Chapter 10 – Invincible When Despised
559 Words
“Seems like you’ve got quite a reputation at school,” Ethan said, eyes flicking to Zara, though his gaze couldn’t resist checking her curves.
“Reputation? You’ll see soon enough,” Zara shot back, sensing the audacity of this guy. At home, she was treated like a princess, doted on by her father and brother. At school, her beauty earned her a queen-like status. And now, some random guy was openly staring at her? She had already decided he was going to pay.
“Riley, what are you doing?” Riley shouted, stepping forward as Zara squared off.
“Ugly girl, what’s the matter? Heartbroken or something? Coming to play hero?” Zara sneered as Riley came out of the bathroom.
“I may not be the prettiest,” Riley said, smiling calmly, “but I don’t flaunt it in front of others to get sympathy. Don’t you think that counts for something?”
Zara froze, surprised. Riley, usually so quiet, wasn’t getting angry at her insults. Instead, she stood there smiling, completely unbothered.
Why is this ugly little duckling talking back? Zara thought, irritated.
“Girls, teach her a lesson. Rip that mouth of hers apart!” Zara barked, stepping forward like a true gang leader.
“Stop!” Ethan’s voice cracked like thunder, freezing Zara and her crew mid-motion.
“You students are supposed to learn, not act like street thugs. Do you even remember why you’re here?” Ethan’s words cut like ice.
Zara’s fists were already mid-swing, showing her violent streak. She lunged at Ethan while three of her girls went for Riley, and two others tried to attack Ethan.
Ethan sighed. I never hit girls… but Riley’s at risk if I don’t. He dodged Zara’s swing, scanning for a solution.
At that moment, a well-dressed young man swaggered over, flanked by four followers.
“Zara, who’s causing trouble? Tell me, and I’ll make them disappear forever,” he said, playing the part of the hero. He didn’t even glance at Ethan, treating him like a bug on the ground.
The five girls behind Zara immediately halted, clustering around him like he was a shield.
“Leave me alone, I will handle my own battles,” Zara snapped, shoving him aside.
“I just want to keep you happy,” the man protested, sticking like glue.
“Get lost, or I’ll make sure you’re no man at all,” Zara yelled.
“Even if I can’t be strong, I’ll stay by your side!” he said shamelessly.
Ethan chuckled. This guy’s a piece of work. Can’t be strong and still cling like that? What is he, the last eunuch in the country?
“Why are you laughing?” The man, furious, whipped around, glaring at Ethan.
“I’m not laughing. Continue,” Ethan shrugged, stepping back.
The man, Wu, immediately swung at Ethan, but Ethan didn’t hold back. A swift kick to the gut sent him stumbling back three steps, clutching his stomach.
“Go! Take him down! I’ve got your back!” Wu barked, ignoring his pain, trying to command his followers.
“Really? Pathetic,” Ethan muttered. In a blink, he lunged at the four henchmen, easily dispatching them.
“Relax. I’m only doing this because Wu annoys me. Riley won’t be touched,” Riley said softly, though her calves trembled slightly.
- Writer
