Cynthia Dion: "I earned this participation pass, and if I don't take part today, the instructors would be disappointed and probably bully me," I tried to explain, but all he did was shake his head in response to my concerns."Cynthia! Why do you defy me? Didn't I mention how much I dislike it when people challenge my decisions?" He tilted his head, gazing at me intensely; it reminded me of the time he had accidentally spilled scalding broth on my face."Mr. Holt, please!" I was overwhelmed with emotion and wanted to cry right then and there. I had fought so hard to earn this opportunity, and now I was considering giving up?Mr. Lowell and Ms. Kylie will be devastated; they'll never trust me again. And I wasted a spot that could've gone to a deserving applicant instead of someone like me who was intentionally avoiding the game."Hush! The contest will be dangerous; you might get hurt if you play anyway," he said, glaring at me and pressing a finger to his lips.He then straightened hi

Cynthia Dion: "You know what? Let’s not talk about it. I don’t want to get stressed," she said and stood up. I realized it might be too overwhelming to discuss that with her.Despite my outward smile, I was shattered inside as I spent the day with Maleeka. I missed an opportunity to help the rogues, all because of one person. I was even afraid to confront him again, especially now that Maleeka had warned me about how dangerous he might be.He returned home late and didn't really engage in conversation with me. He went straight to Maleeka's room to greet her and spend time with her. Maleeka told me that Atticus had informed her that Rosalie had won the competition, and I must admit, that made me very angry.Now that she had won this contest, she would become a real nightmare for the rogues. Even though the school was closed for a few days to celebrate the winners and give everyone a chance to relax, I knew she would become even more relentless toward me the following day."Did you hea

Cynthia Dion:As soon as I heard those hurtful remarks, I made my escape. I quickly pushed his hand away and stood up. He grunted and tried to grab my hand to stop me, but I had already rushed off towards the restroom and locked myself inside."Cynthia, come out! You're going to regret this!" he yelled, pounding on the door with anger until I heard a tap on the bedroom door. I believe he turned away to see who he had disturbed at this late hour."What?" he demanded in an enraged tone."Is she okay?" I overheard him say, "I'm coming," as he hurried out of the room and locked the door behind him. He sounded concerned when talking to someone.I had no idea what had just happened, but it was confirmed that he had left the room.I questioned whether my action was brave, considering that I knew if he was capable of harming his unborn child, he might also be capable of harming me.I didn't feel like leaving the restroom, and I stood by the door, unsure if it was a ploy to lure me out. I had

Cynthia Dion: When I got back to my room, Mr. Holt was using a laptop, lying in bed. I didn't want to stay in the same room with him.He kept his eyes on the laptop and mentioned, "I've told the staff to get the oceanfront farmhouse in Maui ready for our honeymoon."I gulped nervously and fidgeted with my fingers, wondering why the heck we had to go on a honeymoon when it was clear we didn't like each other. I just couldn't grasp his underlying motive for all these chaotic actions.He noticed my unease about being alone with him and gave a sly grin, then asked, "Do you reckon you can get ready in just two days?"I felt a lump in my throat at this news."Why do we have to go? I mean, Maleeka needs you; your child needs you," I said, hesitating to get closer to him.I felt a deep fear at the thought of what he might do, so I kept my distance."So, are you saying you think I'm irresponsible and that I'm making these plans to shirk my responsibilities?" He seemed to be trying to shift th

Cynthia Dion: I started to panic, scanning the room to find a hiding spot for Atticus. I was worried that if I stashed him in the bathroom and Mr. Holt decided to shower or use it for anything else before taking Maleeka out, I'd be in trouble."Just grab the bag from the closet. Your clothes are in there. Why do you have to disturb Cynthia's sleep at this hour?" Luckily, Maleeka proposed this idea to Mr. Holt because she knew her brother was in my room."You're pretty demanding when you're pregnant," Mr. Holt sounded tired, but at least he went along with her suggestion.I paced around the bedroom, feeling anxious about Atticus, who appeared drained from his incessant coughing."Just a few more minutes, alright?" I settled beside him on the couch. Suddenly, he slumped down and, before I could grasp his intent, he rested his head in my lap and clung to my legs tightly.I was too stunned to even take a deep breath at that moment. I was on the couch, and he was on the floor. The whole s