A Bitter Rivalry
Episode 5: A Bitter Rivalry
Thalia descended the staircase with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. She had just caught a glimpse of their private attorney, Mr. Collins, leaving their house. Her mind raced with questions as she approached her mother in the living room.
Thalia
(curious) Mom, why was Mr. Collins here?
Her mother's gaze flickered with annoyance, but she didn't look at Thalia directly.
Felice (Thalia's Mom)
(dismissive) Don't concern yourself with other people's business, Thalia.
Thalia's brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of her mother's response.
Thalia
(puzzled) But he's our private attorney, isn't he? Why would he be here?
Her mother's tone turned cold as she finally met Thalia's gaze.
Felice (Thalia's Mom)
(sharp) I said, it's not your concern.
Thalia's heart sank at her mother's cold response, a mixture of frustration and confusion welling up within her.
Thalia
(hurt) But I just wanted to know...
Her mother's eyes narrowed, her lips forming a thin line.
Felice (Thalia's Mom)
(cutting) Thalia, I don't have time for your questions. I have important matters to attend to.
Thalia's sense of longing deepened as she watched her mother's dismissive attitude.
Thalia
(softly) I just wish you'd talk to me, Mom.
Her mother's gaze softened for a fleeting moment, but it quickly turned distant again.
Felice (Thalia's Mom)
(guarded) There are things you don't understand, Thalia.
Thalia
(determined) Then help me understand. I want to be a part of our family, to know what's happening.
Her mother's expression darkened, a shadow passing over her features.
Felice (Thalia's Mom)
(coldly) There are things you're better off not knowing. Trust me on that.
Thalia's heart ached at her mother's words, the chasm between them growing wider.
Thalia
(whispering) I just want us to be close, Mom.
Her mother's silence was deafening, leaving Thalia feeling more lost and alone than ever before.
Thalia enters the school with a swirling mix of emotions from the scene she witnessed earlier.
Thalia
(thinking) Why did Mr. Collins paid us a visit? It's unusual for him to go unannounced. There's probably something's going on. But what is it?
As she walks down the hallway, lost in thought, she suddenly finds herself face to face with Jaehan.
Jaehan
(smiling) Hey, Ali! Ready for another exciting day?
Thalia
(heart racing) Hey, Jay. Yeah, sure.
They exchange pleasantries, and Thalia feels her heart skip a beat as Jaehan's eyes meet hers.
Thalia
(Why does he always have this effect on me?)
Jaehan walks Thalia to her classroom, their conversation flowing easily.
Jaehan
(casually) See you later, Ali.
Thalia
(smiling) Yeah, see you.
Thalia watches Jaehan leave before spinning around to find Payne, who wears a teasing smile.
Payne
(grinning) What's got you all dreamy-eyed this morning?
Thalia
(blushing) Oh, nothing. Just... thinking.
Payne nudges Thalia playfully, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
Payne
(playfully) Come on, spill the tea! Is it something to do with our boy Jaehan?
Thalia
(laughing) Payne, seriously, it's nothing.
Before Payne can pry further, their teacher walks in, prompting the class to settle down.
Homeroom Teacher
Good morning, everyone. Let's get started.
Thalia's attention turns to the front of the class, but her thoughts continue to drift back to the sudden appearance of their private attorney at their house.
Thalia
(whispering to herself) I just don't understand... Why?
Homeroom Teacher
Class, we have a new student joining us today.
Suddenly, there's a buzz of whispers and excitement as the teacher introduces a new student.
Classmate 1
(whispering) New student?
Classmate 2
(whispering) I hope it's a girl
Classmate 3
(whispering) I bet it's a boy
Classmate 2
(whispering) Yeah? So you could flirt with him?
Classmate 3
(rolled her eyes) Whatever.
Classmate 1
(whispering) What about you, Thalia? Who do you think will be our new classmate?
Homeroom Teacher
Please welcome, Zorian Sullivan.
Thalia's eyes widen as she looks at the new student, Zorian, who enters the room.
Thalia
(surprised) Zorian?
Zorian wandered his eyes around the room. The moment he gazed on Thalia, a smirk curled up from his lips.
Zorian
Hello, everyone. I hope we get along well.
Throughout the school day, Thalia finds herself encountering Zorian unexpectedly, no matter where she goes.
Thalia
(Why does it feel like he's everywhere?)
Whether in the hallway, the cafeteria, or even during a break, Zorian seems to appear.
Zorian
(grinning) Hey, Thalia. Running into you again?
Thalia
(curious) Yeah, it's just... surprising.
Zorian leans against the wall, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Zorian
(playful) Maybe it's fate, or maybe I'm just excellent at finding interesting people.
Thalia
(raising an eyebrow) Interesting? Is that your word for "everywhere"?
Zorian chuckles, and Thalia can't help but find his presence oddly comforting.
Thalia
(Why do I feel comfortable around him?)
During lunch, as Thalia sits with Payne, Zorian takes a seat at the nearby table.
Payne
(whispering) Is it just me, or is he everywhere you are?
