Genova spent the last two days exploring the vast estate that seemed unending. The place was its own village with many other residents, and she met quite some of them during her expeditor.
Initially, Genova felt crept out to being stared at whenever she passed by any of the estate’s co-inhabitants. But that odd feeling disappeared when she bumped into familiar faces again. She had almost forgotten how she had made a few friends, ones she had always looked forward to seeing after her last visit six years ago. However, this longing gradually faded as she aged and focused on building her life in her hometown.
Genova was ecstatic to see the twins, Kaden and Karla, her favorite child playmates.
Kaden had grown so tall and well-built with a cold personality that she almost didn’t recognize him at first. Karla was no different. The girl was nearly as tall as her brother with unmistakable feistiness.
Genova was not at all hoping the twins would remember her because they had been kids the last time they met, and she was aware that people change as they grow older. To her utmost surprise, what she least expected happened. Karla had embraced her tightly and even twirled her in excitement while Kaden stood still with a barely noticeable smile stretched on his alluring lips.
Meeting the twins again, mainly Karla and knowing they didn’t forget her was a relief for Genova.
Her time in Wooddale has been fun so far and she has begun to warm up to her new environment. Maybe things would have been much smoother if only Zoe hadn’t been a real nuisance.
Genova thought that if there was an award for nuisance and bullies, she was sure Zoe would win it. The girl was one annoying piece of work. No one in the estate had any decent words to say about her.
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Genova didn't want to bother herself with unnecessary drama on this day. She couldn't wait to arrive at her new school.
She had looked the place up on the internet and was taken aback by its quality and high-class standard.
The overall rating was mind-blowing!
Her aunt wasn't joking when she said the College was the best in town. More than Ninety percent of graduates came out with flying colors, and they further excelled in extended institutions.
"New school, please be kind to me," Genova muttered. Yawning, she crawled lazily out of bed to get ready to begin her day.
The time on her phone showed that it was 6:30 am. She needed to have her hair washed as well as do her other morning routines.
Genova wanted to look good and presentable for the new environment she was about to be introduced to. So she better gets her ass up now, or she might end up late for her first day. Sure, the latter wasn't an option at all. She was never known to be a latecomer and didn't intend to start now.
Done with her bathroom activity and getting herself ready beautifully, she headed out for breakfast.
Eva was already seated at the head of the table, sipping her coffee when Genova walked in.
"Good morning, aunt!" Genova greeted warmly.
Eva put down her coffee cup and smiled. "Good morning to you too, honey. You seem to be in a better mood today."
"Oh, yes. I am so looking forward to my new school." Genova beamed.
Eva chuckled. “You are the first girl I know who seems to enjoy studying. Well, I hope you rested well enough because you are about to have your brain cracked."
Genova paused. Her face lost its shine for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure before anyone could notice the changes. "My night was relaxing, and I am so ready for (Brasvian). Let's see how much this brain of mine can take," she replied enthusiastically.
"Good!" Eva mused. She glanced at the dishes on the table and said, "Food is going to get cold. Eat up so we can leave!"
"Aren't we going to wait for Zoe?" Genova asked.
She knew Zoe was a late riser and could only hope the girl won't keep them waiting. The last she needed was getting late for her first day at school.
"I have sent Monica to get her!" Eva replied with a scoff. As a mother, she was fed up with Zoe's bratty personality.
Sometimes, Eva wished she hadn't given birth to Zoe in the first place. Maybe it would have done her more good should she have considered getting rid of the pregnancy or had taken protection in order to prevent such an outcome.
Her current situation was unwanted!
Over the years, Eva had worked hard and strived to make Zoe a child her father would have been proud of. But as it turned out, the more she gave, the more untamed the girl became.
Eva often wondered if making sure Zoe had everything while growing up was a good thing. For example, her niece was raised in the most spartan background and grew up to be everything Zoe never was.
Her sister, Mary always said, "Children shouldn't have everything they ask for because they will only keep on demanding more. Indulging them too much is a mistake. It is safe to say no!"
Eva’s greatest regret was not taking Mary's advice!
She ensured Zoe got everything she wanted and didn't think to stop when her demands started spiraling out of control.
Eva would always go the extra mile to ensure every one of her daughter's wishes was fulfilled. However, she was now suffering the consequences of not stopping Zoe's unreasonable behavior when she had the chance. She only wanted her child not to feel the void of not having a father to grow up with. But as it turned out, she had failed to be a good mom!
