Echoes of Mercy; Whispers of Love (Episode 6)

Episode 6: The Wall of IceMercy ran out of the cafeteria, her eyes burning with tears. She didn't care about her next class. She didn't care about the whispers following her. She only cared about one thing: Why was Daniel looking at her like she was a monster?She found him behind the Science Block, kicking a stone against the wall. His expensive car was parked nearby, a symbol of the world she could never enter."Daniel!" Mercy shouted, her breath coming in short gasps. "Wait! We need to talk."Daniel stopped. He didn't turn around. His shoulders were stiff. "There’s nothing to talk about, Mercy. Or should I call you 'Scholarship Saint' like the rest of the school?"Mercy flinched. "What did Bella tell you?"Daniel finally turned. His eyes were like ice—cold and sharp. "She didn't have to tell me much. She showed me the photo. And then she showed me the message you sent her.""The message I sent her?" Mercy’s heart dropped. "I didn't send her anything!""Stop lying!" Daniel stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous. "She showed me a text from your number. You told her that if she didn't pay you $500, you’d leak the photo of us to the Dean. You said you’d claim I was 'forcing' myself on you to get my money."Mercy felt the world tilt. Bella had framed her. Bella must have used a "spoof" app to make it look like the text came from Mercy’s phone."Daniel, look at me," Mercy pleaded, reaching for his arm.He stepped back, avoiding her touch as if she were poison. "I actually thought you were different. I thought you were the one person who didn't care about my family's bank account. But you’re just a better actor than the rest.""I don't want your money, Daniel! I’m being blackmailed too! Someone sent me that photo and demanded $500 from me!"Daniel let out a harsh, bitter laugh. "Nice story. But Bella has the proof. You have nothing."He pulled out his car keys. The engine roared to life, a loud, angry sound that drowned out Mercy’s voice."Stay away from me, Mercy," Daniel said, looking straight ahead. "If my father finds out about that photo, I lose my inheritance. And if I lose everything because of you... I’ll make sure you never step foot on a university campus again."He drove off, leaving Mercy standing in a cloud of dust.She stood there for a long time, feeling small and defeated. She had no money, no proof, and now, the only person who made her feel "seen" hated her.As she walked back toward the hostels, her phone buzzed. It was a new message from the blackmailer.<blockquote style="text-align: justify; ">"Daniel doesn't believe you. No one believes you. You have 24 hours to get the $500. If you don't... I’m sending the photo to the Scholarship Board. Say goodbye to your future."</blockquote>Mercy looked up and saw Sarah standing by the dormitory entrance. Sarah was looking at her phone, her thumb moving quickly over the screen. She looked up, saw Mercy, and quickly hid the phone behind her back."Mercy! There you are," Sarah said, her voice sounding a little too high. "Did you talk to Daniel? Did he help you with the money?"Mercy looked at her best friend. For the first time, she noticed something. Sarah was wearing a new pair of expensive earrings—the kind that cost exactly $100.

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