Thalia
(whispering) Right? It's getting weird.
Thalia watches Zorian, who's engaged in conversation with a few classmates.
Thalia
(curious) Who is he, really?
Zorian's gaze briefly meets Thalia's, and he gives her a playful wink.
Zorian
(whispering) Are you following me, or am I following you?
Thalia can't help but chuckle, appreciating his sense of humor.
Thalia
(whispering) I promise, I'm not stalking you.
As the school day nears its end, Thalia's mind is a whirlwind of thoughts.
Thalia
(What's his deal? Why does he seem so familiar?)
Zorian walks over to Thalia as she's packing her books.
Zorian
(smirking) So, Thalia, have I succeeded in making your day more exciting?
Thalia
(smiling) You're definitely adding some unexpected twists.
Zorian's grin widens, and he leans in closer.
Zorian
(whispering) Well, what's life without a little excitement, right?
Thalia
(playful) Are you saying I needed more excitement?
Zorian straightens up, his playful demeanor ever-present.
Zorian
(grinning) Let's just say... I saw potential.
Thalia watches him walk away, a mixture of intrigue and confusion in her expression.
Thalia
(murmuring) Potential for what, exactly?
As the school day comes to an end, Thalia heads back home, her mind still filled with thoughts of Zorian.
Thalia
(Zorian... He's so different from anyone I've met before.)
As she approaches the school's main gate she's startled to see Jaehan waiting by the entrance.
Jaehan
(smiling) Hey, Ali! Need a ride home?
Thalia
(surprised) Oh, hey, Jay. Thanks, but I'm good.
Jaehan looks at her with a raised eyebrow, his smile teasing.
Jaehan
(playful) Are you sure? I can save you from the clutches of public transportation.
Thalia
(laughs) Public transportation isn't that bad.
Jaehan steps closer, his gaze warm.
Jaehan
(softly) It's just an offer, Thalia. I don't mind giving you a lift.
Thalia
(hesitating) Well, I appreciate that. Thank you.
Jaehan's smile widens as they walk towards his car.
Jaehan
(grinning) I knew you couldn't resist the allure of my luxurious ride.
Thalia
(playful) Luxurious ride, huh? I hope you have a velvet carpet inside.
They both share a laugh, the tension from earlier in the day easing.
Jaehan
(smiling) Sorry if I've been bugging you lately. You seemed a bit off.
Thalia
(looking away) Yeah, just some stuff on my mind.
They get into Jaehan's car, and he starts the engine.
Jaehan
(concerned) You know you can talk to me, right?
As they drive, Jaehan's hand accidentally brushes against Thalia's. She feels her heart race, the contact sending a jolt through her.
Thalia
(His touch really does have a huge effect on me.)
They arrive at Thalia's home, and Jaehan turns off the engine.
Jaehan
(smiling) Here we are. Home sweet home.
Thalia
(grinning) Thanks for the ride, Jay.
Jaehan leans over, his expression soft.
Jaehan
(gentle) Take care, Ali. And remember, I'm here if you ever want to talk.
Thalia
(heart racing) I will. Thanks again.
Thalia gets out of the car and watches Jaehan drive away, her thoughts a mix of gratitude and confusion.
Thalia
(whispering) I can't let this feeling overflows.
Thalia arrives home, her mind heavy with the day's events.
Thalia
(sighing) What a day...
As she enters the living room, she's met with her sister's stern gaze and crossed arms.
Althea
(coldly) Where have you been?
Althea's gaze narrowed, suspicion in her eyes.
Althea
(curious) With Jaehan?
Thalia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Jaehan's name, but she refused to show any vulnerability.
Thalia
(defensive) Why do you care?
Althea's lips curled into a smug smile, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
Althea
(teasing) Oh, come on, Thalia. You can't keep secrets from me.
Thalia
(firmly) It's none of your business.
Althea's expression turned from playful to icy in an instant.
Althea
(harshly) Don't play games with me, Thalia.
Thalia
(standing her ground) I'm not playing games. Just leave me alone.
A tense silence settled between them, the air thick with unspoken tension.
Althea
(accusing) You think you're so special, don't you?
Thalia's brow furrowed, confusion etched on her features.
Thalia
(confused) What are you talking about?
Althea's eyes bore into Thalia's, a mixture of disdain and something more sinister lurking within them.
Althea
(coldly) Jaehan, Thalia. Stay away from him.
Thalia
(taken aback) What? Why?
Althea's lips curled into a cruel smile.
Althea
(mocking) Because you don't deserve someone like him. He's mine.
Thalia's heart raced as Althea's words hit her like a blow. The realization of Althea's intentions sent a surge of anger through her veins.
Thalia
(angry) He's not a possession, Althea. And you don't own him.
Althea's laughter was a mix of amusement and superiority.
Althea's laughter was a mix of amusement and superiority.
Althea
(taunting) We'll see about that, Thalia.
Thalia's fists clenched, her determination solidifying.
Thalia
(defiant) I won't let you come and destroy what we have, Althea.
Their eyes locked in a battle of wills, a clash that was far from over.
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