As Selene and Lili walked through the grand hallways of their aristocratic school, the polished marble floors reflected their steps, and golden chandeliers shimmered above like something out of a dream. Students laughed in small groups, their designer uniforms perfectly tailored, their lives untouched by hardship.
Selene felt out of place—as always.
Beside her, Lili walked with natural grace, her expensive bag slung casually over her shoulder. Yet unlike the others, there was no arrogance in her, only warmth.
"I still can't believe your stepmother tried to pull you out of school," Lili muttered, her voice laced with anger. "Like—who does that?"
Selene gave a small, tired shrug. "Someone who doesn't want me here."
"That's not fair," Lili snapped. "You earned your place."
Selene looked ahead. "Fair doesn't really matter in my house."
Lili stopped walking, grabbing her arm gently. "Then we make it matter."
Selene didn't respond—but for a moment, she didn't feel completely alone.
When they entered the classroom, Selene immediately noticed Amara and Lysandra already seated at the front.
Perfect as always.
Amara flipped her glossy hair over her shoulder, whispering something to Lysandra before both of them laughed. Their eyes flicked toward Selene—sharp, judging.
Selene quickly looked away and took her seat beside Lili.
"Ignore them," Lili whispered.
Selene nodded, though her chest tightened.
---
The teacher entered shortly after.
"Good morning, class."
"Good morning, ma'am," they echoed.
"I have an announcement. This month, our class will be organizing the annual Grand Fair Ball."
Excitement exploded across the room.
"A masquerade theme!"
"No, something royal!"
"We need a live band!"
Selene found herself listening, her interest slowly growing despite everything.
Then the teacher raised her hand.
"We will need a student planner to lead the event."
The room quieted instantly.
Selene's heart started to race.
Lili leaned in. "You should do it."
Selene blinked. "Me? No…"
"Yes, you. You're literally the most organized person I know."
Selene hesitated, her fingers tightening around her notebook.
Maybe…
---
Suddenly—
Two hands shot up dramatically.
Amara and Lysandra.
Selene's stomach dropped.
"Miss," Amara began sweetly, standing without even being called. "I believe leadership requires… refinement."
Lysandra smirked. "And proper upbringing."
A few students chuckled.
Selene stiffened.
Amara continued, glancing back at Selene with a fake smile. "After all, we can't have just anyone representing our class at such an important event."
"Exactly," Lysandra added, crossing her arms. "The planner should reflect elegance. Class."
Her eyes slowly scanned Selene from head to toe.
"And… not everyone fits that image."
Whispers began.
"Who are they talking about?"
"I think the quiet girl…"
Selene felt every stare like a weight pressing down on her.
Lili's expression darkened. "Oh, they did not just—"
Selene gently touched her arm. "It's fine…"
But it wasn't.
---
Amara flipped her hair again, clearly enjoying the attention. "We've attended events like this our whole lives. We know what we're doing."
Lysandra nodded proudly. "Unlike some people who probably don't even know which fork to use."
More laughter.
Selene's face burned—but she stayed silent.
---
"Alright," the teacher interrupted, slightly stern. "This is not how we decide."
"But ma'am," Amara said smoothly, "we're just being realistic."
"Yes," Lysandra added, "we want what's best for the class."
Lili scoffed loudly. "No, you want control."
The room went quiet again.
Amara raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Lili said, crossing her arms. "You don't care about the class. You just want to show off like always."
Lysandra stood up instantly. "Watch your tone."
"Or what?" Lili shot back.
Tension filled the room.
Selene's heart pounded.
---
The teacher sighed. "Enough. Sit down, both of you."
Reluctantly, the twins sat—though their glares stayed locked on Selene.
---
The teacher looked around the room again. "Anyone else interested?"
Silence.
Selene felt Lili nudge her.
"Go on," she whispered.
Selene swallowed hard.
Her hands trembled slightly as she slowly raised her hand.
The room turned.
Even the twins looked surprised.
Selene stood up, her voice quiet but clear.
"I… I'd like to try."
A pause.
"I know I may not have experience like others," she continued, glancing briefly at the twins, "but I'm willing to work hard."
Lili smiled proudly.
Amara rolled her eyes dramatically. "This should be interesting."
Lysandra leaned back. "Let's see how long she lasts."
---
The teacher studied Selene for a moment… then nodded.
"Very well. Selene, you will be the planner."
Gasps. Whispers.
Amara's expression dropped.
"What?" she snapped.
"That's not fair," Lysandra added immediately.
"Why her?" Amara exclaimed, her tone laced with disdain.
"She doesn't know anything about party planning!"
Lysandra nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring her sister's frustration.
"Yeah, this is ridiculous," she added, her voice dripping with contempt.
"We should have someone with experience in charge, not her."
The teacher's brow furrowed in response to their outburst, her patience wearing thin.
"Selene has been chosen because I believe she is capable of handling the responsibility," she stated firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "I expect you to support her in this endeavor."
But Amara and Lysandra were not so easily swayed, their resentment simmering beneath the surface as they exchanged incredulous glances.
"Fine," Amara muttered begrudgingly, her voice laden with hostility. "But don't expect us to lift a finger to help her."
With that, the twins crossed their arms defiantly, their displeasure evident in every line of their body language.
Selene felt a pang of disappointment at their reaction, but she refused to let it deter her from her newfound role.
With determination in her heart and support from her friend Lily, she was ready to prove her stepsisters wrong and make the upcoming ball a resounding success.