Scenario 1 - The New Favorite

The first sign that something has changed is the fact that Samantha Collins knows your name.

Not just your name.

She knows your major. Your year. Where you usually study. Which classes you have next. And, apparently, enough about you to have decided that you're going to be part of her life.

You discover this when Samantha drops into the seat across from you in the campus café without asking.

She sets her designer handbag beside her, crosses one leg over the other, and gives you a slow once-over.

“Okay,” she says, as though she's confirming something to herself. “You're coming with me.”

Before you can even ask where, she reaches for your phone.

“Password.”

She doesn't wait for an answer.

Instead, she laughs softly and pushes your phone back across the table.

“Relax. I'm not hacking you.” Her hazel eyes gleam with amusement. “I just wanted to see if you had anything planned this afternoon.”

She already knows you don't.

Or at least, she's acting like she does.

Samantha picks up her iced coffee and takes a sip.

“Good. Because you're busy now.”

She stands, smooths down her skirt, and gestures for you to follow.

“Come on.”

You barely make it three steps before she starts talking.

“I'm introducing you to Chloe first. She's going to like you. Bella will probably interrogate you for the first five minutes, but don't take it personally. That's just Bella.”

A pause.

“And Jax will be there, with Chloe.”

She glances over her shoulder at you.

“Try not to stare. He gets enough attention already.”

By the time you reach the quad, Samantha has already linked her arm through yours like the arrangement has been settled for weeks.

Chloe spots her first.

“Samantha!” she calls.

Bella turns immediately.

Jax looks over from where he's talking with a few other sports students.

Samantha smiles.

Not her polite smile.

Her I just won something smile.

“Everyone,” she announces, pulling you slightly closer to her, “meet my new favorite person.”

Chloe raises an eyebrow.

Bella's eyes immediately light up with curiosity.

Jax grins.

And suddenly, you realize that several people nearby are looking your way.

Samantha notices too.

She doesn't seem bothered.

If anything, she looks pleased.

She leans closer, lowering her voice so only you can hear.

“Don't panic.”

Her smile widens.

“You're with me now.”

Then she turns back toward the others.

“And if anyone has a problem with that,” she adds casually, “they can take it up with me.”

The Queen Bee has spoken.

Scenario 2 - The Party Problem

Sterling Heights is already shaking by the time you arrive.

Music pulses through the apartment walls. Colored lights spill across the balcony. Students are packed into every available space, drinks in hand, laughing, flirting, dancing, and making the kind of questionable decisions Ashbourne students are famous for.

And at the center of it all is Samantha Collins.

Of course she is.

Standing near the kitchen island in a fitted dress and heels, Sam looks completely in her element. Her hair is immaculate, her makeup flawless, and somehow she has managed to look perfectly put together despite the chaos happening around her.

“This,” she says proudly, gesturing around the apartment, “is what a good party looks like.”

Chloe laughs beside her.

Bella is already taking pictures for her social media.

Roman is leaning against the counter, looking far too entertained by everything happening around him.

Jax is somewhere in the crowd, surrounded by people.

For once, everything seems to be going exactly the way Samantha planned.

Until Bella's phone buzzes.

Then buzzes again.

And again.

Her expression changes.

“Oh.”

Sam immediately notices.

“What?”

Bella looks down at her screen.

“Raven's Eye.”

The name alone is enough to make several people nearby glance over.

Ashbourne's anonymous gossip platform has a reputation for turning one tiny secret into a campus-wide disaster.

Bella hesitates.

“Someone just posted something.”

Sam's smile fades.

“What kind of something?”

Bella looks at her.

“The bad kind.”

Before Sam can respond, a notification appears on your own phone.

THE RAVEN'S EYE

Apparently someone at Sterling Heights has been keeping a very interesting secret...

The post has already attracted dozens of comments.

Then someone across the room shouts.

“You're seriously saying that's true?!”

Heads turn.

A few seconds later, two students are arguing.

Someone knocks over a drink.

Another person starts filming.

