The Revenge That Sparked Love

CHAPTER 003

Camila's perspective

"Sorry! For what purpose was that?

As my head hit the firm linoleum floor, I yelled and rubbed the back of it. With the exception of Lupita, who was staring at me while I fumbled to free myself from the chair I had knocked over, the entire class erupted in laughter.

"Class, please be quiet. "Silence!" Ms. Mendoza yelled, her voice faltering with annoyance. "Enough excitement for today."

Her eyes met Mateo's, who was sitting there with that all-too-familiar smirk on his face, as the laughter gradually subsided.

"Did you just trip Camila, Mateo?" I could tell Ms. Mendoza was frustrated by the way she spoke to him, and her tone was abrasive. She rarely addressed him in such a formal manner.

I raised my head from the ground and looked directly into Mateo's eyes. As if nothing had happened, he was reclining in his chair with his typical air of assurance.

Mateo's smile widened as he said, "Of course not, Camila just had a little accident." "Or perhaps she's simply falling for me."

Some of his pals in the rear row laughed. My teeth were grinding as I clenched my fists. "Little accident"? I was the class clown after he shoved me. I wanted to yell at him, but I refrained from doing so. I couldn't allow him to prevail. Not now.

"That's a lie!" Lupita got up from her desk and gave a sudden shout. "I witnessed him trip her by sticking his foot out. He's just a jerk, but he finds it funny.

Ms. Mendoza snapped, "Enough, Lupita," and then returned her focus to Mateo. She tensed up, obviously not convinced by his tale.

"What actually transpired, Camilia? Was Mateo involved in the event in any way?

I bit my lip in hesitation. The incident was, of course, Mateo's fault. But I knew he would talk his way out of it if I told the truth. Mateo always got away with it because his father was a well-known politician and a school donor. By tomorrow, he will be smiling, and I will be known as a liar, with no repercussions.

"Well... I avoided his arrogant gaze and lied, "I guess I just lost my balance." "No big deal."

Ms. Mendoza gave me a slow nod as I turned back to her. "I see," she muttered. "But, dear, please exercise more caution. I'll be watching you, Mateo."

Mateo gave Ms. Mendoza a cheeky wink, and I could feel his gaze on me. He wasn't even sorry. I could tell that he would not be deterred by his friends' continued laughter.

Ms. Mendoza made an effort to move on. "Let's continue talking about metaphors. Go to page 394, everyone.

I got up, straightened my chair, and rolled my eyes. Mateo could not possibly get away with this. Not for very long.

---

I jumped out of my seat as soon as the lunch bell rang, glad to get away from Mateo.

Lupita and I strolled over to the cafeteria and took our customary seat. I stabbed angrily at the depressing salad in front of me while mentally reliving Mateo's smug smile.

Lupita gently touched my arm and said, "Hey, don't let that jerk get to you." "He's not worth it."

I sighed and put down my fork, saying, "I know." "I simply despise him."

Mateo's actions infuriated me, but I wish I could be as composed as Lupita.

Lupita was about to reply when she froze, her gaze flitting to the doorway. As I followed her eyes, I noticed Valeria approaching us with her phone hunched over her head as usual.

Valeria's flawless appearance was unmistakable, even from a distance. The basketball team guys couldn't help but stare as her sleek hair swung behind her as she walked.

Lupita muttered to herself, "Ugh, here comes Miss Sunshine Personality."

I suppressed a smile as I said, "Lupita, be nice."

When we were together, Lupita acted as though she could put up with Valeria, but she wasn't hiding her feelings about her. Lupita claimed that Valeria was phoney and attention-seeking, particularly after she began tutoring Alejandro. Despite Lupita's repeated insistence that their tutoring sessions couldn't be "just academics," I didn't think they were having an affair. Alejandro would never be unfaithful to me.

"What are you two beautiful women discussing?" Valeria said this while giving us a brilliant smile and looking up from her phone.

I started to gripe about Mateo, but Lupita interrupted.

"Oh, nothing important," Lupita said with a phoney smile.

I gave her a puzzled glance. Why was she dismissing me?

Then it hit me—if I complained about Mateo, Valeria would probably tell Alejandro. I didn't want that at all. Due in large part to their fathers, Mateo and Alejandro had a fierce rivalry. The two men were both strong political figures and always competing, which created a lot of tension.

I looked gratefully at Lupita and bit my tongue.

At that moment, Alejandro's tall stature and dark curly hair were clearly visible as he approached us. I felt instantly better when I saw him.

He gave me a quick smile before rushing to give Valeria a hug. It felt intimate the way they embraced. I shifted in my seat as my stomach turned over a bit.

It was probably nothing. Correct?

Alejandro said, "Sweetheart," and leaned down to give me a gentle peck on the lips. I briefly closed my eyes to enjoy the warmth of his kiss. His kisses served as a constant reminder that we were real, regardless of the circumstances surrounding me.

As he withdrew, I saw Valeria observing us intently, a frown pulling at her mouth.

Alejandro wrapped his arm around my shoulders and slid into the seat next to me. His tone was friendly and informal as he said, "How’s your day going, babe?"

Valeria spoke up before I could respond.

"Oh, Camila must have had an amazing day as usual! "You mean there's nothing worth discussing, girl?" With that grating smile, she said.

Anger flashed in Lupita's eyes. She gave Valeria a slender smile and snapped, "Actually, Camila was just about to respond before you interrupted."

I recognised Lupita's expression. She was going to make things much worse. I gave her a beseeching glance, but she chose to ignore it.

"Oh, and earlier Camila had a minor altercation with Mateo..." Lupita went on, her tone light-hearted but piercing.

I wished she had let it go as I winced. Alejandro finding out was the last thing I wanted.

"It was nothing..." In an attempt to shift the topic, I spoke quickly. However, the harm had already been done. Alejandro was already angry, judging by the stormy expression on his face.

"What did that punk do?" Alejandro's eyes narrowed as he growled. He slammed his fist on the table, causing the plates to jump, before I could respond. My heart was pounding as I winced. Alejandro and Mateo were always like this. He changed completely, becoming icy, vicious, and menacing.

"Whatever became of Mateo?" His voice was low and menacing as he repeated his demand.

I put a hand on Alejandro's arm and pleaded, "Please, Alejandro." "Really, it's nothing. Simply put, forget it.

Alejandro, however, gave me a rough shake and raised his voice. "Nothin'? Camila, don't f*****g defend that jerk."

I tried to maintain my composure by biting my lip. Lupita, who knew she was to blame, winced across the table.

Valeria stepped forward and lightly and playfully touched Alejandro's shoulder.

She traced her fingers along his arm and purred, "Shh, now, handsome." "Reserve that aggression for another time."

I went cold. By that, what did she mean? Was there more to it than a remark?

Alejandro's posture softened as he appeared to relax under her touch. I felt a knot in my stomach as I gazed at them.

Valeria's innocent, wide eyes were fixed on me. "What? I simply meant that you two could spend some time alone later.

Lupita glanced at me from the other side of the table. She was obviously prepared to lose it onValeria because her lips were pressed together tightly. Everyone jumped when the cafeteria doors suddenly slammed open with a loud bang.

We all looked around, trying to figure out who had made the noise.