Thorns Among Roses

Chapter 8: The Solidarity Night

The night of the Solidarity event had finally arrived. I wore a stunning floor-length gown in a deep shade of red, with delicate lace detailing and a plunging neckline. The dress hugged my curves and flared out at the bottom, creating a dramatic silhouette. My makeup was elegant and sophisticated, with smoky eyes and a bold red lip that matched my dress perfectly.

Vanessa, Jessica, and Tiffany also looked breathtaking. Vanessa wore a sleek black dress with a thigh-high slit and a daring backless design. Jessica opted for a shimmering gold gown with a halter neckline and a flowing skirt. Tiffany chose a romantic, blush-colored dress with intricate beading and a sweetheart neckline.

As the four of us entered the ballroom, the entire room seemed to pause, all eyes on us. Camera flashes lit up our faces as we walked in, our dresses shimmering under the bright lights. Countless students complimented us, especially me, as we made our way to our table.

Following us, Zephyr and Emily entered the ballroom. Zephyr looked dashing in his expensive suit, while Emily wore a white dress that resembled a flower girl's outfit at a wedding. Unlike our entrance, their arrival was met with little fanfare and no camera flashes.

After a few announcements and performances, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived - the crowning of the Solidarity King and Queen. The anticipation in the room was palpable.

"The Solidarity King is..." The announcer paused for dramatic effect. "Porscha's brother!" The room erupted in cheers and applause.

Next, it was time to announce the queen. "The Solidarity Queen is... Porscha Serenity Veronica!" I had been expecting it, but hearing my name called still sent a thrill through me. Emily's face fell, her embarrassment evident.

I gracefully ascended the stage and accepted the crown and sash, beaming with pride. My brother and I shared a dance, laughing and joking as we moved around the dance floor.

After a few minutes, I excused myself and returned to my friends. We had been planning something special, and it was time to put our plan into action. Vanessa handed me a glass of wine, a mischievous glint in her eye. Jessica and Tiffany were in on the plan too, and we all shared a knowing look.

"This is going to be fun," I whispered, a wicked smile playing on my lips.

I returned to the stage and called for Emily to join me. Confusion crossed her face, but she hesitantly made her way up the steps. As she reached the top, I "accidentally" slipped my hand, causing the wine to spill all over her white dress. The room erupted in laughter, and even I couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

"My hand slipped!" I exclaimed, feigning innocence. But I wasn't done yet. I told Emily to stay on stage with me because I had an announcement for everyone.

Emily's confusion deepened, but she remained on stage. I held up a remote and clicked a button, revealing a childhood photo of Emily on the screen behind us. She looked mortified as the room filled with laughter.

"Emily has the cutest secret!" I announced, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "She's from a province, and her family is actually very poor. They don't work in Korea or have prestigious jobs as doctors. Emily has been lying to everyone at school!"

The laughter and murmurs grew louder as Emily's face turned beet red. Unable to take any more humiliation, she ran off the stage and out of the ballroom, tears streaming down her face.

As I watched her go, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I had successfully exposed Emily's lies and taken her down a notch. But deep down, a small part of me wondered if I had gone too far.

—