---
In Auditorium
The atmosphere inside the school auditorium turned tense, like the air had been sliced in two. Gabriella stood rigid on stage, her palm still trembling after striking Raina. The sound of the slap seemed to echo in everyone's ears, freezing the moment into disbelief.
Raina's face turned crimson with shock and fury. She staggered half a step back, clutching her cheek. "How dare you…?" she hissed, her voice shaking with restrained rage. She raised her hand, ready to strike Gabriella in return, her eyes blazing with humiliation in front of the entire school.
Before her hand could connect, Principal John's deep voice thundered across the stage.
"Enough!" His sharp tone cut through the chaos. "Both of you—my office. After the event."
The students gasped, whispers spreading like wildfire across the hall. The Silver Storm members exchanged wide-eyed looks, unable to comprehend what had just unfolded between their own teammates.
As the event concluded, Selina rushed forward, reaching out for Gabriella. Her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Gabriella, what happened to you? Why did you—"
But before she could finish, Gabriella shoved Selina's hand away, her expression cold and unreadable. Without another word, she walked briskly out of the auditorium, her footsteps echoing in the silence she left behind.
Selina froze, hurt and speechless. She then turned toward Raina, but Raina's lips stayed pressed in a thin, furious line. She said nothing—her silence heavier than her anger. Still, her eyes betrayed the humiliation burning inside her. Gabriella had dared to humiliate her in front of the entire school, and that wound was not something Raina would forget.
One by one, the students began to leave, their chatter filling the corridors with speculation. The Silver Storm members lingered in silence, each of them shocked and unsettled.
---
In Principal's Office
The room carried a suffocating stillness. Principal John leaned forward across his desk, his stern eyes fixed on the two girls standing before him.
"What is happening here?" His voice was sharp, filled with disbelief. "You are Silver Storm members—the pride of this school. And yet you behave like spoiled children in front of everyone? Shameful."
Raina kept her eyes lowered, lips pressed together. She didn't answer.
John's gaze shifted to Gabriella. "Tell me, Gabriella, why did you slap her? What is this about?"
Gabriella's eyes flickered toward Raina briefly, then back to the Principal. Her voice was low, steady, but edged with defiance.
"Don't ask me anything. If you want answers, talk to my guardian."
Before John could respond, Gabriella turned and walked out of the room, her cold footsteps striking against the floor.
The Principal's fists clenched on the desk. "How dare she talk to me like that… to a Principal…" he whispered under his breath.
Raina's lips finally parted. She gave a small, forced smile, though her voice carried no warmth.
"Leave it, Mr. John. Don't take this matter seriously. We can solve it by ourselves."
But the smile quickly vanished, her expression hardening with fury. "Of course… she's still one of our members."
Without another word, Raina stormed out of the room, leaving the Principal in silence.
---
In Gabriella's House
That evening, Gabriella sat on the living room sofa, the TV screen flashing in front of her. But her eyes were distant, unfocused.
Frederick entered and quietly sat beside her. For a moment, he just watched her stillness before speaking.
"Are you even watching the TV? Or is your mind somewhere else?"
Gabriella blinked, pulling herself back. "Yes… no…" She hesitated, then sighed. "Can you do me a favor? One more time?"
Frederick tilted his head, his expression soft but curious. "It's about what happened today, isn't it? The slap?"
Gabriella's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Oh, that… John must have told you already."
Frederick nodded. "Yes. I already convinced him it wasn't your fault. He won't hold it against you." His eyes softened, filled with a rare tenderness. "I know… you are always right, Gabriella."
Gabriella's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by his unwavering support. For a moment, her heart stirred. She had never truly felt a father's love—never since she was a child abandoned alongside her mother. But now, hearing his words, she felt something she thought she'd lost forever: a father's infinite love.
She melted inside, though her pride forced her to keep her mask. "Thanks," she said coldly, as if his words didn't touch her.
Frederick gave a small smile and stood. "Then enjoy the TV. I'll go to my room. Don't worry about anything… your father will always be here for you."
Gabriella's hands trembled in her lap. She gave a small nod, not trusting herself to say more. As Frederick left, she stared blankly at the TV screen, her emotions tangled between bitterness, longing, and the fragile warmth of a father's love she wasn't ready to accept.
---
At Brighton Wisdom School – Entrance
The autumn breeze swirled around the school gates as Gabriella stood waiting, her eyes scanning the crowded road. She lifted her phone and called.
"Hello… are you reached?"
On the other end, Dona's cheerful voice answered, "Yes! Turn back."
Gabriella turned sharply and saw Dona jogging toward her. The two girls embraced warmly.
"You're late," Gabriella said, folding her arms.
"Traffic," Dona sighed, then glanced around, her eyes widening. "Wow… so this is your school. No wonder every student dreams of studying here. It looks more like a castle than a school."
Gabriella's lips curved faintly. "Do you want to study here too? But remember, you'll learn the reality of this school soon enough."
Dona chuckled. "No, I'm just saying… Not bad! And the school's done a great job arranging for the inter-school festival." She lowered her voice. "My friends are on the way from my school."
"Fine," Gabriella replied. "Come on. You need to register for your competition."
---
At the Registration Desk
Dona filled out her form, reporting her name for participation. Gabriella stood nearby, distracted by the bustling crowd.
Suddenly—
She stepped backward without noticing, right onto someone's foot. Losing balance, she tilted back—
A strong hand caught her waist, steadying her.
