Facade

Although Lily had been covertly rallying votes for Hera, secretly hoping to witness Hera embarrass herself, Hera’s decision to withdraw from the contest pleased her nonetheless. 

She believed that a country bumpkin Eke Hera, who hadn’t had much exposure to the world, would be intimidated by such a grand contest. 

“Is everyone here? Gather around, please. We’re going to draw lots to determine the contest order,” Wanda announced, clapping her hands to gather everyone’s attention. 

“Ms. Walker, we’re one person short. Hera hasn’t arrived yet,” reported the student responsible for the attendance list. 

“What? Iclearly stated that we were meeting at one,” Wanda replied. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

She glanced at her watch to confirm it was already 1:10 pm 

“Ms. Walker, could we please wait a little longer? I believe Hera is on her way here,” Christopher said, capturing everyone’s attention. 

The others stared at him in surprise. They were puzzled by his unexpected defense of Hera. After all, they had assumed he had rejected her advances, as indicated by the gossip post on the forum. 

“In that case, let’s wait another five minutes, “Wanda announced, reluctantly agreeing to Christopher’s request. 

Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t afford to disregard the Dean’s son. 

“Chris, are you still in contact with Hera? Zyler approached Christopher, asking in a hushed tone. 

“Uh–huh,” Christopher replied casually, glancing at his watch as he anxiously awaited Hera’s arrival. 

Observing Christopher’s nervous demeanor, Zyler felt frustrated, realizing that Christopher had ignored his earlier advice. 

“Chris, Hera isn’t as good as you think- 

“Zee, we’re done being friends,” Christopher cut him off. 

Zyler’s eyes widened in disbelie 

“Chris, what are you saying?” 

“I’ve made it clear before. If you insult Hera again, our friendship is finished” 

With that, Christopher walked away, putting some distance between them. 

Zyler was stunned by Christopher’s directness and resolve. He was unable to believe that Christopher would end their six–year friendship over someone like Hera, whom he had only known for three months. 

He wondered about what Christopher saw in Hera. To him, she was nothing but a Money Fly. 

Zyler couldn’t wait for Hera to show up so he could prove to Christopher that she was a gold digger. He was also determined to win the Hunk title, dazzling everyone and making Christopher regret ending their friendship. 

“Ms. Walker, I don’t think we should wait any longer. I saw a post on the school forum stating that she had quit the contest,” Lily raised her hand to speak. 

Cindy Fry turned around, giving Lily a puzzled look. 

Hadn’t Lily campaigned for Hera earher? Why was she now speaking against her? 

“When was the post made?” 

Wanda’s expression darkened, displeased that Hera hadn’t informed her of her decision to drop out of the contest, resulting in everyone’s time being wasted. 

“It was posted this moming. Everyone has been discussing it since then, Lily said with a hint of regret 

“I had hoped that Hera had truly turned over a new leat, but 

“Some people never learn. Ms. Walker, Christopher, perhaps we should stop waiting for her.” 

“Agreed! Let’s proceed with drawing lots, with 20 of us here, every five minutes wasted equals a hundred minutes of lost time! We can finish the contest in that time.” 

“Even if she does show up, she’ll probably end up in last place anyway I don’t see the need to waste our time just for her.” 

“It’s her fault for not being punctual in the first place.” 

The students began to echo their agreement. 

Glancing at her watch, Wanda noted that the promised five minutes had passed. She decided not to wait any longer 

“Let’s drow lots. Il Hera arrives, she’ll be the last to take the stage. Otherwise, she will be disqualified.” Wanda announced. This was the gratest four she could offer Christopher.