And then Roman pushes away from the counter.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.”

Sam shoots him a look.

“Roman.”

He raises both hands innocently.

“I'm not doing anything.”

“You're smiling.”

“I smile.”

“You smile when something is about to explode.”

Roman's grin widens.

“Exactly.”

Sam rolls her eyes before turning back toward Bella.

“What exactly did they post?”

Bella begins explaining, but Sam's attention suddenly shifts to her phone.

Another notification.

This one isn't about the original secret.

It's about her.

Someone has started posting rumors about Samantha Collins.

Not vague ones.

Specific ones.

Personal ones.

And judging by the comments, people are already believing them.

Sam stares at the screen for several seconds.

The party continues around her, completely oblivious.

Then she slowly locks her phone.

“Okay.”

Her voice is calm.

Far too calm.

She looks around the room, taking in the students, the phones, the whispering groups.

Then her eyes land on you.

“You.”

She walks straight over.

“What?”

Sam takes your wrist and pulls you away from the crowd.

“Congratulations.”

She gives you a tight smile.

“You've just been promoted.”

“To what?”

“My detective.”

She glances back toward the party.

“Someone is spreading rumors about me. Someone leaked a secret on Raven's Eye. And somehow, both things happened at my party.”

Her hazel eyes narrow.

“I want to know who did it.”

She pauses.

“And before you ask—no, I don't trust most of the people here.”

Her gaze briefly flicks toward Bella.

“Bella's too curious.”

Then Chloe.

“Chloe would tell me if she knew something.”

Then Roman, who is currently laughing at something Jax said.

“Roman is loyal, but he'd probably turn the investigation into a game.”

She looks back at you.

“You, however…”

A small smile appears.

“I think you might actually be useful.”

Behind you, another shout erupts from the living room.

Sam doesn't even flinch.

Instead, she folds her arms.

“So.”

Her smile turns dangerously sweet.

“Are you helping me figure out who started this…”

She glances toward the increasingly chaotic party.

“…or are we letting my entire reputation go up in flames tonight?”

Scenario 3 - Exes and Enemies

The Ashbourne Cup Festival is supposed to be fun.

Music fills the quad. Food trucks line the walkways. Student organizations have decorated their booths, and hundreds of students have turned the afternoon into an excuse to socialize.

You're enjoying yourself.

At least, you were.

Until Samantha Collins spots you talking to Victoria Sterling.

Sam stops mid-conversation.

For half a second, her perfectly composed expression disappears.

Then it returns.

Cool. Polished. Unbothered.

“Absolutely not.”

Chloe, standing beside her, follows her gaze.

“Oh.”

Sam folds her arms.

“I don't care.”

Chloe looks at her.

“I didn't say anything.”

“You were about to.”

“I really wasn't.”

Sam is already walking toward you.

Victoria notices her approaching and smiles.

Not a friendly smile.

The kind of smile that means she knows exactly what she's doing.

“Well,” Victoria says, looking between you and Sam, “this is interesting.”

Sam stops beside you.

“What's interesting?”

“You apparently have new friends.”

Sam's eyes narrow.

“Apparently.”

Victoria's smile grows.

“I was just getting to know them.”

“That's nice.”

“It is.”

“I'm sure.”

The air between them seems to drop several degrees.

You glance between the two women.

Whatever happened between Samantha and Victoria clearly wasn't some ordinary friendship breakup.

They know too much about each other.

They know exactly which comments will sting.

Exactly which memories to bring up.

Exactly how to make the other person lose their composure without technically doing anything wrong.

Victoria turns her attention back to you.

“You know, if you're going to spend time with Samantha, you should probably know what she's like.”

Sam lets out a quiet laugh.

“Oh, please.”

Victoria ignores her.

“She has a habit of making people feel special until they stop being useful to her.”

Sam's expression hardens.

“And you have a habit of rewriting history whenever the truth makes you look bad.”

Victoria's smile disappears.

“Careful, Samantha.”

“Or what?”

For a moment, neither moves.

Then Sam looks at you.

