2 Chapter I:The lowest

"Have you eaten yet, Eve?" my aunt asked me.

"Ahm, I won't eat anymore. I'll be late, it's my first day today."

"Is that so? All right, just a moment and I'll pack your launch."

After aunt handed me the food, I left immediately. I have been living here with my aunt for more than two years since our village caught fire. Unfortunately I was the only one who survived in our family. And I don't have the slightest idea about the wherebouts of the other survivors. Since then, my aunt went to take the responsibility of taking care of me as her own. Partly, I think the reason for this was because she lost her own child and is now a widow. But that was only based on my meager memories. There is more, I am forgetting some details and I think that is very important.

"Para po! " I shouted. ["Para po" is a phrase we use in Philippines to make the vehicle(jeepney/tricycle)that we are riding stop]

Today is my first day at Arden International University. I am in my first year of college, and yes, I am a scholar in this prestigious school. Before I entered the gate I took another deep breath and adjusted my glasses. You can do it, Eva!

"Just scan your I.D., maam." The guard told me. "O-okay." After scanning, I continued to enter. Every step I took made my chest throb. Upon entering the school, my self-esteem started to diminish as they are giving me a look like 'what the hell am I doing here? '.I'm used to people looking at me like that, it's just that, the way they look at me seems even more embarrassing. I just went over and bit my lip while playing with my fingers.

"Ouch! What the? Look at what you've done!" I immediately looked at the direction where the voice was coming from. I saw the woman glaring as she stared at the shocked young man who was also staring at her. The woman's clothes were wet and the confused young man continued to apologize. The man was about to wipe the angry woman's clothes when she tapped his hands.

"Pervert!" I just shook my head and continue walking. That incident is common in the stories I've read. The queen bee and the poor student. Even if I wanted to help him, I just ignored him. I might even get into trouble. It is especially difficult since I am new to this school.

I walked a long way before I finally reached my room. The only available seat was the one in front. I did not hesitate to enter and I am just so thankful that no one notices me for they are currently focused on their own activities. I just took out my book first and read. There is no prof.

"Tsk. Nerdy." The man next to me whispered. I just shook my head as I bite my lower lip.

It didn't take a while before the professor finally arrived. Nothing much was done. The class went by fast and he just gave us the remaining time. He is not like the strict professors, or maybe he is just like that because it was just the first meeting.

I have only been here for a week and fortunately my life here is going well. There are still people who continues to look at me with disgust, whether they are men or women, but that 's okay. The teachings here were all good. It's just, I'm always ordered—as it is today. So they start calling me the teacher's pet. I am now checking Maam Oliveros' quizzes in another section. I kept on checking when I noticed a similar answer. I can't be wrong. It was in an essay format, so there's no way their answer could be this similar. I searched for another paper and have it compared. Even the penmanship was the same, and I can't just let it pass because Maam Oliveros is double checking it. She was very strict and doesn't allow any students to cheat. I first separated these two papers and resumed on checking.

"Someone cheated?" Maam asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes maam."

"Those kids. Let me see!" I gave her the papers and let her check it. I noticed Maam's heavy breathing upon examining the paper. She looked at me and smiled.

"Thank you for telling this to me, Ms. Maria. Thank you for being honest. Of all the students I've asked to do the checking, you're the only one who has the guts to tell me this." "Maam?"

"Nevermind. You're done, go home now."

"All right."

"Is that her?"

"Yes, she is."

"Oh, so sucky. Dara will surely not let this pass. Ahmp!" I just shook my head while walking. I am not a fool to not notice that I was the one they are talking about. Also, I know that Dara. She's one of the women who's involve in that cheating incident. The woman who copied or the woman who let the other copy. What I just don't know is that, that woman is famous. In that case, I'm afraid I bumped into a real bad situation.

I was in the middle of class when a knock caught our attention.

"Sorry for interrupting. Someone wishes to meet, Miss Maria."

"Ms. Maria." I got up and followed the woman. I am sensing something bad on her. She was also just a student, and I had a suspicion as to why I was called. She was just quiet and I also did not want to ask. However, I noticed that she often took a glance at me. I confirmed my suspicion when we stopped in an empty room and there is a group of women waiting.

