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Gabriella's House
The dim glow of Gabriella's laptop screen lit up her sharp eyes as she scrolled, her fingers tapping rapidly across the keys. She didn't even glance up when the door creaked open.
Dona entered casually, her heels clicking on the polished floor. She plopped herself onto the chair beside Gabriella, crossing her legs.
"Hey," Dona teased, "didn't you miss me? Forget it. Why did you call me? You said you needed me, so here I am."
Still typing, Gabriella replied coolly, "What pill did you give me?"
Dona tilted her head, intrigued. "Why? Did it work… on him?"
At that, Gabriella finally turned, raising one eyebrow. Her voice was laced with sarcasm. "What do you think?"
Dona shocked," It didn't. Impossible. That pill was supposed to force him to speak—words from his unconscious mind."
Gabriella said," But before he said anything, he disappeared."
Dona shrugged lightly. "Then how can you blame the pill?"
Gabriella's tone hardened. "You told me whoever swallowed it could barely walk. Then tell me—how could he walk out? How could he vanish like that?"
For a moment, Dona was silent. Two long minutes passed, only the clicking of Gabriella's keyboard filling the space.
Then Dona asked, softly, "What are you searching for?"
Gabriella ignored her.
Curious, Dona leaned closer, peeking at the laptop screen. Her eyes widened in surprise. "You're interested in him?"
Gabriella smirked faintly. "Not at all. I just want to know his background."
"Then let me tell you." Dona leaned back, her voice lowering. "I know him well. And his family too."
Gabriella's eyes flickered. "Tell me."
"His family is one of the richest," Dona began.
Gabriella cut her off. "I don't care about his family. I want to know about him."
Dona chuckled. "Very well. He's the number one hacker… a tech genius. But on the outside, he acts like nothing matters. Carefree, simple, sometimes even like a playboy. But don't be fooled—he's a mastermind."
Gabriella leaned back in thought, absorbing every word.
"And one more thing," Dona added, her lips curving slyly. "If he ever commits a crime, no one will ever know it was him. That's the kind of player he is."
Gabriella narrowed her gaze. "Are you saying he's done something? Any crime?"
Dona shook her head. "No proof. I just mean he's untouchable."
Silence stretched again, heavy and sharp.
Then Dona smirked. "Is he your next target?"
Gabriella's lips curled in a venomous smile. "No. Not yet. I have one more person to handle before that. Later… I'll decide if it's him."
Dona tilted her head playfully. "Am I your friend now? After all, I've been helping you."
Gabriella's eyes turned cold. "I don't believe in friends so easily. You help me, but you never once asked about my motive. Who helps without expecting something? Do you have an ulterior motive?"
"Me?" Dona laughed, standing up. "Not at all. I just want to be your friend, that's it. Oh, girl… I'm leaving. If you ever need help, you know where to find me."
She left, the door clicking shut behind her. Gabriella stared after her, suspicion still lingering in her eyes.
---
Principal's Office – Brighton Wisdom School
Principal John sat in his chair, sipping tea, eyes fixed on the news playing across the television.
"Breaking News: Gabriella Group Head, Mr. Fredrick, reunites with his long-lost wife and daughter. Heir to Gabriella Group confirmed."
John smirked faintly. "So… Fredrick got his family back overnight. The rumors were true. But no matter. He's still our biggest sponsor. Nothing else matters."
Suddenly, his phone rang.
He answered quickly. "Hello? Yes, sir. It's not a big issue—no, no, I didn't mean it like that. Sorry… forgive me. Yes, of course, you may come anytime, sir."
When the line cut, John's hand shook as he set the phone down. His smirk was gone.
He shot up from his chair, shouting, "Assistant!"
His assistant rushed in, startled. "Yes, sir?"
John's voice trembled, though he tried to steady it. "A guest is coming. Arrange everything. Immediately."
---
Backside of Brighton Wisdom
The quiet back garden was dim, away from the noise of the school. Harry stood there, waiting, his eyes scanning the empty path.
Finally, a figure appeared. A girl stepped out of the shadows.
"I thought you wouldn't come,"That girl muttered.
Harry turned.His expression hardened when he saw Erica.
He began to walk away, but Erica rushed forward, grabbing his hand. "Harry, wait! I know you're angry… but after I fell for you, I completely forgot about Han. Trust me."
