Chapter 4
I smirked at his phony face, seeing right through his act. "But you're always at the top of the class. I'm worried I won't be good enough for you.
"But if you quit hitting the books and let me take the top spot in every exam from now on, I'll agree."
Alex didn't even hesitate. He just nodded.
On the way back, I walked close to him, making sure our hands stayed linked.
Ryan's face darkened as he stared at our joined hands.
"Emily, come with me," he said, his voice low and urgent. He strode over, reaching out to grab my hand.
But I took a step back and gently shook my head. "Sorry, Alex suits me better."
Ryan's expression fell, his eyes losing all their light.
He suddenly spun around and sent a desk flying with a hard kick.
Books scattered everywhere as he stormed out of the classroom.
That night, I received word that Ryan had dropped out of school.
A cold smirk played on my lips.
Now, it was finally time to reel in my plan.
Alex really meant what he said. He stopped caring about his grades altogether.
He stuck to me like glue and even bought me a brand-new phone.
Every day, he walked me home and had to put up with Jessica constantly clinging to him. He barely had any time left to crack open a book.
Meanwhile, I was cramming nonstop, doing endless practice tests, and pushing myself harder than ever.
I spent every waking moment buried in my books.
The day before the SAT, I pulled out my phone and sent Ryan a message: [Ryan, I regret it. I finally realized you're the one I truly care about. I'm waiting for you at the school gate. Would you give us another chance?]
As soon as I got to the school gate, I saw Ryan running over.
His eyes were full of hope, and he was just about to say something.
But then Alex, whom I'd asked to come as well, walked up from the side and slipped his arm around my waist.
"Emily, I missed you so much," Alex said, his voice soft and full of longing.
Ryan's face went pale.
He stormed over, pushed Alex out of the way, and socked him right in the face.
"You bastard! What makes you think you can steal her from me?" Ryan yelled.
Alex's eyes blazed with fury. He grabbed a brick off the ground and went straight for Ryan's head.
I stood off to the side, watching them hurt each other with a cold, emotionless stare.
It wasn't until both of them were sprawled on the ground, completely still, that I finally moved.
I walked over and struck each of their heads with a few more bricks.
Once I was certain they were dead, I turned and headed home.
Two days later, the SAT was finally over.
I walked out of the exam hall, stretched, and felt a wave of relief wash over me.
"Emily!" Suddenly, Jessica came running over and blocked my way.
"Why are Alex and Ryan both in the hospital and still unconscious? Is this your doing again?" she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.
I gave her a cold smirk, watching as her face twisted with rage. "Why should I care if they're stuck in the hospital? I got bored, that's all. And who are you to come at me like this?"
Without another thought, I turned and walked away.
My new life started now.
I knew Jessica wasn't the type to back down.
Alex and Ryan were still out cold in the hospital.
With the way she was, she'd make sure I took the fall for everything.
When I got home, Grandma was in the kitchen, cooking.
Grandma wiped her hands and hurried over as soon as she saw me. "Emily, how did the exam go? Are you tired?"
I walked over and hugged her, softening my tone. "Grandma, I did great. But things might get a little messy soon. We should install a camera and change the locks."
Grandma froze for a second and then nodded.
"Whatever you think is best. I'll call Henry and have him come by tomorrow," she said.
Henry was a retired cop who lived next door. He always looked out for us.
When he heard about it, he didn't waste a second. He set up hidden cameras for us that same day.
He even put one in the hallway and went around to give all the neighbors a heads-up.