The student billionaire

Chapter3

The audience hummed with giggles and murmurs while Jake remained on the floor, his cheek still hurting from Bella’s fierce slap. His hands were balled into tight fists, his knuckles pale from the effort, yet his gaze stayed fixed on Bella. She remained there, arms folded, a self-satisfied grin on her lips, as if relishing his embarrassment.

Maxwell’s loud and humiliating voice rose over the murmurs. “Stay down, loser. It’s where you belong.”

Jake’s vision blurred with a mix of rage and shame. He wanted to stand, to retaliate, but Maxwell’s minions surrounded him, each one looking more fierce than the last. The crowd of students, instead of stepping in, began recording the scene on their phones, some laughing, others shaking their heads in pity.

“Jake, just stop it already!” Bella’s voice pierced the commotion, sharp and contemptuous. "How often must I repeat myself to you?" I do not want you. Can't you tell I've moved on?" She moved nearer, her heels tapping on the pavement, and bent down a bit to meet his gaze. "You're making a fool of yourself. Quit following me like a pathetic stalker.”

The words hurt Jake more deeply than Maxwell’s strikes ever did. He had always imagined that Bella could be so cruel, but hearing it expressed so clearly, in front of everyone, was a different degree of suffering. He tried to reply but realized he was unable to find the right words.

Bella straightened up and smirked. “You know, maybe if you actually did something with your life, someone might… I don’t know, pity-date you. But right now? You’re nothing.”

The crowd erupted into murmurs again, with a few audible jeers.

“She’s right,” someone muttered. “Jake’s always been a little too… clingy.”

“Honestly, it’s kind of creepy,” another chimed in. “He should’ve taken the hint ages ago.”

Jake’s ears burned as the whispers and laughter swirled around him. His hands trembled as he pushed himself up, his legs unsteady beneath him. He looked Bella in the eyes, his voice steady but filled with pain. “I gave up everything for you, Bella. I believed in you, in us. And now you’re treating me like I’m garbage?”

Bella rolled her eyes, feigning boredom. “Oh, spare me the sob story, Jake. You were never more than a stepping stone. A convenient distraction. Did you really think I’d settle for someone like you?”

Maxwell laughed, stepping forward to wrap an arm around Bella’s waist. “That’s enough, babe. No need to waste your time explaining things to this lowlife.” He turned to Jake, a cruel grin on his face. “She’s with me now, and trust me, I can give her things you never could. So why don’t you crawl back to whatever hole you came from?”

Something inside Jake snapped. He lunged ahead, targeting a blow straight at Maxwell’s arrogant face. The audience inhaled sharply, and for a moment, it appeared that Jake could truly make the hit. Just as his fist was about to land, one of Maxwell’s minions intervened, seizing Jake’s arm and twisting it behind him.

Jake groaned in agony, fighting against the grip, but another thug intervened, landing a solid blow to his abdomen. He bent over, struggling to breathe, while the crowd's laughter intensified.

Maxwell drew near, his shiny shoes shimmering in the sunlight. He bent down, took hold of Jake by the collar, and raised him a bit. "You're worthless," he mocked before pushing Jake back down to the ground.

The crowd was enjoying the show. It was quite exciting, and they could not stop capturing the moment.

Maxwell signaled to one of his lackeys, who produced a water bottle. With a smirk, Maxwell unscrewed the cap and poured the water over Jake’s head.

“Cool off, buddy,” he said mockingly, tossing the empty bottle aside.

Jake lay there, drenched and humiliated, as he stared at every face looking at him. His body ached, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional torment going on inside him. He’d lost Bella, been humiliated in front of the entire school, and now he felt like nothing more than a joke.

“Let's get out of here.” Maxwell smacked Bella on the butt as she strolled off in front of Jake. “Is that all?” Jake said, and Maxwell slowly retraced his steps, giving Jake one final glance. “You do know you are never going to be enough for someone like Maxwell?” Jake said with his clothes soaked from the earlier water poured on him.

Maxwell laughed, “Whoop! I can't believe we are back to where we started!. Do you honestly think you can slander me just like that? Do you?” He said, walking back to meet Jake.

“You might act all mighty and handsome, but underneath that face is a monster.” Jake said with anger. He spat on Maxwell, and the crowd erupted once again.

“Now, he is asking for it.” One of the students said with a smile.

Meanwhile, Sarah immediately got to the scene. She saw Jake was drenched and wanted to rush forward. She looked around to see the faces of the students that were enjoying the show.

She had managed to get there at the nick of time. Sarah brought out her phone and called one of the teachers who promised to be there any second. “Hang on.” She said, biting her lips.

“If she doesn't choose me, then do you think you are worthy enough of her love? Look at you, man, you are a sore loser, and you cannot accept the fact that you have lost.”

Maxwell walked closer, and Jake used that opportunity to land a hot slap to his face. “If you think you can bully me, then you should be ready for whatever comes with it!” He said with anger.

Bella wanted to interfere, but Maxwell stopped her. “Get in the car.” He said, taking off his jacket. “I am going to show you why I am superior to you.” Maxwell said with a smirk on his face.