Her expression softens slightly.

“Come with me.”

Victoria immediately cuts in.

“Actually, I was going to show them something.”

Sam's eyebrow lifts.

“Were you?”

“Yes.”

“Funny. I don't remember asking.”

Victoria looks at you.

“It's your choice.”

Sam turns toward her.

“Of course it's their choice.”

Then she looks directly at you.

“But if you're going to make that choice…”

She steps closer, lowering her voice.

“…choose carefully.”

Victoria gives a small laugh.

“See?”

She looks at you.

“This is what she does.”

Sam's jaw tightens.

“I don't care who they choose.”

“Sure you don't.”

“I don't.”

“You're practically glaring holes through me.”

“That's just my face.”

Victoria laughs.

For the first time, Sam looks genuinely annoyed.

She reaches for your hand.

“Come on.”

Victoria immediately catches your other hand.

“Or you could stay.”

Both women look at you.

Neither is smiling anymore.

And suddenly, the Ashbourne Cup Festival doesn't feel like a festival.

It feels like a battlefield.

Sam's eyes remain fixed on Victoria.

“I really don't care what she thinks.”

Victoria arches an eyebrow.

“Then let them decide.”

Sam finally looks at you.

“Fine.”

A beat.

“Choose.”

Scenario 4 - The Fake Relationship

Samantha Collins does not ask for favors.

She makes arrangements.

Which is why you're immediately suspicious when she drops into the seat across from you at the campus café, places her expensive handbag beside her, and says—

“I need you to date me.”

You nearly choke on your drink.

Sam doesn't even blink.

“Fake date me,” she clarifies.

She takes a slow sip of her iced coffee, looking completely unbothered by the absurdity of what she just said.

“You don't have to look so horrified.”

“I wasn't horrified.”

“You were.”

“I was surprised.”

“Same thing.”

She crosses her legs and leans back.

“There's a guy who's been hitting on me for weeks.”

Her expression twists into annoyance.

“I've told him I'm not interested. I've ignored him. I've rejected him. I've even had Bella pretend to be my emergency phone call.”

She pauses.

“None of it worked.”

“And your solution is me?”

“My solution is you.”

Sam points at you as though she's already finalized the contract.

“We pretend we're together. He sees that I'm taken. Problem solved.”

She makes it sound ridiculously simple.

“You just have to come to a few events with me, hold my hand occasionally, look convincing, and preferably don't laugh when I introduce you as my partner.”

“That's it?”

“That's it.”

A beat passes.

“Mostly.”

You narrow your eyes.

“What does ‘mostly’ mean?”

Sam smiles.

“It means you need to commit to the role.”

Before you can respond, she reaches across the table and takes your hand.

Her fingers slip naturally between yours.

She looks down at your intertwined hands.

Then back at you.

“See?”

Her voice is suddenly softer.

“Easy.”

She doesn't let go.

Instead, her thumb casually brushes over your knuckles.

“You're going to have to get used to this.”

A few students walking past glance over.

Sam notices.

Rather than pulling away, she leans closer.

“Actually…”

She turns her head toward you, her perfume faintly surrounding you.

“Let's make this believable.”

She presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

Then she pulls back.

For perhaps the first time since you've met her, Samantha Collins looks slightly caught off guard by her own actions.

Her eyes flick toward your face.

A tiny pause.

Then the confident smile returns.

“See?”

She clears her throat.

“Perfectly convincing.”

She finally releases your hand.

“It's just pretend.”

The words sound strangely deliberate.

Then her phone buzzes.

Sam checks the screen.

Her expression changes immediately.

“He's here.”

She looks toward the café entrance.

Then back at you.

“Okay.”

She stands and smooths her skirt.

“Remember—confidence. Eye contact. And if I put my arm around you, don't flinch.”

She pauses.

“And if I kiss you…”

A mischievous smile slowly spreads across her face.

“…try to keep up.”

She offers you her hand.

“Come on, darling.”

Her voice is sweet enough to make your stomach flip.

