Chapter 103 A Tangled Dance
**Thelma Zane’s POV**
As Walter had predicted earlier, the outcome of the match had already been decided.
The red–haired boy, triumphant in his bout, stood on the stage, pumping his fists in the air as cheers erupted from the audience. His joy was infectious, and he basked in the adoration of his peers, walking around the ring with a broad grin
“Hey! Avril!” he called out excitedly as he jumped off the ring, weaving his way through the crowd to reach her. “You look stunning today.”
“Oh, thank you, Perrin!” Avril replied, her cheeks coloring slightly. “That was an impressive match. The president is sure to be pleased to have such a talented successor.”
Perrin scratched the back of his head, his shy grin making his admiration for Avril
unmistakable.
The girls and I exchanged amused glances. It was clear Perrin was smitten with Avril. Just as we prepared to witness what promised to be a sweet moment, an uninvited presence disrupted the scene.
“Hello, Perrin.”
Carolyn appeared suddenly, cutting through the crowd like a swan gliding through a pond. Her head held high, she carried herself with the air of someone accustomed to admiration.
Trailing behind her was Ryan, looking every bit like a devoted follower. Dorothy had assured me there was no evidence of witchcraft influencing Ryan, yet his unwavering loyalty to Carolyn remained baffling. It was hard to imagine the reasoning behind his behavior.
Perrin’s posture tensed immediately. He was fully aware of Carolyn’s status and influence on campus, and her attention left him visibly uneasy. “Hello, Carolyn,” he greeted hesitantly. “Is there something I can help you with? I mean, we don’t really know each other.”
Carolyn’s lips curved into a polished smile. “Of course, this is our first time speaking. But do you mind if I call you by your name? I heard Avril use it just now, and I thought it only polite to address you properly. After all, we haven’t introduced ourselves yet.
Perrin looked increasingly uncomfortable. Being addressed so directly in front of Avril and the crowd wasn’t ideal, especially when it was clear Carolyn had ulterior motives.
“It seems you don’t mind,” Carolyn continued, her tone smooth and self–assured. “That makes us friends now, doesn’t it?”
Perrin offered a strained smile, the epitome of politeness under pressure.
Avril, on the other hand, was visibly seething. I felt a flash of irritation as well. Carolyn’s
Clogy 103 A Tangled Dance
boldness was astonishing, as if she thrived on inserting herself into moments that had nothing to do with her. It was as though, in a past life, she had been a restless hen determined to disrupt every henhouse she entered.
Then came the moment that left everyone speechless.
“Perhaps you’re looking for a dance partner?” Carolyn asked with a coy smile. “I’m not one to hesitate when it comes to taking the initiative. So, Perrin, would you accept my invitation?”
The crowd gasped collectively. Perrin was taken aback, and before he could muster a response, Ryan’s voice exploded in fury.
“This isn’t fair!” he shouted, his face flushed with anger. “You promised me! You said if I satisfied your requests, you’d let me be your partner for the opening dance tonight. You gave me your word!”
Carolyn blinked at him with feigned innocence. “I don’t recall making any such promise, Ryan. If I’ve done something to give you that impression, I truly apologize. But perhaps my kindness has led to a misunderstanding on your part.”
Her tone was sweet yet firm, her words a perfectly crafted dismissal. “We’re friends, Ryan, but that doesn’t mean we’re obligated to dance exclusively with one another. You’re a wonderful person, and I’m certain many girls at the ceremony would be delighted to have you as their partner.”
Ryan stood frozen, his face a mix of humiliation and heartbreak. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but he made no move to challenge Carolyn further. Finally, with a low growl of frustration, he pushed through the crowd and stormed away.
The entire exchange left everyone stunned. Mara, standing beside me, let out a low whistle.
“Is this some kind of impromptu drama rehearsal?” she muttered. “It feels like I’ve stumbled into a cheap soap opera. Carolyn is the stereotypical scheming lead with her shallow antics. I can’t decide if this is tragic or just plain entertaining.”
I couldn’t help but share Mara’s bewilderment. Carolyn’s confidence in her manipulations was astounding. Did she genuinely believe her blatant schemes were convincing? Or did she simply not care, knowing she could discard this borrowed identity the moment it–ceased to serve her?
Unbothered by Ryan’s dramatic exit, Carolyn turned her attention back to Perrin. “So, what do you say? Will you accept my invitation?”
Before Perrin–could answer, Avril stepped forward, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd.
“He doesn’t need to,” she declared firmly, slipping her arm through Perrin’s. “Because he already has a dance partner–me. Surely you understand, Miss Duke, that one arm can’t hold two hands.”
Perrin’s eyes widened in surprise, and a smile of gratitude lit up his face. He straightened his
Chapter Is A Tangled Dance
posture and addressed Carolyn directly. “Avril is right. Thank you for the offer, Carolyn, but I’ve already made my choice.”
The surrounding crowd erupted into whistles and cheers, their excitement palpable. The tension had given way to amusement as the students reveled in the unfolding drama.
Carolyn’s composure faltered for the briefest moment before she forced a tight smile. “Is that so? What a shame.” Her voice carried a brittle edge as she turned sharply on her heels and walked away, her high heels clicking against the pavement.
As the murmurs of the crowd began to fade, Avril turned to Perrin, her expression softening.” You didn’t have to let her get to you. You’re much better than that.”
Perrin’s shy smile returned, and he nodded. “I know. Thanks for stepping in, Avril. You’ve always got my back.”
Watching the two, I couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly the atmosphere had shifted. From chaos to calm, the scene was a whirlwind of emotions. The students, however, would undoubtedly replay the drama in their gossip long after the summer break began.
Carolyn, though briefly wounded, had not been defeated. Something told me this was far from the end of her schemes.
