Replacing My Ex With Her Rival

It happened again. I took the top spot in the senior class rankings.

And, naturally, Gemma Sterlings childhood sweetheart wasnt happy. He filed an official complaint, accusing me of cheating.

My guidance counselor, Mr. Harrison, cornered me. Kai, youre too young to be chasing notoriety with this kind of dishonesty. You have two options right now: either you admit you cheated and promise to stop trying to outshine certain students. Or, per school policy, we will have to"

expel you.

Jesse, my desk mate, tugged anxiously at my sleeve. Kai, the SATs are around the corner. Just bite your tongue, man. You know how protective Gemma is of Braden. We cant afford to cross her.

They were all waiting for me to concede. To nod, apologize, and retreat back into the shadows they expected me to inhabit.

But this time, I just pulled my backpack off the back of my chair.

Then expel me, I said quietly.

The moment the words left my mouth, the classroom went silent. You could hear the fluorescent lights humming.

Mr. Harrison looked stunned. His voice was a frantic, desperate whisper. Kai, do you have any idea what youre doing? Look, just write a formal letter of apology and the school wont pursue this.

I managed a dry smile. Of course. He didn't actually want to kick me out. He just wanted a quick win to appease Braden, who was a legacy student with an influential family.

In the past, I would have swallowed it.

Like the time Braden intentionally slashed my bike tires, making me late, and I took the detention without a word.

Like the dozen times Braden and his buddies dumped the trash on the floor while I was on cleaning duty, and I simply swept it up.

I was tired. Bone-deep tired.

I nodded. I know exactly what Im saying.

I started packing my books. Jesse was frantic, kicking me under the desk, trying to stop me.

I gave him a slight, reassuring smile. I was okay. He was the only one in this whole place who treated me like a friend, and hed been targeted plenty because of it. Now that I was leaving, hed be free of that burden.

I zipped up my bag and turned to leave. Thats when Gemma, who must have heard the commotion, rushed in and grabbed my wrist.

Seeing her chest rise and fall slightly with exertion, I felt a flicker of stupid hope. I thought, Maybe shes here to tell me not to go.

The dream lasted one second.

Her face was cold as she warned me, If you walk out of Northwood High with an expulsion on your record, no reputable college prep school in the state will touch you.

Youve thought this through?

She wasn't exaggerating. She was Gemma Sterling, the heiress to Sterling Industries. Our headmaster practically polished her shoes. Ensuring a scholarship kid like me never saw the inside of a university would take her nothing more than a few phone calls.

I have. I took a deep breath and started walking toward Mr. Harrison.

Gemma let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh of relief. Braden, smirking, leaned back in his seat, ready for the show of my complete defeat.

Then I stopped in front of the counselors desk and raised my voice.

Im sorry, Mr. Harrison, but I shouldnt have posted that anonymous tip online about you accepting cash payments from Braden Sterlings family to inflate his academic record.

I flashed my phone screen at him, pivoted, and walked out.

Gemma chased me down the hall. She reached out and blocked my path, her voice tight.

Are you really willing to torch your entire future over this?

My future? It was a future she had built for me, so in her eyes, it was hers to command.

The summer before high school, my parents told me they couldnt afford to keep me in school. They wanted me to move south and join them working factory shifts. I spent a full night on my knees, weeping, begging them not to take away my education. I promised I would earn every penny, that they wouldn't have to pay a cent.

So, from the start of freshman year, I lied about my age and took every odd job I could find. After late study hall, the only place hiring a kid like me was a smoky BBQ joint downtown.

One night, Gemma and a few of her friends came in. I didn't know her then. She was in the class next to mine, but I was always either rushing to class, frantically doing homework, or sprinting to work. I hadn't even registered her existence.

It was her friend, Piper, who recognized me first.

Isnt that Kai Lancer? The scholarship kid from our class? No wonder he always smells like grease. He works here, huh? You guys, you should have been there one day when I passed himI swear the smell nearly choked me.

She sounded genuinely perplexed. I just dont get it. Do poor people love money that much? Honestly, with his looks, youd think hed find a faster way to earn a living.

Every word felt like a slap. My face was on fire, and the glass of beer I was carrying began to tremble. I wasn't paying attention and slopped a bit onto a customer's shirt. I apologized immediately, terrified.

The drunk man was about to explode, but then he took one look at me, his rage turning into a lecherous grin. He grabbed my arm.

Its fine, little man. Come on, have a drink with your big sister, and well call it even.

I froze, paralyzed with fear and humiliation.

Bang.

The man went flying. Hed been kicked so hard hed slid off his seat.

A faint, expensive scent of jasmine and citrus wafted around me. I turned, my eyes meeting Gemmas.

She handed me a packet of bar napkins. Dont worry. Its over.

Her friends rushed forward and joined the brawl. It didn't take long for the group of creeps to stumble out, bruised and defeated.

