No longer a pushover

Chapter 7

The phrase "family" sounded absurd to Noelle. In her previous life, she had believed in that concept, too. However, she learned what "family" truly meant to them when Xenia replaced her right before winning the championship. "I won't be joining the team," Noelle replied firmly. "I need to focus on my studies and prepare for my exams."

Lucas sneered. "That's funny. You weren't so concerned about studying when you begged me to teach you gaming and stayed up late to train, desperate to be on the team. What changed?"

Noelle's heart ached slightly at his words. She had only pursued gaming with Lucas so they could have something in common so she could bond with him. However, it was not necessary anymore.

"Playing games affected my grades," Noelle explained calmly. "My test scores dropped significantly last month, so I'd rather not continue."

Lucas was momentarily speechless before retorting, "Fine. Suit yourself! When the tournaments start, everyone will see Xenia representing the Liddell family. They'll know she's the real family member." He refused to care anymore since Noelle was ungrateful.

"That works for me," she replied before leaving the dining room. Once back in her room, she composed herself and focused on catching up with her studies.

...

The next day after school, Noelle and Xenia approached the front gates where their driver, Aiden Monroe, was waiting. Xenia said, "Oh, right. I have to head to the training center today. Aiden will take me there first." Aiden's expression was stern as he said, "Ms. Liddell, Mr. Lucas called and instructed me to take Ms. Quigley to train first. We can't be late."

"I'll get my own ride home," Noelle replied indifferently.

As Xenia got into the car, she called out with barely concealed excitement, "Noelle, I'll talk to Lucas about this later."

Noelle simply walked away without acknowledging her. Watching Noelle's retreating figure, Xenia bit her lip in anger.

She muttered, "Just wait, Noelle. One day, I'll take everything from you. You owe me that much!"

Standing at the curb, Noelle realized she did not want to return to the Liddell residence. She figured that she could perhaps find a study room nearby instead.

"Hey, kiddo. Why are you hanging around here after school?"

Just then, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Noelle turned to see a handsome man and took a moment to recognize him. It was Cedric.

to seeing him in a lab coat and mask, and he was almost unrecognizable when

pressed when

don't want to go home yet. I was

with me," he

infirmary. She stood at the door and asked, "Why here? I'm not sick

a desk. "It's quieter than any study room.

to work.

it had gotten. Then, she

his name is Cedric

done snooping?" Cedric's

putting the nameplate back. "I wasn't snooping; I

"Finished with your homework?"

teachers about the parts I don't

her notebook. "You can't solve these basic

book. "I wasn't a good student before. I was distracted

this once," Cedric said as he grabbed a pen

her. Complicated emotions swelled within her. Because of Xenia, she had no friends, and even teachers seemed to

her and remarked, "With that attention span,

quickly apologized, "I'm

continuing his explanation. The warm evening light cast a gentle glow around them as she sat at the desk while he stood beside her with one hand on the table. He diligently demonstrated the problem- solving process. "Your thinking is very linear. Can't you connect the dots? This uses the same method as the

an obvious misdirection? What's the point of having

Are you sure

were sharp and unrelenting, cutting straight to the core. Fortunately, Noelle had already braced herself for Cedric's

not known who he was. Nevertheless, she persevered through his harsh

completed work, she said, "Thank

her. "Can't

replied quietly. She knew that she could not afford tutoring and refused to ask

profile. He observed how her