The Same Old Invitation
1310 Words
~Lucyll's POV~
“Lucyll Cavalier?” Harvery Everest stood before me, extending his hand with the same charming smile he wore in my past life. “I’m Harvery Everest. I’ll be presenting your Everest award today.”
Just like before.
I forced a polite, innocent smile. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Everest.”
“How are you feeling? Nervous about going up there while the whole crowd watches?” His tone was light, teasing—like he actually cared.
But I knew better. This was part of his act, his carefully constructed persona meant to make women fall for him. It worked last time.
Despite my best efforts, the longer I looked at him, the harder it became to push away the ugly memory of him in my past life, holding his mistress while watching as I was burned alive.
“Mr. Everest, if you will excuse me. I need to go to the stadium before I missed my cue.” I turned on my heel and strode toward the stadium without another word.
He followed, falling into step beside me. “You know, Lucyll, I don’t remember seeing your name on the award list last year. You must’ve really impressed someone to be standing up there today.”
Last year.
I clenched my fists, nails pressing into my palms.
Last year, I had stood on this very stage. I had smiled, I had accepted my award, I had let myself believe—just for a moment—that I was finally being recognized for something, I had let myself fell in love with seemingly handsome and warm hearted Mr. Everest.
I lifted my chin, forcing my voice stable. “I guess I was lucky this year.”
He chuckled, low and knowing. “That, or you finally got your chance to shine.”
I kept my expression neutral and smiled at him. “Maybe.”
…
And as soon as I reached the stage, movement near the entrance caught my eye, and a familiar figure strode in my direction.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Leaner than Harvery, but still imposing.
Dark brown hair, deep blue eyes. Something about him nagged at the edges of my memory.
As soon as our gazes locked, I saw it—the flicker of surprise in his eyes too as if he had recognized me.
Then I remembered him too. Christian Valtieri.
He had been on stage with me in my past life, accepting an award of his own. But back then, I had been too tangled in Harvery’s little act, too occupied with his carefully crafted charm to notice anyone else.
After what felt like an eternity, the host finally announced the honorable student to step onto the stage and accept their award. I steadied myself, maintaining a composed pace as I made my way forward.
Harvery approached, handing me the trophy, his voice dropping into a near-whisper. “Hey, after the graduation, do you…”
Before he could finish, I feigned a sudden wave of nausea, my expression twisting into a subtle grimace. I cast a quick, pointed glance at Christian, who stood beside me, silently pleading for his intervention—anything to make Harvery stop.
I knew exactly what was coming.
He was about to ask me to the graduation ball—flash that easy, well-worn charm and expect me to swoon.
But I had already decided to go alone, and the last thing I needed was Harvey’s insincere invitation, wrapped in the same polished act he used on everyone else.
Christian caught my look immediately, his brow furrowing in the briefest flicker of concern before he stepped in, his presence an unspoken barrier between me and Harvery.
“Come on, let’s not hold up the ceremony,” Christian said smoothly, his voice carrying just enough authority to make it seem like he was simply ushering me along.
But I knew he’d read my signal, and for that, I was grateful.
Harvery hesitated for half a second, his lips pressing together as if debating whether to continue his invitation on me or just let it go. Then, he forced a casual smirk, “Of course. Talk later, Lucyll. Congratulations,” he said, loud enough for the audience to hear.
I gave him a polite nod, but nothing more. The applause swelled around us as I turned, my grip tightening around the trophy, my pulse thrumming with a mix of resentment and relief.
As I descended the stage, I could still feel Harvery’s gaze burning into my back, as if he were waiting for me to look at him, like how I did in the past life.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I focused on Christian, who matched my pace as we stepped away from the spotlight. “You okay?” he murmured under his breath, just low enough that no one else could hear.
I exhaled, willing the tension from my shoulders. “Yeah,” I lied. “I just wasn’t in the mood for whatever that was.”
Christian gave me a knowing glance, but he didn’t press.
…
The graduation grand ball was set to take place at a luxurious five-star hotel. In my past life, I had attended with Harvery and met his mother, Arlyne, there for the first time.
But this time, I wouldn’t be going with Harvery. After going back to home and changed into a more fitting dress, I haled a taxi that would take me straight to the hotel.
As I stepped into the same grand ballroom from my memories, I felt a sudden chill. A prickling sensation crawled down my spine, the unmistakable feeling of being watched. But no matter how I glanced around, I couldn’t quite pinpoint who was lurking in the shadows watching me.
Perhaps I was just being too paranoid.
I forced myself to blend in, my attention subtly shifting around the crowd—wondering if Harvery and Arlyne would shown up like they did before.
And then, I saw her.
Arlyne Everest, gliding down the staircase from the second floor, her gown impeccable, her heels clicking against the marble.
Every student in the university knew about the Everests. The prestigious student's award I received earlier today had been funded by their family’s fortune.
As she descended, a man leaned in, whispering something in her ear. Her gaze immediately locked onto me. And then, with all the grace and charm she could summon, she strolled toward me, her lips curling into a practiced smile.
“Lucyll? I told Harvery to bring you here,” she mused. “Why did you come alone?”
I returned her smile, just as fake. “Oh, he might’ve been busy with something else. We parted ways after the graduation.”
And just like that, history repeated itself.
Arlyne wasted no time, offering me the same opportunity she had in my past life—an invitation to join Everest Entertainment.
“We could really use a talent like you in our company,” she purred. “And I’d personally see to it that you get all the resources you need. You’re beautiful, your talent is surprising, your grades are outstanding, and your background is spotless. If you want it, I can help you build the career you deserve.”
Back then, I had fallen for her words. Partly because I wanted to believe her, the seemingly nice lady. And partly because I found Harvery irresistible.
So I signed with Everest only to find Arlyne had pushed me straight into one of their romantic reality TV shows.
A show that ended with me—marrying Harvery.
And by the time the season finale aired, we had become America’s number one trending couple. Everest’s stakes had never been higher.
Before, I had been so overwhelmed with happiness to hear such an offer.
Now?
All I felt was disgust.
- Writer
