Chapter 25: Being cornered
After the incident, and with unexpected outcomes, Erica initially thought that Mrs. Lani would not let her off easily for running away. She believed that Mrs. Lani would indeed track her down to continue causing trouble and threatening her. However, contrary to Erica’s worries and anxieties, Mrs. Lani remained completely silent. This led Erica to speculate that perhaps Mrs. Lani and Mr. Martin were devising another plan to obtain the money. Realizing that Erica was utterly useless to them, they no longer needed her. If that were the case, Erica would feel relieved and could confidently return to her normal daily life. Today, Erica decided to return to school after several unexplained absences. Erica hoped that the school authorities would not inquire about the reason for her prolonged absence from classes for over a week. However, Erica’s hopes were quickly shattered, and the reality turned out to be even worse. An unexpected event occurred something that Erica had never anticipated.
As soon as Erica appeared in the hallway, it attracted the attention of many people. They didn’t simply watch; more whispers began to be heard. Erica heard herself described as the subject of gossip.
“That’s her. The one who dared to attack Kora out of blind jealousy”
“She may look innocent on the outside, but deep down she’s cold-blooded and cruel.”
“Why is she so irrational? It’s clear that Max doesn’t love her, so why does she behave so despicably?”
“Followers like her are truly terrifying.”
“She’s nothing but a parasite.”
“Hey, cheap whore, go die.”
An angry voice echoed through the air, followed by a water bottle being thrown at Erica. Dropping her guard, Erica didn’t have time to dodge, and the bottle hit her in the face. Instinctively, Erica reached up to touch her face and found her forehead bleeding.
The pain was inevitable, not to mention that Erica felt dizzy. Erica couldn’t help but groan.
“Damn, you bitch. Stay away from other people’s boyfriends, you hear me?” There was shouting again, and then there was mocking laughter. Then more laughter followed.
Erica stood still, her eyes scanning the individuals who were laughing at her one after another. Every gaze directed at Erica carried disdain, contempt, and even disgust. Erica was genuinely puzzled by what was happening. Why was she subjected to this terrifying ordeal? Erica believed she didn’t deserve such cruel and unjust treatment. She yearned to question the people around her about the motive behind their uncivilized behavior. However, before she could do so, someone interrupted.
“Erica Watson, the principal, wants to talk to you.”
The powerful voice broke through the noise of the crowd. Erica turned her head to look back and got a little excited at the arrival of a lecturer.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
“What are you doing standing there? Hurry up.” The woman had a prompting when Erica hadn’t regained consciousness.
Then she glanced at the other students and shouted:
“Everyone disperse; go to class.”
The annoyed crowd dispersed, then disappeared in an instant from the corridor. Before leaving, several people, mostly girls, glared at Erica with smirks.
After standing still for a moment, Erica slowly walked towards the woman, then nervously followed her to meet the principal.
In the principal’s private room, Erica sat solemnly in her chair, facing the teacher. She appeared deeply concerned, with her head lowered and hands clasped. Erica patiently awaited the other party to initiate the conversation. After a moment of silence and careful consideration, the head of the university spoke up with a resolute voice.
“Erica Watson. We regret to inform you that your scholarship will be canceled.”
Erica immediately lifted her head to gaze at the man, her face displaying a mixture of surprise and disbelief upon hearing the news. Before Erica could inquire about the reason, the other party interjected with the following statement:
“Moreover, you are suspended indefinitely,” the principal stated loudly. “The decision will take effect as of today.”
Stunned, Erica couldn’t believe what she had just heard.
“Why is that?” Erica asked hesitantly after a moment of shock. “What is happening?”
“We have received a complaint regarding your inappropriate behavior,” the principal calmly explained. “In response to the victim’s request, your studies are being suspended. After careful deliberation and discussion during a council meeting, the school has reached this decision.”
“Who accused me? Accused me of what? I really don’t understand what the hell is going on. Why wasn’t I informed about this?” Erica’s expression was one of utter confusion. She was demanding answers and asserting her rights.
“The complaint was sent in yesterday.” The principal went into more detail: “The person who submitted the application was Max Murphy.”
“Who accused me?” Erica couldn’t help but exclaim, her dislike for the name Max Murphy evident. She didn’t want to hear that name mentioned in her life again.
“As I said, it’s Max Murphy.” A little annoyed by Erica’s dumbfounded reaction, the principal repeated, “You must know about this person too, don’t you?”
“Why is Max Murphy accusing me? Accusing me of what?” Erica calmly inquired. She had almost figured out everything.
“Max Murphy has denounced your uncontrolled behavior towards Kora.” The principal answered Erica’s question: “Kora almost lost her life. Because of that, the school can’t continue to let you study here.”
“That’s not true. That bastard lied.” Erica exclaimed, wanting to defend herself, “I’m the one who suffered the injuries.”
The principal frowned, feeling somewhat perplexed by Erica’s statement. Erica’s agitated demeanor, as if she were being wrongly accused, and her expression seemed genuinely authentic. However, Kora had presented substantial evidence against Erica. After reflection, the principal ultimately sided with Kora Watson and Max Murphy.
“The police have released the investigation findings, and the hospital has reached a conclusion regarding Kora’s injuries. All evidence indicates that Kora is the victim and you are the perpetrator,” the principal stated calmly.
“That’s not right,” Erica expressed her discontent as she was falsely accused, and she continued to shout, “The evidence provided by Max Murphy is all fabricated. You must not be swayed by corrupt policemen and doctors. I am the victim, and I have a medical certificate of my injuries.”
Once again, Erica’s reaction caught the man’s attention. He recognized that there were many aspects that were not as straightforward as they appeared. However, in certain situations, one must overlook certain truths. That’s just how life is. And so he had to turn a blind eye, let Erica be unjustly accused, and suffer injustice and disadvantage.