---
The music faded into silence.
In the center of the dance stage, all eyes turned toward the pair who had just stepped into the light.
Ronnie stood tall, his fingers laced with Lara's. She looked poised, but beneath her calm exterior, there was a flicker of unease at the weight of the stares.
The crowd surrounded them in a circle of curiosity. Gabriella froze, shock flashing across her face. Beside her, Jake leaned casually, hands in his pockets, smirking as if he already knew how the game would unfold. Dona stood among the crowd, scanning every reaction, while Raina leaned lazily at a table, her expression unreadable, though a glimmer of amusement tugged at her lips.
Han and Selina, caught mid-step, turned and stared at the couple in the center.
Ronnie raised his voice with deliberate ease.
"Hi everyone… I know, I'm a little late."
Whispers rippled through the hall.
Gabriella stepped forward, her gaze locked on Lara. "Hi, Lara," she said smoothly, her tone calm though her lips curled with a hidden edge.
Lara blinked, confusion painting her face. "Do you… know me?"
Before Gabriella could answer, Ronnie cut in, his voice tinged with suspicion.
"How do you know Lara? You joined Brighton Wisdom after her accident."
Gabriella tilted her head and smiled like a predator circling prey.
"As a Silver Storm member, I gain information others can't. Schools' pasts… accidents… Lara's story was no exception." Her lips curved, glinting under the stage lights. She leaned closer, whispering near Ronnie's ear, her husky voice dripping with poison.
"Years, Ronnie. I even know your secrets too."
The playful smile on Ronnie's lips faltered, though he forced it back into a smirk. "Anyways… she is my girlfriend."
Gasps erupted.
Raina, from her distant table, smirked knowingly. But another shadowed figure—a girl tucked in a corner—bit her lip hard, clutching her glass so tightly it almost cracked. Her face remained hidden in the dark.
Gabriella's eyes widened. "So you gave up on me this easily?" she teased, her words cutting like blades.
Lara looked at Ronnie with visible confusion, but Ronnie leaned toward Gabriella, whispering so only she could hear:
"Are you jealous? If you are…" His arm suddenly wrapped around Gabriella's waist.
Her body stiffened in shock.
Before she could react, Jake's hand shot out. He grabbed her wrist, yanking her firmly to his side. With a twist, Gabriella stumbled right into Jake's chest. The closeness startled her.
"She's mine now," Jake declared, smirking.
The crowd gasped louder.
Ronnie scratched his head and laughed playfully, though his eyes darkened. "I knew something was going on between you two. I just didn't expect it this fast." He patted Lara's shoulder. She looked lost, bewildered by his performance.
Ronnie bent slightly toward her, cupping her cheeks. "Relax, I was kidding. You're my girl." He smiled, leading Lara away.
The moment they left, Gabriella shoved against Jake's chest. Her glare burned.
"I don't belong to anyone."
Jake's smirk deepened. He grabbed her waist again, leaning closer.
"I challenge you… you'll be mine soon."
He chuckled, then released her. Gabriella stormed away, her anger flaring.
---
At the table, Gabriella sat in silence. Dona approached, tilting her head.
"What are you thinking?"
Gabriella muttered, "Ronnie… did he really have a girlfriend named Lara before? Do you know?"
Dona frowned. "No. I never heard of a girlfriend by that name."
Gabriella's eyes darkened. "She was hospitalized after an accident… I witnessed it myself. She knows me, but now she pretends she doesn't. Something's wrong."
Dona leaned closer. "Wait. I heard about a girl's accident at your school… but that was before you even joined. How could you have witnessed it?"
Gabriella froze. Her lips parted, but no answer came. Finally, she stammered,
"Because… I studied… I—no. I'll tell you later. This isn't the right time."
Dona's expression softened. "It doesn't matter. Whoever you are, whatever your reasons for revenge… you're my friend. That's enough."
Gabriella blinked at her, stunned. Slowly, a genuine smile spread on her lips.
Then her voice dropped low. "I got the pendrive."
Dona gasped. "Really? How?"
Gabriella smirked. "While dancing with him."
"You beauty with brains," Dona laughed. "Did you check it?"
"Not yet."
Dona's eyes lit up. "I have my laptop in the car. Wait here."
Ten minutes later, she returned, laptop in hand. Gabriella inserted the pendrive, fingers trembling slightly.
"Wait," Dona whispered, scanning the crowd. "No Silver Storm members around. Play it."
Gabriella clicked.
The screen lit up—then both girls gasped.
"What the—this is an anime movie?" Dona muttered.
Gabriella's face twisted with fury. "Jake…" she hissed, snapping the laptop shut.
"He played with you," Dona said carefully.
Gabriella didn't answer.
At that moment, Han approached.
"Congrats, Han," Dona said casually.
Han nodded. Gabriella forced a smile to cover her rage.
"Can you come with me?" Han asked.
"Where?" Gabriella frowned.
"Just five minutes. Come."
She followed.
Han led her to an elderly woman seated gracefully, dressed like nobility. Her presence commanded the room.
"Grandma," Han said gently, "this is Gabriella."
The old woman took Gabriella's hand warmly. "You are so beautiful. I am Han's grandmother. Nice to meet you."
Gabriella smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Grandma."
"My grandma knows all the Silver Storm members… except you," Han explained. "So I wanted to introduce you."
"Oh…" Gabriella said carefully.
Grandma's eyes gleamed. "Come to our house sometime. You're different… so different from her."
Gabriella stiffened. "Who?"
Han quickly tugged at her sleeve. "Grandma—"
But Grandma continued, her voice calm. "I know your parents. Your father and Han's father were in business together long ago."
Gabriella's breath hitched. "You… knew my parents?"
"Yes," Grandma said softly.
Gabriella's throat tightened, but she masked it with a smile. "I should go—"
Grandma held her hand tightly. "No, stay. The engagement is about to start. Stand with me."
Gabriella hesitated, but Han whispered, "She likes you. Please."
Moments later, Dona joined them.
The engagement began. Han and Selina stood together, their families by their side. The hall glittered with chandeliers, laughter, and applause. Ronnie with Lara, Jake, and Raina all watched from the crowd.
Han slid the ring onto Selina's finger. Applause erupted. Selina did the same. They toasted with wine as the crowd cheered.
Grandma squeezed Gabriella's hand. She smiled, but her eyes were distant.
Her gaze drifted—straight to Jake.
He was watching her, casual, playful.
Gabriella's smile vanished. She whispered under her breath, her lips barely moving:
"Liar."
Jake smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He winked at her.
Gabriella's heart hardened. She turned her gaze away, refusing to give him the satisfaction.
---