Chapter 18 18
Sofía had woken up later than usual that morning. If she went to see the dean now, she would miss her first class and that was something she simply couldn’t afford to do.
So she pushed the visit aside for later and headed straight to her science class instead.
The lesson passed without trouble.
Once the bell rang, Sofía made her way through the crowded hallway to her locker, switching out her books for the next period. Students filled the corridors, voices echoing loudly.
Just as she reached inside her locker
Bang!
The metal door was slammed shut with brutal force.
Sofía jolted back in fright, her heart leaping into her throat. The image of her fingers nearly getting crushed sent a cold wave through her veins.
Her furious gaze snapped toward the person responsible.
Of course.
Miguel.
Also known as Jackass.
“What’s wrong, fatty?” he asked with a fake innocent grin. “Did I make you mad?”
Sofía clenched her jaw, slammed her locker properly this time, and tried to walk away.
But who was she kidding?
Her path was blocked by a massive figure.
Mateo.
Aka Jerk.
“Move,” she demanded firmly.
He only flashed her a cruel smile.
“Why, darling?” he mocked.
Her eyes burned holes into him.
The past week had been so peaceful no bullying, no harassment. And now they were back. As if she didn’t already have enough on her mind.
“Step aside, Mateo,” she ground out.
He let out a short laugh, clearly amused.
“Someone’s getting feisty,” Miguel chimed in.
Suddenly Mateo froze.
His gaze shifted past her shoulder, completely focused on something behind her.
Without saying a word, he walked around Sofía, a twisted grin slowly spreading across his face.
Confused, Sofía turned to see where he was headed.
Her stomach dropped.
A small, fragile-looking girl stood a short distance away, sliding books into her locker. She was undeniably beautiful.
And Mateo was heading toward her like a predator.
Oh God.
Save that girl.
“Earth to fatty,” Miguel said smugly.
“I’m late for class,” Sofía muttered, trying to move past him.
He blocked her again.
“You know,” Miguel said slyly, “I’ve got a deal for you.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Sleep with me once and I’ll give you a hundred bucks.”
He grinned.
Her blood boiled instantly.
This wasn’t the first time he’d offered that disgusting bargain. He had said it countless times before and every single time it made her want to scream.
“No!” she spat fiercely.
Miguel’s jaw tightened in anger.
But before he could do anything else, the janitor approached.
“Sofía,” he said kindly, “the dean wants to see you in his office.”
Relief flooded her.
She nodded quickly and walked away beside the janitor.
Thankfully, Miguel didn’t follow or make a scene.
At the office door, she knocked once.
Why would the dean call her?
Maybe to ask about yesterday.
This was her chance.
Her chance to tell him everything about Mr. Ruiz.
“Come in,” the dean’s voice called.
She opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind her.
The dean sat stiffly behind his desk and from the look on his face, he wasn’t in a good mood.
“Have a seat, Ms. Rodríguez,” he said sharply. “Mr. Ruiz has informed me about your misbehavior.”
The words knocked the air from her lungs.
Misbehavior?
Her head snapped to the side.
And her body went cold.
Fernando Ruiz sat there.
Those piercing forest-green eyes locked onto hers.
Every instinct screamed for her to run.
But the dean’s cold voice pulled her back.
“Sit down.”
With shaking hands, she walked to the empty chair beside Mr. Ruiz and lowered herself into it. Her fingers tightened around the strap of her bag.
“What am I hearing, Sofía?” the dean asked, softer now.
Her eyes lifted timidly.
“W-What?” she whispered.
There were moments when someone said they’d heard something about you and your mind instantly rushed to every mistake you’d ever made.
For her, it was missing yesterday’s classes.
“You misbehaved with Mr. Ruiz?” the dean said sharply.
Her heart nearly stopped.
“I-I didn’t,” she breathed.
How could this man lie so boldly?
Anger surged through her.
“It wasn’t me,” she rushed out. “It was Mr. Ruiz who misbehaved with me in his office.”
She sounded like a child desperately trying to explain she wasn’t guilty.
“Sofía!” the dean snapped.
She flinched.
“Mr. Ruiz has already told me everything. Why are you being ungrateful?”
His voice was filled with fury.
Her lips trembled.
Did she even understand what was happening?
“Do you have any idea how many students are willing to pay thousands just to receive his private lessons?” the dean continued angrily. “And he offered you the same for free simply because you’re a good student! And you rejected him!”
Her hands shook in her lap.
Her gaze dropped to the floor.
“I-I can get a tutor”
“See?” Fernando Ruiz cut in coldly. “This is exactly what I meant. I should leave.”
He started to stand.
“No, no, please, Mr. Ruiz,” the dean said quickly, rising from his chair. “Sit down. I apologize on Sofía’s behalf.”
Shock rooted her in place.
Fernando slowly sat back down, a victorious smirk tugging at his lips.
“Sofía,” the dean scolded harshly, “do you want to lose your scholarship? One more complaint from any teacher could remove you from the list entirely. You need to take this seriously.”
Tears burned in her eyes, but she kept staring at her lap.
“You will now be taking extra lessons with Mr. Ruiz every day,” the dean continued firmly. “It will help improve your math GPA.”
Her vision blurred.
“Am I clear?” he demanded.
She nodded weakly.
“Now,” the dean said coldly, “apologize to Mr. Ruiz.”