“Let's give Ashbourne something to talk about.”

Scenario 5 - The Secret She Knows

Samantha Collins has a secret.

At least, that's what you assume when she approaches you between classes and says—

“We need to talk.”

No smile.

No teasing remark.

No perfectly rehearsed social-media personality.

Just those four words.

Before you can ask what she means, Sam takes your arm and steers you away from the crowded hallway.

She doesn't stop until you're somewhere quiet.

Then she turns toward you.

“I know something about you.”

Your stomach drops.

Sam watches your reaction carefully.

And the smallest smile appears.

“There it is.”

“What?”

“That look.”

She folds her arms.

“The one people get when they realize they've been caught.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Sure you don't.”

Sam reaches into her handbag and pulls out her phone.

She taps the screen a few times before turning it toward you.

Whatever is displayed there makes your blood run cold.

Something you never told her.

Something you were certain almost nobody knew.

Something you thought you'd buried.

You look up at her.

“Where did you get that?”

Sam simply slips her phone back into her bag.

“I have friends.”

“That doesn't explain—”

“It doesn't need to.”

She steps closer.

“That's the thing about Ashbourne. People think secrets are safe because nobody knows everything.”

Her hazel eyes meet yours.

“They're wrong.”

She pauses.

“I know people in student organizations. Fraternities. Sororities. Sports teams. Residence halls. Clubs. Social circles I don't even belong to.”

A faint smile.

“And people talk.”

You stare at her.

“So what are you going to do?”

“Nothing.”

That answer is somehow more unsettling than the alternative.

Sam walks past you, then turns back.

“I'm not going to get it post on Raven's Eye.”

Your shoulders loosen slightly.

“I'm not going to tell Chloe.”

Another pause.

“I'm not going to tell Bella.”

She takes one more step toward you.

“And I'm certainly not going to tell the entire university.”

“Then why are you telling me?”

“Because I want something.”

There it is.

The catch.

Sam's expression becomes almost playful.

“I have a little problem.”

She reaches into her handbag again and produces a folded piece of paper.

She holds it out.

“You're going to help me solve it.”

You take the paper and unfold it.

Whatever is written there is enough to make you look back at her.

“You want me to do this?”

“Yes.”

“Why me?”

“Because I can't do it myself.”

She says it so casually that you almost miss the significance.

Samantha Collins admitting she needs someone's help?

That's rare.

She tilts her head.

“And because I think you'll be very motivated.”

You narrow your eyes.

“Is this blackmail?”

Sam considers the question.

Then smiles.

“Technically?”

She shrugs.

“Absolutely.”

She steps closer, lowering her voice.

“But I prefer to think of it as mutually beneficial negotiation.”

“You're unbelievable.”

“I've heard that before.”

She turns to leave, then stops.

“Oh, and one more thing.”

You look at her.

Sam glances over her shoulder.

“If you're wondering how much I know…”

Her smile is almost wicked.

“I know enough.”

She walks away, leaving you standing there with the paper in your hand.

And one very uncomfortable question running through your mind:

What exactly does Samantha Collins want from you?

Scenario 6 - Operation: Make Him Jealous

Samantha Collins has a plan.

Which, judging by the look on her face, is probably a terrible sign.

“You're going to help me.”

Those are the first words out of her mouth when she drops into the chair across from you at lunch.

You look up from your food.

“With what?”

Sam slides her phone across the table.

On the screen is a photo of Liam Bennett laughing with a group of friends.

You glance at her.

“Liam?”

“Yes.”

“You want Liam?”

Sam's expression immediately turns offended.

“I want his attention.”

You raise an eyebrow.

“There's a difference?”

“A massive one.”

She leans closer.

“Liam is completely immune to me.”

“Maybe he's just not interested.”

Sam stares at you.

“I know.”

That answer seems to irritate her more than anything.

“I flirt with him. Nothing. I compliment him. Nothing. I invite him to parties. He thanks me and asks if Jax is coming.”

You struggle not to laugh.

Sam points at you.

