Chapter 30
Almost everyone looked at me. Sophie’s expression was tense. She preemptively struck, “Lina, Rachel and the others slandered you for cheating before, so you should understand my situation. I know you dislike me, but we’re family.”
Seeing her anxiety, I realized she could feel fear too.“I remember Sophie did look back,” I said calmly, stating the truth. Sophie’s eyes filled with desperate tears.“Lina, why are you lying? You said Rachel was lying just now!”
Sidekick Two nodded.“That’s right! We heard you. Lina, you keep changing your story. No one can believe you!”
I responded slowly, “I wasn’t thinking clearly earlier; I just remembered now.”
Sophie was furious.“LINA BITCH! LINA BITCH!” Her wolf yelled inside her mind, fulling expressing her angry! She looked at the homeroom teacher with feigned victimhood.“I didn’t cheat! I looked back because I heard Rachel calling me. She threw the note on my desk when I wasn’t looking; I didn’t know anything about it.”
The homeroom teacher had initially favored Sophie, but remembering the earlier accusations against me, she suspected Sophie’s character.
The teacher said, “Sophie, Rachel, come to my office.”
Sitting back down, I opened my textbook and started checking my answers. How well did I actually do?
Shortly after, the class monitor summoned me.“The homeroom teacher wants you in her office.”
I’d expected this. Arriving at the office, I noticed Sidekick One wasn’t there. Nathan was, however; Sophie would have called reinforcements.
Sophie’s eyes were red, and she looked up at me.“Lina, do you hate me that much? What do I need to do for you to forgive me?” I answered calmly, “I’m only stating what I saw. If I wanted to ruin you, I’d say I saw you cheating!”
Sophie’s face flushed crimson.
Nathan intervened, scolding me, “Speak properly! Sophie is family too. I thought you’d know how to handle this!”
I looked at him.“What do you want me to do, Nathan? Say I didn’t see anything? Fine. I didn’t see Sophie look back.”
Nathan was exasperated. Why couldn’t she understand?
The homeroom teacher coughed.“Well, I understand the situation. Sophie, you’re also at fault. Don’t let others do your homework, and don’t whisper during the exam.”
Nathan explained, “Teacher, Sophie let others do her homework because family matters took up her time. I can attest to that.” It was a minor offense. Sophie had a reason.
Sophie feigned victimhood.“Nathan, I didn’t know Rachel wanted to frame me for cheating. She did it because I mentioned she owed me money.”
“Sophie, I know you’re kind and help those in need, but kindness has limits.” Nathan believed Sophie hadn’t cheated; she’d been framed.
The teacher said, “We’ll discuss the consequences. Please return to class.”
I turned and left. Nathan followed.“Lina, why did you testify that you saw Sophie look back? What if the teacher suspects she cheated and punishes her? Did you consider the consequences?”
I stopped.“If Sophie cheated and blamed Rachel, did you consider the consequences for Rachel?”
“That’s impossible. Sophie wouldn’t do that.” Nathan denied it instinctively. Hs was manipulated under Sophie’s words again.
I scoffed, seeing no need to reply.
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< Chapter 30
“Lina, I know you’re hurt, feeling we favor Sophie. But her father saved your life, and she’s always well–behaved, s wrong with us being kind to her? Blame me, don’t involve Sophie!”
My temples throbbed with anger. I was speechless. I said sarcastically, “I blame myself. Is that alright?”
I blamed myself for being blind, for not seeing the truth of this so–called family sooner!
I stormed into the classroom. Nathan remained outside, looking helpless. He wanted to mend our relationship, but I seemed unwilling to accept it! How could he make me understand that he was strict with me because I was his real sister? Sophie wasn’t, so he had lower expectations. He wasn’t being biased!
Sophie approached.“Nathan, I’m sorry. Maybe I should move out, so Lina won’t keep sulking and fighting with you. I don’t want you to have problems because of me.”
Nathan forced a smile.“Don’t be silly. It’s not your fault. You don’t have to move out. You’re my sister, always.”
Sophie smiled through her tears.“Pinky swear!”
Nathan looked at Sophie with relief. If only Lina were as understanding. He said, “Focus on your studies. Don’t let others do your homework again.”
Sophie’s expression stiffened.“I know I’m wrong.”
“It’s good you’re acknowledging your mistake.”
Nathan, seeing Sophie’s remorse, wished Lina would do the same.
Back in class, I noticed Sidekick One’s empty seat, but felt no sympathy.
Days later, the school announced the plagiarism case. Rachel received a warning. Sophie was reprimanded in front of the class. The teacher then produced the results.“The scores are in. Special commendation to Lina Ashford for significant improvement. She’s ranked tenth! Everyone should learn from her.”
The classroom erupted.
“Wow, Lina excels in both academics and gaming!”
“Lina improved so much! Can I still catch up? I want to go to the same university as her!”
“How does she manage both gaming and studying?”
Seeing my score, I smiled with satisfaction. Did this mean I had a chance at Harvard?
The teacher smiled at me.“Share your experience, so everyone can learn from you.” My recent performance had been excellent.
I stood up, feeling surprisingly nervous.“My improvement came from an epiphany. Live for yourself, and study hard every night.”
For myself, no longer for my so–called family. In my past life, only I was moved by my sacrifices.
Sophie, watching my triumph, was consumed by jealousy. Why was this bitch doing so well? Seeing her own score, she crumpled her paper. It was all that bitch Rachel’s fault. If she hadn’t been caught cheating, her score would have been better.
After lunch, I found several love letters on my desk. I was surprised.
The class monitor leaned over.“Lina, you’re incredibly popular now. E–sports goddess and academic superstar. The heartthrob from the neighboring private high school is asking about you; he wants your contact information.”
The heartthrob from the neighboring private high school? Wasn’t that Sophie’s crush? Have they marked each other?
