Chapter 7 - The Interruption
The music faded, and the crowd of seniors turned toward the stage.
"We have a slight issue regarding school property and historical preservation," Principal Vance announced, his voice tight. "Alexis Bennett has brought it to my attention that a piece from the Westbridge Opera House archive—a dress donated by the late Claire Bennett—has been altered without permission."
Murmurs rippled through the gym.
Brianna smirked from the edge of the dance floor, folding her arms.
Alexis stepped up to the microphone, putting on her finest performance of an apologetic, heartbroken mother. "I am so sorry to interrupt your special night, everyone. I tried to handle this at home, but Lily took this archived gown from my private studio and altered it without authorization. It belongs to the city's historical theater society."
People turned to look at me. Whispers erupted across the room.
"She stole an opera house dress?"
"Is that why it looks so expensive?"
Alexis looked down at me, a cold, victorious glint in her eyes. "Lily, sweetie, please just come to the office. We can resolve this quietly before the police are involved."
She thought she had me trapped. She thought by involving the school principal and framing it as theft from a theater archive, she could force me to strip the dress off in shame and ruin my reputation forever.
I didn't run. I didn't cry.
May you like
I walked directly toward the stage, my head held high, the champagne silk rustling against the gym floor.
"You're right about one thing, Alexis," I said, my voice echoing clearly through the quiet gym as I reached the steps. "This dress does have a history with the theater."
