Chapter 27

Chapter 27 615 Elysia woke up with a jolt right in the middle of the exam. The room was filled with the sound of pencils scribbling away li crazy She stretched, wincing as her stiff neck protested, and her feet tingled from the awkward position. Desk naps were the wors -her comfy bed at home was calling her name.

With a shrug, she decided to hand in her paper and get some real sleep in her own bed.

Noticing her getting up, Justin did the same. He dropped his paper on the teacher’s desk and walked out.

The other students were too deep in the Language and Composition exam to notice. Time was ticking, and everyone was focused on their own battle.

Justin, being the top student, handing in his paper early was no big deal. But Elysia was a special case. No one knew how she managed to get into Class 1.

Rumors swirled that she hadn’t even finished elementary school, which would make her the ultimate underdog. Maybe that was why she handed in her paper early–she didn’t have a clue about answering those questions.

Elysia was all set to make a beeline for the school gate, but a teacher stopped her in her tracks.

It turned out that students couldn’t just walk out until the exam was over. They had to hang out in a designated waiting area.

Elysia was left speechless. She should’ve known better. The classroom desk wasn’t the most comfortable, but it beat the waiting area any day.

She couldn’t recall if her old school had the same rule. It had been ages, and memories faded.

Elysia had barely sat down in the waiting area when Justin joined her. She glanced at him and then quickly averted her gaze,))

The air turned a bit awkward. Justin, usually as cool as ice and known for his aloofness, seemed a tad uneasy. your paper?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Did no finish Elysia replied with a shrug, “I skipped the essay Justin’s brow furrowed. The essay was a major chunk of the Language and Composition exam. If she didn’t write it, her grade was toast.

Seeing his expression, Elysia chuckled and teased, “Are you already crunching numbers in your head?”

“No!” Justin denied it a bit too quickly, looking a bit guilty.

Elysia didn’t push it. She just smiled and stayed quiet.

“Class 1 has a cutthroat rule. The lowest scorer gets the boot. If you’re at the bottom, you’re out, Justin warned.

Elysia nodded. “Got it.”

Tin giving you a heads–up, Justin added, looking her in the eye Tknow. Don’t sweat Id No one can kick me out of Class I but in Elysiu said confidently, making Justin pause, Tue, Jan 20 Chapter 27 1 C 1 2619 61%2 Then the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam. Elysia yawned, stretched, and sauntered out of the waiting area.

Just watched her go, a bit stunned. He knew what she meant, but hearing her say it so casually, he felt like she was dead serious.

For a moment, he believed her.

Thanks to Justin’s nudge, Elysia, who had planned to just phone in the exam, decided to give it her all. It was also a chance to show those gossipers that she wasn’t just there because of connections.

The final exam bell rang, and Elysia strolled out of the school gates. There was no sign of the Rosewood family’s car. She was about to hail a taxi when a voice rang out.

“Elysia!” a girl hollered.

Elysia spun around and saw Alice bouncing out of a sleek black Maybach, grinning from ear to ear as she jogged over.

In no time, Alice was right there, saying with a bright smile, “Elysia, surprise! I didn’t peg you as a student here. I’m stuck in the junior section; you’re probably a senior, huh?”

Elysia nodded and replied, “Yup, Class I, Grade 12.”

“You’re such a brainiac, Elysia, Alice said, glancing around. “No one here to chauffeur you home?”

I’ll just catch a cab, Elysia said, already pulling out her phone.

“Hold up. Don’t do that. I’ll give you a lift. My uncle’s here to pick me up, Alice said, pointing to the Maybach idling nearby.

“Thanks, Alice, but I don’t want to be a hassle. I’ll just grab a cab, Elysia insisted.

“It’s no hassle, Elysia. Seriously! My uncle’s cool with it. He even mentioned you might be stranded and told me to offer you a ride,” Alice said.

Then she leaned in closer to Elysia and whispered, “Just betweenus, my uncle’s usually all about himself, never offering to drive chicks home. You’re the first one!”

Elysia glanced at the black Maybach, feeling like eyes were on her from inside. She wondered if she was just paranoid. “Come on, Elysia. Let me give you a ride,” Alice pressed.

For some odd reason, Elysia found herself nodding. Alice, over the moon, grabbed her hand and half–dragged her toward the Maybach, afraid she’d change her mind.

As soon as they slid in, Elysia was hit with a wave of that grown–up, manly scent.

“Zane, meet the kind soul I told you about who helped me out,lice said.

The man turned around, his lips curving into a smile that sent angle down Elysia’s spine. “Thanks for looking out for Alice, I’m Zane Hartley. Nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand for a shake.

Elysia froze. Zane was the guy who’d helped her out in the prin pal’s office, She couldn’t believe they were running into each other again like this.

Elysia, Noticing her dare, Alice nudged her, reminding her, Ze’s talking to you.

14.19 Tue, Jan 28 127 861%a Elysia snapped back, looking at Zane’s hand, which was still floating there. She slowly reached out and took it, feeling a jolt of electricity at the touch.

This was new territory for Elysia. She didn’t want to let go because it felt good.

Zane also held on tight, his bigger hand covering hers. At that moment, he wished time would hit pause.

They held hands for what felt like forever, but it was probably just half a minute before Zane reluctantly let go.

Elysia felt a flush of embarrassment, her cheeks warming. She crossed her arms, her fingers tracing the lingering warmth from Zane’s hand.

“What’s going on with me? I usually get all googly–eyed over cute guys, but this is next–level. I’m actually going to miss the feeling? I must be losing it, she thought.

Clueless about the vibe between them, Alice looked at Elysia’s red face and asked, “Elysia, why are your cheeks so red?”

Elysia wished she could vanish into thin air. She covered her face with her hands, felt the heat, and then remembered that her hand had just been held by Zane. Her face got even redder.

She quickly removed her hands, fanning her face like it was on fire and trying to act casual and hide her embarrassment. “It’s just hot in here.”

Watching engine.

her in the rearview mirror, Zane curled his lips into a smile, reminding her, “Buckle up.” With that, he fired up the About half an hour later, they pulled up to the Rosewood residence.

Elysia a got out of the car, and her face was still flushed. She walked over to Zane’s side and tapped on the window.

Zane rolled it down, and for the first time, they were this close. Their heartbeats seemed to skip a beat, pounding loudly. Elysia was a bit nervous, looking at his stunning face, and she swallowed hard. “Um, thanks for the ride home.”

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