The Scholarship Cinderella

The Library Confrontation

It was another typical afternoon at Weston University. The sun streamed through the large windows of the library, casting long shadows over the rows of bookshelves. Lana sat at a secluded table near the back, textbooks spread out in front of her, but she wasn't reading. Instead, she was staring at her phone, scanning through social media and trying to block out the buzz of whispers around her.

The latest rumor had spread like wildfire. Cassey, one of the university's most popular students and Ryan's close friend, had been talking. It didn't take long for the whispers to catch Lana's attention, and once again, the target was her—specifically, the assumption that she was only at Weston for one reason: Ryan.

According to the rumor, Cassey had asked Ryan some pointed questions about his growing friendship with Lana. It was nothing overt, nothing too direct, but everyone in the elite circle knew the underlying message: Cassey believed that Lana wasn't interested in Ryan for his personality or even for her scholarship, but for his money. The words "gold digger" had already found their way into the conversation.

Lana clenched her jaw. She didn't even know if the rumor was true, but it didn't matter. It was yet another twist in the already exhausting drama that seemed to follow her wherever she went. She had never asked Ryan for anything, especially not his wealth or status. Yet, Cassey's words had struck a nerve, and she wasn't going to let it slide.

As if on cue, Lana heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and before she could process what was happening, Cassey appeared before her, standing tall with a smug smile on her face.

"Well, well, if it isn't the campus's latest 'it' girl," Cassey said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What's it like, Lana? Having everyone think you're here just because you landed yourself a rich boyfriend?"

Lana didn't flinch. She'd learned to keep her composure in these moments, but the edge in Cassey's voice made her pulse quicken. "I'm not here for Ryan, Cassey," she said, keeping her voice steady. "And I'm certainly not here for his money."

Cassey let out a short laugh, but it was hollow and mocking. "Really? You don't think people are talking? You think no one's noticed that you're suddenly all over campus, getting all this attention? The scholarship, the popularity, the... what's his name—Ryan Ashford? It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together."

Lana stood up, her heart pounding in her chest. "I earned my scholarship through hard work. I'm here because I'm qualified, not because I'm some 'gold-digger' trying to latch onto someone's fortune." Her voice didn't waver, but she could feel her anger rising. "I've worked for everything I have—my grades, my accomplishments—nothing has been handed to me."

Cassey's smile widened, but it wasn't a friendly smile. It was the kind of smile someone gives when they think they have the upper hand. "Hard work? Please. You and I both know that people don't get into Weston without some help. And how convenient is it that Ryan, the heir to billions, just happens to take an interest in you? I've seen how you've been hanging around him lately."

Lana's eyes narrowed. "I'm not using him. I don't need anyone's help to succeed here. Not Ryan's, not anyone's."

"Oh, please, Lana," Cassey said, her voice dripping with disdain. "You're nothing more than a pretty face trying to climb the social ladder. Do you think anyone believes your story? You think they believe you're here because of your merit?" Cassey leaned forward, the challenge in her eyes unmistakable. "Face it. You're using Ryan for his name. You're just another girl who thinks she can use him to get ahead. And you know what? People are talking."

Lana took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. She could feel the weight of the world pressing down on her. This wasn't the first time she had been belittled, but it hurt just as much as the first. She had to make Cassey understand that she wasn't some trophy to be won or some opportunist to be accused.