The sharp click of my shoes on the floor snapped me out of rubbing my ear. I dropped my hand, lacing it neatly with the other in front of me.

I'd been too focused on how to spin Wallace, Audrey, and the rumors swirling around them into something useful. I almost forgot what was at stake right now.

The guests needed to see me as graceful, polished, brilliant.

Ethan's easy laugh cracked through the air. I glanced over to see him charming another round of smiles from the visiting delegates.

Principal Loring walked beside me, hands folded behind his back, the picture of calm authority. He was practically an institution at Fictus, known for being firm but fair. Today, like every other academy worth its prestige, he brought out his star students.

Ethan, the crown jewel of the senior year.

And me, the highest-performing junior. More importantly, Eveline Hart's daughter.

Being paraded around as the school's prized asset wasn't new to me. But knowing these visitors likely recognized my mother's name made it harder to keep my smile steady.

One misstep, one wrong word, and I'd embarrass her again.

I'd already done enough of that last week just by landing second instead of first.

"Number two is just the first of the losers, Desiree." she always reminded me.

I swallowed the metallic taste in my mouth. It felt like blood.

And now, on top of everything, I was expected to manage an unwilling fiancé.

I wanted to make her proud. But not like this. Not by taming someone like Wallace as my husband.

Sunlight poured in through the stained-glass skylight above the garden court as we entered the library.

"Fictus gives us the freedom to lead our own learning early on," Ethan explained. "Most start independent projects by sophomore year."

I picked up the rhythm. "The library supports that with curated collections and mentorship in law, literature, and philosophy."

The guests murmured approval. Principal Loring beamed, while the other administrators stood back, satisfied as the "model students" entertained.

Ethan and I rotated naturally, leading in turns. He led the robotics room, I took the art studio, and we both presented the science lab. Together, we painted the picture-perfect portrait of academic excellence.

Still, I imagined my mother watching through mirrored glass the entire time.

Don't stumble. Don't ramble. Smile like you mean it.

As we passed the junior classrooms, my eyes flicked toward one. Through the open door, I spotted a familiar figure with short, wavy auburn hair standing at the whiteboard, scribbling something in front of her class.

Just seeing Audrey yanked me back to yesterday. The way she and Wallace sat in that office. His glances and the way it stirred something I didn't want to feel.

We kept moving, passing more classrooms filled with students taking assessments or listening to lectures.

But my mind was already skipping ahead. I knew what room was coming next.

I was telling myself we wouldn't check every classroom when Mrs. Davis, the senior lit teacher, stepped into the hallway and spotted me.

Damn it. Just my luck.

She and Mrs. Harris loved handing me errands. Normally, I didn't mind. Right now, I wanted nothing to do with that classroom she's at.

If I'd walked just a little faster. Maybe hide behind the principal...

She smiled and gave a subtle wave, more of a beckon than a greeting.

I had no choice. I slowed my steps, fixed on a polite smile, and excused myself from Principal Loring, who simply nodded in return.

"Desiree," Mrs. Davis said as I approached. "Do you have a second? I promise I won't keep you long."

"Of course, ma'am." I smiled again, hoping she'd get to the point right there in the hallway. But instead, she gently ushered me into the classroom like she was about to share classified intel.

I didn't dare look at anyone. Especially not him.

I kept my gaze fixed on Mrs. Davis like she was the only person in the room.

"I was wondering," she said in a hushed tone, "would you be open to mentoring a student who's falling behind? He might respond better to a peer, and you've always had such a positive presence."

"I'd be happy to help," I answered automatically, the words out before I could stop them.

Her face relaxed with relief. "Thank you, dear. I wouldn't normally ask, but I've nearly lost patience with his half-hearted work. I'm hoping you can talk some sense into Wallace and help him not fail."

Wait. What?!

"Wallace?" I blurted, way too loud.

Several students looked up.

