Hellisha Jane De Castro, a 28-year-old woman, possesses breathtaking beauty that any man could dream of. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, and red lips make her unforgettable in the eyes of many. She is recognized as a powerful and respected CEO worldwide. However, behind her immense success in the industry lies a dark secret. She is a mafia queen. An expert in combat, she has mastered nearly all forms of fighting techniques, from hand-to-hand combat to handling various weapons like guns and knives. With her intelligence and influence, no one dares to challenge her or become her enemy. But what if she discovers that those closest to her heart are planning to betray her? Will she accept the harsh truth? Or will she seek revenge in the name of justice? Allisha Zayn Oxford, a 17-year-old senior high school student, is different. She has delicate eyebrows, slanted eyes, a petite but sharp nose, and red lips. Her pale skin isn't enough to change how people perceive her. Known as the "clown" of her school, Allisha is constantly ridiculed for the thick makeup she often wears. She's also seen as desperate and attention-seeking, especially toward a man she has loved for over two years. But what happens when the person you love pushes you away? Will you still fight for your feelings, even if it seems hopeless?
Chapter 1 Our mansion
CHAPTER 1
Allisha's POV
I woke up early to the sound of my alarm clock, which I quickly turned off before getting out of bed and stretching.
It's Monday, and I'm excited because I'll see him again today. I got up from my bed and headed straight to the bathroom to shower.
After showering, I immediately put on my uniform. Of course, I never forget to apply foundation and do my makeup.
We need to look good to get noticed by our crush-kidding! After finishing my makeup, I looked in the mirror.
I don't understand why people laugh at me because of my makeup. It's not bad-it even makes me look prettier.
They call me a clown and laugh at me, but I just ignore their negative comments.
I know I'm beautiful-Dad even says I look just like him.
I left my room here in the condo after getting ready.
By the way, I have my own condo, a gift from my dad on my birthday last year.
I asked him to give me one near my school because I wanted to learn how to live independently.
Sometimes, I even walk to school since it's just nearby.
Dad was against it at first, but he couldn't say no because of my persistence.
Another reason is that our mansion is quite far from the school.
After eating breakfast, I cleaned up and washed the dishes.
I was about to leave for school when I suddenly remembered something.
Maybe I should cook chicken adobo for Ace. It's still early anyway.
I went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to check for ingredients-and perfect, everything I needed was there.
I started cooking and soon finished.
I smiled proudly as I smelled the dish-it was so good, I was sure he'd love it.
I packed it in a lunchbox and placed it inside a paper bag.
Then, I grabbed my bag from the couch, slung it over my arm, opened the door, and stepped out.
I didn't forget to lock the door before heading to school.
After a few minutes, I finally arrived at Casiviro High School.
As soon as I stepped inside, people started whispering when they saw me.
I ignored them and headed straight to the SSG Office because I was sure he'd be there.
At this time, the SSG officers usually have their meetings for the upcoming events this week.
I always do this-wait for their meeting to finish. Once Ace comes out, I'll give him the food I prepared.
I leaned against the wall and waited.
Almost everyone who passed by whispered while looking at me.
Judging me again.
I tightened my grip on the paper bag and looked down.
I couldn't deny that their words hurt me.
I straightened up when I heard the door open, quickly looking in that direction.
Finally, the person I'd been waiting for came out-Ace, the guy I've liked for two years.
His brows furrowed slightly when he saw me, but I greeted him with a sweet smile.
"What are you doing here, you woman?" he asked coldly.
The smile on my lips vanished as I heard his icy tone.
I was used to his cold treatment, but it still hurt.
Don't let your emotions get to you, Allisha. Don't cry in front of him. He might think you're immature or a crybaby.
I forced another sweet smile and held out the paper bag containing the chicken adobo I cooked for him.
I found out from Jaspher that chicken adobo is his favorite dish, so I was confident he'd accept it.
"For you, Ace. I cooked this earlier for you. I hope you like it-it's delicious, I promise," I said, smiling.
He looked at the paper bag with a cold expression, and I couldn't help but slowly lower my hand, feeling a mix of emotions.
I noticed his fellow officers coming out, so I forced a smile at them.
"Oh, hi Allisha. You're here again with a paper bag. Let me guess-you're giving food to Ace again?"
"If I were you, I wouldn't bother. Your cooking will just go to waste," Jaspher, Ace's friend and my classmate, said.
Oh, I forgot to mention-Ace is my classmate, too.
I wasn't surprised by Jaspher's words. Every time I gave Ace something I cooked or baked, he'd throw it away.
I don't know why he seems to dislike me so much-it's as if I disgust him.
"Press will probably throw it away again," Rica whispered loudly enough for all of us to hear.
I looked at her.
"How pathetic. Let's go, guys!" Angel said with a smirk before rolling her eyes at me and leaving with the other officers.
"I think we'll head to the classroom first, Ace. Talk to Allisha," Jaspher said, patting Ace on the shoulder.
Jaspher smiled at me, and I smiled back. Out of their group, Jaspher was the only one who was nice to me.
But I was taken aback when Ace suddenly bumped into me.
Thankfully, I regained my balance quickly. Otherwise, I might have fallen and become the laughingstock of the students here.
"Ace, please take this. It's delicious, I promise," I said, following him and trying to give him the food I prepared, but he ignored me as if I wasn't there.
"Ace-ouch!"
I bumped into his back when he suddenly stopped walking. I couldn't help but groan in pain.
I rubbed my forehead, eyes closed. His back was so firm!
