RINA'S POV
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I didn't mean to push Rhea that way. I was just… embarrassed. The way Nat and the girls made it seem like something worse than it was.
I wanted to apologize, really. But I couldn't. Not in front of the class. If I did, they'd think I was soft. And I can't afford that. I needed to be seen as fierce—untouchable.
Ugh, whatever. Why was I even stressing over this? It wasn't that deep. I refused water from Rhea. Big deal.
I glanced toward Aries and Stacy. She was smiling, all glossy and perfect. But Aries? His expression was unreadable. Cold. Detached.
"Hey, come here," Stacy Ross suddenly called.
I looked around, unsure at first, but it was definitely me. As I walked toward them, my heart picked up its pace. Not from fear or excitement—no. It was because Aries and I locked eyes.
"What's your name?" she asked, her tone sugary but curious. I scoffed inwardly. She was pretty—undeniably—but I wasn't easily impressed.
"Rina. Rina St. Clair."
"Wasn't that—your twin you just humbled?" she asked, sounding almost impressed.
"Yes. What if she is?"
"That was cold... like, badass."
"Really?" I wasn't expecting that.
"Yeah, wasn't it, Aries?"
I glanced at him again. I could swear I saw hearts floating over his head. He was too handsome. Literally my type.
"Hmm," he replied coolly.
"You seem cool. You should hang out with us. Meet us at the cafeteria later today. I'll introduce you to some friends—if you can keep entertaining us in this dead school," she said with a wink. I knew what she meant. If I wanted in, I'd have to keep embarrassing Rhea.
Did I want that? No. But did I want Aries and everything Stacy had? Absolutely. If humiliating Rhea was the price, I'd pay it in full.
"Fine."
"Great. Well, I'm Sta—"
"Stacy Ross and Aries Mantle. I know who you are."
"Hmm. I like you already. I have a feeling we're gonna get along just fine," she said, smiling.
I turned away, a mysterious smile tugging at my lips.
Poor Stacy. You have no idea what I have in store. Inviting me into your circle will be your biggest regret.
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"What was that, Stacy? Trying to cause a rift between sisters?" Aries asked.
"Oh, darling Aries, are you blind—or just willfully naive? There's already a rift between them. Rina's doomed."
"Then why not just leave them alone?"
"Are you kidding? This school's a snoozefest. Two sisters tearing each other apart? That's content, baby. My followers will eat this up," she said, raising her phone for a selfie.
"So you're just using her?"
"Yup."
"I'm pretty sure she's using you too. That girl looks like someone who gets what she wants. And, if I'm being honest, she's hot—hot enough to compete with you, Your Highness."
Stacy laughed—hard. Then suddenly turned stone-cold serious.
"I am Stacy Ross. I am the Queen. And this is my terrain. No one replaces me."
"Never say never, Queen Stacy," Aries said, walking off with his hands in his pockets.
As soon as he left, her laughter faded. His words echoed in her head. Rina was pretty—and so was her twin. Both potential threats to her crown.
She'd kill two birds with one stone: make Rina destroy her own sister… and then take down Rina herself.
There was no room for anyone else on the 1st rank of the 'HOT and not HOT' school's platform.
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Later that day, after telling the girls about Stacy's offer, I headed to the cafeteria. East Wing. Massive space. Serve-yourself. Lunch ladies still hovering like patrol guards.
"So just like that, you're in Stacy's circle?" Nat asked.
"Yep."
"I don't believe it. We've been here longer, and she's never even looked our way."
"And that's what makes us different. I exude power. You girls... well, you know."
"Ha-ha, so funny," Chloe rolled her eyes.
"Relax. This is just my play to climb the ladder. Once I'm on top, I'll kick Stacy off and bring you all up."
I grabbed my tray. "Excuse me, girls. I won't be sitting here today. Stacy's introducing me to her crew."
They pointed me to the VIP table. Center of the cafeteria. Bigger. Decorated. Basically royalty seating. My kind of vibe.
"Hey guys."
"Oh hey, Rina! Glad you came," Stacy said sweetly. "Everyone, meet Rina St. Clair."
"Hold up. Shut the front door. St. Clair as in St. Clair Fashion Industries?" a gorgeous, dark-skinned girl with perfect braids asked.
"The one and only," I replied smugly.
"I'm Aisha West. Daughter of Amos West, the—"
"CEO of West Builders Company?" I asked.
"Yup! That's me," she grinned.
"That's awesome," I said. Her crew was filled with royalty. No wonder I planned to steal them.
"Okay, that's enough," Stacy snapped. Heads turned.
"It's bad manners to talk while eating."
Jealousy. Obvious. She hadn't even started and she was already threatened. Poor thing.
"Sure it is," Aries smirked, sipping juice through a straw like a smug child.
"Oh, sorry Stacy," Aisha said. "I just got excited about Rina. I love her family's designs. She must be a fashion diva."
"Hmm," Stacy forced a smile. "Rina, meet Aisha West, James Richardson, Paul Stone, and Harriet Skye," she added, motioning to the empty seat beside her.
"It's nice to meet you all."
"Pleasure's ours, Rina," Harriet said warmly.
"You're gorgeous, Rina. Got a boyfriend?" James asked, winking.
Aisha knocked him on the head.
"Ignore this Casanova," she said, tugging his ear.
I smiled, then glanced at Aries.
No, but I'll make sure Aries becomes mine, I thought.
Everyone at the table looked like they belonged on magazine covers. Of course they were Stacy's people—for now.
"Oh, I heard you have a twin," Harriet asked. "Identical, right?"
"Is she as hot as you?" James asked.
Another ear tug from Aisha.
"Ouch!"
"Identical twins, James. Of course she's hot," Aisha scolded.
"Chill, it was just a question."
"A dumb one," Paul said.
"Yeah, I have a twin," I answered. "But James was right—our tastes are different."
"You should invite her to join us. She's a St. Clair too," Aisha beamed.
"Yeah, Rina, we don't mind," Stacy chimed in, smiling slyly.
"She's... different. Into weird stuff like art. Dresses like a tomboy. Wears glasses."
"So she's a nerd?" James asked. I nodded.
"Ugh, what a waste of beauty."
"There she is," Stacy said, pointing. Everyone turned to look.
Rhea and Ava sat across the room, minding their business. Unaware they were being judged.
"She is a tomboy," Aisha observed. "Her pigtails are a mess."
"Those are some big-ass glasses," Paul added.
"Sorry, guys. She doesn't match your expectations," I said, savoring the attention.
"It's cool, Rina. At least we have you," James flirted.
I blushed, although I was enjoying all the attention, I still felt bad that Rhea was being mocked, I felt like no one should mock my sister but me.
"What's your sister's name?" Aries suddenly asked, his voice smooth and commanding.
"Huh?"
"Your sister's name."
"Rh—Rhea."
"Rhea," he repeated, then turned back to his food.
"Wh—what's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing."
"Welcome to the circle, Rina," Paul said.
"Thanks."