The mansion was eerily silent after Jeffrey and I drove off. No one said a word.
No one even breathed too loudly.
Just the low hum of the fridge…
And the sound of heels clicking down the stairs. "Finally, some damn silence," Lisa muttered, descending with her signature blue water bottle. She took one look at the awkwardly quiet living room. "What was that entire ruckus about?"
"It's nothing to worry about, Mom," Leo said with a soft sigh. He leaned in, pecked her cheek gently. "Goodnight." Lisa grunted.
Leo turned to Alice and extended his hand. "Let me walk you to your room?"
But Alice only stared at him cold and unreadable.
"No thanks," she said curtly, brushing past him. "Sorry, and… thanks, but I know my way to my bedroom."Her eyes threw daggers as she disappeared down the hallway.
Leo blinked, clearly stung.
Lisa scoffed behind him. "What an attitude…"
She turned and walked into the kitchen without sparing Alicia a glance.
"Did you see that?" Leo huffed, rummaging through the fridge. "Who gave her the audacity to glare at me that way? Last I checked, I didn't sabotage her party."
Alicia stood at the edge of the marble counter, arms folded.
"Well… maybe you were a little harsh. You did brush the whole thing off like it was just another Tuesday." Leo rolled her eyes. "I don't see how her disaster of a party is my fault."
"I'll talk to her," Alicia said with a quiet sigh. "Don't worry." Okay. Fine. Do what you want."
Knock. Knock.
"It's just me Alicia. Can I come in?" her voice came softly from outside. It's not locked…" Alice replied. Alicia pushed the door open slowly, peeking her head through.
"You sure? "Alicia," Alice chuckled weakly, "of course. Come in."
Alicia padded over and sat on the edge of the bed. "Can you sleep here tonight?" Alice asked softly. "I really need company."
"Always," Alicia smiled. "I'd be your roommate forever if you'd let me."
"That would be amazing…" Alice whispered, the corners of her lips twitching into a small smile. "There! You laughed," Alicia teased. "Even if it was short." Alice sighed. "You have no idea how messed up I feel right now."
"Then tell me everything," Alicia urged, leaning in. "Let me help. Maybe we can clear your name… and get those bullies off your back."
♣️Flashback ♣️
Earlier that day…
Alice stormed into the fashion wing's private closet, grumbling. "Ugh, people are so damn clumsy. My dress is ruined, my makeup's smudged, and the signal in here sucks."
She checked her phone still no bars.
Where the hell is Kira?" she muttered. "She should've seen my texts by now…"
Just as the signal returned….BAM!
Liliana barged in like a hurricane.
Alice turned slowly, rolling her eyes.
"As if this day could get any worse," she muttered under her breath. She grabbed her bag, ready to walk out. "Hey, Alice!" Liliana's grating voice stopped her in her tracks.
"What now, Liliana?" Alice snapped. "Make it quick. I've got golf practice."
"I promise it won't take long," Liliana grinned.
Alice narrowed her eyes. "Well?"
"There's a new play the Drama Club's doing. It's for your anti-bullying campaign. I thought… maybe you could act one of the scenes for me? Right here. Just one."
Alice raised a brow. "Right here? In the closet?" I just want to learn from you. They all say you're so talented. Jasper even said you're better than me."
Ah, there it is, Alice thought.
So you dragged me here… just to act out a play? So you could learn a few techniques?"
Liliana shrugged.
I knew you'd say no," she sneered. "It's okay. Just admit you're a loser. Jasper and the others only hype you up because they don't know how pathetic you really are."
"Don't you dare call me that," Alice growled, stepping forward. Liliana smirked. "Then act."
Alice folded her arms. "What's the play about?"
Liliana's eyes lit up. "It's dark but brilliant. It's about a group of elite guys who bet on breaking the virginities of quiet, nerdy girls in school. The lead character dares one of his friends to seduce a junior nerd for $50,000."
Alice's jaw tightened.
"That… is actually a perfect fit for my campaign," she said quietly. "So many girls go through stuff like this, and nobody ever talks about it." She straightened her posture.
"Fine. I'll do it. Watch and learn, Liliana."
✦ 3… 2… 1… Action ✦
Alice flipped her hair back and slipped seamlessly into character. Her expression shifted from disgust to dangerous.In a low, mocking voice, she began: "It's that simple, Juan.All you've gotta do… is break the virginity of that little nerd in the junior class.
Stakes are high, baby $50,000.
If you can't pull it off, I keep the cash."
She paused, letting the sinister smirk spread across her lips. "Oooh, this is gonna be so much fun." Then she laughed a wicked, villainous laugh that echoed against the closet walls.
Liliana stared, stunned silent.
Alice smirked and crossed her arms.
"Well?"