Gemma wiped her hands on a napkin and looked at me. Its too late for a guyor anyoneto be working out here. Its not safe.

Piper giggled. Yeah, next time you might not be lucky enough to have beautiful girls like us save your ass.

Then they left.

I looked at the furious expression of my boss. I knew I wouldn't have to work late shifts anymore.

Just as I suspected, the owner picked up my backpack and threw it at me.

Get out! Youre done here, kid. Im deducting the damage from your paycheck. Don't come back.

I was devastated. I couldn't find another job that quickly, and the absolute worst part? Rent for my cheap attic apartment and next month's food allowance were due.

In desperation, I went back to the BBQ joint and begged the boss for my money.

It was pouring rain outside, blurring my vision. All I could hear was the owners sneering laugh.

Broke? Why dont you hit up those rich friends of yours? The ones who were so brave! Im telling you, the money you had coming is less than the cost of the broken chair. Want more? Dream on!

My lips were trembling with cold. I opened my mouth to argue.

And then the rain stopped, and the insults faded.

Gemma stood over me, sheltering me with an umbrella. She slammed a thick wad of cash onto the owners counter. Her voice was icy.

Is this enough to cover the damages?

The owner quickly snatched the money. Y-yes, maam. More than enough.

Then give him his pay.

The owner counted out my measly wages and shoved them at me.

Gemma looked at me with an expression that was almost apologetic. Im sorry, Kai. Im afraid I got you fired.

I shook my head, my hands still shaking with the shock and cold.

Gemma shifted the umbrella, leaned in, and gently ruffled my wet hair.

That was the exact moment I fell in love.

After that day, I never worried about money again. Gemma found countless ways to funnel cash my way. She bought me clothes and gifts. She hired me as her "tutor" for a ridiculous fee. She asked me to be her "dinner partner" for a stipend that covered all my meals.

Our relationship blossomed in that intense proximity. Everyone called us the perfect couple, the golden children. She took care of me beautifully.

Then, during senior year, Braden transferred back.

He was her childhood best friend. Hed been whisked away when his parents divorced in middle school. But now, in his last year of high school, his mother had remarried and didn't want him, so he was sent back to his father.

When Gemma told me, I couldnt help but feel a little sorry for the guy, this stranger Id never met.

Later, I learned the one thing she hadn't mentioned: Braden was deeply, possessively in love with her.

I assumed Braden would transfer into Gemmas advanced placement class. But no, he transferred into my standard track.

The first time we met, Gemma helped him move his books. He walked up to me, grinning a little too brightly.

You must be Kai. The guy Gemma is absolutely obsessed with, huh? Youre definitely good-looking, Ill give you that. He clapped me on the shoulder. Were friends now, right?

I felt a little awkward but nodded.

Jesse muttered under his breath, "Didn't he used to be a total bully in middle school?"

I hadn't heard. As soon as the bell rang, I grabbed the gift Id spent weeks saving for.

Braden, I heard you like the limited edition Adidas line. This is a welcome gift.

He reached for the box with a smile.

But just as his fingers brushed the cardboard, he jerked his hand away. The box tumbled to the floor and picked up dust.

I stared, stunned.

Bradens easy smile turned into a sneer. Youre a charity case, Kai. Without Gemma, you probably wouldnt even know what Adidas stands for, would you?

He scoffed. Too bad. Now that its been touched by your hands, I dont want it anymore.

I stared at him, unable to reconcile this venomous person with the friendly face from moments earlier. Hed changed like flipping a switch.

Later that afternoon, I was still distracted when I went to meet Gemma after school. Braden was already there. He was leaning over her desk, his body practically boxing her in. They were laughing about a new designer sneaker release Id never heard of.

I stood there silently, feeling useless.

Gemma finally noticed me. She walked over and squeezed my hand.

Kai, I need you to go home alone tonight.

Braden just got back, and his dad invited me for dinner. Its a welcome-back thing.

Oh. I managed a blank nod and glanced over at Braden.

He caught my eye. He gave me a slow, triumphant smile.

The next day, I couldnt help myself. I told Gemma what Braden had done.

She just laughed, a soft, indulgent sound.

Kai, are you being a little sensitive? Braden can be a bit blunt, but he certainly doesn't mean any harm. It must be a misunderstanding.

Tell you what, she said, seeing my crestfallen face. When he gets here, Ill talk to him. If its true, Ill make him apologize to you, okay?

Braden didn't show up for class. Gemma grew worried and called him.

The moment she hung up, her face went rigid. She looked at me, her expression instantly cool.

What is it? I asked, confused.

Her voice was suddenly flat. Nothing. Im going to check on him.

She and Braden didn't return until lunchtime.

Gemma called my name at the classroom door. Kai, come out here.

My stomach tightened. It was the first time since we started dating that she had used my full name in that formal tone.

