𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

STELLA
RUSSEL

The days leading up to the party were draining, with school demanding all my energy. Avery and I were leaving Business class to meet Lily and Marci in the cafeteria when I accidentally bumped into Grayson. My book fell to the ground, but of course, he didn't even bother to help or apologize. Typical. What an asshole.

Now, you might be wondering why Grayson and I don't get along. Well, let me fill you in—it's not me, it's all him! He calls me a brat and has the nerve to nickname me "Princess." Who in their right mind would give someone a nickname like that? Unless, of course, they actually meant it in the most infuriating way possible. Grayson calls me "Princess" because he thinks I'm some spoiled brat, all because our fathers are business partners.

He's the rich guy, and I'm the mean girl at school. It's a stereotype, but I didn't make it up.

Honestly, it's not my fault. Blame it on my dad. One time, Grayson and his dad came over for a meeting, and I was forced to hang out with him. They thought we were friends, and my dad treated me like a little kid the entire time. He even had the maid bring me four croissants and dust off my chair before I sat down. It was beyond embarrassing.

But seriously, I'm not the problem here. My dad just adores me, and everyone else does too. I'm sweet and kind, honestly. At least that's what I like to think.

I turned to glare at the guy who had accidentally hit me with his basketball. "Watch out, blindass!" I shouted at him, making him apologize quickly before running off. Was I really that intimidating? Maybe just a little.

"How do you do it?" Avery sighed, and I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

I didn't understand what she meant. Have I mentioned how much I dislike people who beat around the bush? I prefer straightforward individuals. I shot Avery a glare, silently urging her to get to the point.

"Everyone respects you, and it's admirable," she continued. "I feel like I don't belong. No one likes me. You're lucky to be fearless. People are scared of Marcella because of her brother, Jaxon. Lily and I feel lost. We need advice. You're just so amazing."

Her words caught me off guard, and suddenly my expression shifted into a frown. I hated seeing my friends feel insecure. They meant the world to me, and if anyone hurt them, it hurt me too. "Listen, I wasn't always like this. Remember when we were thirteen? I was bullied for my weight and criticized for being a blonde."

As I shared my story with Avery, it wasn't news to my circle of friends. They all knew about the painful memories of my mother leaving my father when I was just a child. The scars still lingered, but I always wore a mask, pushing those feelings aside so I could face the world.

"The world is a cruel place," I said, my voice hardening with determination. "Fuck it. Live your life the way you want, babe."

Avery hugged me tightly, and I felt the weight of her gratitude. We walked into the cafeteria together, but the scene before us made my stomach turn.

Popular girls were either kissing the guys with the highest social status or just sitting in the middle of the cafeteria like they owned the place. It was a sight that made me want to vomit. This was our high school—a place where the stench of entitlement lingered in the air.

There are no consequences.

Their families are part of the royal hierarchy.

"I feel so traumatized," Avery whispered, pulling me back to reality as we made our way to our table. Lily and Marci were already there, quietly eating their lunches. Weird.