Her Hidden Secrets

AMARA’S POV

"THAT'S all. That’s the task Miss Dela Cruz assigned to us. She’s hoping we can finish it within an hour, so let’s not disappoint her," I said.

My gaze swept across the classroom, checking if everyone understood my explanation. Judging by their nods and focused faces, they did.

"Okay, Miss Alcantara," one of my classmates teased, grinning playfully. I raised an eyebrow at them, shaking my head with a faint smile before returning to my seat.

I started working on the activity right away. After a few minutes, I was already done. I leaned back on my chair and let my eyes wander around the room, watching how busy everyone was with their papers. A quiet sigh escaped my lips.

Just two more months, and we’d be leaving this university behind.

My thoughts were interrupted when I suddenly felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I took it out and checked the screen.

A message from Seb.

But instead of opening it right away, I froze — because at that exact moment, a memory I’ve been trying to forget suddenly came rushing back.

I felt my uniform cling tightly to my skin as Emmy poured cold water all over me.

"Serves you right," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "You’re always so desperate for attention."

The bucket clattered to the ground, hitting my thigh with a sharp sting.

"What did I ever do to you?" I snapped, my patience finally breaking.

"You’re such a show-off! You always want everything to revolve around you. You even stole my spot as the top student!"

My brows furrowed in disbelief. That’s it? That’s her reason for doing all this? So childish!

"So, that’s why you’re mad at me? Because you think I took everything away from you? Why don’t you just try harder to surpass me?" I shot back.

I said those words not to insult her, but to challenge her — hoping she’d focus on improving herself instead of hating me. I wouldn’t mind if she surpassed me; she’s my classmate, and I can accept defeat.

But it seemed she misunderstood me. Her face darkened even more.

"What did you say? No matter what you do, you’ll never beat me! Because I have a complete family—while you? Your mom abandoned you!"

Her words struck me like a slap. Of all things to bring up, she chose that.

"Don’t involve my personal life in your issue with me!" I said firmly.

"Why not? It’s the truth, isn’t it?" she mocked before shoving me hard and grabbing a fistful of my hair.

"Let go of me! Can’t we talk about this without fighting?" I tried to reason with her, even as pain shot through my scalp.

But she only smirked. "What if I like this? You have no idea how much I enjoy seeing you suffer!"

She yanked my hair again, forcing me to almost kneel on the ground.

"Please, Emmy... let me go," I begged, my voice trembling.

"You’re just