Got it ✅
I'll keep the drama, betrayal, manipulation, and tension st
Ariana had never known the warmth of family until Jessie, a poor but kindhearted spinster, adopted her. Jessie had little to offer besides affection, but to Ariana, it was more than she had ever dreamed of.
When Ariana entered Wells High School, whispers followed her like shadows.
"How did they let a scholarship girl into this class?" someone muttered.
Before the rumor could spread further, Shayla spoke.
"That's enough."
The class fell silent. Shayla was not just admired—she was untouchable. Always first in academics, the daughter of Mr. Fred and Mrs. Anne, one of the wealthiest families in the city. Respect was her crown, power her birthright.
Shayla extended a hand of friendship to Ariana, inviting her into her immaculate home. But what began as kindness turned cruel. When one of her parents' possessions went missing, Shayla framed Ariana, using her fingerprints as proof. Ariana was arrested, her dignity shattered. And then, as if playing savior, Shayla bribed the police to release her.
From that moment, Ariana felt indebted. "I'll stand by you," she had promised. "I'll never leave you, no matter what."
At school, Shayla began molding Ariana—teaching her to keep schedules, mark test days, sit beside her in class. When whispers of Ariana's arrest resurfaced, Shayla silenced them with a glance. To Ariana, it almost felt like protection.
But one afternoon, Kaydie, a sharp-eyed classmate, pulled Ariana aside.
"She's using you," Kaydie warned.
The words lodged themselves in Ariana's heart. The next day, she moved her seat beside Kaydie, quietly avoiding Shayla.
Shayla noticed. She always noticed. But she remained calm, waiting.
When an unexpected class test came, Ariana, without Kaydie's help, failed miserably. The teacher announced her score—2 out of 10—and laughter erupted. This time, Shayla did nothing to stop it.
Desperate, Ariana rushed to her.
"Please… tell them to stop."
Shayla's eyes were cold.
"No. You promised to stand by me, no matter what. And yet, you left."
"I'll do anything—just stop them," Ariana pleaded.
Shayla tilted her head, studying her. "Anything?"
Before Ariana could answer, Shayla cupped her face and pressed a deliberate kiss upon her lips. The classroom gasped. The untouchable Shayla had revealed her desire in the boldest way.
Whispers spread like fire. "Shayla… likes her?"
Later, Ariana sought her out, silent and trembling. Shayla broke the stillness by tearing Ariana's failed test paper in half.
"Never keep failure," she said coldly. "It's contagious." She washed her hands as if to cleanse herself of weakness, then took Ariana by the wrist and led her into the girls' restroom.
The air was heavy, charged with something unspoken. Shayla leaned close, her power pressing against Ariana's uncertainty. But just as the tension deepened, the door creaked open.
A senior girl stood there, arms folded, gaze sharp.
"Both of you. Out. Now."it was a older girl named Jessica.
The spell shattered. Shayla's eyes flickered with something between fury and restraint, while Ariana could only follow, her heart caught between fear, confusion, and something she could not yet name