Harry looked at her coldly. "And you're telling me this now? What else are you hiding from me?"
"Harry!" Erica shouted, desperation in her voice.
But Harry's tone was sharper. "It doesn't matter. Why did you call me here?"
Erica took a shaky breath. "I think that girl, Gabriella… she feels familiar. But I can't remember exactly why. Still, I can tell she's targeting me. And maybe… you're next."
Harry frowned. "Why me?"
Who knows? How many students have you bullied? You don't even remember all their faces..
But, why me.
Erica smirked bitterly. " But you… you were with me too. You bullied them with me. That makes you part of it."
Her words hung heavy in the air.
She stepped back, anger flashing in her eyes. "Look—she insulted me, and Anitta too. Maybe you're next."
With that, Erica turned and walked away, her steps echoing against the walls.
Harry stood there, stunned, confusion swirling in his eyes.
---
The entrance hall of Brighton Wisdom
School buzzed with the usual chatter of students, but Gabriella walked in silence beside Ronnie. His hands were shoved awkwardly in his pockets, his steps slower than hers, as though weighing down with guilt.
"Gabriella," he muttered, scratching the back of his head, "about yesterday… I'm sorry. I had no choice but to tell her you were my girlfriend. She kept pestering me, and I didn't know how else to shut her up."
Gabriella tilted her head and smiled faintly. "Never mind, Ronnie. I didn't take it seriously. I know your situation."
Relief washed over his face. "Thanks… for going along with me."
But then, Ronnie stopped. Gabriella turned, curious, when he spoke again—this time with determination burning in his eyes.
"I lied to Anitta yesterday," he admitted. "But… I want to make that lie the truth. Gabriella—will you be my girlfriend?"
Gabriella arched an eyebrow, smirking. "How can you change girlfriends so quickly? Don't you think that makes you unreliable?"
His voice softened, stripped of his usual playful charm. "Of course you doubt me. I dated many girls before. But when I saw you… I only wanted you."
Liar, she thought coldly, though her lips curved into a smile. "I'm not interested in love." She turned and walked away.
"Then I'll chase you!" Ronnie called, jogging after her.
---
Basketball Court
The sharp sound of sneakers squeaking against polished wood filled the basketball court. Harry and his group played intensely, sweat glistening under the afternoon sun. Gabriella stood by the sidelines, clutching a water bottle, her eyes locked on Harry.
When the game ended, Harry approached her, wiping sweat from his forehead. "You came to watch me play?" he asked, almost shyly.
"Yes," Gabriella answered simply.
Harry's ears flushed red. "Is that water for me?"
"If you want it, you can take it."
He grabbed the bottle eagerly, tilting it back to drink. As he gulped, Gabriella's voice cut through the air.
"Where's your girlfriend? Erica?"
His smile faltered. "We… broke up."
"I didn't mean to bring up the past," Gabriella replied smoothly, eyes narrowing. "But… was it because of that?"
Harry frowned. "No."
She stepped closer, her voice deliberate, almost venomous. "Boys always expect honesty from their girlfriends. But rarely give it themselves."
Harry's jaw tightened. "Are you saying I'm not honest?"
Gabriella shrugged. "I don't know. But psychology never lies. You still like Erica, don't you? That's why you're distracting yourself with basketball."
"You're wrong," Harry snapped.
She smirked. "Then prove it. Prove you've forgotten her." Her eyes gleamed as her words twisted like a blade. "Kiss me."
Harry froze, shock flickering across his face. Gabriella's smirk deepened. "You can't, can you?" She turned to leave.
But Harry's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist. He pulled her back sharply, so close their lips hovered just inches apart. Her breath hitched—
"Hey!" a voice boomed across the court.
Gabriella turned her head instinctively, but before she could react, a basketball came flying from nowhere and slammed into Harry's face. He stumbled back and collapsed to the ground.
Gabriella's eyes widened. Ronnie, Jake, and their group strode forward, expressions dark.
"What happened?" Ronnie rushed to her side. "Was he forcing you?"
Gabriella's lips trembled. She lowered her gaze, feigning panic, and nodded. "Y-Yes."
Ronnie's fury exploded—he slapped Harry across the face. "How dare you!" He was ready to fight, but Jake grabbed his arm.
Harry staggered up, clutching his jaw. "What are you talking about?! I didn't misbehave with her!" His desperate gaze locked on Gabriella. "Tell them! Tell them I didn't!"