"Miss Eva. Zoe is not in her room," Monica informed.
Eva sighed. "I am not surprised!" She muttered dishearteningly. Turning her gaze at the girl seated close, "Well then, eat up, young lady. We don't want you to be late."
Genova felt terrible for her aunt as she slowly bobbed her head in response.
Though the woman seemed unaffected by Zoe's behavior, one could clearly see how disappointed and sad she was.
Genova felt her aunt was poor as she began wolfing her breakfast like a starved beast. She ate so quickly that Eva was left speechless by the time she finished.
The woman’s mouth was rendered agape as she looked from the empty ceramic plate and then at Genova. "Do you perhaps want more food, dear?" Eva was forced to ask because she hadn't seen anyone eat as fast as her niece just did.
Genova's face turned crimson. She was beyond embarrassed seeing the look of disbelief her dear aunt was giving her.
Honestly, rushing meals wasn't Genova's style. In fact, she always ate so slowly that her mom often had to urge her to be a little faster with food. But this time, she got carried away by the excitement of reaching her new school.
She wanted to be on time. Thus, she ate so quickly without care that she might choke on her food.
Additionally, Eva had told her last night about the job interview at Woods corporation. And judging from her aunts' positive tone, Genova was optimistic she would get the job. So, she had more than one reason to be in a good mood today.
Picking up the tissue beside her platter, she wiped her mouth clean and awkwardly cleared her throat. "I am full, aunt. Thank you for breakfast!" Genova spoke softly, lowering her head in shame.
Eva hummed. Though she was shocked and unsure if to believe the girl didn't require another portion, she held back the urge to ask again. She could see her reaction was making Genova feel embarrassed.
"All right then, let's get going!" Eva said while putting her phone in her handbag and pushing the chair back to leave the table.
"Okay!" Genova replied, rising to grab her school bag from the couch. "Ready!"
With that, both women left the house to begin their day.
The Black Maybach transporting Eva and Genova pulled over at the school parking lot a few minutes later.Due to the side of town Eva’s mansion was located in, everything was far out of reach. Even going to the supermarket outside the estate wasn't a walkable distance."We have arrived!" Eva announced once the car was fully parked and the ignition was turned off.The driver got down and hurried to open the back passenger seat first for Eva and then intended to do the same for the other passenger. However, Genova was already out before the man could move around the vehicle."Thank you, Wilson. I will show my niece to the Dean's office; we will head to the office afterward," Eva said. Turning to the girl beside her whose mouth was agape in utter fascination, Eva chuckled lowly. "Come on, Gen. You are going to make me late for the office!"Genova closed her mouth and then opened it again like a fish, but no words came out. One could tell she was in awe of the sight that welcomed her. Thus
A soft smile spread across Jack's lips. "Welcome to our institute, Miss Bourn!" He said casually. "Please hand me your official transfer documents from your previous school. And do take your seats.""Of course. Here you go, sir." Genova mouthed and quickly trotted forward to hand him her papers before crouching on the seat next to her aunt across from Jack.Silence reigned inside the vast office subsequently.Eva also remained silent. Her posture was now relaxed as she awaited the fellow's comment while Genova felt slightly anxious.Until they arrived at the school premises a couple of minutes ago, Genova firmly believed her grades were good enough to get admitted into (BRASVIAN INSTITUTE). However, seeing the college's high-quality standards firsthand, she couldn't ignore the insecurity that suddenly enveloped her. The establishment she attended back home in Roseville always praised her talent, and she never failed any of her exams. But [ROSEVILLE ACADEMICS and BRASVIAN INSTITUTE] w
Returning her gaze to Genova, "Please follow me." Jasmine's voice was soft, but her dubious glint spoke otherwise.Genova quickly got up and was hot on Jasmine's tail with no clue of the event that was to unfold. Silence reigned between both girls as they walked toward a destination she was unfamiliar with.Then again, she was unfamiliar with the whole place. After all, today was her first day in this school.She decided to speak up and clear things between them. "About earlier…," Genova began, "I didn't mean it that way. I am not into girls. I mean, I don't know-""Why are you making yourself so worked up? It is totally cool with me – I am used to getting this particular reaction from people. Trust me; it will pass in a few days," Jasmine stated flatly, tugging a strand lock behind her ears.Genova's eyes narrowed. "Do you mean you get this reaction from everyone?" She drilled to make sure she heard that right."Pretty much so!" Jasmine's eyes flickered mischievously for a split seco
David hummed. “Do you wish to change your current desk to a more comfortable one?” Genova went stiff upon hearing the professor’s harmless question. Did she wish to be apart from Jasmine? Moreover, why the sudden question though? Genova felt confused and had no straightforward answer to the professor’s question! Deep down within, there was this notion she couldn’t shake off. It was like an alarm ringing in her head that it would be in her best interest if she stayed away from this girl. Far, far away if possible. However, she couldn’t bring herself to do that because of the invisible clutch the latter had on her soul. Thus, her desire to please the villainess outweighed the danger signs she was getting. “I-I…” Genova bit her lip and glanced sideways at the lady deposited beside her. “I-I…” again, she trailed off when she couldn’t form any words or come to a decision. It was as though the cat suddenly got her tongue. “I think the new girl is perfect where she is, Mr. Johnsons.
