Not A Small Town Girl (Danielle and David) novel Chapter 130

Chapter 130

On the field, the entire freshman class was gathered, filling the massive field like a sea of students.

Danielle and Juniper quickly joined their team, and it wasn’t long before they spotted their drill instructor-someone familiar. It was Maximus.

Maximus, with his towering 6’2" frame, sun-darkened skin, and an aura of authority, stood like a fortress. His hands rested sharply along his sides, exuding an intimidating presence.

Danielle realized Maximus had deliberately chosen this class.

"I can’t believe how hot it is. I didn’t even put on sunscreen!"

"I’m really about to pass out! The instructor looks so fierce!"

"My legs are already shaking. I thought we’d dodged military training since the school didn’t mention it.

Who knew we’d get thrown into it today?"

The students whispered complaints, their voices a mix of dread and frustration. But Danielle and Juniper-veterans of the Shadows training base-stood unaffected, their postures impeccable and their expressions calm.

"Danielle, aren’t you exhausted?" Juniper asked, half out of concern and half in awe.

Danielle chuckled lightly. "This is nothing for me." She stood in a flawless military posture, the very image of discipline.

Maximus approached, his deep voice lowering slightly. "Danielle, I picked this class on purpose. Are you holding up? Need a break?" Danielle smiled. "I’m fine. Thanks, Maximus."

Emma, standing nearby, clenched her fists at the sight of Danielle smiling at Maximus. ’So that’s how she does it-flirting her way out of hard work. Typical. She resolved to report this to David at the first opportunity.

Before long, one of the girls fainted dramatically.

"Sir, someone’s collapsed!" a student called out.

Maximus strode over, his face a mask of sternness. He crouched to assess the situation. "Can you keep going?"

"Can I rest for a bit?" the girl asked weakly.

Maximus’s jaw tightened. He could tell she was faking. If they were in the military, he would’ve kicked her into shape. "If you’re not unconscious, stand up and keep at it," he barked.

The murmurs began immediately.

"Quiet!" Maximus’s voice cut through the chatter like a whip. "Anyone caught talking will run laps. Look at the other classes and then look at yourselves. Embarrassing."

The students straightened up instantly, the fear of punishment silencing their protests.

"From now on, anyone who moves or complains runs laps," Maximus declared. "You’ve barely stood, and your legs are already shaking. If this were a battlefield, you’d be dead weight, shot by the enemy in seconds. Soldiers I train are always victorious-don’t make me ashamed to call you mine."

The students’ morale plummeted. ’Is this guy serious? It’s just a little military training, not actual war. Chill out!’

"Sir, my head’s spinning, and I feel faint," another girl chimed in coquettishly, hoping for leniency.

Maximus squinted at her. "Are you fainting right now? No? Then stand up and stay put. Stop reporting unless you’re genuinely incapacitated."

"Danielle, what does your boyfriend do? He looks so mature, he must be a lot older than you, right?" Thinking about that man, he was truly the most charming and handsome she had ever seen. He probably came from a good family too.

Danielle frowned slightly. "He works in an office," she said evasively.

"An office worker?" Juniper teased. "With looks like his, what a waste!" "June, are you interested in Danielle’s boyfriend?"

Juniper asked.

June glanced at Danielle, still hoping to become friends with her. After all, she was the daughter of the richest family in town. She hurriedly said, "Of course not! I’m just concerned about Danielle, wanting to get to know her better."

Juniper sneered, "With the way you’re asking, I thought you had some intentions toward Danielle’s boyfriend. If you really want to get to know someone, you need to do it from the heart, not just with words."

June shot Juniper a look of disdain, thinking, ’She’s just Danielle’s lackey. She’s probably worried I’ll get closer to Danielle and mess up her own little plans. So manipulative, and she doesn’t even want me to make friends.’

But still, she smiled and said, "I’m just blunt, sometimes my mouth runs faster than my brain. I really consider you guys my good friends."

"Better take a nap, we’ve got military training again this afternoon." Jane, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up.

At the Dixon family, Ruby sat stiffly in the living room, taking in the familiar yet alien surroundings. She hadn’t set foot in this house for three years, and the memories were suffocating. The only reason she was here now was because her mother was in Emily’s clutches.

"Ruby, you’re back! I had the kitchen prepare all your favorite dishes. Your father has missed you terribly. You should come home more often," Emily gushed, her warmth practically oozing.

Ruby suppressed a bitter laugh. Emily was a master actress. In front of Robert, she was all smiles and maternal affection. But the moment he wasn’t around, her true colors shone-cruel and vindictive.

Ruby had tried exposing her before, but her pleas had been dismissed as childish tantrums. To Robert, Emily was the perfect wife, and Ruby was just a rebellious daughter.