THEY HATED OLIVIA. I LOVED HER

~Rocky Gift~ Title: THEY HATED OLIVIA. I LOVED HER Chapter One: A New Beginning Olivia's heart pounded like a drum as a wave of heat washed over her. She tossed and turned in her sleep, clutching the blanket for dear life. "No... please..." she whimpered, her fingers digging into the bedsheets. Laughter, sharp and cruel, echoed around her. "Just look at her skin!" "She's so ugly!" "What a freak!" The taunts grew into a deafening roar, echoing inside her head until she couldn't take it anymore. "No!" Olivia screamed. Her eyes snapped open. She sat bolt upright, gasping for air, her heart still hammering against her ribs. It was only a nightmare. Yet the fear still clung to her chest. A gentle knock sounded on her door. Knock. Knock. "Olivia, honey, wake up," her mom called from the other side of the door. "You don't want to be late for your first day at Westbridge Academy!" Olivia quickly wiped away a tear before answering, her voice softer than she intended. "I'm up, Mom." "Great! Hurry up so your dad can give you a ride," Mrs. Brooklyn replied before walking away. Olivia sat on the edge of her bed for a moment, her breathing gradually returning to normal as she stared at the floor. Maybe this time... things will be different. It was her first day at Westbridge Academy, and all she wanted was a fresh start. Holding on to that tiny spark of hope, she got out of bed, took a quick shower, got dressed, and headed downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast, Olivia joined her dad by the car. "Don't worry, cupcake. This school is going to be a good one," Mr. Brooklyn said as he started the engine. Olivia managed a faint smile before turning to look out the window, desperately wanting to believe him. The drive to Westbridge Academy was quiet. As the towering school gates came into view, her stomach twisted with nerves. Mr. Brooklyn turned to her and gently held both of her hands. "Hey, cupcake... did you know you're absolutely beautiful?" Olivia tightened her grip on her backpack until her knuckles turned white. She quickly looked away, trying to hide the tears gathering in her eyes. She knew her dad was only trying to comfort her. "You're beautiful," he continued softly. "Never, ever let yourself forget that." Olivia blinked back her tears and gave a small nod, hoping he believed she truly believed his words. Mr. Brooklyn leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Have a wonderful day, cupcake." She gave him a small wave before stepping out of the car. She didn't dare look back. If she did, she knew she'd probably burst into tears again. Taking a deep breath, Olivia adjusted her backpack and walked toward the gates of Westbridge Academy. The campus buzzed with laughter and conversation. Students filled the courtyard, happily catching up after the long break. Expensive cars pulled in one after another, and everyone seemed so confident. Everyone except Olivia. She lowered her head and tightened her grip on her backpack. A knot formed in her stomach as she felt countless eyes following her every step. She kept her gaze fixed on the floor as she walked through the hallway. The whispers began almost immediately. "Isn't she the new girl from Elite High?" "Yeah... I think so." "I heard she's a witch. That's why everyone stays away from her." A few snickers followed. Olivia lowered her shoulders and gripped her backpack tighter. Ignoring the whispers, she hurried to her locker, placed her bag inside, picked up only the books she needed, and quietly made her way toward her classroom. Her head remained lowered as she walked quickly through the hallway. Lost in thought, she failed to notice someone walking toward her. Thud! Her books slipped from her arms and scattered across the floor. "Oh... I'm... I'm so sorry!" Olivia stammered as she hurried to gather them. Just as she reached for the last book, another hand picked it up before she could. She slowly looked up. Standing before her was a tall, dark-skinned boy with striking black eyes and a neatly trimmed fade haircut. His calm expression and commanding presence made him impossible to ignore. He crouched beside her and handed her the book. "Haven't seen you around before," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "You're new, aren't you?" "Y-Yes... I'm new," Olivia answered, her voice trembling. His gaze lingered on her for a brief moment. "Interesting." A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips before he turned and walked away, leaving Olivia completely bewildered. The hallway fell silent. Students stared in disbelief. "Did Owen just... help her?" someone whispered. "No way!" "Anyone else would have been in serious trouble for bumping into him." "I've never seen him let anyone off that easily." Murmurs spread through the hallway as everyone turned to look at Olivia. No one could understand why the cold and untouchable Owen Whitmore had helped the new girl. Why does everything I do always make people hate me even more? Olivia thought sadly. He probably only helped me because he pitied me... because of the way I look. Taking a deep breath, she continued toward her classroom. "She's just lucky," one student scoffed. "Owen must be in a good mood today." Another student smirked. "Don't get the wrong idea. Her real nightmare is only just beginning." Olivia tightened her grip on her books until her knuckles turned white. Gathering every bit of courage she had, she took a deep breath and pushed open the classroom door. The room fell silent. Dozens of eyes turned toward her. For one brief moment, no one spoke. Then— Laughter erupted from every corner of the classroom. Olivia froze.