Celestia’s Point of View
"Oh, there. It’s done," the nurse said as she finished wrapping my wound with a bandage.
Ugh! Now, I look like some gangster because of this. That nerd completely ruined my day. I never imagined someone who looks so innocent could actually hurt someone.
I sighed in frustration. "What am I supposed to do now? I can’t go to class looking like this."
"I know, that’s why you should just skip today. You obviously need some rest, or your headache might get worse."
"I can’t do that! What about being the top student? I can’t afford to fall behind in class." I was certain that nerd had planned all of this. She sabotaged me! She really played dirty.
The nurse smiled at me before settling back into her swivel chair. "You’re already the top student, Miss Fontaverde. Just look at you—everyone looks up to you. You’re beautiful and smart. You don’t need to push yourself more."
She wouldn’t understand my situation. She wasn’t standing in my shoes. But I still felt dizzy. I wouldn’t be able to focus on the lessons in this state.
It looked like I had no choice but to go home. The bell had just rung earlier, so the students were probably already inside their classrooms.
"Please pass my medical certificate to Gallant, Miss Nurse. At least that way, the teachers will be aware of my absence. Thank you."
"Of course, Miss Fontaverde. Next time, be more careful so you don’t end up back here in the school clinic."
I nodded and stood up before bowing my head slightly. "Thank you once again."
After bidding farewell to the school nurse, I walked straight to the exit. Once outside, I turned in the direction of the campus gate.
I’m going to make sure that nerd pays for this. She needs to learn her place. She’s messing up my life.
I pulled my phone out from my sling bag and dialed my driver’s number. As soon as he answered, I spoke. "Pick me up. I’m going home."
"Miss?"
"Pick me up already. Do I need to translate that for you? I said, I’m going home—"
"No, Miss Tia, what I meant was, your father just left. You know how Madam is…"
I let out a deep sigh.
Just my luck. My day started with an argument over breakfast. Then, I ran into that nerd. I ended up in the clinic. Why can’t I catch a break?
"I need to rest. Remember? I fell earlier."
"Yes, but why, Miss Tia?"
"My head hit the car door. And guess what? I got wounded. The nurse advised me to rest since I’m feeling a bit dizzy, so hurry up. I’ll deal with that witch later."
"Understood, Miss Tia. I’m heading back now."
I ended the call and walked straight to the gate. Since I was Celestia Fontaverde, the guard let me through without any interrogation.
After a short wait, my car arrived. I approached it and opened the backseat door, tossing my sling bag onto the opposite seat before getting in.
I buckled my seatbelt and took a deep breath. My plan was utterly ruined.
"Miss Tia, are you sure you want to go straight home?" my driver asked.
I nodded, even though he wasn’t looking at me. "She’ll still find out whether I stayed on campus or not. There’s no escaping her grasp. Running away would be pointless."
What I really needed to think about was how to stop my mother’s headache-inducing lectures.
The car sped away from campus, and I leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
If Dad isn’t home, the only thing I can do is accept detention.
If only I could live on my own… If only I dared to defy Dad… Then I wouldn’t have to live under that witch’s roof.
After hours of travel, the car finally came to a stop at the foot of the stairs leading to the mansion’s entrance. I grabbed my bag and stepped out. As I walked toward the main door, the maids bowed their heads to me.
"Welcome home, Miss Tia," they said in unison.
They were my mother’s people, so I knew they did that on purpose—to inform her that I had arrived. As expected, the main door swung open, and there she was, standing at the entrance. She wore a sleeveless red dress, her arms crossed as she stared at me.
We had a deal. And I broke it.
"I thought you were going to focus on your studies again and reclaim the top spot?!" Her voice echoed throughout the entire area.
The Queen finally shows why she’s called a queen. Who does she think she is? She should be grateful I’m not as wealthy as Dad.
I touched the bandage around my head and let out a deep breath. "I’m not feeling well."
"You can still walk! You can still talk! Why did you come home? Go back to class!"
I knew this was going to happen.
"Get yourself together, Tia. What did your classmate do to you? Are you—"
"What’s going on here?"
I turned my head and saw Dad. Thank goodness he came back. I knew my luck couldn’t be that bad all day.
The witch let out a fake laugh. "Look at her! Her classmates did this. She’s injured."
If lying could kill, she would’ve died a thousand times already. She even had the nerve to act as if she was concerned about me.
"Dad, I want to rest," I simply said. He nodded in response. I allowed a small smile to appear on my lips. For now, I’d forget about the argument we had this morning.
I walked past the entrance. I didn’t even spare Mom a glance as I smirked and headed straight to my room.
The moment I reached my bed, I threw myself onto it. My entire world felt like it was spinning.
Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I need to catch up with that nerd.
---
"Ate, wake up! Aleng Priya was here earlier! She’s collecting the rent!"
I held my head as I felt a slight ache. Slowly, I opened my eyes, only to see a boy staring at me.
Rent? Collecting payments? I live in a mansion. We own everything. We don’t pay rent.
"What kind of prank is this?"
"Wake up already!" the boy shouted before smacking my shoulder with his heavy palm.
"Ouch!" I glared at him and rubbed my shoulder. "What the hell was that for?!"