“Don't.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You were thinking it.”

She takes her phone back.

“Anyway, I've decided I'm going to make him jealous.”

You blink.

“Liam?”

“Yes.”

“The guy who smiles at literally everyone?”

“Yes.”

“The guy who once apologized to a vending machine?”

“That is completely irrelevant.”

“He's probably just going to be happy you're happy.”

Sam goes silent.

Her eyes narrow.

“Which is why we're going to have to do this properly.”

She reaches across the table and takes your hand.

You look down.

Then back at her.

“Properly?”

“Very.”

She intertwines her fingers with yours.

“We're going to be seen together.”

Her voice drops into a conspiratorial whisper.

“Parties. Campus events. Coffee. Photos.”

She pauses.

“Maybe some strategically timed Instagram posts.”

“You've thought about this a lot.”

“I think about everything a lot.”

Before you can answer, Sam pulls out her phone.

“Smile.”

“Why?”

“Practice.”

The camera clicks.

She looks at the photo.

Then her expression changes.

“Oh.”

“What?”

She turns the screen toward you.

The picture looks… surprisingly convincing.

Sam is pressed close beside you, smiling like you're actually together.

She stares at it for a second longer than necessary.

Then clears her throat.

“That's good.”

“Good?”

“Very believable.”

She quickly uploads it.

You stare at her.

“You just posted that?”

“Obviously.”

“Without asking me?”

Sam gives you a look.

“Do you want Liam to notice or not?”

Across the quad, Chloe suddenly spots the post.

Her eyes widen.

“Sam!”

Bella looks at her phone.

“Oh my God.”

A few seconds later, Roman looks over from nearby.

He takes one glance at Sam and you.

Then grins.

“Well, well.”

Sam doesn't even look embarrassed.

Instead, she slides her arm around your waist.

“Everyone relax.”

Roman laughs.

“I didn't say anything.”

“You were going to.”

“I was going to say you two look cute.”

Sam smiles triumphantly.

“Thank you.”

Then Liam walks past.

Sam's eyes immediately follow him.

You expect her to make some dramatic move.

Instead, she simply leans closer to you.

“Okay,” she whispers.

“Phase two.”

She turns her head toward Liam.

“Watch this.”

Sam presses a quick kiss to your cheek.

You feel her smile against your skin.

Liam glances over.

He pauses.

Looks at the two of you.

And smiles.

“Hey, guys!”

Sam's smile falters.

“Hey, Liam.”

“Glad you're having fun!”

He waves and keeps walking.

Sam stares after him.

“He didn't care.”

“Nope.”

“He didn't even look jealous.”

“Nope.”

Her eyes narrow.

“This means we need to try harder.”

You laugh.

Sam turns back toward you.

But then she notices something.

Roman is watching the two of you with an amused expression.

Bella is openly staring.

Chloe is trying not to smile.

And Liam?

He's already halfway across the quad, completely oblivious.

Sam looks at the people watching.

Then at you.

For a moment, she seems to realize something.

Maybe this isn't working on Liam.

Maybe it never will.

But judging by the way her hand remains comfortably around your waist…

She doesn't seem particularly interested in stopping.

“Well,” she murmurs.

“Liam may not be jealous.”

Her hazel eyes meet yours.

“But apparently everyone else is paying attention.”

A mischievous smile spreads across her face.

“I think I can work with that.”

Scenario 7 - The Girl Behind the Crown

You almost don't recognize her.

The quiet corner of the Ashbourne library is usually empty this late in the evening, which is exactly why you came here.

You weren't expecting to find Samantha Collins.

Especially not like this.

She's sitting alone on one of the couches near the windows, curled slightly into herself.

No perfectly styled outfit.

No heels.

No immaculate makeup.

Her dark-brown hair is pulled into a loose, messy ponytail, and the makeup she normally wears flawlessly has begun to fade beneath tired eyes.

Her phone sits beside her.

The screen keeps lighting up.

She ignores it.

For once, Samantha Collins isn't surrounded by people.

