A memory from three years ago…
there was one thing I had always been good at, it was making an entrance. All eyes on me like a lead from a drama. I didn't need to try, though, people often claimed that I had that effortlessly charm. I was an extrovert and everyone loved me. For those who didn't, well it was because they were jealous of me. Because again, who wouldn't? Apart from my popularity, I was also straight A student, always eager to participate—except when it came to Maths.
Math and I had an ongoing feud, one that I had graciously let it win. But despite that minor setback, I had been determined to excel in everything else. So, when I aced my high school exams and got accepted into my dream university, I had practically floated through the summer in excitement.
College life was everything I had dream of. I had threw myself into everything from making friends to joining clubs but most importantly, getting accepted in sorority. I had dreamt about it ever since binge-watching all those Hollywood movies. Not to brag (okay, maybe just a little), but I had absolutely crushed the recruitment process, earning more points than any previous member, including the sorority leader herself.
That, of course, had come with its own set of perks. Respect, admiration, and… a few less enthusiastic reactions. Not everyone had been thrilled about a freshman walking in and stealing the show—especially a certain trio who had already marked their territory.
Interestingly, I had found out that one of the trio was the school president. I had yet to meet her but was so looking forward to it. I didn't have to wait much longer, though. I had forgotten my bottle in the open room where we used to conduct meeting, so when I went back to get it, I was stopped by the mention of my name.
It was a voice I hadn't heard before and the tone used made it clear that she was not happy about my presence in the community. You see, I wasn't just an extrovert, no. I was an attention magnet, and somehow seemed like I caught her attention.
"Technically, Silvie, we added five new members," the leader of the sorority, Emma spoke, her voice softer, almost hesitant.
When I first joined the community, I had wondered how she became to be the leader. Apart from her bitchy and bully attitude, she had presence.
"Then why am I hearing this one particular girl over and over again?" Silvie snapped, and I pressed my lips together.
"Well, she is a freshman and probably just excited to be part of our world," another girl spoke. I recognize her voice as Triza, the second to Emma. "And honestly, she's nothing like you. So what if she beat your record? You're still at the top."
I bit back a laugh at the unintentional jab at Silvie's ego.
"She's… likable, yes. She has that presence ,People like her but people fears you."
"Triza, shut up!" Emma was the one to snap. I imagined her throwing a sharp glare at her friend.
Honestly, I'd heard whispers about the university's most stunning and elusive president, but if she was feeling threatened by my growing popularity then-
"I don't give a damn about some riff raff having the time of her life," her sharp tone cut my thoughts short. "What I care about is a rogue little girl running around and tarnishing the reputation of this community." my eyes narrowed at her description of me.
A riff raff? a rogue?
"I didn't put you in this position just for you to mess it up! If you cannot control her, then get rid of her!" My eye brows raised at that. So she was the real leader of the sorority.
Rumors had it what she ran almost everything in the campus behind the scenes and seemed to have been true.
"Now, why would you want to do that?" three pairs of eyes snapped on my direction as I made my presence known.
Their reactions were priceless like deer caught in headlights.
I leaned casually against the doorway, pretending to inspect my nails. "I mean, I am a freshman. Why would someone as powerful as you feel so threatened?" I mused.
Silvie was unimpressed by my interruption. "You must be Madison. Didn't your mother teach you not to eavesdrop?"
"Oh, I'm flattered the school president knows my name. And no, I wasn't eavesdropping. But when you hear your name, it's only natural to listen. Not my fault you were talking so loudly." I shrugged taking a step towards them.
"If you're going to talk behind someone's back, at least keep it interesting. But let's focus on something more pressing," I continued, tilting my head. "You said you wanted to get rid of me. Now, that's a bold choice of words. Someone might misunderstand. Especially since, you know…" I trailed off, holding up my phone with a playful smirk.
"Everything's recorded."
Silence.
