Chapter 143 Welcome to Paradise high

The white limousine glided to a stop at a gold gate, which was so high Nadine was pretty sure it might suddenly reach heaven if it continued building upward. Rose, on the other hand, was strangely silent, and Nadine, who was used to Rose blabbing, found it weird.

"Rose, are you feeling well?" Nadine asked, glancing at her sister.

Rose rolled her eyes dramatically. "Of course, I am. Just checking out some dudes in our class. Jeez, see this guy? I heard he's currently the most handsome guy in our department."

Nadine moved closer to look at the picture. She was staring face-to-face with a beauty. He was so stunning and hot that Nadine was left speechless.

"Hmm, isn't that weird? Why does he have so many male followers? And the only ones he seems to be following are guys," Nadine remarked.

Rose's eyes moved from the picture to his Instagram account, and she noticed his page was dominated by shirtless, hot guys—so damn hot.

"Goodness, he's gay! What the fuck? How did I miss this? But why the hell is it always the hot guys? I wanted to fuck him!" Rose exclaimed dramatically.

Nadine grimaced. What the hell was her mad sister thinking?

"Just kidding, sister," Rose said with a smirk. "I can't have sex with a guy I just met online. Gosh, don't you know I have a reputation? I want guys crawling to me, not me crawling to them. It's embarrassing for my reputation."

Rose smiled softly and turned her focus back to her phone. Nadine shook her head in embarrassment. She knew her sister didn't care about education; her only purpose for coming to school was to get the certificate. She would have bought it if their father had allowed it. Yet, Nadine felt somehow sad because she was hiding a deep secret—even from her sister. Except for her mom, no one knew, and she was supposed to keep it that way forever. But would it be possible?

Gideon's voice echoed in the car, pulling the two out of their reverie. "We're here already, or don't you both want to come out? It's late, and you should be studying with your friends inside."

Rose's eyes scanned the building, and she gasped. The structure was stunning—beyond magnificent. The fact that it was on an island made her joy triple; the view would be breathtaking. She had never seen a school so grand. It looked like a royal palace, and only the rich could afford to be there. Even the middle class could barely buy the uniform, let alone afford the tuition fees, which were a fortune.

Nadine finally stepped out of the car, her eyes bulging in disbelief. What the hell—were they even in school? Seeing the limousine, students around gathered, and all eyes were on the sisters.

---

Meanwhile, in the school corridor, Slyvia struggled with row after row of books, threatening to fall. Trying to balance, she ended up landing painfully on her back. She realized someone had deliberately placed their leg in her way.

Flustered, she looked up and saw the same demon—the useless soul who kept tripping her.

"Joakim, hmm, what are you doing here? What a surprise," she said with forced calm.

Indeed, she was surprised. After his family's destruction, he was supposed to be far away, somewhere no one would see him for eternity.

"Oh, Slyvia, don't be like that. At least I'm here to complete my high school and frustrate your life to the core," Joakim replied with a devilish grin.

Slyvia clenched her fists. Bit by bit, the guy was too much to handle.

"Hmm, I get it now. Will you be a gentleman and pick my books for me?" she asked sweetly.

Joakim giggled. "For your information, stop calling me Joakim. My name from now is Harlan. Joakim gives me nightmares, and I don't want nightmares. Take my hand, girl."

Harlan stretched forth his hand, and Slyvia smiled. Maybe the pompous fool had finally calmed down. But just as she was almost on her feet, he pulled his hand back, making her fall heavily on her butt.

"Ha ha! That hurt, didn't it? That was painful," Slyvia spat. "You jerk! You piece of trash! I should have known you'd never change."

"Of course, love. And for your information, we're in the same class. So good luck having me around until graduation," Harlan said smugly.

Slyvia's face burned with frustration as she watched him walk away, hands tucked in his pockets.

"What an irritating jerk. Jeez," she muttered.

Slyvia struggled to stand, gathered her books, and scoffed as she made her way down the hall. She noticed a crowd of students rushing to the island gate.

"What now?" she groaned.

At that moment, Zeke and Kai passed by. Zeke, with his piercing gray eyes, long raven hair, and beautiful face, was immensely popular. Guys followed him continuously, seeking his recognition, and Kai was among the bees swarming around him.

"Zeke, please, what's going on?" Slyvia asked.

Zeke glanced at her, and seeing the stack of books she was carrying, he smiled. "Why don't I help you? You look like you'll collapse any minute."

Slyvia beamed and handed him half of the books, while Kai stood awkwardly, feeling forgotten. How could Ezekiel just abandon their plans for her?

"So, Slyvia, the commotion is because of the limousine outside the island gate," Zeke explained.

Slyvia frowned. "A limousine? How could that cause such a disturbance?"

"Apparently, two stunning ladies stepped out, and now the students are going insane, saying Ava Gonzalez has gotten a competitor," Zeke said with a chuckle.

Slyvia's heart sank. Someone prettier than Ava would surely bring chaos, especially in the cheerleading squad. She sighed. Just when she thought the dramas in Ivory High were behind her, she realized she was kidding herself.

"No, that can't be possible. Ava would crush them. That girl is savage," Slyvia said, surprising herself with her defense of Ava.

Zeke smiled. "Hmm, I doubt that. Anyway, Kai and I have somewhere to be, so have a nice day, Slyvia."

He flashed a smile, his perfect white teeth dazzling, and Slyvia felt her heart flutter.

As Zeke departed, Emily appeared, looking depressed.

"Guess what, Emily? Zeke helped me with my books and smiled at me! I think he's feeling the connection. Gosh, I'm so happy," Slyvia gushed.

Emily looked at her and dropped the bomb. "Sorry to crush your happiness, but I think Ezekiel is in love with that stunning teacher, Ares something."

Slyvia's face fell. Just when she thought she had a chance—

"Haaaaaaa!" Slyvia screamed, ignoring Emily, who was definitely burdened by something.