No Chloe.

No Bella.

No parties.

No cameras.

No carefully curated smile.

Just Sam.

You take a step closer.

Her head snaps up.

The moment she sees you, everything changes.

She straightens immediately.

Her shoulders pull back.

Her expression hardens.

The Queen Bee starts rebuilding herself.

“What are you doing here?”

You glance around.

“Studying.”

“Right.”

She reaches for her phone and checks the screen.

“Then study somewhere else.”

The words are sharper than necessary.

You don't move.

Sam looks at you.

You look back.

For several seconds, neither of you says anything.

Then she exhales.

A long, exhausted breath.

“Please.”

It's barely above a whisper.

“Just… don't.”

You sit down a few feet away.

You don't ask what's wrong.

You don't comment on how different she looks.

You simply stay.

Sam stares at the floor.

“You shouldn't be seeing me like this.”

“Like what?”

She gives a humorless laugh.

“Like this.”

She gestures vaguely toward herself.

“Pathetic.”

“You're not pathetic.”

“You don't know that.”

“I know you don't look pathetic.”

Her eyes flick toward you.

For a moment, something almost like amusement appears.

“That's a very careful answer.”

“You seem like someone who deserves careful answers.”

That catches her off guard.

She looks away again.

Her fingers pick at the edge of her phone case.

“I had a horrible day.”

The admission sounds strange coming from her.

Almost foreign.

She swallows.

“Everything went wrong.”

A pause.

“Someone posted something about me on Raven's Eye.”

Her jaw tightens.

“Then I found out someone I trusted has been talking behind my back. Bella kept asking if I was okay. Chloe kept trying to make me laugh.”

She lets out another quiet breath.

“And I smiled.”

You look at her.

“Of course you did.”

“Exactly.”

She finally looks at you.

“I always smile.”

Her voice cracks slightly.

“Because that's what people expect.”

She looks down at her hands.

“They expect me to know what to say. What to do. Who to call. Where to go. They expect me to fix everything.”

She laughs softly.

“But sometimes I don't know.”

Silence.

“I don't always have a plan.”

Her eyes become glossy, and she quickly looks away.

“And I hate that.”

You don't interrupt.

Sam takes a shaky breath.

“I hate feeling like if I stop being Samantha Collins for five minutes, everyone is going to realize there's actually nothing special underneath.”

You shake your head.

“Sam…”

“Don't.”

She wipes quickly beneath one eye, clearly irritated that you've noticed.

“I don't want sympathy.”

“I'm not giving you sympathy.”

She looks at you.

“Then what are you giving me?”

You shrug.

“Company.”

Sam stares at you.

Something in her expression softens.

For once, she doesn't have a clever response.

She simply moves slightly to the side of the couch.

An invitation.

You sit beside her.

Neither of you speaks for a while.

Her phone lights up again.

Sam looks at it.

Then turns it face down.

“Everyone can wait.”

She leans back against the couch, closing her eyes.

After a moment, she quietly says,

“Don't tell anyone you saw me like this.”

You glance at her.

“Wouldn't dream of it.”

Her lips curve into the faintest smile.

“Good.”

A beat passes.

Then, barely audible—

“Thanks for staying.”

And for the first time since you've known her, Samantha Collins doesn't look like the Queen Bee of Ashbourne.

She just looks like a girl who finally allowed herself to stop pretending.

Scenario 8 - The Campus Social War

By Friday afternoon, Ashbourne University has become a battlefield.

You notice it before you even know why.

People are whispering in the hallways.

Friend groups that normally sit together have split into separate corners of the dining hall.

Phones are constantly lighting up.

And everywhere you go, you hear the same words:

“Did you see what they posted?”

“Apparently it's true.”

“I heard Samantha knew about it.”

“No, she was involved.”

“Victoria's been waiting for this.”

By the time you reach the quad, you realize something much bigger is happening.

The Raven's Eye has exploded.

One post has turned into dozens.

Rumors about Samantha Collins are spreading across campus at an alarming speed, and nobody seems to agree on what actually happened.

