❝ They say, who loves first, falls hardest, but what if this story is she fell first, he fell harder. ❞
Truths hurt, lies are a blasphemy in a relationship. But have you ever felt it? When everything feels like they're infinitely stretching your sou...
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"A lockdown."
A lockdown? Have they lost their minds? Locking all the students in the school premises—it's more like imprisonment under the guise of an investigation.
"Do you think the others would agree?" I ask Aiden, glancing sideways, noticing the empty seat between us—Angelina's. She's been granted a special absence due to a major health problem for today.
Aiden offers a brief side glance before responding, his gaze fixed forward. "Would you rather stay at school temporarily for an investigation, or risk losing your shot at an Ivy League acceptance?"
I part my lips to protest but reconsider.
"Thought so," he says with a dismissive shrug.
Doesn't the possibility of being discovered concern him?
Before turning my attention back to the front, I steal a glance at May, seated next to Aiden. We haven't spoken since yesterday.
Questions have been swirling in my mind. What secrets is she keeping? Who is she, really? How is it that I'm in the dark, yet outsiders like Garrett are in the know?
From the corner of my eye, I observe Arianna rise from her seat at the far edge and stride toward the stage.
"And I believe—" our Principal, Raymond Parker, stops his speech, which has been going on for an hour now, and gestures towards Arianna with a simple smile, "Now, Ms. Windsor, would like to say a few words on this grim matter."
It's pathetic how he yields to a mere student. Given, Arianna Windsor is anything but mere.
Arianna makes her way to the stage, standing in the center, her stance as firm as the headless statue. With her head held high, poised to make a proclamation.
The Windsors never succumb.
"It's been on my mind for a while now," she begins, "that these incidents have been escalating due to the lack of unity among us. Upon learning of yesterday's events from my father, I immediately contacted Principal Parker to enforce a lockdown until further notice. This isn't solely about the Windsor family's honor, which has been brought down by this shameful incident, but also the school's long-standing reputation that's been challenged. The 'pranks' have gotten out of hand, and I expect full cooperation from the students."
The assembly hall buzzes with whispers and exchanged looks. A student at the front raises her hand to interject. "What about the Special Year students? Our entrance exams are only two months away."
