I stared at my reflection in the mirror after dressing up for my new school. Honestly, I didn't understand why Dad had to enroll me in another school after I had just recovered from my long-term sickness—one that made me miss an entire term at my previous school.
I went downstairs and saw some of the servants loading my luggage into the car. That was when it finally dawned on me.
A boarding school.
Again.
Dad was already seated in the car. His personal driver held the door open for me as I got in. I greeted Dad briefly, then pulled out my phone, shifting my attention to the latest gists on social media.
After a long drive, the car finally pulled into a school garage. Dad turned to me with a smile.
"What?" I asked, frowning slightly.
"Come on, cupcake. You should be happy."
I rolled my eyes. "Seriously, Dad… I really don't understand why you had to change my school."
"Cupcake, you need a fresh start," he said gently. "Especially after everything you went through. Going back to Treasure High might trigger memories I don't want you reliving."
"What memories?" I asked, confused.
Dad smiled faintly. "Just forget about it, honey. They aren't important."
I stared at him for a while before sighing.
"Hey, cheer up," he added. "Besides, you'll be attending the same school as Aiden."
I groaned. "That's exactly the problem! I don't want to be in the same school as Aiden. Aiden and I are total opposites!"
Dad stared at me blankly.
"I was way happier with Niko at Treasure High. Now you want me stuck in the same school as that annoying Aiden boy."
"Kaliyah!" Dad snapped. "I won't tolerate favoritism between your two cousins. I don't understand why you can't love them both."
I paused and stared at him.
"Dad, I do love them both… I just prefer Niko."
"Because Niko is as mischievous as you, and Aiden isn't?" Dad asked. "Or because Aiden cautions you while Niko lets you do whatever you want?"
I looked down at my fingers and bit my lower lip.
A soft grin appeared on Dad's face. "At least you'll be attending the school your father founded. Trust me—everyone is going to love you."
"Yeah, yeah," I muttered. "Because I'm the daughter of the proprietor."
Dad and I entered the principal's office. The principal happened to be his closest friend, so they spent most of the time reminiscing about the good old days—completely ignoring my existence.
I cleared my throat loudly, reminding them that I was still there.
"Oh! Little Kaliyah," the principal exclaimed, shaking my hand. "You've grown so much. It's an honor to have you in my school."
I stared at him, confused.
I knew I wasn't normal like other kids—my two brothers and I were witches and wizards, a secret inherited from our mothers. But that was supposed to be a family secret. So what honor was he talking about?
"What honor?" I asked, turning to my dad, who quickly laughed it off.
"Pardon me, little Kaliyah," the principal said. "The hostel staff will be here shortly to take you to your room. I hope you'll like your new roommates."
"How popular is my hostel?" I asked coldly. "And the girls in it?"
The principal smiled knowingly. "I know exactly what you like. I paired you with the three most popular girls in Elites High."
The hostel staff arrived, and I stood up to follow her when the principal spoke again.
"I hope you enjoy your stay at Elites High, little Kaliyah."
I turned back, rolling my eyes.
"I'd prefer you just call me Kaliyah."
Then I walked out.
"Very rude girl," the principal muttered. "She never changes."
"Come on, George," my dad said calmly. "Kaliyah is emotionally vulnerable."
Dad cleared his throat, his expression serious.
"George, you know our family's secret. I brought Kaliyah here so she can be under your watch. You know how short-tempered she can be. Please protect her at all costs."
George sighed. "You have my word, Norman."
"Thank you," Dad said before leaving.
After a long walk, the hostel staff finally stopped in front of a room. I looked up at the tag on the door.
THE MEAN GIRLS
I scoffed.
The staff knocked several times before a beautiful girl with piercing green eyes and neatly combed long blonde hair opened the door.
"Sorry—but not sorry," she said flatly. "Didn't hear you knocking."
"Now that's my type of girl," I muttered.
The staff sighed. "Chloe, this is Kaliyah—your new roommate. Please treat her nicely."
Chloe smiled slyly. "Oh, I definitely will."
The hostel staff turned and left.
I stepped forward. "Don't ever mess with me. If you try anything, I won't hesitate to crush your bones."
Chloe stared at me for a moment, then smirked.
"Looks like the principal finally brought me my match."
She returned to her bed.
I noticed two other girls in the room. Both were beautiful. I ignored them and went straight to my bed, unpacking my luggage.
The room was large and exquisite—easily the most luxurious room in the hostel.
"Hi, I'm Ivy."
I looked up to see a girl with shoulder-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She looked sweet… too sweet.
"Are you part of the Mean Girls?" I asked.
She smiled innocently. "Yeah."
I scoffed. "You don't look mean."
She giggled. "I'm the cunning one."
She pointed to another blonde girl with hazel eyes. "That's Jasmine—the smart one."
Then she gestured toward Chloe. "And that's Chloe—the mean one."
"I see," I said. "You're all blondes, and I'm the odd one out."
"Not at all," Ivy said. "Your long white hair and silver eyes are rare. Unique."
"So, what's your name?" she asked.
"Kaliyah," Chloe answered, walking toward my bed. "Welcome to the group."
Ivy and Jasmine stared at her in shock.
"What group?" I asked.
"The Mean Girls," Chloe replied casually.
"Just like that?" Jasmine asked.
"She's perfect," Chloe said. "Vicious, beautiful—I like her already."
I smirked. "Next time, I choose who I associate with. I choose my friends."
I paused. "But… I already like you too."
They laughed.