Chapter 16

Sophie’s pov ; Sitting quietly in my seat, I could feel the warmth of the sunlight through the window. Despite the warmth outside, the atmosphere in the classroom felt frigid. I could hear the murmurs. "Yesterday I thought she was just some ugly girl, but I didn’t expect her to be so pretty.” Another scoffed, "Pretty? If she’s such a beauty, why’s she wearing sunglasses? Of course to show off! Does she think she's a celebrity or something?” I could feel their eyes on me, judging. They weren’t whispering anymore—they wanted me to hear. "She’s not a celebrity or even rich. How do I know? I saw her file. She applied as a poor student—three siblings, struggling family. No way she’s some rich kid with connections." "Then how’s she still here, getting all these special treatments? Must be that face, right?" Their insinuations hit me like a punch to the gut. I wasn’t naive. I knew exactly what they were implying. "It’s obvious," another one chimed in, "She must’ve gotten close to some big sho