My Fated Alphas Cruel Game novel Chapter 8

8 Chapter 8 Elegant Stranger

8 Chapter 8 Elegant Stranger

Elena’s POVO

Walking into his office, I was already preparing my defense before he even opened his mouth.

“Whatever you think I did, I swear I’m innocent this time,” I announced, dropping into the chair across from his desk.

Brooks actually smiled at that. “Relax, Elena. You’re not here because you’re in trouble.”

“Seriously?” I blinked at him in genuine surprise. “That’s definitely a first.”

“I know it is.” He pulled out a thick folder from his desk drawer. “I’ve been reviewing your academic records, and with all the advanced placement courses you’ve been taking, you’ve actually accumulated enough credits to graduate.”

The words hit me like a freight train. “I’m sorry, what?”

“You don’t need to attend classes anymore. You’ve officially completed your high school requirements.” His tone was matter–of–fact, but I could see something softer in his expression.

I stared at him, waiting for the punchline. “Are you seriously just trying to get me out of here permanently? Because I need my diploma for college applications. And I definitely need those scholarship opportunities.”

“You’ll receive your official certificate, Elena. This isn’t about removing you from the premises.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’m aware of your mother’s situation. She needs you right now, which is exactly why I called you in today. As for scholarships, with your academic performance, you’ll be competitive for most programs. I’ll personally ensure your college applications include a strong recommendation.”

Something felt off about this entire conversation, “Okay, what the hell is really going on here?”

“Language, Elena,”

“No, seriously. Since when do you go out of your way to be this helpful?” I crossed my arms, studying his face for any hint of deception. “Is this because Marcus’s been shadowing me everywhere? Did he put you up to this?”

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8 Chapter 8 Elegant Stranger

“This has nothing to do with anyone else. You’ve earned this graduation through your own academic achievement.”

“So I can just walk out of here and never come back?”

“That’s correct.”

I stood up, still processing this unexpected turn of events. “Well, it’s about damn time. Thanks for everything, Brooks. I’ll swing by later to clean out my locker!”

“Of course. Good luck, Elena.”

I left his office feeling like I was walking through some bizarre alternate reality and headed straight to the hospital.

Mom was sitting upright in her bed, gesturing wildly at a poor nurse who looked like she wanted to disappear into the floor.

“They’re keeping me prisoner in here, Elena,” she declared the moment she saw me enter the room. “I told them I need to get back to work, but they won’t listen to reason.”

“You need to rest and recover first,” I said, settling into the visitor’s chair beside her bed.

“I need to get the hell out of this place before I lose my mind.”

The nurse who’d been getting lectured shook her head with a knowing smile. “Definitely runs in the family.”

“Excuse me?” Mom’s voice rose an octave.

“She didn’t mean anything by it,” I said quickly, shooting the nurse a warning look. “Can you just wait until the doctor makes his rounds? Please?”

“Fine, but the second he clears me, I’m walking out of here.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

After the nursing staff retreated, I filled her in on my meeting with Brooks. Her face lit up with pride when I told her about graduating carly,

“I always knew you were brilliant,” she said, squeezing my hand. “Now you can start college in the spring semester.”

“I’m planning to work until then. I’ll need money for housing, textbooks, all of that.” I

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8 Chapter 8 Elegant Stranger

tried to sound more confident than I felt. “You keep insisting I’ll get scholarship

money, but I’m not counting on anything I can’t control.”

“You’ll get those scholarships, Elena. I have complete faith in you.”

The doctor clearly had other priorities because by two in the afternoon, he still hadn’t appeared. I had to leave Mom with promises to return later that evening.

Back home, I rushed through a shower and did my best with our limited makeup supplies, keeping everything subtle and natural. I spent extra time on my hair, curling it carefully and pinning one side back so it cascaded over my left shoulder.

Then came the dress. The floor–length gown was a soft pink with a fitted mermaid silhouette that hugged every curve. The neckline dipped low, supported by delicate straps, while intricate pearl and crystal beading decorated the bodice in a pattern that gradually faded as it moved down toward my thighs. The skirt flowed in layers of chiffon with darker pink trim along the edges.

I slipped on the white strappy heels and turned to face the full–length mirror.

The reflection staring back at me belonged to someone else entirely. I barely recognized the elegant woman looking back at me. This glamorous stranger was so far removed from my usual appearance that I had to blink several times to convince myself it was really me.

The door suddenly swung open behind me. Marcus stepped inside, adjusting his cufflinks as he spoke.

“Are you ready? We need to…” His words died mid–sentence as his eyes found me in the mirror.

He went completely still, his gaze traveling slowly from my face down to my feet and back up again. The intensity in his expression made my pulse quicken.

This definitely wasn’t the reaction I’d been expecting, but I wasn’t complaining.

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