The CEO'S Innocent Wife

Bella. “Welcome back, students. It’s the first day of school. Please study well,” the principal cordially welcomed all the students. His voice echoed through the microphone, filling the entire hallway with warmth. He stood tall and smiled at everyone, making it clear that he was excited for this new school year. The students listened quietly, some looking thrilled, while others seemed a little sleepy. “This year is going to be great,” he added. “Work hard, and make the most of it.” His words were simple, but they carried a lot of encouragement. “It’s our first day. I didn’t have much fun in summer,” Tessa, my best friend, muttered. She looked down, her hands fidgeting with the straps of her backpack. Her voice was low, and I could tell she wasn’t happy talking about her summer. “I mean, don’t get me wrong,” she continued after a pause, “I did a few things here and there. But mostly, it was just boring. Same old stuff. Nothing exciting ever happens to me.” Her words trailed off as she sighed loudly, clearly frustrated about how uneventful her vacation had been. “But I did,” I snickered. “And I do cherish high school.” My voice was full of confidence, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Summer was amazing for me. I went to the beach, hung out with cool people, and even did some shopping. And now, being back here makes me happy because I love this place!” I looked around at the familiar hallways and classrooms, feeling proud to return. “High school is where all the fun happens,” I added, flipping my hair dramatically. “Yes, sure you do. Because you are the most popular girl at school. Every student here dreams about you, craves your attention, and every girl fears and envies you. Although you may not be opulent or wealthy, you earned a scholarship because of your high grades, and you are privileged,” Tessa frowned, trailing off. “Seriously, I wonder how you get full marks! I’ve never seen you reading a book! You keep pestering, nagging, and fretting over other students, yet you help them too!” Tessa’s tone was sharp, but I could tell she wasn’t trying to be mean. “It’s like you have some kind of superpower or something. You’re always busy, yet somehow, you manage to stay on top of everything! It’s so annoying, Bella!” she added, crossing her arms, her eyebrows furrowed in frustration. “We’ve been best friends for a billion years now, and this is our last year of high school. From your first day, you attracted the attention of everyone, even the teachers! Eye-catcher! But I count on this year to understand you and grasp Bella's standpoint. I assumed your first year would be tough, drastic, harsh—especially as a girl from an average economic background joining the top school of the richest families in the country—but you’ve proven to me that no one can defeat or discomfit you!” Tessa said in a fretful voice, and I widened my eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know how you do it. You don’t just survive here—you thrive. It’s like you’re unstoppable. Everyone admires you, but no one really knows what goes on in your head. And I think this is the year I’ll finally figure you out,” she added, her tone softening a little as she looked at me with a mix of curiosity and admiration. “You are so ludicrous! My IQ is 200, so I don’t need to open a book! I just read it once, and all the material sticks in my brain! But I’m an international swimmer too! I do my best and have my tough times at training. And do you know why all the guys here at school are keen on me?” I proudly explained to Tessa. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing a little as I said it. “It’s not just about being smart, you know. I work hard, and I don’t let anything get in my way. Plus, I guess it helps that I’m good at everything I do,” I added with a smirk, feeling a little smug. “Why?!” Tessa raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Yes, she wanted to be an eye-catcher like me, but she knew nothing of my darkest secrets. Her expression was intense, and I could see that she really wanted to know the answer. “What’s your secret, Bella? Is it your confidence? Your looks? Or is it just luck?” she asked, leaning closer as though she thought I might whisper the truth to her. “Because I’m not obsessed with any of them! They’re all a cluster of dolts, twerps, and morons! I also hate this kind of rich, useless, superficial, shallow-minded, crummy character!” I chuckled. My laughter was loud, and I could see Tessa’s jaw drop a little in disbelief. “Seriously, Tessa, do you think I’d waste my time on those kinds of people? They’re so predictable and boring. I’d rather focus on things that actually matter,” I added, rolling my eyes for effect. “Do you mean they’re not chasing you because you’re the most splendid hot girl in this school? Not just in school—you’re like a goddess of beauty! Don’t you have a mirror at home or something? Don’t say outrageous things!” Tessa huffed in disbelief. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked genuinely frustrated with me. “You can’t just dismiss the fact that you’re stunning, Bella. It’s not fair!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air. “You have no idea how many girls here would do anything to look like you,” she added, shaking her head in exasperation. “Um, okay, maybe I’m neat, but I’m still a pauper and moneyless after all. I can’t allow myself to fall in love with any rich guy, only to have his family force him to break up with me! I only have my dignity!” I said, grimacing as I smacked my forehead against hers zealously. “I mean, come on, Tessa! Can you imagine how humiliating that would be? I’m not about to put myself through that kind of pain just because some guy thinks I’m pretty. I have bigger goals in life,” I added, staring at her with determination. “Bella?” Tessa yelled, tugging at my earlobe. Her voice was sharp, and she looked like she was about to lose her patience completely. “Do you even hear yourself right now? You’re unbelievable!” she exclaimed, shaking her head as if she couldn’t believe what I’d just said. I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction—it was just too funny. I startled and hopped away from her. “What, Tessa?! We’re not in kindergarten! We’re seniors in high school! This isn’t entertaining; I still need my ears until graduation and college!” I added, terror-stricken. My heart raced as I rubbed my ear, glaring at her. “Do you think this is funny or something? You’re acting like a little kid, and it’s not cute!” I continued, crossing my arms and stepping back. “Seriously, Tessa, what’s gotten into you? We’ve got enough stress this year without you pulling stunts like this!” My voice was sharp, but I couldn’t hide the lingering shock from her sudden tug. “Oh, I’m honestly sorry—but I overheard some