𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 16

Eleanor's first week at university had been a whirlwind of new experiences and social dynamics. She was still settling in, trying to find her place amidst the sea of students, but she was making progress. Her growing friendship with Isabella was a bright spot, and she was looking forward to a normal day of classes and interaction.

On this particular morning, Eleanor was walking towards the college building when she saw Isabella standing by the entrance, deep in conversation with a group of students. Eleanor quickened her pace, eager to join her friend. However, as she approached, she noticed that the atmosphere seemed tense.

Isabella was facing off with Olivia, the tall, blonde girl who had already made her displeasure known. Eleanor could hear snippets of their conversation as she drew closer.

"I heard she's just an orphan who's trying to fit in where she doesn't belong," Olivia was saying, her voice dripping with scorn. "Isn't it sad? She's just using you to feel like she's part of something."

Isabella's face turned red with anger. "That's enough, Olivia. You don't know anything about her. You have no right to make those kinds of judgments."

Olivia's gaze shifted to Eleanor, her eyes gleaming with malicious delight. "Oh, look who's here. Perfect timing. Why don't you tell us, Eleanor? Is it true? Are you really just an orphan trying to crash the party?"

Eleanor's heart pounded in her chest, the insult hitting a raw nerve. She had tried so hard to keep her past from affecting her present, but Olivia's words were like a knife twisting in a wound. Eleanor's fists clenched at her sides, and she felt a surge of anger rising within her.

"Why don't you shut up?" Eleanor said, her voice trembling with barely suppressed rage. "You don't know anything about me."

Olivia's smile widened, clearly enjoying the reaction she was provoking. "Oh, come on, Eleanor. If you can't handle a little bit of truth, maybe you don't belong here after all."

Eleanor's face burned with humiliation and anger. "How dare you make fun of something you don't understand? I'm not just some charity case!"

Olivia leaned in closer, her tone mocking. "Is that what you're so upset about? The truth hurts, doesn't it? Maybe you should just go back to wherever you came from."

That was the breaking point for Eleanor. The insults had been building up, and Olivia's taunts had pushed her over the edge. Without thinking, Eleanor's anger exploded. She swung her fist, landing a solid punch to Olivia's cheek.

The impact sent Olivia stumbling back, a look of shock and pain on her face. The surrounding students gasped and murmured, the scene quickly turning chaotic. Olivia's hand flew to her face as she glared at Eleanor, her expression a mix of surprise and fury.

"How dare you!" Olivia shouted, her voice filled with indignation. "You're going to pay for that!"

Eleanor, breathing heavily and shaking with adrenaline, stood her ground. "You started this. Maybe you should think before you speak."

Before the confrontation could escalate further, a campus security officer arrived, having been alerted by the commotion. He quickly assessed the situation and intervened, separating the two girls and calming the crowd.

Eleanor was escorted to the principal's office, Olivia following closely behind. The tension was palpable as they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the school. Eleanor glanced back at Isabella, who gave her a sympathetic nod.

"I'll be okay," Eleanor said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll message you later."

Isabella offered a reassuring smile, though her eyes were filled with concern. "Okay, hang in there."