Emma's face paled then twisted in fury. "What?! Did you record everything? How? Give it to me!" I almost laugh at how ridiculous she looked. This was the leader?
She went to lung for my phone, but Silvie stopped her with a simple raise of her hand.
"Why?" I mused, watching her struggle to keep her composure. "Because you said so? Honestly, Emma, you've always been a lousy leader. I often wonder who in their right mind put you in charge."
I let my gaze drift to Silvie, my smirk deepened.
"Then again…" I trailed off, my meaning clear.
As much as I hated to admit it, seeing Silvie in person made me realize something—no magazine did her justice. She was even more beautiful up close, though I couldn't help but think she'd look even better with less makeup.
"You!" Triza's furious voice snapped me back to reality.
I turned to her lazily, as if she hadn't just screeched like an offended peacock. "What?" I asked, tilting my head in mock innocence. "You should be more worried about me taking your position. Though, let's be real—I may have the leadership skills, but I'm still a freshman. Competing for Silvie's role? That's a stretch, don't you think."
I let my gaze drift back to Silvie who was watching me like a hawk. Apart from unimpressed look, no emotion betrayed her face.
"Madison's right?" she asked, and my brow quirked.
"Self-assured, analytical, perceptive, and crafty," she continued, and I wondered where she was going with this. "Unfortunately, these two lack all the traits of effective leaders."
Now that caught me off-guard.
"I find it… refreshing to meet someone with a similar level of intelligence," Silvie went on, studying me like I was an interesting puzzle piece. "I'm curious to see what fresh ideas and perspectives you'll bring to the table. In fact, I think it's only fair you take Triza's place. Nice to finally meet you. I'm Silvia."
And just like that, Triza was out. I knew Silvia wasn't befriending me. She was recruiting me. I wasn't naive; I knew her game.
Just like me, she thrived being in control only that her way of doing things was putting noose around people while I liked seeing other growing. She knew I wasn't someone she could simply dismiss, so she brought me into the fold.
If you can't beat them, join them. Or, in Silvia's case, make them join you.
That was the beginning of our relationship, more of a frenemy to be precise. We had moments where we enjoyed each other company genuinely but most of the time, fake smiles and compliment sufficed. Then something happened, Harry. I remember the first time seeing him around campus and then at the baseball field practicing.
He was tall, athletic, and effortlessly charismatic. He had that type of look that screams golden retriever. I liked him and Silvia knew too. Yet she vocalized it first, thinking that I would step back as 'good friend' would do.
I did not. Infact I made it clear to her that I felt the same and let the best woman win.
And just like that, the game was on.
Silvia went for the direct approach—flirty, bold, and unapologetically forward. Me? I preferred the slow burn. Subtle glances, fleeting touches, the kind made him seek me. And sure enough, it worked. I noticed the way his eyes lingered on me longer, the way his attention drifted toward me even when Silvia was talking.
I never made it easy, though.
I knew what I was doing. Keeping things just out of reach made the chase all the more thrilling. Eventually, after weeks of proving himself I decided to give him a chance.
Of course, there was a twist—he suggested we keep our relationship a secret. Something about not wanting unnecessary drama, given our public profiles. I agreed, and honestly? The secrecy made it even more exhilarating. The stolen glances, the late-night sneaking, the thrill of having something no one else knew about, I was living a romcom.
Watching Silvie continue to throw herself at him was almost too entertaining. Did it make me jealous sometimes? Maybe. But at the end of the day, I knew he was mine.
Harry was my first love—the first guy I truly fell for, the one who made me believe in all those cheesy romance movie moments. And just like that, I trusted him completely.
To make things even better, Valentine's Day was right around the corner, and I had the perfect plan. A to-do list filled with sweet, romantic surprises—a candlelit dinner, a carefully chosen gift, to make the night unforgettable.
It was going to be perfect.
And when the big day finally arrived, it was perfect. I could already picture how the night would unfold, how our relationship would grow. How everything would change.
And it did change.
Just not the one I had imagined.