In the middle of it was whom I suppose is Dara. I just stared at the floor as I felt their glaring look at me. I'm not nervous but I don't want them to feel that because they might be even angrier with me.

"So, you were the one who checked my paper. You were the one who said I copied?" she's smiling but her expression is way too sarcastic. "You're Eva Maria, right?" I did not answer her and I just kept quiet. She asked too silly. She would not call me here if she knew I was not what she was looking for. So I no longer wonder as to why she cheated.

"I suppose, you already know my reason for calling you here?" I remained silent.

"What? Are you dumb?" she asked angrily. "All right. Because it looks like you have no intention of answering me. I just want to tell you that you made a mistake with the person you are fighting with. I am not cheap to drag you and tweak you in a crowded place—I am not fond of catfights. Perhaps, maam Oliveros is on your side, but what about the others? Hah! Get ready, you'll regret making me your enemy. I am the first of Vaughn Arden's women, and I will not tolerate your act. " she stated. "All right Annie. Take that girl out."

As we were leaving, I overheard them talking.

"Dara, a new woman has been added to Vaughn's collection. "

"It's okay. I'm still his first ." After that, I go back to class.

Sir stopped again when there was another knock. He went to see the person who knocked and upon entering the room again, he's now escorting a girl.

"Sit down." the only available seat is on my right side.

"Hi." she waved.

"Hello." I greeted and half-smiled.

"Aela." she introduce herself and shook my hand.

"Eve."

Sir continued his discussion and Aela did not speak again.

Soon, the bell rang, signaling the time for break time.

"Can we eat lunch together? You are the only one I know." she said scratching the side of her neck .

"All right." I answered and we go to the Cafeteria.

While eating we start talking. She's talkative and had a lot to say about her life. She also tell the story of how she and her boyfriend broke up. She's not saying the reason as to why they broke up, but she obviously loves the man she's talking about. It is also amazing that at these times, not even one person gives me a bad look.

"Oh! Nerdy and the new girl in Vaughn's collection have come together."

I look for the person who said that, and it was Dara. New girl in Vaughn's collection? Aela?

"Hah! I think Vaughn's taste is decreasing. Tsk, you make a good tandem by the way. Anyway," her lips went closer to my right ear and whispered. "I haven't done anything yet ... But still, prepare yourself." she stood up straight again and sexyly walk away. All men are looking her way, until she was finally out of the cafeteria.

"I hope you don't stay away from me." I frowned at Aela when she told me that. "When they found out I was one of Vaughn's women, no one has ever dared to come to me. I would ask questions and try to be friendly but they will just answer—not looking at me in the eyes. That's why I was so happy when you ate with me and you listened to my stories. Now that you know about it, are you going to stay away from me too? "

"Do you want me to stay away?"

"W-what? Of course not!"

"That's it. Then, I'll stay. I'll be your first friend here." I shrugged as I answer.

"R-really ?! E-ehem. By the way, now that you know that I am one of the prince's women. The reason why, the reason why my boyfriend and I broke up is Vaughn. "

"Vaughn? The itchy man?"

"What? Haha! Yes, but stay quiet. We'll be in a big trouble if someone else hears you say that. Or worst, you'll be startled there suddenly because someone shot you. And don't make the mistake of mentioning his name again, because the women who's only allowed to call him by his name are the women in the ranks and the friends of the woman leading the ranks. "

"W-what? Are you not just exaggerating things?" I moan a comment.

"Yes, It might sound that I am exaggerating things, but seriously Eve, don't make the mistake of doing that again. Wait, why do you seem to not know those things? It looks like I studied here longer than you."

" I'm just not interested in such things."

"Just that? So, in what things are you interested?"

"School stuffs?"

"You are a very good student." she said sarcastically and I just laugh.

Aela and I talked a lot. She even told the story of giving herself to her last boyfriend. She really loves him so much.

"I just hope Vaughn finds the woman he's looking for so he can release me."

"Woman? Which woman?"

"You also don't know that? Anyway, I'm not sure either. All I know is, as long as he doesn't find that woman, he will continue to add women to satisfy his worldly desires."

"You mean- S-sorry."

"It's okay. It's really good that I gave myself to my boyfriend. One more thing, nothing has happened to us yet. And hopefully, nothing will really happen."

