Facade

As the music began to play, Lily recognized it as the tune for bunny dance–a catchy dance that most people had learned in kindergarten. 

Standing at the center of the stage In her sky–blue strapless dress and six–inch high heels, Lily was stunned upon hearing the familiar melody. She stiftly swayed her body along with the rhythm, eliciting laughter from the audience at her awkward movements. 

Flushed with embarrassment and anger, Lily realized she had become a ridiculous clown. Feeling utterly ashamed, she covered her face and hastily fled the stage. 

The laughter in the audience persisted. 

“Don’t go! Keep dancing! I can’t get enough of this. Hahaha! One of the students urged. 

“How ironic. I guess we should probably think twice before recommending someone for the event. You never know who might end up being the clown,” Hera’s voice echoed from the speaker, her tone indifferent 

The laughter in the auditorium gradually died down until it abruptly ceased altogether. 

The students who voted for Hera found the situation less amusing now, realizing that what they had witnessed was clearly a prank orchestrated by tea to get back at Lily, using the event stage to publicly embarrass her. 

Feeling a chill running down their spines, the students couldn’t help but feel relieved that Hera had suggested the contestant with the lowest score to dance rather than those who had voted for her. 

On that day, Hera not only became the new Belle of the Year but also the talk of the school form. 

Posts flooded the forum with titles like “Hera Wows Everyone with her Incredible Terranish Accent“, “Don’t Mess with this Belle Unless You Want to Do the Bunny Dance like that Class A Student“, “Karma is a Batch, Proven by My Newest Goddess“, and so forth. 

While the posts reflected mixed reviews about Hera, they all conveyed a singular message. “Never cross Hera, otherwise, you can kiss your pride goodbye with a bunny dance.” 

After the speech contest concluded, Hera and Tim found themselves alone in the prep room 

“Hera, have you considered Cavenridge’s undergraduate program? Perhaps joining the Linguistics Department? We’ve established a group to study Terranish and jadonish literature, and we’d be thrilled to have you as a member,” Tim asked enthusiastically. 

“I’m not interested, Hera replied without besitation. 

“What a shame,” Tim lamented. He had declined numerous requests from graduate students to become their mentor, but when he was eager to mentor this promising student, 

he was turned down instead. 

“Which college do you have in mind?” Tim asked curiously, thinking he could recommend her to other colleges, given his extensive network. 

“Any college in Jedburgh,” Hera replied. In fact, she didn’t have a particular college of choice; her main goal was to get closer to the Killian family in Jedburgh. 

“Huh? I thought you’d say Vardhar University or Comridge University. Didn’t expect you to go for Quantford University or Bradbury University. That’s a bit unexpected. May I know why?” Tim was puzzled. 

“Because I’m patriotic,” Hera replied casually. 

Tim was left speechless. 

“If that’s all, please excuse me. With that, Hera rose to leave. 

Shrugging helplessly, Tim gave Andrew a call. “Andrew, she’s sure is a talented student. It’d be such a shame if Cavenridge missed out on her 

As Hera exited the prep room, she crossed paths with Christopher and Zyler in the hallway. 

“Hera, congratulations on winning the Belle title. Looking forward to our performance at the school anniversary celebration, Christopher greeted as he approached. Despite Hera’s nonchalant nod, Christopher’s face it up with a bright smile.