Sunlight peeked through the thin curtains of their cramped hostel room, barely lighting the space as the girls slowly got into their morning routines. Melanie was in the tiny bathroom, water running as she sang off-key to her shower playlist. Rina stood near the cracked mirror above their dresser, patting moisturizer onto her face and admiring the glow from her new toner. Talia, meanwhile, was sprawled on the lower bunk, legs swinging lazily off the edge as she scrolled through her phone.
Suddenly, a gasp escaped her lips, loud, sharp, and dramatic.
"Guys!!" she yelled. "Is this not Bella and Kathy?! Come and see what they posted last night!"
Rina froze mid-pat and rushed over. Melanie, hearing the alarm, turned off the shower immediately and stepped out dripping, barely wrapping a towel around her chest.
"What? What happened?" Melanie demanded, peering over Talia's shoulder.
Talia handed her the phone. "Just scroll."
They all leaned in, eyes wide as they watched video after video, Bella and Kathy stepping into Noble Hotel, looking effortlessly gorgeous. The luxurious gold-trimmed lobby. The private elevator. Their suite tour. The poolside videos. The view from the high balcony. Champagne in hand. Designer robes. And the caption: "Just like old times."
"Noble Hotel?" Melanie repeated, her voice laced with disbelief. "As in the Noble Hotel? The most expensive hotel in London?"
Rina nodded slowly, face twisted in shock. "That place is filled with billionaires and politicians… like… what are they doing there?"
"They didn't even post this on the freshman group," Talia mumbled. "They were silent about everything. Then boom this."
Melanie let out a sarcastic laugh, arms crossed. "I knew it. I always said those two were pretending. They act all soft girl aesthetic, but deep down? They're definitely on sugar daddy payroll. How else do you explain it?"
"They didn't even look surprised," Rina added, still watching the videos. "Like they've been in places like this before."
Talia scoffed. "Bella drives that new ride like it's nothing. You think a uni girl bought that with pocket money?"
Melanie rolled her eyes. "Please. Her 'sugar daddy' must be some fat politician. Or maybe one of those Arab uncles. That's why she's always so calm and unbothered, she knows her bills are covered."
They all laughed, shaking their heads as if they had finally solved a mystery.
"We need to watch these girls," Rina muttered. "They're definitely hiding something."
Melanie smirked. "Don't worry. Their shine won't last long. Just wait till matric. They'll see who's really the queen of Lifetime."
Talia leaned back on the bed, still holding her phone, her brows furrowed with thought. "So… what are we planning on doing?" she asked, her voice low but loaded with curiosity.
Melanie crossed her arms, the wheels already turning in her head. "Simple," she said with a cold smile. "We ruin whatever Bella has going on with Justin."
Rina raised a brow. "You're sure they're together?"
"Oh please," Melanie scoffed. "Have you seen how they look at each other? How he talks to her? They're clearly a thing. Or at least getting there. But I know guys like Justin… once you plant a little doubt, a little drama… it's all downhill."
Talia sat up straight. "Okay, but what exactly are you planning?"
Melanie smirked. "First, we make Bella doubt Justin. It's obvious she's the emotional type. Insecure girls always fold fast. We'll start by sending her anonymous texts, make it look like Justin is seeing someone else behind her back. Something subtle at first… just enough to get in her head."
Rina's eyes lit up. "Ooooh, I like this. Gaslight her a little. We could even make fake screenshots. A fake number texting Justin something flirty… then somehow make sure she sees it."
Talia nodded, now fully on board. "We could create a burner Instagram. Follow her, like her stuff, and then start dropping hints in her DMs. Stir the pot a little."
Melanie's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. Once she starts questioning him, it'll create tension between them. And that's when I'll step in."
"You?" Rina asked, grinning.
"Yes, me," Melanie said proudly. "I've been watching Justin for weeks. He's not like the other guys, but he's still a guy. I'll play it smart, be sweet, be funny, show interest. Once Bella starts acting off, he'll notice the difference. Then I make my move."
Talia clapped her hands slowly. "Melanie… you're evil."
"And brilliant," Rina added with a snicker.
Melanie flipped her damp hair over her shoulder. "They think they're the queens of this school because of their clothes, cars, and fake rich lifestyle. But I'll show Bella she's not untouchable. She thinks she has everything but she's about to lose him"
They all fell silent for a moment, the tension in the air thick with scheming energy.
Rina grinned. "Let's get started."
Melanie smirked. "Let the game begin."
.