All characters are 18 and high school seniors.
❥ Elizabeth Alardo craves power. She craves power over her school, and power over people. And soon, power over the nerd. With her Queendom being threatened, he couldn't come at a better time. Almost li...
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The courtyard buzzes with people in black robes, each posing for pictures with friends and family. Their joyfulness and enthusiasm fills the air.
As I descend the steps, a tightening sensation grips my chest. Yusra gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, and I manage a soft smile in her direction before letting go and approaching my parents. They stand together, their expressions stiff and less cheerful than those around us.
"I graduated two years early from high school and married your father by the time I was eighteen," my mother says, scoffing as if to judge my choices against her own.
... I just graduated as valedictorian.
Before I can respond, my father opens his mouth to speak, but his phone suddenly rings, and he shifts his attention to it, leaving me awkwardly standing there under my mother's disapproving gaze.
"Do you need a picture?" A student from the photography club approaches, breaking the tension.
"Yes," I reply, eager for anything that might distract me from this moment. I adjust my graduation cap, trying to gather my composure.
I position myself beside my mother, almost instinctively mirroring her rigidness. We look like strangers, two people forced to interact.
"Smile," the student prompts, but neither of us moves. "Smile, please."
He seems to give up and snaps the photo anyway.
"Come by the club later for your picture," he says, sensing the heavy atmosphere as he walks away.
As anxiety creeps back in, I glance at my father, who has just hung up, visibly upset as he strides over to us.
"We need to go. The—" I zone out, his voice a low drone about work. My eyes wander across the courtyard until they land on Ivan, laughing with another man.
Suddenly, my mother's cold hand clasps my shoulder. "We have to go. You should think about settling down with a good man. Bradly is a sweet guy. Apologize, and he'll take you back."
Anger simmers beneath my calm exterior, and I take a deep breath. "I have a boyfriend," I say as steadily as I can, but my voice betrays me, trembling slightly.
"Really?" Her voice drips with false amusement. "Well, have him come over for dinner when we're back."
I nod, avoiding her gaze.
"I still prefer Bradly; he knew how to put you in your place." Her cold tone returns, and I watch her and my father walking away in my peripheral vision.
A cold breeze sweeps through the courtyard, intensifying my sense of isolation. My eyes begin to water as anxiety grips me.
"Eliza..." The sound of my favorite voice breaks through the haze. I look up to see Ivan, his face filled with concern. "You okay?"
