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.

she knew exactly how she landed her grad spot-the exams didn't go her way, but gifts made a path. Madeleine obviously knew it

darted around,

named Arkle, who eagerly stepped forward, gripping Madeleine's

an honor! I-I'm Arkle! I've read your papers, watched your lectures

breathing, trembling body, and the bright sparkle in

aback at first, smiled and gently reciprocated the

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

feet, dressed in

and shorts, with

dals on his feet.

was both robust and

belongs

yanking him back, "Get over there, you bumpkin. You're making

however, seemed oblivious

rudeness, still grinning

fact that

called him

QUMS

her student fawn over her rival was like a

"Ms. Payne, aren't you going

moment, chimed in,