"How's school, Eve?"

"It's okay, aunt. Ah, aunt, Aela—my friend will be visiting here."

"Is that so? When is that so I can prepare. She's rich, isn't she?"

"This Saturday."

"Oh, okay. Go ahead. Get dressed up first and I'll serve the food."

I went upstairs and as aunt said I got dressed. While combing, the man who's the subject of Aela and I's conversation three days ago came into my mind. I have never seen that man before. But Aela said he often wanders around the campus. She also said that he suddenly appears everywhere, especially when his women have a problem. Ahmp. Why am I thinking about that? I was about to go down to eat when my cellphone rang.

"Hello Aela?"

"Eve! Look at the page of our school. Sir posted the students who failed the exam and you are there!"

"W-what? How? What happened? I'm sure of my answers!"

"That's what I am pertaining! I can't believe it either. I mean, you can't just possibly fail the exam when you almost beat Sir in teaching. Eve, you need to talk to Sir about it."

"Alright, I'll talk to Sir."

"Eve, sorry. I really like to help you with this, but Vaughn .."

"No, it's okay. I can do it."

"Alright Eve."

"Ok Bye.."

"Your paper was not there when I checked the exam papers, Ms. Maria."

"What? Where did it go? I swear I passed it, sir!"

"I don't know! I don't have it, you didn't pass your paper, and you failed your exam. That's it!"

"But sir! I swear! I swear I've submitted it. I was the first to submit the exam papers."

"I'm sorry Ms. Maria but you really don't have an exam record on me. Go away, I still have a lot to do. Just do better next time."

"But sir-" "Do I have to repeat myself, Ms. Maria?" I did nothing and turned away. I haven't been that far yet so I was able to hear what he whispered. "Poor lady, making an enemy of Dara." so she was the reason as to why this is happening. Of all the targets, she chose my grades.

She's not fighting fairly. How can I tell this to aunt?

I go to the cafeteria first so that I could spend time when I saw Dara's group there. I was about to turn away when one of them noticed me and simply pointed me to Dara.

"Eva Maria, how are you?" Dara said smirking as she approach me. I was about to turn around when she pulled my arm. "I'm talking to you, don't be rude!"

"I don't want trouble."

"I hope you think about that before you sucked on Oliveros. One more thing, have you forgotten that I don't like catfights? By the way, your aunt works as an entertainer. She's a singer there, isn't she? Mm .. Is she really just a singer. Or is there an extra service? "

"Please, don't drag my aunt in this. Her job is decent."

"Decent? Hah! I don't know, but every time I see your face, I really shudder. Your ugliness is thrilling. Right girls?"

"Excuse me, but I'm leaving." I was about to turn around when she pulled my hair this time. I could no longer hold back and accidentally pushed her. She was about to retaliate when an arm held her upright.

"Are you alright?" His voice was very deep and I could also feel his very heavy presence.

"V-vaughn." said Dara. Vaughn held Dara well, while looking at me. It was as if he could see even my soul and my best kept secret. Aela was also on his side, and I saw a concern-look on her face.

"Bitch." He look at me blankly when he said that. Honestly, I had never seen an expression like that before. Even when he help Dara to stood, he still seem to have no bit of worry in his eyes.

Wait, am I the only one or is his voice seemed really familiar? I just kept quiet so that things would not get worse. I can also clearly see Dara's friends laughing.

Vaughn also slowly approach me, causing my chest to throb. I look at Aela only to see her body quite shivering.

"V-vaughn, maybe it's better if-"

"Shut up. This bitch has to know her place." The tone he used was dangerous.

He took a few more steps until he could finally get close to me. Next thing I felt was the pang of pain in my left cheek following a hit on the table. Everyone who saw it sighed but I was even more shocked when Aela attacked Vaughn and slapped him hard. Even she, was shocked at what she did.

"Y-you have no right to h-hurt my friend!" The nervousness on Aela's face was obvious but she tried to hide it.

A smirk was posted on Vaughn's face. He seem to be not bothered by Aela's sudden action, instead, he was amuse.. He did not even bear the slap of the latter.

"Mmm .. The new woman in my ranks. I guess you love your friend too much. I really don't want my girls to worry."

"T-then, s-stay away from my friend!" Aela's suggestion.

