The True Alpha

NATALIA'S POV I walked home from school with only my thoughts to keep me company. The whispers and stares didn't bother me anymore—not as much as they used to. But then, a voice rang out, dripping with mockery. "Must be hard for you, being the daughter of a stripper. Doesn't your mother get tired of sleeping with different men?" I turned my head slightly and spotted a boy kicking a football around with his friends. He wasn't even looking at me anymore, like his words had been nothing more than a passing thought. Still, they stung. I didn't respond. Instead, I walked past him, then kicked his football as far as I could. He let out a loud, angry shout before dashing after it. I kept walking. By the time I reached home, I found the front door locked. Again. Sighing, I leaned against the wall, my backpack heavy on my shoulders. Thirty minutes passed before the door finally opened, and my mother stepped out, escorting a man in a crisp suit. I didn't need to ask what had happened inside—I already knew. I said nothing as I stepped inside. As soon as the man left, my mother turned to me, beaming. "Guess what, Natalia?" she said, her voice filled with excitement. I stared at her blankly. She continued anyway. "That man you just saw? He helped with your transfer process, baby! You're going to one of the best private high schools! You'll get the best education and training!" She squealed like it was the best news in the world. I gave her a simple, "Okay," then moved to sit by the window, pulling out my phone. Her smile faded slightly, but she didn't push. After a moment, she grabbed her purse and left for her night shift at the bar. Alone in the quiet apartment, I searched for schools, scrolling through endless options until one name caught my eye—Welma Academy. The best public school in the city. It was filled with rich kids, children of business tycoons, celebrities, and politicians. It was a world completely different from mine. And yet, thanks to the suit guy, I could go there. I should've been grateful, but all I felt was resentment. I didn't want to be like my mother. I didn't want to rely on men in suits to get what I needed. But I also didn't want to stay in my current school, where the bullying never stopped. Maybe this was my chance. A fresh start. I wasn't going to waste it.