Alia fully comprehended the situation. Had it not been for Seraphina aiding her friend Kara in seeking retribution, Alia would not have endured such hardships at the commercial college in her past life.
It was not until the middle of their first year that Kara and Seraphina truly bonded as friends.
Alia decided to transfer to Brooklyn University midway through her freshman year, a decision that felt neither premature nor belated.
Events that were meant to occur had already unfolded, while those she wished to avoid could still be averted and transformed.
Alia harbored no guilt. In her past life, her predicament was partly due to Seraphina's involvement.
Despite her good intentions towards her friend, Seraphina was also an agent of the circumstances that befell Alia.
Therefore, those who make mistakes must seek atonement for their actions.
Although Alia was not yet Seraphina's biological sibling, their budding relationship foreshadowed a hopeful future together.
In response to Seraphina's words, the girls nodded obediently and hurriedly departed, gently nudging each other along the way.
Seraphina inquired of Alia, who remained silent with her head bowed, "Why don't you retaliate when you're being bullied?"
Alia responded, her voice tremulous and delicate, "I'll just bear it... I don't want my parents to worry."
As Seraphina was poised to argue that enduring should not be the sole solution to spare her parents' concern, she spied what appeared to be tear stains gracing Alia's face.
Alia whispered, "They're watching from above..."
For a fleeting moment, Seraphina was rendered speechless.
Despite her brink of emotional collapse, Alia stood tall and resolute, refusing to let anyone witness her tears, always maintaining a warm smile in public.
Her smile, though radiant and seemingly healing, was a veil of strength, concealing her need for protection.
Seraphina awkwardly averted her gaze but soon reached out and took Alia's hand, leading her away, saying, "With me by your side, those people dare not harm you. Don't fret."
This scene mirrored a romantic novel, where a fragile girl finds her guardian, transcending traditional gender roles.
Indeed, empathy can be a powerful force, but in this instant, it held no sway.
With tears glistening in her eyes, Alia gazed at Seraphina and their intertwined hands, realizing this was neither the first nor the last time she would be rescued.
Feeling the girl's grip tighten, Seraphina slowed her pace and confidently steered her forward.
Upon returning home from school and pushing open the door, Alia discovered Elena seated gracefully on the living room sofa.
Elena greeted Alia warmly as she returned, turning her head with a smile. "Alia, you're back~" she exclaimed.
Alia took a seat beside her, gracefully removing the delicate mask from her face, revealing a subtle smile at the corner of her lips.
"Of course, the second one has been found~" she replied, and the two exchanged silent smiles of understanding.
Meanwhile, Seraphina had dispatched Alia from the school gates and proceeded to Lucas's office. In the esteemed commercial college, few dared to engage Lucas in conversation, barring those privileged few within the student council, and Seraphina held such esteemed status.
With a furrowed brow, she confronted him.
"Lucas!" she exclaimed.
"The matter with Alia could have been resolved swiftly with a simple word. Why did none of you intervene?"
Lucas frowned in return, perplexed.
"What does it have to do with me?" he inquired, his thoughts returning to the enigmatic Alia once again. Seraphina pressed further, relaying information from Cain. "
He mentioned that it was your intention to wait and observe," she clarified. Lucas reclined slightly, propping his feet upon the desk, and countered her query.
"So, on what basis do you presume to question me?" he retorted.
"You're well aware of the minor skirmishes that occur within the academy's walls. You've never intervened before."
Seraphina stood her ground, unfazed by Lucas's sharp gaze. She pursed her lips, her resolve firm. "This time is different," she insisted.
"Alia is my friend."
Lucas was taken aback by her unwavering stance. Before he could inquire further, Seraphina continued, her tone resolute.
"Regardless of the circumstances, I implore you to resolve this matter promptly."
With those words, she turned on her heel and exited Lucas's office, leaving him to ponder the gravity of her request.
The two families had been friends since childhood, and Lucas knew Seraphina's temperament well; her request was not to be taken lightly.
Lucas wasn't angry. He leaned back in his chair, rubbed his temples with his fingers, and squinted his eyes slightly.
Who exactly is this Alia? What transgression did she commit?
Hmm... Perhaps it's due to her association with those who occupy the pinnacle of the hierarchy in the minds of those women, fulfilling their unfulfilled desires.
With just a few words to Ryan, she was immediately ostracized on her first day at the academy, and rumors began to swirl. Essentially, they sought to nip any potential developments in the bud.
If she were wise, she would endure the situation and steer clear of the student council boys. Such occurrences were plentiful in her previous life, and now, they merely perceive her as a threat, eager to test her mettle. If she fails to retaliate, she becomes an easy target; if she retaliates too fiercely, they will become more cautious and wary of her.
Regrettably, neither option aligns with Alia's intentions. In her prior life, Alia had learned that such matters could be resolved by others, akin to the benevolent and compassionate Kara, from whom Alia had gained much wisdom beneath her innocent facade.
In this lifetime, Alia aims to excel beyond Kara. In her past life, both she and Kara had affections for Cain, both were shunned and isolated by their peers, yet their fates diverged starkly. Kara transformed into the kindly, fragile princess who required protection, while Alia perished unnoticed in a forlorn corner. Such a fate shall never befall her again!
Alia sat attentively in the front row, her gaze fixed on the teacher as she occasionally scribbled down crucial points with her pen. Amid a crowd of disinterested university students, she stood out like a beacon. The teacher, casting glances at her intermittently, appeared pleased and fondly approving.
With her pen still dancing across the paper, Alia pondered how long it would take for Kara to return to the commercial college. She recalled that shortly after beginning her university journey, Kara had taken a protracted leave of absence due to health concerns. It was for this reason that Alia had chosen to enroll in the college during Kara's absence, eager to observe her reaction upon discovering someone kinder and more popular than herself among their classmates.
Alia eagerly awaited this moment, wondering if Kara would maintain her gentle smile, which would undoubtedly add a layer of intrigue to the situation. She also speculated about how long Kara's heart could endure. Given her privileged background, finding a replacement heart, despite the sordidness of the organ trade, would not be a challenge for Kara. However, Alia was determined to ensure that Kara would not live long enough to undergo a heart transplant.
After a rigorous lecture, Alia exchanged a meaningful look with the teacher, who admired her dedication. In this commercial college, where he had never before experienced such respect from the usually disinterested student body, his fondness for Alia grew even deeper.
The previous day, Seraphina had boldly declared that anyone who dared harm Alia would face her wrath. Consequently, Alia had finally enjoyed a brief period of tranquility. Most of the girls surrounding her had become noticeably friendlier, with only a few outliers still casting accusatory glances and making sour faces.
However, exceptions always exist, and now one such individual stood blocking Alia's path. "Thalia," Alia greeted her coolly.