THE CONTRACT VICTIMS.

ff-the-shoulder top, paired with a high-waisted, black mini skirt that showcased her toned legs. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her bac

ough her books. She glanced up, caught sight of Cassandra, and hastily retreated

n, their eyes fixed on Cassandra with a blend of disdain and admiration. They wer

essed denim jeans, her dark hair pulled into a chic ponytail. Melissa donned a elegant, black dress with white accents, her red hair styled in loose

acity and unapologetic confidence. Taylor, on the other hand, stood out for her

le floor, the mean girls' heads turned in unison. They exchanged whispered

r voice laced with skepticism, her

hat," Zoey replied, her eyes rolling as sh

barely audible, "Look at that

ed on Cassandra's outfit, "And

darting between Cassandra and the mean girls. She seemed to be sizin

g the room as if searching for someone. Her presence seemed to command attention, and the mea

the classroom, scanning the room with a hopeful gaze. She had just posed a question, expecting a lively

hot up, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Ms. Moss

on. Molly let out a disdainful snort, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, great, the

look at her, trying to impress the teacher," Carol said, her voice laced with

nsion. Ms. Moss's eyes narrowed, her expression stern. "That's e

Ms. Moss. I believe the answer is..." And with that, she launched into

ix of anger and admiration. Taylor, sitting nearby, watched the exchange with interest,

contorted in envy and disdain. Taylor's gaze was keen, her eyes taking in every detail. She saw the way Molly's eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a sneer. She saw the way

n each face. He saw the way Cassandra's eyes sparkled with confidence, her smile unwavering in the face of criticism. He saw the way the mean girls' faces twist

nated by her calm demeanor, her ability to remain detached from the drama. He wondered what sh

mind absorbed in the story. Nearby, Cassandra sat by herself,

ixed on Cassandra with a mix of curiosity and malice. "So, who are you again?" Carol asked

g the mean girls' with a hint of wariness. She remained sile

k English, huh?" Zoey teased, her voice dripping with condescension. "Give me your pho

se was firm, her vo

ded by Cassandra's refusal. "How dare you?" M

more vicious, their laughter more mocking. But Cassandra remaine

Pick on someone in your own league." And with that, s

dable. But as the mean girls turned to her, their eyes flashing with anger, she felt a surge of

he cafeteria, leaving Taylor fee

"Hey, why you acting like you don't want to be one of us?" Carol asked, her voice laced with malice. "Why do

better than us?" Molly spat, her voice venomous. "You're just a newbie, trying to act like y

n her lips. "You're just jealous," she said, her voice dripping with confi

ing just below the surface. "You think you're so smart?" Carol sn

t. "I'm not afraid of you," she repeated, her voice steady and stro

girls. They were enraged, their faces twisted with anger. But Cassandr

r, her voice dripping with malice. "You might think you're way pretty, but you

impressed. "I don't even know who that is," she

she glared, her eyes flashing with warning. "Alexander

ested in your boyfriend, Molly. And even if I was, I don't t

blazing with fury. "You'll regret this," she spat

till red with anger. Cassandra watched them go, her smile still plastered on her

est as Molly claimed him as her territory, a smirk curling on his chiseled face. His dark hair was perfectly messy, framing his sharp jawline

learly impressing him. He seemed to be enjoying the show, his smirk growing wider as the mean girls m

kind of guy who walked into a room and owned it, his charisma and charm palpable. And yet, he see

n Cassandra's face. He seemed to be sizing her up, his expression thoughtful. And then

ity and caution, her eyes wide with uncertainty.

n guarded. "And who are you supposed to

, and she was taken aback. "Is that natura

eyes dropping to the

ng out to touch Taylor's locks. "It's beau

ritten all over her face. "You like it?" s

fingers still caressing Taylor's hair.

eyes shining with pleasure. "Thanks," sh

n scorn. Taylor's eyes met theirs, and she felt her words falter

ce filled with confidence. "They're j

heart filled with appreciation. "Thanks for

know what it's like to be different," she said. "But I've

assandra's. "You're amazing," she sa

th pleasure. "You're not so bad yourself,

as they talked. He was always lurking, always watching, always waitin

ng her for weeks, drawn to her quiet strength and determination. But today, he saw something di

rise. She was beautiful, her features delicate and refined. But it w

And Alexander felt his own smile curve his face. He had been waiting

uld see beyond her facade. And with that realization, he turned and lef

s he made his way towards the luxurious car waiting for him. The driver, a tall and impo

ionless, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a practiced air. They moved with a fluid

t with a relaxed air. The driver's eyes met his in the rearview mirror, his gaze st

e. "As tight as they need to be, si

ng in a determined line. "Do you have a p

eaving Alexander's face. "Yes, sir.

flashing with intensity. "How safe is it? I need t

ring. "Most confidently safe, sir

the air. The guards moved to their positions, their eyes scanning th

lassroom. She was lost in thought, her eyes fixed on the floor, when suddenly the door creaked open. The mean girls - Molly, Melissa, Zoey, and Carol - walked in, their footsteps echoing off the

nt contrast to the dull atmosphere. Molly's sneer was palpable as she shunned Tay

"So you actually think being friends with that...nonsense will

ound, her hands curled into fists. But then, Melissa's imperio

ed to retrieve the books, her heart racing. But when she returned, Meli

escalate, a masculine voice boomed from the do

es locked onto Taylor, and with a swift motion, he pulled her from the midst of

g with a fierce intensity. "You don't deserve this," he whi

ered with a quiver. "Why are you doing this?" Her e

frustration and empathy. He seemed to be struggling with his own

tion. "Why did you bring me out here?" She sounded weary, her body slump

o be absorbing her pain, his expression a reflection of her own sorrow. And then, without a wo

a shield. She felt a sense of comfort, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. And as their e

o the room, their faces twisted with jealousy and anger. Molly, Melissa

r voice venomous. "You think you can ju

s eyes never leaving hers. "Leave us alon

ocking. "You think you're her hero?" Meliss