A CRUEL WELCOME
On the other side of town, Dylan's afternoon had not gone well. His father had just returned from a week-long business trip, and Dylan went to meet him right after school.
"So, tell me," his father began, leaning back in his office chair. "How did you manage the Eastern Pacific negotiations while I was away?"Dylan took a slow breath. "I managed, but there were issues with the contracts; they weren't finalized in time because of—"His father interrupted him, his voice sharp yet controlled. "Because of what, Dylan? You know I don't like delays. You're supposed to take over, yet you can't keep things on track?"Dylan took another breath. "I did everything I could, but the delays weren't all my fault."His father narrowed his eyes. "Listen closely. Mistakes in this business aren't just mistakes; they're losses. And those losses reflect on you, not just on the team. I expect better. I won't have my heir stumble because he couldn't maintain control. Do you understand?""I understand, sir," Dylan replied, his voice low. His father's words stung. Though he realized the man was right, Dylan didn't want to admit how much pressure he was under.By evening, Dylan returned to Sterling Heights, feeling tense and still weighed down. He walked into the principal's office, where his aunt worked, not realizing how much his mood had hardened. She had called him earlier for an important discussion. "Dylan," she said, her tone calm yet firm, "a new student is arriving today. A scholarship student. You will take care of her registration and show her around."Dylan froze mid-step. "Scholarship? Another one?" He felt the Irritation boil up "Why do we even admit these… charity cases? The school isn't a charity. Students like these..they have nothing to offer! They get the privilege, but what about the school? What about the investments already here?"His aunt raised an eyebrow. "Dylan, control yourself. She's already admitted. You will help her, that's final. No excuses. Moreover it was your grandma's opinion.""I… fine," Dylan said, his jaw clenched. Inside, he was seething. A scholarship student from a poor background was now under his supervision? The timing couldn't have been worse.After leaving the principal's office, Dylan Martinez headed to the dining hall with Melvin, his closest friend. His other buddies, Jeffery and Justin, had gone ahead. Dylan scanned the hall with cold precision. He had been searching for Vera for nearly half an hour, calling her name and expecting a response."She should be here," Melvin muttered."Her name was given to us. She should respond when spoken to," Dylan replied.Melvin shrugged. "Maybe she didn't hear you. Or maybe she's hiding." Dylan's jaw tightened. Meanwhile, Vera had just taken her first bite when she sensed someone nearby. He stood there, tall and composed, neatly dressed, radiating a subtle shine and a captivating scent, his gaze fixed on her with an impatience that cut deeper than any shout.Dylan.Vera froze. She looked up, her heart racing. Could it be…? She tried to summon a small smile, hoping he would recognize her from their hospital days in childhood. But his expression didn't change. There was no recognition, no warmth… nothing. "New girl," Dylan said, calm and ruthless, his tone slicing through the noise. "I—I'm here," she whispered, barely audible, her cheeks warming.Dylan's dark eyes scanned her. He didn't smile or blink. "You're the scholarship student?" he asked, voice firm and authoritative."Yes," Vera replied softly, trying to keep her small, hopeful smile. She lowered her gaze when his expression remained unreadable."Stand up," Dylan ordered sharply.Vera obeyed, straightening as best she could, cheeks flushed. The noise around them faded—not completely, but enough that it felt like people were watching. Students paused mid-bite, whispering and noticing the tension. "Where were you?" he asked, voice calm but almost too calm. "Didn't you hear me calling your name?""I… I didn't hear—" she started but didn't finish. The slap came fast.Dylan's patience snapped like a taut wire. The earlier argument with his father, the information from the principal, and the annoyance of searching for her collided in a sharp, cold movement. He slapped her across the cheek in a controlled, precise strike meant to shock, not to rage.The hall fell silent for a moment. Students stared; some gasped, others laughed. Vera's head spun. Her tray wobbled, and she clutched it, trying to steady herself. Tears pricked her eyes, embarrassment burning in her chest."I—I'm sorry!" she whispered, her voice trembling.She pressed a hand to her cheek, her pulse racing. She wanted to explain that she hadn't heard him, but the words got stuck in her throat."Keep your ears up if you want to survive in this school," Dylan said, his tone still calm and controlled.Melvin, sensing it might escalate, stepped in quietly, putting a gentle hand on Dylan's shoulder. "Dylan," he said calmly and firmly, "she's just a new student. Don't make this worse. Let it go. Besides, you don't hit girls; I'm surprised you did this.""Does she look like one to you?" Dylan retorted coldly, leaving Melvin speechless. His gaze stayed fixed on Vera. "Follow me," he said, turning toward the table where his friends were seated.He led her, his presence demanding attention."Stand here," Dylan said, pointing to a spot beside his friends' table.Vera's hands shook, but she obeyed silently."Write your full details," Dylan instructed, holding out a tablet and a pen. "Sign here."Vera hesitated, unsure how to use the device. Her fingers fumbled over the screen."Is there a problem?" Dylan's voice sharpened."I… I don't know how to use this," Vera whispered, heat rising to her cheeks. She could feel every pair of eyes on her, judging and mocking.Dylan's patience thinned. "Move closer," he snapped, pushing her gently. "I don't have all day."Vera stepped forward, trying to focus, but her hands shook too much. She bit her lip to hold back tears."Wait," someone said softly. Melvin stepped in. "Let me help her."Vera looked up, grateful, as Melvin guided her hand while she signed her name and entered her details. Her heart pounded with embarrassment. Dylan watched silently from his seat, arms crossed. He gave no encouragement or kind words; his cold observation made her feel as if she should sink into the floor whenever she looked at him."Write everything carefully," Dylan instructed again. "You are officially registered as a new student today."Vera's hands shook, but with Melvin's assistance, she filled out the details carefully, keeping her eyes on the tablet instead of the students around her until it was done."Finally," Dylan exhaled sharply.Vera nodded, relieved that the ordeal was over. She wanted to find a corner and disappear. She returned to her seat, carefully sitting down. Her hands still shook, her food had gone cold, and she couldn't believe what had just happened. Students around her whispered and laughed quietly, making her feel embarrassed.Regina leaned closer. "What just happened? Why would he hit you like that? Dylan doesn't hit girls, I mean…" she whispered. Vera bent her neck, wiping away some tears. "Don't cry; you'll be fine," Regina added.Vera stared at her plate, then picked up her spoon and tried to eat. But her mind was elsewhere. It fixated on one moment, the brief moment before the slap. When she had looked at him—and hoped. She swallowed slowly, her throat tight and her chest heavier than before. He didn't remember me. The thought settled painfully.Across the hall, Dylan sat with his friends as if nothing had happened. Calm, composed, and unaffected. But for just a second—only a second—his gaze shifted back to her. Then, it turned away. It felt like it didn't matter. That night, Vera lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Her cheek still ached faintly. Her heart felt heavier than she expected. Sterling Heights wasn't just beautiful; it wasn't just strict. It was something else entirely. Something harder, colder. As she turned slightly and pulled the blanket closer around herself, one thought lingered—quiet but clear. This place isn't just a school. It's a battlefield. And somehow, she had already been noticed.