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.

deep down, she knew exactly how she landed her grad spot-the exams didn't go her way, but

eyes darted around,

guy named Arkle, who eagerly stepped forward,

honor! I-I'm Arkle! I've read your papers, watched your lectures online, never imagined

rapid breathing, trembling body, and the bright sparkle in his

aback at first, smiled and gently reciprocated

tan face flushed with a rosy tint, and he scratched his head,

over six feet, dressed in nothing fancier than a

shorts, with

dals on his feet.

both robust and

belongs

him back, "Get over there,

seemed

still

the fact that Ms.

just called him by

QUMS

wasn't pleased. Having her student fawn over

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

seizing the moment, chimed in, "Yeah,