His Innocent Sera novel Chapter 5

“What type of bond is formed when electrons are shared between two atoms?” the conductor asked.

“Covalent bond,” Sera answered without missing a beat.

“Which organ in the human body produces insulin?”

“Pancreas”

Which event marked the beginning of the American Revolution?

“Umm…Lexington”

Her face split into a joyful grin as she noticed her score surpassing her competitors. With the prize money, she was going to buy her dad a watch. His current watch was not working properly.

"You are doing great till now. Now we’ll have questions from the audience,” the conductor announced, gesturing towards the crowd.

Sera’s gaze drifted towards the audience.

“What mountain range separates Europe and Asia?” a female student questioned.

‘Ural” Sera replied confidently. The room fell silent for a brief moment before a deep voice interrupted.

What is the principle that states no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers?” Nate’s deep voice rang in the air. Sera froze. She couldn’t see him in the dark but she knew it was his voice. He was here to make her lose.

Sera didn’t know the answer. The second stretched on but she couldn’t reply.

“Which ancient civilization is credited with creating the first known form of writing, cuneiform?” Nate posed another question, knowing very well she wouldn’t be able to answer it either. Sera drew a blank as before. The questions were too difficult for her grade. He asked more until her score fell behind her rival. Tears glistened in her eyes, she could almost hear him smirking, enjoying her failure.

Eventually, she lost the competition.

With slouched shoulders and her head hanging low, Sera dragged her feet out of the hall. As she entered the quiet corridor, the girl was suddenly slammed against the wall. She shrieked, feeling pain vibrate through her back. Dazed, she lifted her gaze—only to freeze under the weight of his cruel stare. Unbothered by her pain, he reached out with his hand and lifted her arm, “Looks like your lucky charm has lost its charm.” he mocked, tracing a finger over his bracelet.

Without a warning, he ruthlessly wrenched the bracelet from her wrist, the pull tearing into her skin and leaving a stinging cut. The beads scattered in the air, hitting the floor with a clink. Sera watched them falling with warm tears trickling down her cheeks.

She was still reeling when he suddenly seized her jaw, his fingers painfully digging into her cheeks as he declared menacingly, “I hold your fate, the good and the bad...." pressed closer and emphasized, "in my hands.”