Genova dashed out of the school building, running toward the exit with quickened steps, and her heart was not having it either. She felt like she was on the predator’s premises and needed to escape at once before being served on a golden platter. Her head was jumbled in fright and her sight blurry as she made haste to disappear from this place without paying the slightest attention to her surrounding until she bumped into a soft wall. No, it wasn’t a wall but someone. They both found themselves on the hard ground with Genova on top of the latter. “Oh my God, I am so sorry.” She muttered an apology as she quickly got back to her feet and intended to proceed with her escape. But before that could happen, she felt a firm grip that retained her from getting away on her right arm. “Girl. Are you doing all right?” A soft female voice sounded. “No, not at all. I mean, y-yes, thank you. I am sorry for bumping into you,” Genova apologized again, making sure her voice was calm as she could
Genova ran as much as her feet could carry her. Unfortunately, she couldn’t outrun the carnivores because their speed and agility were much superior to hers.“Ahh…” A loud shriek tore from her mouth when a sharp claw ripped through her skin just before she was tackled to the ground by one of the beasts. Her vision blurred due to the impact of colliding with the rough surface from the attack. She felt blood dripping from the gash on her left shoulder blade, wetting the ground as the animal loomed over her body, preparing to tear her into shreds. Dread gripped Genova to stare death in the face. Automatic tears she had no control over began pouring down the corner of her eyes. Her heartbeat accelerated like never before and she shut her eyes, knowing there was no escape in this kind of situation. She was cornered from all angles and her attempt to survive earlier had proven to her how fast these assailants were. Genova couldn’t stop the tremor that blanketed her as she lay still and
Kaden’s heart leaped when he realized how severe Genova’s condition was. The fact that she was now spewing black substance from her mouth meant one thing: The poison had spread to her bloodstream! He was losing her! She was dying and right on his watch. All be it, no matter the odd, he wouldn’t let that happen. Not when he had just gotten her back after many years apart. Instantaneously, he picked her up, bridal style and began running in the direction she would get help at an inhumane speed. His figure was like a blur as he ran with everything he got to make it to the hospital before it was too late. ‘Karla.’ Kaden yelled for his sister through the mind link. ‘Kaden. Are you ok? I heard about the rogues invading our territory and am on to your location-‘ ‘Please get Sam or Monica. Genova… I am losing her.’ The panic in Kaden’s voice couldn’t be missed. ‘What do you mean ‘you are losing Gen?’ What has she got to do with the rogue attack? What happened to her?’ ‘Get the help
“Perhaps we could have had a different outcome if you had not let your emotions get in the way.” A not-so-pleased voice resounded. Karla and Kaden whipped their heads toward the source with mouths wide open. Eva was standing a few feet away from them with one hand on her waist while the other fell languidly beside her. A deep frown was etched on her forehead, making her once alluring face and figure lose the usual demeanor she always had. “Luna.” The siblings exclaimed with shock. “Don’t you ‘Luna’ me now… Start talking!” Eva said curtly as she closed the distance between her and the twins in long strides. “Luna. I-I—"“What in the world did you say took my niece?” Eva cut Kaden off from his stutter by demanding answers about Genova’s whereabouts from the only person who could tell her what she needed to hear. She was not here to listen to anything else order than finding out about the safety of her niece. “I am not sure, Luna. I-I mean, I don’t know what to say… I don’t kn