Vaughn just shook his head while still smiling as he faced my way. The contempt he felt was obvious as he look at me who's currently trying hard to stand.

"You really don't know where you should be. Someone like you should not make friends with my high-quality women." He raised an eyebrow at me. He turned to Aela again and stroked her cheek. He gave two consecutive applause before a couple of men arrived.

"My woman slapped me because of that low-class woman. Take her to the punishment room and take my new girl to the treatment room, she has to learn a lesson that disobeying me was a wrong move. I want her naked when I arrive. I will take my first woman to the clinic. " He kissed Dara after saying that. "Ah, by the way, just tie that low class. I'll come after I have sex with my new girl." said Vaughn and Dara answered.

"Why do you have to have sex with her? Ahmp." Dara grumbled.

"You're still weak. Next time, it's your turn."

"I can still do it." Dara answered again. Vaughn sighed as if he was already in trouble with Dara.

Dark. The room where they have brought me to is very dark. I did not even see a single figure, and as Vaughn instructed, they left me tied on a chair inside this room. I am also worried because I could not attend my class. And my worries increase because of Aela. What could have happened to her? It was all my fault. Because of me, she perished ...

I have been here for over thirty minutes now. It's really good that I'm used to the dark especially when we often used to be on the woods in the village.

The village ... Since I left there, I have never returned. What happened to me there was very bitter. What can I do? All that I remember about that place was the tragedy I've experienced. Because of that man, I lost everything. That man is the reason why all of this is happening to me. I will never forgive him and I will never want to see him again. Because in addition to my overflowing anger with him, I also feel intense fear. He, he proved that nightmares do not just happen in sleep. Even in reality it can be experienced.

I did not realize the time because I was slowly swallowing up in drowsiness.

It hurts. It was very painful for the eyes to suddenly swallow the light throughout the room. I did a few more eye-opening before my vision became clear. In front, I saw Vaughn walking towards me. He is only one step away from me. His neck tilted as he examined me. He also raised an eyebrow and looked down. Eventually he was shaken.

"How did you become my girl's friend when you were so far apart?" I did not answer him and just remained silent. "Ah, it looks like you have no intention of answering." He looks blank. He turned to the right and someone brought something. I definitely just saw the table with only injectors. I swallowed hard. What if...?

My body began to tremble. "You suddenly appeared, fought the first in the ranks of my women and because of you, my new woman hit me." He did not even call them by their name. Just women.

"What's that? W-what are you going to do?"

"It's an enhancer."

"E-enhancer?"

"To enhance your libido. I will let my staff do you. Don't worry, you will like it too. My staff will feast on your body and you will have nothing to do but shout for pleasure. But after that, when the effect of the medicine vanishes, you'll feel disgusted. You will regret that you studied here. A low class like you will be nothing but a trash, that was once feasted by men. "

"N-no! Please don't!" My cheeks are full of tears. He slowly brought it closer to me and bowed as if teasing. I just closed my eyes when the needle touched my skin and sank.

I opened my eyes when I heard a series of laughs as he removed the needle. "Next time, it will not be just a threat, so be careful. But now," The next two men entered. One has a steel bearing that burns the cross-shaped end. Vaughn stepped aside and let another man tilt my neck.

"No, don't! Don't! AAAAHHHHH!" I could feel the pain of the burning iron in my neck. I almost felt my neck as if it was being torn. At the same time my tears flowed more. I let out a series of heavy breaths after that. They untied me and I feel like draining as I leaned back in my chair, losing all the energy I have to be able to resist. The two men left and we are left alone once again.

In the room I could only hear series of sobs coming from me until he spoke.

"That symbol will tell everyone how low you are. You are not allowed to use anything to cover that. When you do, you can expect what I've said before to happen." He started walking away from the room but before he could leave, he turned off the light and spoke again. "Don't overdo my patience. I'm still kind. So be careful." That's all and he finally left.

There was a mixture of mischief and threatening tone in his voice. Gradually, a strange fear engulfed my system. The past comes back to my mind. The grief. The time when I experienced the series of tragedies in my life. He. He is that man. The man I love to bury in oblivion. The man I hate. I fear. And the man who told me how low I am. He still is. He did it again. And I could do nothing again.