Echoes of Mercy; Whispers of love (Episode 5)

Episode 5: The Shadow's PriceMercy didn't sleep a wink. Every time her phone buzzed with a notification, she jumped. The photo—that blurry, moonlit moment—felt like a ticking time bomb.She walked into the cafeteria the next morning, her eyes red and tired. She tried to hide in a corner, but her phone buzzed again.<blockquote style="text-align: justify; ">“$500 by Friday. Or everyone sees the ‘Scholarship Saint’ kissing the Prince. I’m sure the Dean would love to know how you spend your nights.”</blockquote>Mercy felt sick. $500? That was more than she made in two months at the cafeteria. She didn't have that kind of money.She looked across the room. Daniel was sitting at his usual table, surrounded by his loud, laughing friends. He looked perfectly fine. He was eating an expensive breakfast, scrolling through his phone as if nothing had happened.Does he know? Mercy wondered. Did they message him too?She tried to catch his eye, but he looked right through her. It was his "Public Mask." To the rest of the school, she was just the girl who cleaned the tables."Mercy, you're shaking," Sarah said, sitting down across from her. Sarah looked suspicious. "You've been acting weird since you got that bag. And now you look like you’ve seen a ghost. What is going on?""I... I'm just stressed about exams, Sarah," Mercy lied."Don't lie to me! I saw you sneak out last night," Sarah whispered, leaning in. "Were you with him? With Daniel?"Mercy gasped. "Sarah, please. Not here.""So it is true!" Sarah’s eyes filled with worry. "Mercy, those boys aren't like us. They play with girls like toys. If Bella finds out, she will make your life a living hell.""Someone already knows," Mercy whispered, her voice cracking. She showed Sarah the text message.Sarah’s face went pale. "Blackmail? We have to tell the school! We have to tell Daniel!""No!" Mercy grabbed Sarah’s hand. "If the school finds out, they might take my scholarship for 'inappropriate behavior.' And Daniel... Daniel has a reputation. He’ll hate me for bringing this trouble to him."Suddenly, the cafeteria doors swung open. Bella walked in, looking like she owned the world. But she wasn't going to her table. She walked straight to Daniel, leaned down, and whispered something in his ear.Daniel’s face suddenly changed. His "mask" broke. He looked angry—furious. He stood up so fast his chair fell over.He looked across the room, his eyes searching until they landed on Mercy. For a second, his gaze was full of disappointment. Then, without a word, he stormed out of the cafeteria.Bella turned around and looked at Mercy. She had a cruel, triumphant smile on her face. She held up her phone and mouthed two words:<blockquote style="text-align: justify; "> "Game over."</blockquote>

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