The Betrayal That Wasn't
The elite party had been lavish, a swirl of champagne, designer gowns, and flashing cameras. Lucien, usually composed, let himself unwind for the first time in weeks. With the music loud and the crowd cheering, he sipped glass after glass of wine, laughing too loudly, leaning too heavily on Damien and a few friends.
Cassandra, of course, was watching. Eyes sharp. Smile predatory. She had been waiting for this moment—the perfect storm. And tonight, Lucien was… vulnerable.
By the end of the evening, when Serena had excused herself early due to fatigue, Cassandra approached him. One thing led to another. The details weren't clear even to Cassandra later—it was a blur of whispers, dim lights, and an inebriated Lucien who barely registered reality.
By morning, Cassandra had photos and messages, all carefully curated to look like proof that she had spent the night with Lucien.
The Viral Storm
Serena's phone buzzed endlessly while she was still asleep. The first sight made her freeze.
Images. Headlines. Screenshots.
"Lucien Reed spends the night with Cassandra Vale?"
"Elite Campus Scandal: Serena Blake's fiancé cheats?"
"Photos surface of Lucien Reed and Cassandra Vale in compromising positions."
Her hand trembled. She opened one. The man in the pictures—dark hair, sharp features—looked a lot like Lucien. But her mind couldn't parse it. It had to be him, right?
She didn't eat. She didn't move. She locked herself in her room.
The messages poured in.
@CampusNetElite:
Serena Blake must be devastated. No way this is real… right? 😱💔
@ReedReactions:
Someone needs to explain this. Serena, are you okay?
@FashionElite:
And just like that, the power couple is falling apart. Lucien Reed? What are you doing?
Even friends' messages were drowned out by the sheer volume of bashing, judgment, and rumors. Serena curled up on her bed, crying, her stomach tight from hunger.
Lucien's Attempt to Explain
Lucien arrived at her door later, looking pale and sober. He had been briefed by Damien, Celeste, and even Evie on the news, his face a storm of anger, guilt, and urgency.
"Serena!" he called softly, knocking. "Open the door. Please. You have to hear me."
She didn't respond.
He pressed the door lightly. "Serena… it wasn't me. The guy in those pictures? That's not me."
"I—" she choked, tears spilling. "I… I saw them, Lucien… everyone saw… everyone is saying—"
"I know!" he interrupted, his voice raw but controlled. "I know what it looks like! I can explain! Please, just listen!"
But she shook her head, sobbing. "I can't… I can't even look at you…"
Lucien's chest tightened. He tried again, stepping closer. "Serena, it's a lie. Cassandra… she's lying. She planned this. I was drunk, yes, but I wasn't with her. You're the only one—always—the only one I've ever wanted."
She pulled the blanket over her face, hiding from him, hiding from the world.
The Netizens' Cruelty
CampusNet and every gossip account exploded:
@EliteCampusScandal:
Serena Blake looks devastated. Maybe Lucien Reed finally found someone better… or worse.
@FashionGossipElite:
If these photos are true… wow, Serena. Poor girl.
@ReedReactions:
Why do I even root for these people? #PowerCoupleDown
Every notification was a dagger. Every comment, a thousand whispers of betrayal.
Serena didn't eat, didn't speak, didn't move—only cried herself into exhaustion, her chest tight, her heart raw.
Lucien finally slumped against the door, head in his hands, fury and guilt battling inside him. He had to clear her name. He had to fix this. He had to bring her back.
But for now… she was lost in pain, locked away, and the world was against her—or at least, it seemed that way.