Echoes of Mercy; Whispers of Love (Episode 7)

Episode 7: The Traitor’s Shadow Mercy’s heart felt like lead. She stared at Sarah’s new, sparkling earrings. They were gold, shaped like tiny stars—exactly like the ones Bella wore."Sarah," Mercy said, her voice trembling. "Where did you get those earrings? You told me you couldn't even afford to buy the Psychology textbook last week."Sarah’s hand flew to her ear, covering the jewelry. Her face went from pale to a deep, guilty red. "I... I told you, my aunt sent them for my birthday.""Your birthday was three months ago, Sarah," Mercy countered. "And your aunt lives in the village. She doesn't buy $100 earrings. Did Bella give those to you? Did she pay you to spy on me?"Sarah’s eyes filled with tears, but she didn't deny it. She just looked at the floor. "You don't understand, Mercy. My father lost his job. We're going to be evicted. Bella offered me money just to tell her where you were going at night. I didn't know she was going to blackmail you! I didn't know about the photo!""You sold me out for a pair of earrings?" Mercy whispered. The betrayal stung worse than Daniel’s coldness."I’m sorry, Mercy! Please, I’ll help you fix it!" Sarah reached out, but Mercy stepped back, disgusted."Stay away from me," Mercy said, grabbing her bag. She didn't have 24 hours anymore. She had to act now.She didn't go to her next class. Instead, she went to the only person who could actually help her, even if he hated her. She went to the campus "Tech Lab" where the computer science students worked. She knew Daniel’s best friend, Leo, was a genius with servers."Leo," Mercy said, walking up to his desk. "I need to know if a text message was spoofed. I need to prove I didn't send a message to Daniel."Leo looked up from his screens. He liked Mercy; she was always kind when she cleaned the lab. "That’s a heavy request, Mercy. If I get caught hacking into the campus network, I lose my degree.""Please, Leo. If I don't prove it, I lose my life. Everything I’ve worked for."Leo looked at her desperate face and sighed. "Fine. Give me your phone and Daniel’s number."For thirty minutes, the only sound was the clicking of the keyboard. Mercy sat on a stool, praying. Finally, Leo whistled."You were right," Leo said, turning his screen around. "The message Daniel received was sent from a web-based spoofing app. It looks like it came from your number, but the IP address is linked to... wait, this can't be right.""Who?" Mercy leaned in."The IP address is registered to the Delta House—the luxury dorms where Daniel and Bella live. But the specific device ID belongs to... Daniel’s own laptop?"Mercy’s breath hitched. "Daniel’s laptop? But why would he frame himself?""He wouldn't," Leo said, frowning. "But someone who has access to his room and his password would."Before Mercy could process this, the lab door swung open. Daniel was standing there. He looked exhausted, his eyes rimmed with red. He wasn't looking at Leo. He was looking at the screen."What are you doing with my ID?" Daniel asked, his voice low and dangerous."I was proving I'm innocent," Mercy said, standing her ground. "And I just found out that whoever framed me did it from your room, Daniel. Using your computer."Daniel froze. The anger in his eyes slowly turned into a look of pure horror. He only let one person use his laptop. He only gave his password to one person."Bella," he whispered.Just then, Mercy’s phone buzzed. It was the blackmailer again. But this time, it wasn't a text. It was a link to a live-stream on the University's "Confessions" page.The title of the video read: "The Truth About the Scholarship Girl and the Prince."

Other insights from Sunshine Hayor

Referral Earning

Points-to-Coupons