Xavier and Elena

Chapter 3: The New Toy

Xavier's POV –

I leaned back in my chair, watching her.

Elena.

That was her name.

I had caught it when the teacher took attendance, but I already knew she was different the second I saw her walk into the classroom earlier.

She didn't belong here.

The cheap sweater, the worn-out backpack, the wide-eyed look like she had just stepped into enemy territory.

And yet… she had talked back to me.

That was rare.

Girls usually fell at my feet, not threw attitude in my face.

I smirked, twirling my pen between my fingers as I watched her whisper with that girl—Lena Carter.

"Elena Monroe," I murmured under my breath, letting the name roll off my tongue.

Cute. But she had no idea what she had just stepped into.

And I wasn't done with her.

—

Lunchtime.

I spotted her the moment she entered the cafeteria, tray clutched in both hands, eyes scanning for a seat.

I grinned. This was too easy.

With a subtle nod to one of my guys, Nathan, the plan was set.

Just as she passed by our table, Nathan "accidentally" stuck his foot out.

She tripped.

Her tray went flying.

The entire cafeteria went silent as food splattered all over the floor—and all over her.

I heard the gasps.

The giggles.

And then… the laughter.

It spread through the room like wildfire, the sound bouncing off the walls.

Elena froze, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her face burned red—not just with embarrassment, but with rage.

I pushed back my chair, slowly standing up.

"Wow," I said, dragging out the word as I took a step toward her. "Didn't know Ridgewood Academy had a clown scholarship this year."

More laughter.

Elena's chest rose and fell rapidly.

Her fingers trembled.

Good. I wanted a reaction.

She turned to leave, but I wasn't finished.

"Wait," I called, grinning. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

She stopped. Didn't turn around.

I pointed at the floor. "You made a mess, sweetheart. Shouldn't you be cleaning it up?"

Dead silence.

I saw the moment her pride shattered.

The moment her shoulders sagged, her lip trembled, and she realized—no one here was going to help her.

And then…

She bent down.

She actually started picking up the food with her bare hands.

Something twisted in my chest.

I ignored it.

I had seen enough.

I grabbed my drink, smirking one last time before walking away.

Game on, Elena Monroe.

—

Elena's POV –

I slammed the front door shut, kicking off my shoes as I leaned against the wall.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to cry.

But I had already humiliated myself enough today.

I slowly walked into the kitchen. Mom wasn't home yet—still working her second shift. Noah was in the living room, doing his homework on the floor with an old cartoon playing in the background.

"Hey, Ellie!" he chirped, looking up. "How was school?"

I forced a smile. "It was… fine."

A lie.

I was exhausted. My head hurt, my clothes still smelled like spilled food, and my pride? Completely crushed.

But I wouldn't let my little brother see that.

"Go wash up," he said, frowning. "You smell funny."

I let out a small laugh, ruffling his hair before heading to my tiny room. The moment I shut the door, I sank onto my bed, burying my face into my pillow.

Xavier Knight.

I hated him.

I hated his stupid smirk.

I hated his cruel words.

I hated how he had all the power, and I had none.

But most of all…

I hated that I had let him win today.

Tomorrow would be different.

Tomorrow, I'd make sure of it.

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