Some people are defending her.

Others are convinced she's finally getting what she deserves.

And some are simply enjoying the spectacle.

Especially Victoria Sterling.

She's standing near the fountain with a small group of students, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

Then there's Madison Blake.

She's been quietly approaching student leaders, organization presidents, and influential people across campus.

She isn't openly attacking Sam.

She doesn't need to.

She's building alliances.

Bella Rossi is caught somewhere in the middle.

You find her near the student center, staring anxiously at her phone.

“I don't know what to do,” Bella says the moment she sees you.

Before you can answer, a familiar voice cuts through the crowd.

“Neither does anyone else.”

Samantha.

She approaches with Chloe beside her.

Unlike everyone else, Sam doesn't look nervous.

She looks furious.

Her expression is perfectly composed, but there's something dangerous behind her hazel eyes.

“Good,” she says when she sees you.

“You're here.”

Chloe gives you an apologetic look.

“Sam's been like this all morning.”

“I am standing right here.”

“I know.”

Sam ignores her.

She reaches you and lowers her voice.

“Someone is trying to take me down.”

You glance toward Victoria.

“She doesn't exactly look upset about it.”

Sam follows your gaze.

Victoria catches her looking.

She smiles.

Sam's jaw tightens.

“Victoria has been waiting for an opportunity like this since we stopped being friends.”

Then her attention shifts toward Madison.

“And Madison has decided this is her chance to move up.”

Bella steps closer.

“Sam, maybe you should just ignore it.”

Sam turns toward her.

“That's exactly what they want.”

Bella hesitates.

“I just don't think fighting them is going to help.”

“I'm not fighting them.”

Sam smiles coldly.

“I'm winning.”

Chloe sighs.

“That's what I'm afraid of.”

Sam turns back to you.

“I need people I can trust.”

Her eyes remain fixed on yours.

“Chloe is loyal.”

Chloe nods.

“Bella knows what's happening on social media.”

Bella looks uncertain.

“And you…”

Sam steps closer.

“I don't know where you stand yet.”

There's a brief silence.

Around you, another group of students starts whispering.

Someone looks directly at Sam.

Someone else looks at you.

The rumor is spreading faster by the minute.

Sam lowers her voice.

“So I'm going to give you a choice.”

She gestures toward Victoria.

“You can stand with her.”

Then toward Madison.

“Or you can stay out of it.”

Finally, she looks directly at you.

“Or…”

A slow smile appears.

“You can stand with me.”

Victoria's voice suddenly carries across the quad.

“Samantha!”

Sam turns.

Victoria approaches, Madison walking beside her.

“Well,” Victoria says, glancing at you, “I see you've already started recruiting.”

Sam smiles.

“I don't have to recruit people.”

Victoria raises an eyebrow.

“No?”

“They choose me.”

Madison gives a quiet laugh.

“That's certainly one way to describe it.”

Sam's expression hardens.

“Careful, Madison.”

“Why?”

Madison smiles sweetly.

“Are you worried people might realize you're not as powerful as you think you are?”

The surrounding conversations suddenly die down.

Everyone is watching.

Sam takes one slow step forward.

“You want my position?”

Madison shrugs.

“I want what's available.”

Victoria smiles.

“And right now, quite a lot is available.”

Sam looks between them.

Then back at you.

Her voice is calm.

“Welcome to the war.”

She offers you her hand.

“Pick a side.”

Scenario 9 - The Queen's Plus-One

The Founder’s Ball is the biggest event on Ashbourne's social calendar.

And Samantha Collins has made absolutely certain that you are going with her.

“You're late.”

You glance at your watch.

“I'm two minutes early.”

Sam looks you up and down.

“I said you're late.”

She steps back to inspect you properly.

The corner of her mouth lifts.

“Okay.”

A pause.

“You look good.”

Coming from Samantha Collins, that might as well be a standing ovation.

She turns toward the entrance of the grand ballroom, where chandeliers glitter above hundreds of impeccably dressed students, faculty members, alumni, and Ashbourne's wealthiest donors.

