Chapter Nineteen

As Clara sat in the restaurant, enjoying her meal with Ethan, she felt a mix of happiness and anxiety. When Ethan excused himself to the restroom, Clara took a deep breath, hoping to gather her thoughts. Just then, she spotted a group of her classmates by the entrance, their laughter echoing through the room. They were inviting everyone to a reunion on Saturday, hosted by Alice, the girl who had made her life miserable since she started attending the school.

Alice was the queen bee of their social circle, always flaunting her family's wealth. Clara couldn't help but feel a twinge of resentment; she had always been considered beautiful, but Alice had held the title of the most beautiful girl until Clara arrived. Now, Alice's jealousy was palpable, and her bullying had only intensified. She was from a nouveau riche family, while her boyfriend hailed from a second-generation wealthy background. Clara knew they would be there, and she dreaded the thought of facing them.

On the day of the reunion, Ethan left Clara to walk in her self and went to receive a call as Clara walked in, her heart racing. Alice immediately spotted her and, with her lackeys by her side, began to unleash a barrage of insults. "Look who it is, the sly fox! What are you doing here, carrying that Louis Vuitton bag? Trying to impress the old men?" The laughter that followed felt like daggers to Clara's heart. But instead of breaking down, she stood her ground, responding calmly, "I carry what I like, Alice. Maybe you should focus on your personality instead of your bank account." The tension in the air was thick, and just when Clara thought she might have to fight back harder, Ethan returned, his protective presence instantly changing the atmosphere.

Ethan walked back to the table just as Clara stood her ground against Alice. His eyes narrowed at the scene unfolding before him. He could see the tension in Clara's posture and the way Alice smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. Without hesitation, Ethan stepped forward, placing himself between Clara and Alice. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice steady but firm.

Alice feigned innocence, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, just a little friendly banter, Ethan. Clara here seems to think she can just waltz in and take over our reunion." Her tone dripped with sarcasm, but Ethan wasn't buying it. He turned to Clara, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"

Clara nodded, grateful for his support but still feeling the sting of Alice's words. "I'm fine. Just standing up for myself." Ethan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, which made Clara feel a little stronger. 

Alice, realizing her attempts to humiliate Clara were failing, shifted tactics. "You know, Clara, it's sad to see someone so pretty try so hard to fit in. Maybe you should just stick to your own kind." The comment hung in the air, but this time, Clara was ready. She looked Alice directly in the eyes and replied, "I don't need to fit in with your kind to know my worth. You might want to remember that beauty isn't just skin deep." 

Ethan smiled proudly at Clara, and the tension in the room shifted. Alice's lackeys exchanged glances, unsure of how to react, while Clara felt a surge of confidence. With Ethan by her side, she knew she could face anything, even the relentless bullying from Alice.