Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 113

"When the day comes for her to exact revenge, even though she'll be happy, a part of her heart will still ache from her past hardships."

Throughout her journey, Violeta has endured many difficulties alone.

Like water in a leaky tank, it still needed time to fill in again even after the tank was repaired and refilled.

How could she forgive Zelena so easily?

All her efforts were washed away, joy became a fleeting dream, and dreams shattered instantly ...

The long days were as tasteless and monotonous as chewed wax. Violeta was determined to make Zelena experience all of these to truly understand her.

Nolan listened, and then a warm smile slowly spread across his lips, "You sound so mature for just eighteen."

"Indeed."

"One might think you were already thirty."

At the window, the breeze fluttered the white gauze curtains, causing Violeta's eyelashes to quiver slightly. As her shadow cast on them, her smile dimmed slightly. "Yeah."

...

Zelena left the chess hall with a second-place trophy.

Although second place did not not qualify for membership in the Chess Association, it was still a respectable position.

Back home, Hattie inquired about the competition via WhatsApp.

Reluctantly, Zelena replied, "I came in second."

Hattie mentioned, "The water at the chess hall isn't clean. My brother went to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said he probably had something contaminated that caused diarrhea. He drank the water at the chess hall, so it's likely the water that's the issue!"

Zelena stayed silent.

The mystery was solved.

It turned out that Benson ended up drinking the water that Zelena had spiked with laxatives, resulting in his diarrhea.

It seemed fate had its own plans. Benson's chess skills were superior to Zelena's. If he had been well, Zelena might not have even made it to face Violeta in the final match.

Zelena found herself in a dilemma over whom to be grateful to.

If Benson had been in the competition, she might not have secured the second place!

"Hattie, should we help Benson to ask for a few days off to recover before he goes back to school? It could be a good time for him to get a thorough check-up."

"That sounds like a good idea."

This break would also give Benson a chance to rest and steer clear of the troublesome boys at school.

Therefore, Benson took a leave of absence.

...

As the end of the term approached ...