Chapter 1
This was no accident, nor was it a miracle. This was the result of my own resolve. If you wonder why I became this way, the answer lies in a past that left me no choice. I was once just an ordinary schoolgirl, a girl with a dusky complexion who was bullied so relentlessly that every day felt like a descent into hell. I existed in that awkward middle ground—neither fair nor dark—and the "beautiful" girls looked down on me as if I were invisible. I was the only girl in school with that sun-kissed skin, and it made me a target.
When the pain became unbearable, I didn't quit because I had lost. I left to reinvent myself.
On Thursday, August 22nd, a mysterious new student enrolled for the final year at the prestigious Royal Guardian High School. It was her very first day.
As she stepped through the school gates, time seemed to freeze. Every student in the playground stopped in their tracks. Before them stood a girl with a rich, dusky complexion, but she was radiant. Her makeup was applied with such artistry that she outshone every "fair" girl there.
Her large, captivating eyes were a deep, shimmering purple, framed by long, thick lashes that fluttered like silk. The subtle touch of lavender makeup on her face enhanced her beauty to an ethereal level. Ignoring the sea of shocked faces, Aleza walked forward, her school bag clutched in both hands, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
Suddenly, a boy—ranked 5th in the school's "Beauty Hierarchy"—stepped into her path. With a cocky smirk and an air of practiced arrogance, he blocked her way.
"Just so you know," he began, "I'm not just any guy. I'm someone special here."
Aleza didn't flinch. She narrowed her eyes slightly, staring at him with a cold, piercing intensity.
The boy extended his hand, his ego demanding a reaction. "My name is He Sahon. It's your lucky day to meet me."
Aleza tilted her head, a smirk of pure attitude playing on her lips. "If you're done talking... can I go now?"
The playground went silent. He Sahon was stunned. Dozens of girls fawned over him daily, yet this newcomer had just brushed him off like a common nuisance.
His forehead broke into a nervous sweat, but he forced a smile. "You seem to be in quite a hurry. Why the rush?" He pulled out his phone with a flourish. "You're truly lucky. I'm giving you my personal number. Note it down."
Aleza chuckled softly, her voice dripping with indifference. "No thanks, bore. I don't want it. My name is Aleza. Now, move."
He Sahon stood there, frozen like a statue. Aleza walked past him without a single backward glance. The crowd whispered in disbelief—how could she reject the school's heartthrob so effortlessly?
Inside the First-Year classroom, the teacher addressed the students. "Listen up, everyone. We have a new student joining us today."
The teacher smiled toward the door. "Aleza, please come in."
The chatter died down instantly. The door creaked open, and Aleza stepped inside. She walked to the front of the room, offered a graceful, slight bow, and smiled.
"Hello, everyone. I am Aleza Maseka. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
In that moment, it felt as if the gates of paradise had opened for the boys in the room. Her voice and that dazzling smile struck their hearts like an arrow. They were mesmerized by this girl who defied their standards—dusky, yet more beautiful than anyone they had ever seen.
She walked straight to the back and took a seat at a corner desk. Right next to her sat the school's most handsome student—the spoiled, arrogant son of a billionaire.
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye, his expression shielded by a mask of cold pride. "Hello. I am Rayzon Frochu."
He turned to face her, expecting her to be awestruck. But Aleza was already focused on the teacher, a polite smile on her face as if she hadn't heard a word he said. She ignored him so completely it was as if he didn't even exist.
Rayzon's jaw tightened. He suppressed his rising anger, forcing a fake smile while the other girls in the class stared at him, wondering why he was even trying with the new girl.
The teacher clapped his hands. "Alright, class. Who can answer this question?"
Silence fell. No one moved. Then, Aleza raised her hand with a confident smile. "I will answer it, sir."
She stood up and delivered a flawless, brilliant explanation. The teacher beamed. "Excellent! Exactly what I expected from you."
The boys were floored. She wasn't just a beauty; she was a genius. In a single hour, she had become the school's ultimate crush.
When the lunch bell rang, Aleza was instantly swarmed. A wall of boys surrounded her, each one pleading for the chance to eat with her.
"Lunch with us, Aleza!"
"No, eat with me!"
Aleza felt a wave of anxiety. This was becoming too much. This is getting out of hand, she thought. Who do I answer? Who do I reject? The pressure was suffocating.
Suddenly, a figure cut through the crowd. It was Rayzon.
He stepped up to Aleza, extending his hand with a commanding presence. "Come with me. I can get you away from this crowd."
The other boys fell silent, retreating in intimidation. The most handsome, spoiled boy in school was actually offering to share his lunch? It was unheard of.
Aleza looked into Rayzon's eyes with her large, purple-tinted gaze. Deep inside, her heart whispered: But why you? After everything you did to me in my past life... why you?
But this time, something was different. As she stared into his eyes, she didn't see the monster from her memories. She saw a strange, genuine spark of sympathy.