students saying this year will be more fun but also more complex,” Tessa giggled excitedly. Her eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands together, leaning in closer as if she were sharing some big secret. “I couldn’t help but listen in on their conversation—it was just too juicy to ignore! Can you imagine? Fun and challenging at the same time? It sounds like it’s going to be an unforgettable year!” Her grin widened as she tilted her head, clearly thrilled by the mysterious news she’d overheard. “What? Why fun and why more problematic? You mean in terms of studying?!” I asked, widening my eyes in curiosity. I seriously didn’t understand her words. “Are they making the exams harder or something? Or is it about more homework?” I pressed, my mind racing through all the possible reasons her words could mean. “Tessa, you’re being so vague right now! Just explain it properly so I can understand,” I added, growing more impatient as I tried to make sense of what she was saying. “No, silly! Don’t act like a gaga! Fun because the school has a new owner now, and they say he’s a very rich businessman—handsome too! Most of the school shares belong to him. But it’ll be difficult because he has a rigorous and strict strategy for school issues,” Tessa sulked, making a puppy face. She pouted dramatically, her lips curling downward as she glanced at me. “Everyone’s been talking about him, Bella. They say he’s not just rich—he’s like, super rich! Like private-jet rich! And on top of that, he’s apparently super strict and all about discipline. Isn’t that crazy?!” She folded her arms and sighed, looking both impressed and worried. “Okay, let’s skip the part about the owner being prosperous and handsome. What do you mean by he has an extraordinary strategy for school business?” I raised my eyebrows. I was trying to focus on the serious part of what she said, but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes a little. “Tessa, you’re always distracted by the wrong details. What does his richness or looks have to do with anything? Just tell me what you mean by ‘strategy.’ What’s he planning to do with the school? Is it something that’s going to affect us directly?” My voice was firm as I tried to get to the point. “It will be tough, not just for you but for everyone too. He’ll make a declaration today at lunch break. All I found out is that everyone will have to work hard to stay in this school. It sounds like a warning, an ultimatum for the students,” Tessa informed me. Her voice dropped to a whisper, and she leaned closer, as if afraid someone might overhear her. “They’re saying he’s going to change everything. No more slacking off, no more taking things easy. If you don’t perform well, you’re out. Can you believe that? It sounds like he’s going to turn the school into some kind of elite training ground or something!” Her words sent a chill down my spine. I had no idea where she heard that, but she was quite the eavesdropper. Tessa had always been nosy, and it didn’t surprise me that she’d picked up on some secret conversation. “You really have a talent for overhearing things, don’t you?” I muttered, shaking my head. “But I guess we’ll find out soon enough if you’re right or if this is just another one of your wild rumors,” I added, trying not to let her words bother me too much. “I don’t get any of your words. Anyway, let’s wait and see what happens. Now, let’s head to our classroom,” I said to Tessa, and we trudged to our classroom. I didn’t want to waste more time worrying about something that might not even be true. “Come on, Tessa. We’ve got enough on our plates without worrying about some owner’s big plans,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Let’s just focus on getting through the day.” I led the way, hoping to distract myself from the uneasy feeling her words had left in my mind. I entered the classroom, and Tessa left to go to the bathroom. Everyone gazed at me as usual. I spotted one of the students I despised most scolding another new student. I interrupted him and grasped his hands. “What do you think you’re doing?!” I widened my eyes at him while I held his fist up in the air, staring him down. My voice echoed across the room, and everyone turned to watch. “Do you think you can just bully people like this?!” I demanded, tightening my grip on his hand. The new student looked terrified, but I gave him a reassuring nod before turning back to glare at the bully. “Bella, don’t interfere; it’s none of your business! Don’t start this year with a fight!” the student warned me, eyes full of rage. His voice was low, but I could hear the anger simmering beneath his words. “You think you can just step in and act like the boss of everyone? Stay out of it!” he hissed, trying to yank his hand away from my grip. But I wasn’t backing down. My eyes locked onto his, and I could see the frustration building in his expression. I chuckled. “What? Do you want to be one of my enemies?!” I sneered, pushing his chest roughly. “Do you wish to be one of my enemies?” I knocked his chest again, and he blinked. “Do you dare to fight me?!” I punched his chest once more, and he growled, narrowing his eyes at me. “Go ahead, try me! Let’s see how far you get!” I taunted, my voice dripping with sarcasm. The room fell silent as everyone watched the tension between us build. My heart was pounding, but I refused to show any fear. At that moment, the manager and a few men were walking down the corridor and stopped to stare at us. I noticed a very handsome dandy in a black suit. His presence was commanding, and it felt like the air in the hallway shifted as soon as he appeared. The other men stood behind him, clearly deferring to him as the one in charge. His sharp eyes scanned the scene, and I could feel his gaze lingering on me for a moment. “Great,” I muttered under my breath. “Just what I needed—an audience.” I turned my head to the junior who had been scolded. “Hey you, stand up! If anyone in this school tries to disturb you, just call me. I am Bella,” I roared. My voice was loud and firm, and I could see the junior’s eyes widen in surprise. “Don’t let anyone push you around, got it? You don’t have to take this from anyone,” I added, giving him a small nod of encouragement. I could feel the stares of the other students on me, but I didn’t care. Then I took two strides and turned to the senior student I was arguing with. “You dare to touch anyone in this school again, and I swear to God, I’ll make your school days a nightmare,” I threatened in a grating tone before walking away. My words hung in the air like a challenge, and I could see the anger flicker in his eyes. But he didn’t say anything. I turned on my heel and strode out of the classroom, my head held high. As I walked away, I could feel all eyes on me, but I didn’t look back. I had made my point.