Her Predestined Life

CHAPTER IX: RIVALRY IN DISGUISE

The new students sat in the cafeteria. I headed to sit beside Lex, but Josh grabbed my plate, forcing me next to Emma. Confused, I saw Josh turn to Emma, asking if she had attacked someone yesterday."It wasn't me," Emma replied calmly. "It was someone superior from Clawhowl."

Josh's eyes widened. Emma continued, "Superior Clawhowl members use code. 'Red blood' means we wait until our enemy's blood is shed. No more bullying until then. These orders are serious."Josh frowned. "Why are we discussing Clawhowl in front of her?"Emma's gaze hardened. "Because she saved me and my seniors from that superior Clawhowl."She continued," He's already angry that our seniors got caught in their previous school ".
A guy questioned, "Why did the superior Clawhowl meet in the RH room?"

Emma replied, "Be thankful he didn't scold us in front of everyone. I went inside instead of you. Do you think he'll spare us? If he gets angry, he can kill a whole class in a minute."
Josh tried to stay calm, but I was boiling inside. I realized that he pretended to love Havana because he was Clawhowl. Furious, I slapped him in front of everyone and stormed off and Emma knew what was happening.He ran after me and said "At first, I never thought I'd love anyone, but I fell for Havana. Emma ordered me to get close to her to get information about you."

I slapped him again, harder. "You dragged my sister into this mess! Who do you think you are, I helped Emma once because she was getting scolded for something she didn't do , not because I am too dumb. If I see you near my sister again I swear even that superior won't be able to find your body". I warned him, but he clutched my legs, pleading. "I left Clawhowl yesterday. I'm changing for her," he begged.
"I don't believe you," I shouted.He held my hand, dragged me to the staff room and handed me his AirPod, he declared, "I left Clawhowl" in the staffroom.The staff's condemnation echoed. "You're a disgrace. Get out!"

He came out of the room after getting scolded for 30 minutes and asked if I was satisfied with their response. I said fine, but I added I don't support you at all, even if you're correct. He said OK and went home. Lex hugged me quickly and inquired as to what had happened today. I stated that I needed to speak with him immediately, but alone. We went to the parking lot and texted Havana saying I was there but would return in 10 minutes. Lex and I proceeded to the parking lot and stood behind his car. I quickly informed him that he should stop taking things so seriously and that I had no feelings for him. He stated he knew, but he looked all gloomy. He claimed he knew but wanted to make sure I was okay. He  knew there would be a time when he would be rejected, but he wants his loved one to be secure and everything will be well. That's why he's been hunting for me all day; nothing exceptional. Then he started crying, but I held him. I dried his tears, but then someone pushed me, tripping both of us to the ground. Someone threw a ball. I got up, and so did he. Then I hugged him, and he looked perplexed. I told him that this was the last time I would hug him, so he better hug me. He then handed me a hand sewn sweater that he made for me and immediately left.

Despite our lack of connection, I couldn't shake the sadness I felt for him. His love was genuine, far deeper than I imagined. But I knew I couldn't let those feelings sway me-it was for his safety.

The looming final battle weighed heavily on my mind. In just a week, I planned to gather all the information I could about Clawhowl, determined to rid their influence on our society . It was a fight for survival, a matter of them or me.The true strength of the RH organization remains a mystery. Among its members are not only ordinary citizens but also numerous celebrities. As the final battle draws near, I've alerted everyone, including our elusive leader, whose identity remains concealed. Despite this secrecy, I believe he will aid us in our mission.

With the help of Emma, who now operates as a double agent, I've obtained all the crucial information about Clawhowl. She covertly copied their files onto a pendrive and handed it to me, leaving no trace of suspicion. Now, all that's left is to broadcast this damning evidence and watch the chaos unfold. The stage is set for a showdown of epic proportions.

The next day

As I sat in class, the university head summoned me to his office. There, I found Emma unconscious, beaten within an inch of her life. As I rushed to her side, he scoffed, his voice dripping with malice.

"Do you truly believe you can expose the truth to the world?" he sneered. "Do you comprehend the years of dedication it took to build this empire, only for you, a foolish child, to attempt its destruction?"

Before I could respond, a blinding pain exploded in my head as I was struck from behind. When I regained consciousness, I found myself in a dark room, facing a figure seated upon a throne-like chair. My heart sank as I watched the university head bow before her, her laughter echoing ominously.
In that moment, I realized the depth of her depravity. "Hailey," she taunted, "I never imagined I'd see you brought to such a gruesome end. You dared to challenge my Dynasty, and now you pay the ultimate price. Had you not meddled, we could have been allies. But you sealed your fate, you fool."

Her words cut deeper than any physical wound, and I shuddered in fear and disgust at the true evil lurking beneath her facade. This was no ordinary adversary-she was the embodiment of cruelty and malice, a force to be reckoned with in the darkest corners of human history.

I said ,

"You were the one I turned to when the world felt too heavy, too overwhelming. Your kindness, your warmth-it was like a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding me through the toughest of times. We shared everything, from laughter to tears, dreams to fears. You were my rock, my confidante, my best friend.
But now, as I look at you, all I see is a stranger-a stranger wearing the mask of someone I once knew and loved. How could I have been so blind? How could I have failed to see the darkness lurking beneath your angelic facade? Your presence and the disgust I feel looking at you chokes me , You're a monster a monster that doesn't deserve me.

You talk about changing the world, about making it a better place. But at what cost? You're willing to manipulate, to deceive, to destroy anyone who stands in your way. You're not a savior-you're a tyrant, a monster wearing the skin of an angel.

The disgust I feel is overwhelming, suffocating. The betrayal cuts deeper than any knife, leaving a wound that may never fully heal. How could you betray me, betray us all, in such a cruel and heartless manner?

I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive you, to reconcile the person you were with the person you've become. But one thing is certain: I will not stand idly by while you tear our society apart, while you manipulate and control those around you for your own selfish gain.

I may have once called you my best friend, but now, you are nothing more than a dangerous, manipulative stranger-a stranger I want nothing to do with. Stephanie I will never forgive you . I will never.