The video was everywhere.
Clipped at both ends, plastered with filthy captions, it had been hacked into something that painted me as a shameless slut.
"God, she has no shame."
"Total slut. Disgusting."
"Someone like her doesn't deserve to take the national college entrance exam. Kick her out before she corrupts the whole university."
Karen watched me with open satisfaction, her voice dripping with fake sympathy.
"Oh, Big Sis Stella, Boris and I both believe you, of course. But everyone's talking, and with conduct like yours… what school would even want you now?"
My eyes were bloodshot. I clenched my teeth and smiled coldly.
"Whether anyone wants me or not isn't for you to say. The authorities will judge that for themselves."
I pulled out my phone to call the police.
Boris snatched it away, frowning.
"Stella, what's done is done. Nothing you do now will change that. I told you I'd marry you, and I will. I don't hold any of this against you."
"Besides, Karen didn't do it on purpose. She never thought it would blow up this big. Don't hold it against her—and there's certainly no need to call the police. The way things stand, you can't go to college anymore. Just give it up."
"You've always had great grades. Wait for this to die down, take a gap year, retake the exam next time. I'll set the record straight for you then."
He reached for my shoulder as he spoke.
"Get off me!"
I shoved him away hard, the disgust I'd been holding back finally breaking loose.
"Don't touch me. You make me sick."
I'd dodged every open attack and every hidden blade they'd thrown at me. This was the one I never saw coming.
Boris's face went rigid.
"Stella, calm down. Stop making a scene. No school is going to take you looking like this."
"He's right, Big Sis Stella. Everyone's avoiding you already. Who would accept a student with conduct like yours?"
Karen looked me up and down with open contempt.
"Who says? We will!"
A booming voice exploded from behind me.
I spun around.
The National Justice Academy had arrived—and right behind them, an imposing contingent from the law enforcement and judicial authorities.
The lead official swept his gaze across the room and spoke.
"This exam site is flagged for a major violation. Scene is sealed—nobody leaves!"
