of grace and and undetected mockery. "I'm preparing for school and it's only natural that you leave so I can prepare.
They turned to leave the room feeling dejected but Megara called out to her aunt stretching her hand. "What do you think you're doing with your hand outstretched? Millicent asked confused at her gesture.
Megara smiled casually. "Auntie I want my keys from you please can I have them for my safety? It isn't nice to let everyone have my keys. She said but Millicent eyed her cursing inwardly.
Millicent looked at her husband who's stony gaze made her give the key to Megara who shuts the door in their face. Lucas was embarrassed with his wife behaviour towards a mere seventeen years teenager he looked at them furiously both wife and daughter before stalking off to his study.
Lacey rushed over to her flustered mother. "Mum look how that girl disgraced us in front of Dad what do we do? She asked her mother who stomped her foot angrily.
"If not for your big mouth your father wouldn't have found out yet. She scolded before walking away and pausing for a moment. "You might be beautiful my daughter but when it comes to intelligence you're lacking. She said finally walking away leaving Lacey behind.
Megara, now dressed in her uniform, headed downstairs. Her aunt, uncle, and cousin were already at the breakfast table.
Lucas smiled when he saw her. He gestured to a maid to pull out a chair. "Megara, please join us for breakfast," he said softly. "It's not right for you to go to class without eating."
Lacey rolled her eyes and slammed her cutlery down. Lucas sighed. "Lacey, do you have to make such a noise?"
Ignoring her father, Lacey stood up and walked over to Megara. She glared at her, but Megara remained unfazed. "You're not welcome in this family," Lacey hissed in a whisper before storming off. Her mother hurried after her.
Megara watched them leave before turning to face her uncle. "Uncle, I'm not a breakfast person, and I'm already late for my lectures. Please enjoy your meal." She left quickly before he could say another word.
"So, Lacey is a Shinhwa High student," Megara muttered to herself as she walked outside. "No wonder they're such spoiled, arrogant brats. She didn't even ask if I wanted to be here in the first place."
She waited for Hugo's car, but it was a no-show. Deciding she couldn't wait any longer, she started walking toward the estate gate where taxis were allowed. A Ferrari pulled up alongside her. It was Uriel, the same guy she'd been trying to avoid. She knew he would bother her if he found out she lived on the estate.
He rolled the window down. "Hey, get in. You're going to be late for school," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
Megara froze, anger building up inside her. "Thanks, but I'll pass on that offer." She kept walking, but his car trailed beside her like a big, automotive companion.
"Stop following me, or I'll scream that you're a stalker and a rapist!" she threatened.
Uriel chuckled softly, getting out of the car. He walked up to Megara and stood in front of her. "Shout, then. What are you going to say when they come? That there's a rapist or a stalker?" he asked, a hint of mockery in his voice.
"Yeah, anything to get away from you, I guess," she replied with a stoic expression. "Now move. I'm going to be late."
Uriel leaned over, resting his head on her shoulder. "If you scream, no one will come. This is the most secure estate on the planet. There are hidden cameras and guards everywhere. Nothing gets past their eyes."
She nodded and pushed him away. "Now, are you going to get in the car voluntarily, or should I drag you over?"
Megara frowned and stepped on his toe. As he groaned in pain, she tried to run, but he grabbed her wrist and lifted her up, carrying her bridal style. He opened the passenger door, shoved her inside, and buckled her seatbelt. She struggled with the buckle, but it was already locked, as were the doors. She had no choice but to watch Uriel cross over to the driver's side.
He got in and was surprised by her angry, almost feral, expression. "I gave you an option, but you refused," he said with a mischievous smirk. "Stop looking at me like that; you might give me a heart attack."
Megara looked away, a crimson blush spreading from her neck to her face. "I hope you die of a heart attack," she pouted angrily, redoing her ponytail into a loose bun. "You're such an annoying brat."
"Since you put it that way, I'm not going to die of a heart attack—not before I annoy you to death," he promised, starting the engine. "You look cute when you're angry."
Megara glared at him, her eyes shooting daggers, before turning to look out the window.
Uriel glanced at her for a second, a faint smile on his lips, before returning his gaze to the road. "What are you doing in the estate this early? Do you live here?" he asked. Megara didn't reply. "You better not lie to me, Megara, or I'm going to find out myself."
I can't let him know where I live, or he'll never leave me alone, she thought before forcing a smile. "I don't live here. I work for someone and was summoned this early."
Uriel nodded as if he believed her, but he knew she was lying. He didn't press the issue. "Have you agreed to my proposal?" he asked, anticipating a reply.
Megara felt her throat go dry as she stared at her palms. "I… I've thought about it, and my answer is no." Uriel's jaw tightened, and though Megara noticed, she wasn't affected. "I'm not going to be a pawn in your game or your cousin's. Don't forget we're enemies, and just because you helped me once doesn't mean I should help you impersonate someone."
"I respect your decision, Megara, but don't hesitate to call me when you've decided to do it," he said. Megara clutched her seatbelt. "I'll forget we were once enemies and grant you freedom. But don't get in my way next time, or I won't be lenient."
"Don't bully me or my friends, and I won't get in your way," she replied.
He chuckled. "You really should stop bullying people. There's no power in doing despicable things to innocent students."
"Do you really think those students are innocent?" he asked. Megara remained silent. "You see? You don't believe they are, so why defend them? The world fears power, and only the strongest take it by force. This is something a student like you wouldn't understand."
"You and the entire Z3 started the bullying. You permitted them," she said, her voice laced with accusation. "They just follow in your footsteps and bully others."
Uriel laughed, gently patting her head. She angrily pushed his hand away. "You're such a naive little girl," he complimented her. "The school is run by hierarchy: the trillionaires at the top, followed by the billionaires, the millionaires, and then the intelligent and influencers. It's how the school has always operated, and I just reformed it in a more modest way."
"So you mean the principal is aware of the whole situation?" Megara asked in shock.
"Yes, he is," Uriel confessed, still focused on the road. "The school is run by my father and a group of politicians. They don't care how it's operating; all they care about is providing a comfortable environment for the rich. The rest are off the window. The scholarship given to you was just a trap for students like you to be another victim for the bullies. Even if I hadn't intervened, you still would have been bullied."
"Also, that's why this proposal is your only way out of harm's way," he continued. "Just a reminder: if you ever meet Mr. Jefferson, don't reveal too much to him, and also message me before you go over."
Megara was stunned by his revelations. She silently cursed the rich and their hierarchy, wishing she had never accepted the scholarship in the first place.