I spun around and found him sitting in the back row. Legs stretched out under his desk, arm slung lazily, shirt wrinkled, collar open, dark blond hair perfectly tousled and those half-lidded eyes.

They locked on mine before I had the chance to look away. An infuriating smirk already tugging at the corner of his lips.

My breath hitched. Heat flushed my face.

"Yes, dear," Mrs. Davis continued. "I already asked Ethan, but Wallace flat-out refused. You were the only other student I thought of. Besides..." She leaned in. "Is it true you're his fiancée?"

I could only smile at her.

I am so doomed.

Why didn't I ask who it was before agreeing?!

Wallace leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, that smug smirk deepening.

What is wrong with you, Desiree? You're not here for him. Straighten up.

"I'll let you both figure out a schedule," Mrs. Davis said cheerily.

I nodded stiffly and turned to leave just as Wallace mouthed something. I didn't catch the words, but it was enough to make my steps falter.

Get it together!

By the time I rejoined the tour, Ethan was already talking about alumni donations.

I slid into place beside him, smile perfect, posture flawless.

But inside?

I was absolutely screaming.

And the cool air outside that classroom did nothing to smother the fire in my cheeks.

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His stupid face lived rent-free in my head all through lunch, like a cursed pop-up ad that wouldn't close no matter how many times I tapped the X. Unwanted, annoying, and impossible to ignore.

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual chorus of trays clanking, students talking, the smell of garlic bread and fried chicken drifting through the air.

I sat with Alaia, Maddison, Jaclyn, and the rest of our usual group. Since my little act yesterday, they'd been prying for details about Wallace and the engagement. My silence and shy smiles didn't give them much, but it was enough to convince them I had a crush on him.

My plan was already in motion.

Still, I couldn't focus on my food. My fork hovered above the untouched plate as I tried to decode whatever he said to me earlier.

It was probably "See ya later," but why would he want to see me later?

Was it "See ya never"?

Or... "Slay the hater"?

I dropped my fork with a soft clink and stared down at my tray.

If only life came with subtitles.

What exactly did he say?! And why was I the one avoiding him when he was the one ruining my day?

Before I could finish the thought, a hush rolled through the cafeteria like the first clap of thunder before a downpour. The clattering of trays and utensils gradually slowed, conversations hushed into murmurs, and then, silence.

I didn't even need to turn to know someone was beside me. Two shadows stretched across the floor beside my seat.

Wallace stood beside Audrey, his arm casually draped over her shoulder. His smug and challenging gaze locked on mine.

Ah... so he did say, "See ya later." And now he's here, with her, waiting for my reaction? Well, alright then.

I tilted my head slightly, looked up at him through my lashes and let a soft, bashful smile tug at my lips. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and added a quiet, nervous little laugh.

"Hi, Wallace," I said sweetly, purposefully sounding breathy. Then I turned to Audrey, adding a polite, "Hi."

Then I almost burst out laughing when his brows twitched and he blinked. His grip on Audrey's shoulder slackened as his eyes flicked to the side, checking the reactions around us.

He'd obviously heard the rumors that I had a crush on him but judging by the look he gave me he didn't buy it. Understandable, since we don't even know each other yet.

Audrey, on the other hand, turned bright pink under the spotlight of everyone's stares.

"Hi. Um... I just wanted to—uh..."

Why was she nervous? Wasn't this the same girl who had enough guts to challenge the school bullies in this very cafeteria?

I glanced at the girls in my table. Forks hovered mid-air, lips parted mid-sentence, thumbs paused mid-scroll, water bottles halfway up.

It got so quiet, I could hear the pop music leaking from Maddison's headphones.

Some looked mildly curious. Others were visibly hostile, especially Jaclyn, who side-eyed them so hard it was almost theatrical.

Ember, ever the social butterfly, jumped in. "Aren't you the new girl from Section Three? What's your name again?"

"I'm Audrey," she mumbled, shifting from foot to foot.

