Chapter 3

Chloe had posted a massive block of text:

"I need to get something off my chest regarding Harper."

"I always thought she was my best friend, but today I saw her true colors."

"To steal an interview opportunity from me, she deliberately spilled coffee all over my resume so I couldn't participate."

"Afterwards, she threatened me in our dorm, saying she’d make sure I was completely ostracized if I told anyone."

"I'm so heartbroken and scared right now."

"Please be careful around Harper, everyone. She's a manipulative hypocrite."

There were already dozens of replies beneath it.

"No way, really? Harper always seemed so nice."

"Guess you can never trust a pretty face."

"Chloe, I feel so bad for you. Betrayed by your own roommate."

"Does anyone have proof though? We can't just hear one side."

My fingers trembled slightly.

I scrolled down. Chloe had replied again:

"I have a photo of my ruined resume with my name clearly visible on it. Is that enough proof?"

Instantly, a flood of supportive comments and crying emojis filled the screen.

Mia whispered, "Harper, aren't you going to say something?"

I stared at the screen. My hands stopped shaking, and an odd sense of calm washed over me.

I took a deep breath.

The chat kept refreshing with new notifications. Over twenty messages in minutes.

People pitying Chloe, people questioning my character, and a few girls who had always disliked me fanning the flames.

A girl named Ashley posted a whole paragraph:

"I've always thought Harper was fake. Every exam she claims she barely studied, and then she ends up on the Dean's List. Pure liar. If she can do this to her own roommate, she's completely rotten."

Others quickly chimed in:

"Agreed. She barely talks to anyone in class. Total superiority complex."

"Yeah, 'quiet' just means she thinks she's better than everyone else."

I read every single message without replying.

Mia couldn't take it anymore and typed into the group:

"Can you guys stop jumping to conclusions? Harper isn't like that at all. There has to be a misunderstanding."

Emma joined in:

"Yeah, Chloe, stop spreading lies. Everyone knows how good Harper has been to you."

Chloe responded within seconds:

"Of course you two are backing her up. You three live together, you're obviously ganging up on me."

Then another text right after: "It's three against one. I can't win against your clique."

Just as I unlocked my phone to reply, a direct notification popped up from Dean Miller, our academic advisor.

"Harper, come to my office right now."

I slipped my phone into my pocket and grabbed my coat.

"Harper, are you going to the Dean?" Mia asked, standing up anxiously. "I'll come with you. I can back you up."

"Me too," Emma said, jumping up.

Looking at them, warmth flooded through me.

"No, I can handle it myself. If you both come, she'll just claim we're ganging up on her."

"But—"

"I'm fine."

I pulled open the door. A couple of girls in the hallway glanced at me with judgmental stares.

I ignored them and headed straight downstairs.