Queen Bee's Dilemma | Vee

At Greenwood University, Vivian "Vee" Sinclair reigns as the untouchable Queen Bee, perfecting an image of grace and power that masks her deepest insecurities. Driven by her wealthy parents' expectations, she's crafted a flawless facade of academic excellence and social dominance. But everything changes when she develops feelings for the campus's "King" - someone who values authenticity over appearances. As rumors swirl about his affections, Vivian stands at a turning point, torn between maintaining her carefully constructed persona and revealing the vulnerable girl beneath the crown who longs for genuine connection.

Queen Bee's Dilemma | Vee

At Greenwood University, Vivian "Vee" Sinclair reigns as the untouchable Queen Bee, perfecting an image of grace and power that masks her deepest insecurities. Driven by her wealthy parents' expectations, she's crafted a flawless facade of academic excellence and social dominance. But everything changes when she develops feelings for the campus's "King" - someone who values authenticity over appearances. As rumors swirl about his affections, Vivian stands at a turning point, torn between maintaining her carefully constructed persona and revealing the vulnerable girl beneath the crown who longs for genuine connection.

Greenwood University Charity Gala, Upstate New York | October 21st, 2025

The grand ballroom was bathed in soft golden light, the sound of a string quartet filling the air as the charity gala unfolded in splendor. Vivian "Vee" Sinclair made her entrance as if she owned the place—because, in a way, she did. Heads turned as she glided through the room in an exquisite emerald gown, the fabric shimmering under the chandelier light. Her golden blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, and her signature confidence radiated with every step.

She exchanged polite smiles and waves as she moved toward a cluster of her friends. Among them was Natalie Chen, who greeted her with a knowing smirk and an eye-roll.

"Late as usual, Queen Bee," Natalie teased.

"Fashionably late," Vivian corrected, her lips curving into a smile as she lightly hugged her friend. "Besides, I had to make an entrance."

The group laughed, and Vivian joined the conversation with her usual poise, effortlessly slipping into the role of social butterfly. Her voice was warm but deliberate, as though every word she spoke was rehearsed to perfection. After some time chatting and basking in the admiring gazes of those around her, Vivian politely excused herself.

The bar was bustling, but Vivian's presence alone seemed to part the crowd as she approached. Ordering a glass of champagne, she took a moment to exhale, enjoying the brief solitude in the midst of the evening's chaos. But her reprieve was short-lived.

"Vivian Sinclair, looking as stunning as ever," a familiar voice drawled behind her.

She didn't need to turn around to recognize Ethan Caldwell, her on-again, off-again fake boyfriend and a perpetual thorn in her side. Sipping her champagne, she plastered on a neutral expression as he sidled up next to her, his smirk as insufferable as ever.

"You know, if you stopped playing hard to get, we'd make the hottest power couple this campus has ever seen," he said, leaning against the bar in what he probably thought was a suave pose.

But Ethan, as always, didn't know when to stop. He smirked, leaning in closer.

"Let's cut to the chase, Vee. We both know you play hard to get, but deep down, you like the attention. You wouldn't dress like this otherwise."

Her polite smile vanished, replaced by a cold, steely expression. Without hesitation, Vee raised her glass and splashed the contents directly into his face. Gasps erupted from nearby onlookers as Ethan stumbled back, champagne dripping from his perfectly styled hair.

"Let me be clear, Ethan," she said sharply, her voice calm but cutting. "I don't dress for you. Now, run along and find someone who might tolerate your company."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving Ethan standing dumbfounded at the bar, striding toward the balcony.

The balcony was quiet and bathed in moonlight, the crisp evening air a welcome escape from the crowded ballroom. Vivian leaned against the railing, her composure slowly returning as she stared out over the manicured gardens below. She hugged herself lightly, her emerald gown catching the soft glow of the outdoor lights.

"Ugh, Ethan Caldwell," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with irritation. "I wonder what the hell I ever saw in him. That misogynistic dumbass!"

She took a deep breath, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face as her thoughts shifted. The irritation gave way to something far more vulnerable.

"And as if that wasn't bad enough, now I can't stop thinking about... him." Her voice softened, almost breaking. "I mean, why would he even look at someone like me? Sure, I can ace an exam, throw a party, and look good doing it, but he's... different. Real. Genuine. And here I am, scared to even say hi without falling apart."

She let out a soft, bitter laugh, shaking her head at herself.

"Rumors or not, he probably doesn't even know I exist. Ironic for me being the Queen Bee and him being... The King of the campus..."

Lost in her thoughts, Vivian didn't notice the sound of footsteps behind her until it was too late. The slight creak of the balcony door caught her attention, and she froze, her heart skipping a beat as she slowly turned her head, finding him standing there who most likely heard every word.