But Gabriella's eyes glistened with false tears. "Why are you playing innocent?"
Harry's face twisted in disbelief. Rage took over. He shoved Gabriella away. She fell hard to the ground with a cry.
"Gabriella!" Ronnie ran to her,
Jake about to punch Harry's face...but he stopped When he heard Gabriella crying voice.
He rushed to Gabriella
"Her hand isn't bleeding, so why is she crying so much?" Ronnie asked, panicked.
Jake's sharp eyes scanned her elbow. "Her bone's fractured. Look at the redness."
Together, they rushed her to the hospital—while Harry stood frozen, staring at his own hands. Did I really push her that hard?
---
In the hospital room
Gabriella lay on the bed, her arm freshly plastered.
Doctor came outside from room.The doctor left after warning Jake and Ronnie to take care of her.
Jake absently rubbed his fingers, noticing a strange red tint that wouldn't wipe away. His eyes widened. "What the—"
"What?" Ronnie asked.
Jake shoved his hand into his pocket. "Nothing."
Inside the room
Gabriella smirked as she dialed her phone.
"Did you meet the doctor I arranged?" came Dona's voice.
"Yes," Gabriella purred. "I didn't expect you to have such influence."
"Of course," Dona replied. "Did the doctor lie perfectly? Wait,you actually didn't hurt yourself right. "
"Perfectly," Gabriella said. "Do you think I'd hurt myself just to trap someone? Never. I only smeared lipstick on my elbow before I fell. And all those idiots believed my bone was fractured." She laughed softly.
"Be careful," Dona warned.
"I will. Bye." Gabriella ended the call, her smile cold.
---
Later, in the principal's office
tension thickened the air. Gabriella's father, Fredrick, sat at the desk opposite Erica, Harry, and their mothers.
"Your daughter has gone too far," Principal John said firmly. "I have no choice but to suspend her."
Fredrick stood, his presence towering. "Suspend? For calling my daughter an illegitimate child? She should be dismissed permanently."
Erica's mother bristled. "And what about your daughter? Gabriella slapped Erica!"
"She deserved it," Fredrick said coolly. "You didn't discipline her enough, so Gabriella did it for you—with one slap."
The heated argument cut short as the door burst open. Gabriella entered, her arm in plaster.
Fredrick's eyes flared. "You said it was a small injury—yet this?!"
"Don't worry, Father. I'm alright." Gabriella's voice was soft, fragile, but her eyes darted toward Harry.
Fredrick turned to the principal. "Is this what your school teaches? Look at my daughter's hand. That boy did this!"
Harry's mother looked horrified. "Harry?"
Harry stammered. "I-I didn't mean—"
"Enough!" Principal John slammed his hand on the desk. "Both Erica and Harry are dismissed from this school."
Gasps filled the room. Erica's mother begged, "Please, don't ruin their future!"
Harry's mother turned desperately to Fredrick. "Sir, please. Apologies on their behalf."
Fredrick's expression was cold as ice. "Then kneel."
The mothers faltered. Their children's eyes widened in horror as their mothers began to lower themselves before Fredrick.
"No, Mom! Don't!" Erica cried.
"Stop!" Harry shouted.
But Fredrick's demand was absolute. "Apologize to my daughter."
With trembling voices, both mothers forced their children forward. Erica and Harry muttered apologies to Gabriella, their faces burning with humiliation as dozens of students outside the open door watched.
Gabriella's lips curled in triumph. Harry and Erica's shame burned hotter when they caught sight of her venomous smile.
As the room cleared, Fredrick lingered by his daughter's side. "Does it hurt, my dear?"
Gabriella opened her mouth to answer, but he smirked. "How was your father's performance today?"
Her eyes widened. He knows.
"Be careful," Fredrick whispered. "Don't let anyone discover your little trick." And with that, he left.
Gabriella's pulse quickened. How does he know?
When the room emptied, only Harry, Erica, and Gabriella remained. Gabriella approached them slowly, her eyes glinting crimson under the light.
She leaned close and whispered, her voice sharp as a dagger.
"How did it feel… when your mothers knelt before everyone?"
Harry's chest heaved with fury. "You… you—"
Gabriella's lips twisted into a smile. "Yes. Me. Me—Andria."
Erica and Harry froze, their eyes widening in disbelief, as if the ground beneath them had been ripped away.
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