Chapter 1 THE TAPE
CELINA'S POV
I stared at the gigantic building before me, the elite school I had managed to attend thanks to my mum’s hard work.
I inhaled sharply, letting the scent of rose petals and metal linger around my nose.....typical school smell.
I walked in, holding tightly onto my backpack, letting the hallway I had walked through so many times greet me, though not in a friendly way.
“She’s the one.”
“How could she do such a slutty thing just for attention?”
“She disgusts me.”
I heard the students murmuring, their eyes full of disgust and contempt. The smile on my lips vanished instantly as I stared back, feeling like an alien lost among them.
That was when I saw Aurora running toward me. Her hands clutched her phone tightly, sweat glistened on her forehead, and her chest rose and fell with each panting breath.
“Is that really you in the video?” she asked.
I raised a brow, my lips parting softly, unsure of what to say.
She glanced around at the students, then grabbed my wrist and pulled me with her, running toward the garden.
I didn’t know what was wrong, but I felt like I was in deep trouble. When we finally reached the garden, she stopped and stretched her phone out to me without a word. My eyelashes trembled as I reached for it.
The moment my eyes landed on the screen, a gasp escaped my lips. I felt my soul leave my body, my heart pounding harder with every second the video played. I froze—my hands trembling, unable to hold the phone steady.
“Aaah... mmm...” The moans echoed from the phone. I stood there frozen. It was me....the passionate night I had spent with Carter, the guy who told me he loved me. His face was blurred, but my body and face were completely exposed.
“Was this really you? Is this true?” Aurora’s voice trembled. She was afraid it was real. I couldn’t stop the tears—they finally fell.
“I... I... he... how—” I stuttered, unable to form words.
“How can you be so stupid?” she yelled. I trembled; I had never seen her this angry.
“How could you fall for him? I knew that bastard couldn’t be trusted!” she shouted again. My lips parted. I wanted to defend him, but nothing came out.
Before she could say more, I turned and ran. I needed to hear it from him. Did he record us that night? Did he plan this? How could he ruin my life like this? My heart pounded with every step.
I finally reached his dorm room, panting, half-bent, staring at the door. I deserved an answer.
My hand reached for the doorknob, but before I could push it open, I froze.
“Gosh, she’s really stupid, just like you said. Did she really think you actually loved her?”
That voice... it sounded familiar. My legs moved closer, and I pressed my ear to the door, my breath hitching.
Giselle, my best friend. The one who told me Carter liked me, who led me to his party where I lost my virginity.
Carter chuckled, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer while his hands roamed her body.
“I released the video, just like you wanted. Her life’s ruined,” he said, staring at Giselle like she was an angel.
“Her perfect grades—all down the drain,” Giselle cackled, her laughter echoing around the room while Carter planted kisses on her neck.
“Come on, let’s not start this here. My sex tape might get leaked,” she mocked, and Carter laughed.
“Is this how you act after ruining someone’s life?” a male voice yelled, though I couldn’t see who it was.
“Chill, bro. She can work at a club or as a waitress,” Carter replied.
Tears streamed silently down my cheeks. I turned away, not wanting to see any more, and walked down the hall—completely shattered.
“Stop seeing him. He’s a bastard. Celina, listen to me, guys like that will use and dump you.”
My mum’s words echoed in my head. She was right. How could I have been so foolish? My hard work, my perfect grades, my image as the perfect daughter—all ruined.
“Celina Davinci, to my office. Now!” Principal Selente’s voice boomed through the hallway.
Then Carter walked past me—like I was nothing, like I disgusted him. I inhaled sharply and forced myself to walk toward the office.
The moment I entered, my heart sank.
“Mum,” I whispered. Shame crawled through my skin.
“Is this you?” My mum, Esme asked, staring at the phone. She didn’t even look at me. Disappointment flashed in her eyes, cutting deeper than any words could.
“You showed her!” I yelled, glaring at the principal, hatred burning in my eyes.
“She needed to know what you’ve become,” Selente said coldly.
“You bit—”
“Celina!” Mum’s voice cut through, full of anger. She swallowed hard and turned to Selente.
“We’ll take our leave now,” she said, her voice trembling but composed.
She turned to me. “Let’s go.”
I followed her out silently. I didn’t care about the stares or whispers that filled the hall. I just wanted her to say something—yell, slap me, anything to show she still cared.
“Please... say something,” I muttered, tears blurring my vision.
She remained silent.
We reached the car. She twisted the key, started the engine, and drove off.
“Please,” I whispered again, my voice breaking. Tears streamed down my face as the city blurred by.
When the car stopped at a red light, I couldn’t take it anymore. I opened the door and ran.
“Celina!” she shouted, getting out of the car, but I didn’t look back.
I wanted death—it felt like the only escape. She hated me. The one person I lived to make proud, hated me.
My legs finally gave out as I reached an empty bridge. I had been running for hours; my feet were numb.
“I love you so much. You don’t have to be my first if you’re not ready,” Carter’s voice echoed in my head.
Lies. All of it. The words, the hugs, the promises........just acting. How could I have been so blind? Too young for love. Too naive to see the darkness behind it.
My phone rang. I ignored it. It rang again. And again. By the fifth time, I gave in, frustrated.
Aaron.
My best friend. Carter’s buddy. The one who always told me, “Wake up, he doesn’t love you.”
I answered, my hands trembling, tears clouding my vision.
“H-hello,” I whispered.
“Where are you? Don’t do anything stupid. I’m coming for you, okay?” Aaron’s voice was panicked, desperate.
I let out a shaky laugh. “I’m ruined.”
“You’re not! I’m here, Aurora’s here, your mum’s here—we all love you. Please, don’t do this.”
His words meant something... but not enough.
I stood at the edge of the bridge, staring down.
“Don’t miss me too much when I’m gone,” I said softly.
“Celina, wai—”
I ended the call......(Pitch black)
SPLASH!