But when I opened my eyes, I was horrified to see my foundation smeared on his coat.
And worse, it was on his uniform coat! I was in trouble now.
I noticed students around us starting to whisper.
"She's done for."
"She's in trouble with Press."
It felt like time stopped when Ace turned to face me.
He's so handsome-it's no wonder every girl admires him.
His thick brows, almond-shaped eyes, sharp nose, and thin, reddish lips, combined with his fair complexion, made him perfect.
Because of his looks, intelligence, and athletic skills, many girls chased after him-like me.
To me, he's the most perfect person God has ever created.
Even though he treats me coldly and hurts me with his harsh words, my feelings for him never change.
I don't even know why. Maybe it's because I already love him.
I snapped back to reality when he spoke.
"Can you stop following me? Why do you keep trailing me like a dog?"
"Don't you understand the words 'stay away from me'?" he asked coldly.
I swallowed hard at his words.
"I just wanted to-"
Before I could finish, Angel approached Ace.
No way. Don't tell me-
"Press, what happened to your coat? Why is there foundation on it?" Angel asked innocently, glancing at me with a sly smile.
Ace turned to me, removed his coat, and inspected it.
My heart pounded as I braced for his anger.
"What the-" he exclaimed, throwing the coat in my face.
"What the hell did you do to my coat?! Are you so desperate for my attention?!"
"You know what? I don't know what you want from me. Do you want money?"
"Here, take this," he said, throwing ten thousand pesos at me.
What is he talking about?
The money he threw fell to the ground, but I didn't pick it up. I just stared at him, locking eyes.
"What? Do you need more?" he asked irritably.
Angel, meanwhile, was smirking, clearly enjoying the scene.
Angel had liked Ace for a long time. Ever since she found out about my feelings for him, she's been bullying me relentlessly.
He always wanted to embarrass me in front of the students and my classmates.
I didn't realize we were already surrounded by students here in the cafeteria.
I smiled widely when he accepted the paper bag.
But that smile quickly faded when, without any emotion, he poured its contents onto the floor. The chicken adobo spilled all over.
Almost everyone gasped at the sight. I didn't know whether to cry or get angry at what he did.
I worked so hard to cook that chicken adobo for him, only for him to waste it! Just like that?
Allisha, why are you even surprised? Of course, he'd do something like this-he doesn't like you. Why do you keep hoping?
That maybe one day, he'll like you back. But it still hurts. I have my pride as a woman, and not everything just slides off me.
"Why did you do that?" I asked in a trembling voice, my head bowed.
"Because I don't want it," he replied coldly, making me tighten my grip on his uniform coat.
"But I cooked that for you," I said softly, just enough for him to hear.
"I don't care," he replied indifferently.
Doesn't he realize how hurtful the words coming out of his mouth are?
He always does this to me, yet I still can't get used to it-it still hurts.
"You didn't have to do that," I said in a faint voice, which seemed to irritate him further.
"Can you just disappear from my life and never let me see your face again?" he said irritably, making me look up at him.
"But I like you. I can't do that. I can't bear not seeing you," I croaked before bowing my head again.
"I don't care about your feelings, and I don't care about you. You know, it's been two years, Allisha. Why can't you just stop your feelings for me?"
"I already told you that I can't love you back. Why do you keep forcing yourself on me!?"
"You know, it would be better if you were dead so I wouldn't have to see your face anymore, and no one would bother me," he said with a frown.
That was probably the longest sentence I'd ever heard from him. But why does it hurt so much? My chest tightened.
He wants me gone? So he won't have to see me? So no one will pester him anymore?
I don't know, but I suddenly felt weak, and my knees started to shake until I fell to the floor.
I wiped my eyes immediately when I felt tears falling.
"Tsk, annoying," he muttered before turning his back on me. I just watched his figure as he walked away.
I looked at Angel and her two minions as they walked toward me.
They stopped when they were right in front of me. Angel smiled-a mocking smile.
She crossed her arms and stared at me intently.
"Poor Allisha. Now tell me, will you stop chasing him?"
"You know, I'm starting to pity you-not just me, but all of us here," she said, kneeling to fix my crumpled uniform.
I let her because I had no strength to speak.
"Aren't you tired yet?"
"He embarrasses you every day. Are you just going to let him? Just because you like him, are you going to keep giving way?"
I suddenly felt my tears flowing again, but my gaze remained blank, fixed on the floor, as if all strength had left me.
"It's been two years, Allisha. Wake up to the truth-the truth that no matter what you do, it's useless. You mean nothing to him."
"Like, look at me. I'm beautiful, sexy, rich, and chased by men. But even I have no effect on him-how much more you?"
"It's for your own good anyway, so if I were you, I'd stop now. Let's go, girls; we have things to do."
When the three of them finally left, various murmurs filled the surroundings.
The air was filled with ridicule, though there were some who seemed to pity me.
I ignored them until I was the only student left in the cafeteria.
Even though I felt weak, I forced myself to stand properly.
"Allisha, let me help you, dear," said Aling Mirna with concern.
But I didn't spare her a glance and just walked away toward the garden.
This is where I always go when I feel sad or heavy-hearted.
The tree I'm leaning on now has witnessed my sorrow and countless tears.
Am I really so unattractive that everyone is repulsed by me?
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard approaching footsteps. I immediately recognized who it was.
"Allish," said my only friend, Solene, with concern.
"I heard what happened. Are you okay? Your eyes are swollen-you've been crying again, haven't you?" she asked as she sat beside me.
To Be Continued...
Other books by Dianajean
More