"Hi, Audrey." Ember gestured around the table. "I'm Ember. That's Alaia, Sophie, Claire, Maddison, Celeste, Jaclyn, and our student council VP, Desiree."

Audrey gave a shy little wave. Half the girls returned it. The other half scanned her like she was a questionable knockoff they'd roast in the group chat.

Maddison finally took her headphones off and leaned forward, one brow raised. "You got something to say or what?"

Audrey parted her lips, but Jaclyn beat her to it.

"Isn't it obvious?" she sneered. "She's just here to flex how fast she can throw herself at someone else's fiancé."

A collective gasp literally vacuumed the air clean.

Okay—maybe not literally. But still.

It's just funny how fast Wallace's smug expression soured.

"Shut your fucking mouth."

Audrey shrank like a wilted flower. Jaclyn rolled her eyes so hard it's a miracle they didn't get stuck. Wallace looked one second away from flipping a table.

Sheesh. This tragic little love triangle was spiraling fast. Honestly, they were one dramatic beat away from turning the cafeteria into a live-action webtoon.

I should probably step in now, right?

Although... if there were emotional soundtracks and popcorn, I might actually let it play out. Yep. Popcorn would've really elevated the experience.

As fun as that sounded, I had a role to play.

Stay calm. Control the narrative. Make them see you're in charge. My mother's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of all the lessons she had drilled into me.

Compared to her mind games, this was child's play.

"Jaclyn," I said gently, crossing one leg over the other, "let's not say things we'll regret. We're better than that."

"Whatever." She scoffed, flipping her hair as she casually reopened her feed.

Wallace kept glaring at her, clearly waiting for an apology. He's naive to think he'll get one.

I ignored him and turned to Audrey. "You were saying?"

She blinked, startled. Her eyes darted to Wallace, then back to me. But before she could open her mouth, he stepped forward.

"Audrey and I are dating," Wallace declared loudly, his eyes locked on mine.

A fresh wave of gasps echoed through the room.

I barely managed not to roll my eyes.

Oh, now it was shocking? From the same people who'd been whispering and spreading dating rumors about them 24/7? Please.

I guessed it just hit different when the rumored fiancée—aka me—was actually in the room, breathing the same tragic air.

What made it hilariously better was how unconvincing his little act looked.

His girlfriend looked genuinely caught off guard, like someone forgot to tell her she had a role to play today. Her brows furrowed and mouth opened slightly, as if to contradict him until her eyes met mine. Then she bit her lip and looked down at her shoes.

Now, that's suspicious.

Wallace didn't stop there. He closed our distance in one predatory stride, veins showing in the hand that gripped the edge of the table near my wrist. Then he leaned in far too distractingly close. His warm breath grazed my cheek, sending a shiver skittering down my arms.

My breath hitched and I went perfectly still.

"Tell your mommy to cancel whatever deal she made," he whispered coldly. "I'm not marrying you."

I gripped my skirt beneath the table as my heart kicked hard against my ribs. I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes when he pulled away.

He straightened and added, louder again, "And forget about the mentoring thing. I've already got a genius for a girlfriend."

He walked off, leaving a trail of silence behind him. Audrey followed, but not without stealing one last glance at me.

I sat frozen for a beat, then let out a soft breath and pulled myself back together.

The whole cafeteria stared at me now. Confused. Amused. Concerned. All of them watching like I was seconds away from crumbling.

So, I played the part perfectly.

Lifted my water glass and took a slow, delicate sip. Let my lips fall into a soft frown, and lowered my eyes just enough to look like a heartbroken girl who just got rejected by her crush.

I'm cackling inside though.

Oh, Wallace. Faking a girlfriend? You really went there?

Rumors said you've never had one. Maybe they're wrong. Maybe they aren't. Doesn't matter.

Because whatever his motives are, his little stunt just did me a favor.

I subtly smiled into my glass.

He just made this so much easier.

𓇢𓆸

[Edited: 2,180 words]

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