"Alice! Wake up, you'll be late for your big day!" Alicia's voice rang through the room as sunlight poured across the marble floor.
Alice's eyes snapped open.
"Oh my God it's today!" She swung her legs off the bed and scrambled up, heart pounding. "It's Homecoming! I'm going to be crowned Queen!"
"Exactly," Alicia smiled. "And you wouldn't want to be late on the day you're finally crowned royalty. Now, go shower. The makeup artist will be here any minute."
Alice sat still as the artist dusted soft shimmer over her eyelids and brushed pink gloss on her lips. Her nerves buzzed in her veins.
The door suddenly burst open.
"WHAT is taking you so long?!" Kira yelled, storming in dramatically. Alice glanced at her reflection and smiled. "Are you blind? I'm literally becoming perfect right now."
Kira crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Ugh. You don't look bad, I'll admit. That blue gown? It's giving Disney Princess." Alice grinned. "Thanks, girl."
Finally, fully dressed, Alice descended the staircase beside Kira slow, elegant steps as the chiffon of her gown floated like mist. Their heels clicked in harmony.
Leo stood at the bottom, munching on an apple. His eyes widened. "My God… is that my sister?" he teased. "You look insane. Have fun, both of you."
He tossed the apple core into the bin and walked toward his study like nothing happened. "We really need to go, Alice," Kira said, fixing her earrings.
"Yeah, let's roll. Bye, everyone!" Alice called out. Peter gave a warm smile. "Have fun, sweetheart." The butler bowed. "This way, ma'am. Your limo is ready."
"Wait… a limo?" Kira's mouth dropped. "We're riding in a limo?! "Sir Leo's orders," the butler confirmed.
Kira squealed, practically jumping in her heels. "Uncle Leo is THE BEST!"
It was a long, luxurious drive, but they finally arrived. Bodyguards stepped forward, clearing a smooth path for the girls as students gasped, phones flashing like paparazzi.
"Kira… look at this place," Alice whispered, eyes wide at the glittering chandeliers and velvet-draped stage. "I'm speechless," Kira murmured. "If this is Homecoming, Prom's going to be a red-carpet event."
Alice laughed, "Trust me, Prom will be a blast." Suddenly, Kira's expression changed.
"Okay, I'm going to find my baby. And look who's approaching you, Your Majesty…" Kira bowed dramatically, giggling. "Your King is here."
"Kira, you're ridiculous—"
But Alice turned… and there he was. Japheth.
Dashing in a black suit, his face unreadable.
"May I have this dance, my Queen?" he asked, his tone smooth, but distant.
"You may, Your Majesty," Alice said, curtsying with a soft smile. He didn't smile back.Her chest tightened. Still, she let him take her hand and lead her to the floor. The music shifted into a waltz. They glided across the stage under glittering lights but something was off.
Too off. He suddenly stepped on her toes. Hard. Japheth—ow—you're hurting me!" she whispered through a forced smile, trying not to show pain.
He didn't respond.
"Why are you doing this?" she begged, voice low. "What did I do?" Suddenly, he pushed her away, enough to make her stumble.
"You're a JOKE, Alice!" he yelled, loud enough for the whole hall to hear. The music stopped. Gasps echoed around the room.
"You and your filthy money. You act like you're some savior, but you're as wicked and selfish as the rest of them! "Hey! Watch it!" Kira snapped, charging toward them. "Don't talk to my best friend like that!"
"Best friend? Please," Japheth scoffed. "You won't call her that once you see what she's done. She's shameless."That's enough!" Alice shouted, voice shaking. "Who do you think you are?! How dare you speak to me like that?"
"How dare me?" he hissed. "Stop pretending you don't know what I'm talking about. Liar."
"Alice…" Kira murmured, holding out her tablet. "You… you need to see this."
Alice took it with trembling hands.Her heart plummeted.It was a video. Her voice. Her face. Her words. Twisted. Edited. Cut in ways that made her look manipulative, cruel, two-faced.
Her knees buckled.
No… no this isn't real," she gasped. "It's a setup!! She looked up. The crowd had gathered.Staring.
Whispers buzzed through the room like wasps.Some eyes were wide with pity. Others… disgust.
And Liliana smirking in the corner like she just won a prize.Alice couldn't breathe. She bolted from the hall.
Kira caught up just as Alice collapsed into the limo, her gown pooling around her like shattered glass. Tears fell fast, smudging her makeup.
"Kira… I ruined everything."
"No," Kira said firmly. "That video was clearly edited. I don't believe it." I should've known Liliana would use it against me," Alice sobbed. "I didn't even know someone was recording! I was stupid. I let my guard down."
"You're not stupid, Alice." I destroyed Homecoming. I humiliated myself. How can I ever show my face at school again?"
Kira reached for her hand.
"You will. And when you do, we're going to prove everyone wrong. Together."
Alice wiped her tears, but her heart still shattered beneath her ribs.
This night was supposed to crown her Queen.Instead… it had broken her.