I stepped outside. Braden was standing beside her. He held up the sneaker box, pulling out a crumpled piece of paper, and shoved it into my hands.

Kai, I genuinely thought we were friends. I was happy about the gift. Why would you write something so cruel? Braden looked genuinely distraught. If you didnt want to be my friend, you could have just said so!

He hadn't even accepted my gift. Why was he lying?

My mind went blank when I read the note. It was scribbled in a familiar hand.

Gemma is my girlfriend now. Did you come back to steal her, you unwanted little bastard?

I stammered, trying to explain. Thats not my writing. And you didn't even take the gift

Enough, Kai! Gemma interrupted, her voice heavy with disappointment. The handwriting is yours. The gift is the one you bought. And you still wont admit it?

Why are you turning into such a liar? she continued, each word a needle in my heart. You came to me this morning and spun a story just to turn me against him. Kai, I hate people who play games. I dont want you to become the person I despise most.

She took Bradens hand and walked away.

I stood there, clutching the note, trembling from head to toe. The handwriting was so similar to mine, but it wasn't mine.

Why didn't she believe me?

Gemma gave me the silent treatment for days.

Then, during gym class, I took a hard fall. I was limping back to the classroom when Gemma saw me in the hall. She saw the blood on my knee, rushed over, and helped steady me.

Your knee is bleeding! You couldn't text me? Do you even remember Im your girlfriend?

She walked me to the nurses office. I buried my face in her shoulder.

Gemmas tone softened. Okay, look, lets forget about the note. I only see Braden as a brother, so stop being so hostile toward him.

I grew more agitated. Its not me. It really isn't!

A thought flashed through my mind. The pair of sneakers Id bought was an incredibly rare, limited-edition model. Id found a unique serial number on them. If Bradens shoes had a different number, it would prove his were not the ones Id purchased.

I was about to speak when Braden burst into the nurses office.

Heard you were hurt, G. Just came to check on you.

I looked away, not wanting to engage.

Braden spoke to Gemma. Hey, your history teacher was looking for you. Why don't you go back, and Ill stay with Kai for a bit?

Gemma nodded. Thanks, Braden. I owe you.

As soon as she was gone, Bradens demeanor shifted. He looked at me with cold indifference.

Shes gone. You can stop playing the wounded puppy now.

Braden chuckled. I dont know if I should call you oblivious or if I simply underestimated how much sway you have over Gemma. He paused. Either way, it doesnt matter. Even the heaviest weight will be eroded eventually.

He left, and a sudden, sharp anxiety pierced me.

After the nurse wrapped my knee, I slowly walked back toward class. As I rounded the corner on the stairs, I saw Bradenand Piper.

They knew each other? Well, of course they did. They were from the same exclusive circle.

I lowered my head and continued up. But as I passed Braden, he suddenly shouted and pitched himself backward, tumbling down the flight of stairs.

I froze, shocked by the sudden, violent sight.

Then I looked up and saw Gemmas face, pale and filled with icy disappointment, staring down from the landing above.

Students rushed over. They started pointing fingers at me, their faces twisted with disgust.

Hes truly unhinged with jealousy.

Theyre childhood friends. Kai is just a stray who got picked up and now thinks hes a prince.

My head began to spin. An anxious reflex made me shake my head wildly. I didnt push him! He fell on his own!

I looked desperately at Piper. You saw it, didnt you? Please, just tell everyone the truth!

Piper looked away, her voice flat. All I heard was you telling him you were Gemmas fated one, and that a childhood friend could never beat you.

I stared at her, the last tight string in my mind snapping completely. My throat seized up. Every defense died there.

In that agonizing second, I knew who had written the note.

Gemma listened, and then she let out a quiet, painful laugh.

Your fated one? Not anymore. She looked at me, then back down the stairs. And for the record, a childhood connection is deeper than anything a flavor-of-the-month could ever hope to be.

I stood there, numb, registering nothing.

Gemma left with Braden. The rest of the students scattered.

I stayed where I was, motionless. A wave of pain washed over my chest, receding until there was only a vast, empty calm.

Gemma ended things with me.

She demanded that I wait outside Bradens house, kneeling on the doorstep until he woke up.

It was a cold, bitter night. Gemma walked past me, looking down from her height.

When Braden transferred back, he specifically chose a different class, saying he wanted to respect our relationship and befriend you.

Youre so stupid, Kai. You shouldnt have pushed my boundaries like this, over and over.

She paused, seemingly waiting for me to argue, to explain.

But I remained silent. I offered no defense.

The next day, Braden woke up. I hauled myself to my feet, my knees raw and numb, and stumbled away.

After that, I avoided Gemma completely. I poured every ounce of my energy into my studies. I endured Bradens veiled insults and petty attacks.

But Braden still wouldnt let it go. He couldn't even stand for my name to appear on the same honor roll Gemma might see.

I was truly, fundamentally done. I just wanted to disappear.