Yeah, it was really hilarious, girl. If only you had seen it," Dawn laughed as she talked on the phone.
"If I hadn't transferred schools," her friend sighed.
"Aww, but you know why I had to transfer," Dawn replied casually.
"It's okay. I'm sure Joel will be happy to see you again."
She smirked. "Please. I'm just making him miss me. It's not like he could ever ignore me."
"Yeah. Anyway, I need to go. Call me again."
"Keep me updated," Dawn said.
"Of course."
She ended the call with a satisfied smile—only to find a maid staring timidly at her.
"My father is calling you, Ma'am," the maid said.
"You should've spoken sooner," Dawn snapped, brushing past her.
She entered her father's office. "You called me, Dad?"
"Oh, good. Sit." Her father looked up from his documents.
She waited.
"I hope you're not causing trouble anymore," he said, tone sharp.
"Nope. I'm a good girl now—especially with my boyfriend around. I have to protect the Villanueva name, right?" she said sweetly.
"I see… he really likes you, huh? Still, that arranged marriage—I've never agreed with it."
"Dad, we love each other. We don't need an arrangement. And besides, you'll get what you want eventually." She smirked.
Her father smiled faintly. "Yeah. He'll protect you from all your… misbehavior."
"Yup. He even overlooks what happened before," she said with a grin.
"I hope you're not making a mistake again. I can't cover everything forever. Make friends with his cousin too."
She frowned. "I don't need him. I only need Cielo."
"Do it. He's the only one who can stand in our way."
"Fine, fine. I'll try."
Her father nodded, dismissing her.
I need to hide it. All of it, Dawn thought, gripping her phone.
The Next Day at School
"Good morning!" Dawn greeted Paulene and the others cheerfully. Her eyes scanned the hallway.
Absent today?Good. Less competition. Easier to play these naïve little transferees… like I played with Crisha's life.
Then she spotted Cielo.
"Cielo! Good morning!" she called.
He glanced at her. "Morning."
Her friends nudged her, giggling. Dawn basked in the attention.
Of course he smiled.I'm his girlfriend and fiancée, after all.
But then she felt it—someone's eyes on her.
Julie's glare met hers.
Sharp. Judging.Like Julie already saw through her.
You'll be the last one I ruin, Dawn thought, forcing a sugary smile in return.
"You're the one setting up Miss Villa, aren't you?" Dennis suddenly asked, brushing past her.
Dawn gasped softly. "Dennis, why would you accuse me? You're so mean."
"You act all pure, but I know it's you," he muttered before leaving.
You have no proof, idiot, Dawn thought, keeping her face innocent.
Recess
She sipped her juice elegantly, nose wrinkling at the other students around.
Even if this is an exclusive school, they still accept scholars.Ugh. I don't want to smell these beggars today, she sneered internally.
"Dawn."
She stiffened.
This bitch.
"Yes, Kelly?" Dawn said sweetly.
Kelly smirked. "Don't call me so sweetly. It doesn't suit you."
Dawn clenched her teeth."What do you want, Kelly?" she asked in a soft voice.
Kelly slammed her palms on the table.
"Stop pretending. Are you the one setting up Nicole?"
"W-What are you saying?" Dawn blinked innocently.
Kelly raised a brow. "Don't insult me. That act of yours? I'm not buying it."
"What's wrong with you, Kelly?" Dawn snapped back.
Kelly leaned closer."What's wrong with me? You tell me. You're not just targeting my sister—you're messing with Nicole now."
"Hey!" Claire appeared, grabbing Kelly's arm away. "Why are you attacking my cousin?!"
"Attacking? Did you see me hurt her?" Kelly shot back.
"Ate Claire, it's fine," Dawn said softly, playing the victim again.
Kelly's smirk returned. "Stop fooling everyone. You know I know the truth about Crisha."
Dawn's nails dug into her palm.This bitch… she needs to shut up.
"What the heck, Kelly?! Why are you threatening my cousin?" Claire yelled.
Kelly turned to leave—but Claire suddenly yanked her hair.
"LET GO," Kelly warned coldly.
"You started it! Don't harass my cousin!" Claire shouted.
Kelly grabbed her hair in return.
"Ow! Let go!" Claire cried.
"Let go of my cousin!" Dawn shouted, pretending to panic.
Soon they were in a messy hair-pulling fight.
"Next time, pick people who are actually like you!" Kelly barked.
"SANTIBAÑEZ!"
Everyone froze.
Dave stood there, glaring.
"Why are you always choosing violence, Kelly?" he demanded.
Kelly didn't answer.
"Claire. Vanissa." Jonathan stepped in. "And you—yes, you too," he said to Dawn.
"Wait—why am I included?" Dawn gasped.
"We want your statement," Kevin said firmly.
Left with no choice, they all walked to the office.
What a crazy bitch… why is she so protective of that girl? Dawn thought bitterly.
I'll silence her. One way or another.
Her fists curled tightly.
She remembered the time she once had Kelly by the throat.If Claire hadn't pulled them apart back then…
Vanissa and Claire knew better now.Another incident could get them expelled.
Dawn's glare shifted to Kelly.
Damn you.You're in my way.