The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 558

As Anna looked up, she realized she had bumped into Cindy, a fellow student who was two years her senior. Cindy used to be the reigning queen bee of the class, but ever since Anna transferred in, the title had unceremoniously been passed down to her. The boys secretly adored the new girl, whispering her praises when they thought no one was listening.

Anna, for her part, was blissfully unaware of any such title and frankly couldn't care less about it. Cindy, on the other hand, was furious with Anna. Her irritation had turned into outright anger, especially since the day Anna played a piano solo that stole the show – and, with it, Cindy's dwindling number of admirers.

Cindy, whose family was wealthy enough to paint the town red without batting an eyelash, was used to getting whatever she wanted. The fact that Anna had dethroned her as the class favorite was something she just couldn't swallow. And now, to add insult to injury, she had literally run into Anna first thing in the morning, darkening her mood even further.

Cindy’s eyes were wide with fury, and she snapped, “Anna, do you walk with your eyes closed? Apologize!”

“I'm sorry, it was an accident!” Anna quickly apologized, knowing she had bumped into someone.

But Cindy, ever the diva, doubled down. “You stepped on my shoe. How are you going to make it right?”

Anna glanced at Cindy's red high heels, which were pristine, and realized this was just a ploy to pick a fight. Looking up with eyes as blue as the ocean depths, she saw Cindy's unmistakable hostility. “I really didn't mean to, and I've apologized sincerely. If you won't accept that, then there's nothing more I can do,” Anna said coolly, turning to head into the school.

Cindy was livid. Without thinking, she grabbed Anna's arm. “Don't you dare walk away! You stepped on my shoe. Clean it now!”

Anna felt uncomfortable with the grip on her arm, and forcefully pushed Cindy's hand away. “Let go! Your shoes aren't dirty.”

The push sent Cindy stumbling backward, and she landed with a thud on the pavement. Cindy winced in pain, but Anna, rather than offering a hand, simply said, “You were the one holding onto me after I asked you to let go.” Without a backward glance at Cindy sitting on the ground, Anna continued her way to school.

As Anna's figure receded, Cindy seethed with rage, nursing her bruised ego and her sore behind. In her mind, she vowed revenge.

Their confrontation had been witnessed by Jonas, who was arriving in a stretch limo. He watched the scene unfold, a sly smile curving his lips at the sight of Cindy's predicament and Anna's retreating back.

This girl's got spunk, he thought. She reminded him of a time when he was stranded on a deserted island, and a kind little girl had secretly set him free. He had searched the seas for her to express his gratitude but never found the way back to that hidden manor deep in the ocean's embrace.

Pulling into the school, Jonas stepped out of the limo, a slight smile on his dashing face as whispers of admiration followed his every step.

"Oh my God, the boy genius has arrived, and he's so handsome!"

"Wow, that's the States' youngest major, just fifteen and already towering!"