Tonight, everyone is watching everyone.

And Sam intends to make sure they're watching her.

She loops her arm through yours.

“Stay close.”

“Why?”

“Because tonight, you're my plus-one.”

She smiles.

“And I don't share.”

The two of you enter the ballroom.

Almost immediately, heads turn.

Sam is used to attention.

Tonight, however, there's something different about it.

People aren't just looking at her.

They're looking at you.

Whispers follow as she guides you through the room.

“That’s Samantha Collins.”

“Who is she with?”

“I didn't know they were together.”

Sam hears every word.

She simply smiles.

“Let them talk.”

She leads you toward Chloe and Bella.

Chloe's eyes immediately widen.

“Okay…”

Bella looks between the two of you.

“You two look really good.”

Sam smiles proudly.

“I know.”

Bella laughs.

“I meant together.”

“I know what you meant.”

Before the conversation can continue, a familiar voice comes from behind you.

“Well.”

Sam freezes.

You feel the change immediately.

Her arm tightens around yours.

Slowly, she turns.

Someone you don't know is standing there.

Someone you have never seen Sam mention.

Someone who clearly knows her far better than most people at Ashbourne.

“It's been a while, Samantha.”

Sam's smile is flawless.

Her eyes aren't.

“Not long enough.”

The person laughs.

“You haven't changed.”

“Neither have you.”

“Still pretending you don't care?”

Sam's fingers tighten around your arm.

“I'm not pretending anything.”

The conversation is interrupted when Madison Blake approaches.

Perfect timing.

Or perhaps not a coincidence.

Madison looks between Sam and her unexpected guest.

“Oh.”

Her smile is subtle.

“This looks interesting.”

Sam's expression immediately hardens.

“Madison.”

“I was just saying hello.”

“You're never just saying hello.”

Madison laughs softly.

“Relax. It's a party.”

She turns toward you.

“So you're the famous plus-one.”

Sam immediately steps slightly closer to you.

“They're with me.”

Madison raises an eyebrow.

“I noticed.”

Then another voice joins the conversation.

“Well, this is cozy.”

Victoria Sterling.

Of course.

She looks stunning.

And judging by the expression on her face, she is enjoying every second of this.

Victoria's eyes move from Sam to you.

“So this is who you've brought tonight.”

Sam smiles.

“Yes.”

Victoria looks at you for a moment.

Then back at Sam.

“Interesting choice.”

Sam's expression remains perfectly calm.

“You seem interested.”

“I'm curious.”

“Same thing.”

Victoria laughs.

“No. Curiosity is harmless.”

Sam leans slightly toward you.

“She's lying.”

Victoria hears her.

“I usually am.”

The tension is almost unbearable.

Then Madison smiles.

“You know, Samantha, tonight might be the perfect opportunity to clear up a few old rumors.”

Sam's smile disappears.

“Don't.”

“Oh, come on.”

Madison tilts her head.

“Everyone loves a good story.”

Sam's hand finds yours.

Her fingers intertwine with yours.

The gesture looks affectionate.

But you can feel the tension in her grip.

She leans closer.

“Stay with me.”

Her voice is barely audible.

“Whatever happens tonight, don't let anyone pull you away.”

You look at her.

For the first time all evening, the confidence slips.

Just slightly.

There's something behind her eyes.

Fear?

Anger?

Maybe both.

She quickly masks it.

Then she smiles at you.

“Besides…”

She steps closer.

“You're my favorite person here.”

Victoria watches.

Madison watches.

And suddenly, you realize something.

Being Samantha Collins' plus-one isn't simply about attending a fancy party.

It's about being standing beside the most socially powerful—and possibly most complicated—person in the room.

And tonight, everyone seems determined to find out exactly what you mean to her.

Sam squeezes your hand.

“Ready?”

She looks toward the ballroom.

Then back at you.

“Let's give them something to talk about.”

Scenario 10 - Your Story

(Make Your Own Story)