Chapter 157 All this because of Harlan

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Jeremy stood in the midst of the crowd, his body soaked with a mixture of water and trash. His clothes clung to him uncomfortably, and the stench of spoiled food filled the air. Harlan, standing smugly with an empty bucket in hand, grinned triumphantly. The word "faggot" rang out like a curse, echoing through the classroom walls.

The room buzzed with murmurs. Some students chuckled, others looked away, but most stared at Jeremy with thinly veiled disgust or morbid curiosity.

"So, he's a faggot? What a shame! And here I was crushing on him," one girl whispered to her friend, her voice tinged with mockery.

"Scholarship students just don't know their place," another sneered, flipping her hair. "I wish the school would expel him. Such an abomination."

Jeremy attempted to stand, his legs trembling beneath him. But before he could rise, Rowan shoved him forcefully, sending him sprawling to the ground again.

"I told you I'd get back at you," Rowan hissed, his voice low and menacing. "Feel that, Jimmy? That's what people like you deserve. Slum eaters with no class—this is your place."

Rowan raised his foot, aiming to kick Jeremy in the ribs. The tension in the room thickened, the audience too afraid—or too entertained—to intervene. Just as Rowan's foot swung forward, a sharp, resonant sound cut through the air.

Nadine had slammed her hands on her desk. Her face, usually calm and reserved, was a mask of fury. The entire classroom froze, their attention snapping to her. Even Rose, who rarely seemed startled, flinched at her sister's sudden outburst.

"What the hell is wrong with you people?" Nadine's voice carried across the room, sharp and unyielding. Without waiting for a response, she strode toward the group of bullies surrounding Jeremy.

"So, boys," she began, her eyes blazing with determination, "how long do you plan on harassing my boyfriend? Are you out of your fucking minds?"

Gasps rippled through the room. Whispers erupted like wildfire.

"Jeremy and Nadine? That's impossible. He's gay!" someone muttered.

"Yes, it's true," Nadine snapped, cutting through the chatter. "What, are you doubting me? I'm sure you all saw us kissing at the party. That video was a lie. Jeremy is as straight as they come. So back the hell off."

Her words left the room in stunned silence. Harlan frowned, his eyes narrowing as he studied her expression. Was she lying? He searched her face for any sign of hesitation, but her glare was steely and unyielding.

"Oh, Nadine, we're not fools," Rowan sneered, recovering quickly. "We know you're just friends, and you're covering for him. Get the fuck out of here with that nonsense."

Before Nadine could respond, Rose's voice cut through the tension like a knife.

"Boys, it seems like you're forgetting whose sister you're talking to. And Rowan—wasn't juvenile detention enough for you? Do you want to end up in prison this time? My uncle works at the nearby facility. One call, and you'll be begging to stay out."

Rowan's smirk faltered. His face twisted into a murderous glare before he stormed back to his seat. Harlan followed reluctantly, muttering curses under his breath.

As the room settled, Nadine turned to Jeremy. Her voice softened. "Are you okay?"

Jeremy avoided her gaze. He murmured something under his breath, inaudible to everyone but Nadine. Then, without another word, he walked out of the classroom, the door slamming shut behind him.

"Jeremy, wait!" Nadine called after him, but he didn't stop. She sighed, sinking into her seat. Across the room, Zeke watched her intently. His piercing gray eyes bore into her as if trying to unravel a mystery.

What's his problem? Nadine thought, her frustration mounting. She ignored him, focusing instead on her notebook. But Slyvia, seated beside her, wasn't about to let her off so easily.

"I told you," Slyvia teased, a sly grin playing on her lips. "You like Jeremy. What a wonderful combination."

Nadine shot her a glare but said nothing. The truth was, this charade was the only way to protect Jeremy from those animals masquerading as classmates. But the thought of him being humiliated like this made her stomach churn.

Rose leaned over, patting Nadine on the back. "I'm so proud of you, sis. I couldn't believe you said all that. You're finally learning from me."

Nadine gave a weak smile, her mind still on Jeremy. Meanwhile, Emily was grinning at her phone, her fingers flying across the screen as she texted someone. Slyvia, ever curious, leaned over to peek.

The name on the screen made her frown. "Emily, are you seriously chatting with him? After everything that happened?"

Emily looked up, startled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean Harlan," Slyvia snapped, her voice rising. "The guy is a walking red flag. You know he was literally a cult leader, right? You should stay far away from him."

Emily's expression hardened. "Just because of what happened doesn't make him a bad person. That was in the past. You can't judge someone solely based on their family's misdeeds."

Slyvia's eyes widened. "Are you kidding me? He nearly killed Lamia and Damian, and you're defending him? Are you that naïve?"

The tension between them escalated quickly, drawing the attention of nearby students. Rose stepped in, raising her hands in mock surrender.

"Okay, ladies, let's not start World War III over some guy. Emily can admire Harlan if she wants. It's not her fault he's gorgeous. Slyvia, let it go."

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Harlan walked in. His usual swagger was tempered with hesitation as he approached their table. Nadine's instincts flared with unease.

"Well, well," Rose drawled, smirking at him. "What brings you here, Harlan? Come to bully us?"

Harlan hesitated, flustered under their intense gazes. "I didn't know Nadine was dating him," he muttered, his tone almost sheepish. "He seems like such a loser to have someone like her."

Nadine snapped. "You know what? Just leave, Harlan. We don't want to see your homophobic ass anywhere near us."

Emily looked stunned at Nadine's outburst. Before Harlan could respond, he turned to Slyvia and, to everyone's surprise, grabbed her hand.

"Slyvia, will you be my date for Ezekiel's birthday party? Make me the happiest man alive by saying yes."

Slyvia's jaw dropped. What the hell was he thinking? Weren't they enemies? Before she could respond, the door swung open again, and in walked Ares McCall, the breathtaking anatomy instructor. His tight jeans and baggy polo shirt made him look effortlessly sexy, and the entire class turned to gawk at him.

Nadine noticed Zeke's unwavering gaze on Ares. Jealousy flared within her, but she quickly shoved it down.

Ares's deep voice filled the room. "The anatomy test begins now," he announced, handing out papers.

Jeremy returned just as Ares finished distributing the tests. He greeted the teacher politely and took an empty seat, avoiding Nadine's gaze entirely. His body language screamed that their friendship was over.

Nadine chest tightened. She tried to focus on her test, but her thoughts were a whirlwind. For a moment, Jeremy glanced at her, and their eyes met. The pain in his eyes were unmistakable .

" Miss Nadine." Ares voice snapped her out from her thoughts, " Can you stop staring and start writing."

Hear floded her cheeks as the class chuckled softly. She ducked her head and began scribbling answers, but the familiar gaze of Ezekiel lingered on her so much that she felt chills run down her spine, why the change and did Zeke gaze just lingered at her for so long?