Teacher with Benefits (18+)

Chapter 25

Then, all of a sudden, Principal Reynolds took the stage. "Good evening, Seniors of 2024! I hope you're all enjoying yourselves. I'm only here to briefly interrupt you all with this year's Senior Prom King and Queen..."

Principal Reynolds unfolded the blue and gold paper, leaning into the mic. "Drumroll, please..."

The crowd buzzed with anticipation as he announced, "Everyone please give a round of applause to Dahlia Thompson and Tyler Price!"

The group around Jacqueline exchanged disheartened looks.

Mariah rolled her eyes and muttered, "Of course she won. Can't believe she managed to charm her way to the crown."

Faith shook her head in disbelief. "She's such a massive bitch. This is so unfair."

Spencer sighed, his mood dampened. "Well, at least Tyler is decent. But Dahlia? Really?"

Jacqueline tried to stay positive. "Let's not let her ruin our night. We're here to have fun, remember?"

Faith nodded, putting on a brave smile. "You're right. Let's just keep dancing and forget about her."

As Dahlia and Tyler took the stage to accept their crowns, Jacqueline and her friends turned their attention back to each other, determined not to let the news spoil their evening. The music picked up again, and they resumed dancing, focusing on the good company and the memorable night ahead.

Dahlia then stumbled against the mic, starting with a fake nice speech, "Thank you to everyone who voted for me, this was truly a surprise! I'd like to ask my new friend, Ophelia Warwick, to join me on stage because she's been my rock throughout my entire school year."

Ophelia walked up, as the group all rolled their eyes in annoyance.

"Hi, everyone!" Ophelia said with a bright, overly enthusiastic smile.

Dahlia continued, "Y'know, that's not the only surprise of tonight. Me and Ophelia have prepared a little presentation for you all to bear witness."

Ophelia then turned on the auditorium's projector, and the large screen behind them flickered to life. The crowd's murmurs of curiosity quickly turned to gasps of shock as the image displayed on the screen changed everything. It was a photo of Mr. Anderson and Jacqueline—kissing. There was no way they could deny this now; there was legitimate proof. Jacqueline was inside Mr. Anderson's house, on his couch, and the intimacy between them was unmistakable.

A heavy silence fell over the auditorium. Jacqueline's heart sank, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and fear. Her friends looked at her in shock, trying to process what they were seeing.

Dahlia's smirk widened as she relished in the chaos she had just unleashed. "So, it seems our beloved Mr. Anderson and Jacqueline Mason have been keeping quite the secret. I wonder what the school board will think of this?"

Faith immediately grabbed Jacqueline's hand, pulling her back from the crowd's prying eyes. "We need to get out of here, now."

Spencer and Mariah flanked Jacqueline protectively, their expressions a mix of anger and concern. "What a spiteful move," Spencer muttered, glaring at Dahlia and Ophelia.

As they made their way towards the exit, Principal Reynolds stepped in, his face a mask of controlled fury. "Everyone, please remain calm. This matter will be addressed appropriately. Jacqueline, Mr. Anderson, I need you both to come with me."

Jacqueline felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her as she walked towards Principal Reynolds, her friends trailing closely behind for support. Nathan, standing rigidly by the stage, locked eyes with her, his face pale and stricken.