Gasps rippled through the hall. Students from both Brighton and visiting schools froze, their eyes wide. Even Dona's mouth fell open.
Gabriella's heart skipped. She looked up. Jake.
Her expression darkened. "You… Why were you standing behind me?"
Jake raised a brow, unfazed. "You stepped on my foot. But instead of apologizing, you're angry at me? Oh, no… girl…"
Gabriella moved closer, her eyes flashing. For a second, Jake froze at the fire in her gaze.
"If you hadn't been standing behind me," Gabriella shot back, "I wouldn't have stepped on your foot. It's your fault."
Before she could storm off, Jake grabbed her arm and pulled her into a less crowded corner.
"Leave me! What do you want?" Gabriella snapped.
Jake's tone shifted, low and probing. "Are you still sad about losing him?"
Gabriella froze, her blood running cold. "Who…?"
He leaned to her ear, his voice a whisper. "Your best friend… Kevin."
Gabriella's eyes widened. How does he know that…?
Jake leaned closer, smirking. "Don't tell me you forgot that easily. You told me in the club… oh wait—" he tilted his head mockingly, "—you thought you were telling it to Dona."
Gabriella shocked..she's....thinking,That means… it wasn't Dona i told that night, was it him?"
Jake snapped his fingers in front of her face. "Are you there? Or thinking about something?
Panic twisted inside her chest. She shoved him, but he barely moved.
"It's none of your concern," she hissed.
Jake smirked. "Then tell me why you slapped my friend Raina in the auditorium."
Gabriella's silence was answer enough. She glared. "Who are you, Jake? My friend? Or… boyfriend? What right do you have to question me?"
He tilted his head playfully. "Do you want me to be your boyfriend? Don't play games. Just say it."
Gabriella's pulse quickened as he stepped forward. She backed away until the pillar stopped her retreat. His presence closed in.
His voice dropped, husky, brushing her ear. "You already kissed me once… That means I'm more than a stranger, right?"
Gabriella's eyes widened. He smiled, winked, and pulled back.
"But remember—don't mess with Raina. It won't be good for you."
And with that, Jake walked away, leaving Gabriella staring after him, her heart pounding.
---
In Grand School Auditorium
The inter-school festival opening ceremony buzzed with excitement. Selina, standing at the podium, welcomed the students.
"Before competitions begin, I have an announcement," Selina said. "Raina has been nominated once again for our school president. If anyone else wants to stand, nominations are open this week. Elections will be held on October 13th."
Applause filled the hall. In the front row, Raina and Ronnie sat together. Raina smiled with practiced confidence.
On the other side, Dona leaned closer as Gabriella whispered, "Do you know… yesterday I slapped the school president?"
Dona's mouth fell open. "Raina? Why?"
Gabriella smirked. "She needed to learn some manners. And today… I'll give her one more shock."
She stood up. Dona clutched her arm. "Wait—you're targeting Ronnie? Or… is it Raina now?"
Gabriella nodded. Her eyes followed Erica sneaking backstage. She bent close to Dona. "Something's fishy. Follow her."
As Dona slipped off, Gabriella walked straight to the stage.
The audience hushed. Selina paused, startled. "Are you planning another drama?" she whispered.
Gabriella smirked back. "No… It's just the trailer for the blockbuster. Wait and watch."
Snatching the mic, she turned to the crowd. "Welcome, everyone. First, congrats to my dear Raina for being nominated again as president. I wish you the best." Her smile then hardened. "And… I'm sorry for what happened yesterday."
At that, Raina finally raised her eyes from her phone. She smiled faintly, though her jaw tightened.
Ronnie leaned to her, muttering, "Didn't expect an emotional drama today." He chuckled.
On stage, Gabriella's voice rang out again. "And one more thing… I'll be running as an opponent for president."
The hall erupted in gasps.
Gabriella smiled confidently. "Every competition needs a strong opponent. Without it, victory has no meaning. Right, Raina?"
Raina stood, biting her lip before forcing a smile. "Of course."
From the audience, Dona watched with pride. She's playing this game well.
Gabriella handed the mic back and began stepping down—when suddenly the lights cut out. Gabriella turned...
A single screen lit up on stage. A video played.
Gasps filled the hall as footage appeared: Principal John's cabin. Harry, Erica, and Gabriella standing there, parents in the room too.
Whispers spread. Wasn't this last week? The day Harry was punished for shoving Gabriella… and Erica insulted her?
But then—another clip. Gabriella leaning toward Harry and Erica, whispering something. Erica's voice echoed: Who are you?
Then Gabriella's faint reply: Me… me… An—
The screen went black.
Confusion erupted. "What was that?!" "What did she say?" Students turned to Gabriella.
Ronnie laughed nervously. "What's going on? Is this some act of yours, Raina?"
Raina shook her head slowly, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Not me… I don't know what's happening."
Then she slipped out of the auditorium.
Dona rushed to Gabriella.
Gabriella whishpered "They recorded that day… Erica must have done it."
Gabriella's face was pale, her fists clenched. "That video… it holds my secret. We have to get it back."
---
Backstage
Raina walked swiftly into the shadows behind the stage. A man sat before a laptop, the glow flickering on his face.
"Where is it?" she demanded.
Without turning, he handed her a pendrive.
"Why did you stop the video before the end?" she pressed.
Slowly, the man turned. His face emerged from the darkness.
Jake.
---