First time Whispers and Shadows

In the hallowed halls of Academia Veritas, where the pursuit of knowledge should have reigned supreme, the days unfolded like a relentless loop. Rumors continued to weave their poisonous tendrils, mocking whispers became the soundtrack of Frigia's academic journey, and the facade of Rebecca's supposed friendship persisted as a dissonant melody.

Amidst this symphony of disdain, Frigia remained steadfast in her disinterest towards the swirling rumors. Her focus, a beacon in the midst of turmoil, clung resolutely to the academic pursuits that had brought her to Veritas. The dissonance between her stoic demeanor and the whispers that surrounded her was a testament to the resilience that lay beneath her calm exterior.

Unbeknownst to Frigia, a perplexed figure sat right behind her—Cayden Sterling. His brow furrowed in confusion, he pondered the icy reception he received from the girl who seemed to harbor an inexplicable disdain for him.

"Everyone in the academy is nice to me some because I'm the future duke some who find me as a marriage prospect but for some reason she always seems pissed with me. Did I perhaps do something to offend her?" Cayden mused, his thoughts dancing in the quiet corridors of contemplation. "She doesn't look at me or talk to me, and when the situation arises where we have to do so, she always seems to be angry with me. I don't think I've done anything wrong. I don't think we've even met before."

Lost in introspection, Cayden's gaze unintentionally lingered on Frigia. Suddenly, a burst of energy disrupted his thoughts as Liam materialized out of nowhere. Enthusiastically, he bombarded Cayden with questions, oblivious to the perplexity etched on his friend's face.

"Hayaa Cayden!!!! Missed me??? Today is my first day, hehe. Management classes are boring, if not for my father crying, I wouldn't be here. What are you doing?? What are you looking at??" Liam's words flowed like a cascade of excitement.

Catching Cayden's gaze directed at Frigia, Liam shifted to a flirty tone. "Oooo, you looking at that girl? She pretty right?? Although I would die to see my friend in a relationship, but not her. As a partner, your best friend, and childhood friend, I'd like to suggest you stay away from her."

Cayden, intrigued, retorted, "You never talk bad about anyone. I wonder why you don't like her the first time you met her."

With an air of confidence, Liam spilled the purported truths he had gathered from gossip groups. "That's Frigia Everhart, everyone knows about her. She is a proud narcissist lady who uses her body to move up the ladder. She likes to bully innocent ladies and has bullied many. Now that her family has fallen into ruins, she can no longer bully the nobles, but I've heard she abuses the maids often and thinks of herself as superior. I've also heard she, uh, does favors to our professors to stay on top."

Cayden responded with a wry smile, "Hmm, well, when it comes to narcissistic behavior, I think no one can beat me with that. As for academics, I don't think she is actually that bad. Don't judge people based on rumors, and if it's wrong, you'll be in trouble, young man haha. Well, she does seem cold and distant, though. I also think she kinda hates me, not sure why. But I'd say don't judge a person unless you interact with her" and patted Liam's head.

Liam, with a playful pout, mumbled, "I was just giving you some juicy info; you didn't have to strike me out like that."

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Frigia, seated right in front, overheard every word. A slight flush colored her cheeks, and her heart quickened momentarily. For the first time, someone had stood up for her, challenging the venomous whispers that haunted her existence.

However, joy gave way to skepticism. Pity, she thought, he must be pitying me. His defense could be mere sympathy for the girl everyone spoke ill of. Questions and doubts clouded her elation. He might be after my looks, she pondered, contemplating the complexities of social dynamics.

As Cayden and Liam left the scene, Frigia, shaken from her momentary reverie, returned to the sanctuary of her books. The transient warmth of an unexpected defender lingered, but the shadows of doubt continued to loom in the corridors of her mind.