Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Mamie raised an eyebrow, "This Sybil...she's something else."

"How so?"

"As soon as I got my grad school acceptance, I joined the freshers' group chat, and everyone's been talking about this Sybil..."

A top student at our university, didn't quite hit the mark for an automatic scholarship due to her GPA, but having published six articles in international science journals during her undergrad, the department made an exception and offered her a spot. She's been dubbed the "prodigy," the "rising academic star."

"So, this is the famous Ms. Payne we've been hearing all about. Pleasure to finally meet you," chuckled a guy among the group, though his tone suggested otherwise.

Mamie frowned, "That's Slater, the admin of the freshers' group chat. Guy spends like 22 out of 24 hours online, always stirring things up."

As soon as Slater spoke up, Edna turned to the others, "Well, what are you waiting for? Everyone, say hello to Ms. Payne."

Sybil just smirked, staying silent. She was well-known, certainly, but also unmistakably proud.

Grace nodded slightly, true to her name, her smile was gentle and her voice melodious, "Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Payne."

Hertha, on the other hand, was visibly awkward.

She had tried everything-visiting when sick, bearing gifts, treating Madeleine like royalty to gain favor.

Now she found herself in Edna's camp.

her way, but gifts made a path. Madeleine obviously knew

eyes darted

guy named Arkle, who eagerly stepped forward,

Payne, it's an honor! I-I'm Arkle! I've read your papers, watched your lectures online, never imagined I'd meet you

his rapid breathing, trembling

taken aback at first, smiled and gently reciprocated the handshake, "Nice to

tan face flushed with a rosy tint, and he

over six feet, dressed in

shorts,

dals on his feet.

laugh was both robust

belongs

over there,

seemed oblivious

rudeness, still grinning foolishly,

fact that Ms.

called him by his

QUMS

her student fawn over her rival was like a

quickly recomposed herself, flashing a smile, "Ms. Payne, aren't you going to introduce your student?"

the moment, chimed in, "Yeah, Ms.