The news of Mia’s actions spread quickly across the university, leaving everyone in shock. Students whispered in hushed tones, their expressions a mix of disbelief and disdain. Mia’s name, once associated with prestige and popularity, was now tarnished with scandal.
In the principal’s office, Mia sat stiffly in a chair, her face pale and drawn. Across from her, her father, Mr. Edward Lawrence, a powerful businessman known for his strict values, looked at her with a mixture of anger and disappointment. His usually composed demeanor cracked as he stared at the evidence laid before him the videos, the statements, the undeniable proof of Mia’s wrongdoings.
“Mia,” Edward began, his voice low and controlled, though it was clear he was struggling to contain his fury. “What have you done?”
Mia couldn’t meet his gaze. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her knuckles white. She had always feared her father’s disapproval, but this was worse than she had ever imagined.
“I… I made a mistake,” she stammered, her voice barely audible.
“A mistake?” Edward’s voice rose, and he stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “This isn’t a mistake, Mia. This is deliberate, malicious behavior. You bribed workers to harm another student. You humiliated her. And now, you’ve disgraced our family.”
Mia flinched at his words, tears welling up in her eyes. “I didn’t mean for it to go so far,” she said weakly. “I just… I just wanted her out of the way.”
“Out of the way?” Edward repeated, his tone incredulous. He shook his head, pacing back and forth. “Do you hear yourself? This is not how I raised you. We’ve given you everything a privileged life, opportunities, respect and this is how you repay us?”
The principal, who had been silent until now, cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Mr. Lawrence, we appreciate your cooperation in handling this matter. However, the university’s decision is final. Given the gravity of Mia’s actions, we have no choice but to expel her.”
Mia’s head snapped up at the word “expel,” her eyes wide with panic. “No!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling. “You can’t do that. I’ll fix it. I’ll apologize to everyone. Please, don’t expel me.”
The principal’s expression remained firm. “Mia, this is not a matter of apologies. Your actions endangered another student and violated the core values of this institution. We cannot and will not tolerate such behavior.”
Edward turned to the principal, his face grim. “I understand,” he said quietly, though his voice was heavy with disappointment. “And I support the university’s decision. My daughter must face the consequences of her actions.”
Mia’s heart sank. She had always relied on her father to bail her out of trouble, to use his influence to shield her from the repercussions of her mistakes. But now, she realized with dawning horror that she was truly on her own.
“Father, please,” she pleaded, her voice breaking. “Don’t let them do this. I’ll do better, I promise. Just give me another chance.”
Edward’s gaze hardened as he looked at her. “You’ve had enough chances, Mia. And you’ve squandered them. Perhaps this is the lesson you need to finally understand the consequences of your actions.”
Mia’s tears fell freely now, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. The weight of her actions, her jealousy, and her arrogance pressed down on her like a heavy burden. She had never felt so small, so powerless.
The principal stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Mr. Lawrence, we will finalize the expulsion paperwork and ensure Mia’s belongings are returned to her. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.”
Edward nodded curtly and turned to his daughter. “Get up, Mia. We’re leaving.”
Mia hesitated, her legs feeling like lead. She cast one last pleading glance at the principal, but there was no sympathy in her eyes. Slowly, she rose from her chair and followed her father out of the office, her heart heavy with regret.
The walk through the university halls was torturous. Students stared as Mia passed, their whispers loud enough for her to hear.
“Did you hear? Mia’s getting expelled.”
“She deserves it after what she did to Elena.”
“Good decision made for her. She’s always been so egoistic.”
Mia kept her head down, her cheeks burning with shame. The very people who once admired her now looked at her with scorn. Her reputation was in ruins, and there was no escaping it.
As they exited the building, Mia turned to her father, desperation in her eyes. “Father, I can’t believe this is happening. You have to do something. Please.”
Edward stopped abruptly, his piercing gaze freezing her in place. “Enough, Mia. This is your doing, and you will deal with the consequences. You’ve brought shame to our family, and I will not tolerate it any longer.”
Mia’s lip quivered, but she didn’t argue further. She knew it was futile. Her father’s decision was final, just like the university’s.
Back at home, Mia sat alone in her room, the walls seeming to close in around her. The reality of her situation hit her like a tidal wave. She had lost everything her place at the university, her friends, her reputation. And all because of her jealousy and impulsiveness.
She thought about Elena, the girl she had worked so hard to tarnish her. Despite everything Mia had done, Elena had come out stronger, earning the respect and admiration of everyone around her.
Mia’s fists clenched as anger bubbled to the surface again. “It’s not fair,” she muttered, her voice shaking. “She took everything from me.”
But even as she said the words, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered the truth: You did this to yourself.
The thought made her stomach churn, and for the first time, Mia truly understood the weight of her actions. She had let her jealousy consume her, and now, she was paying the price.
Days later, as Mia packed her belongings, she felt a hollow ache in her chest. She had always believed she was untouchable, that her elite status would protect her from any consequences. But now, she realized how wrong she had been.
As she placed the last of her items into a suitcase, her father appeared in the doorway. He looked at her with a mixture of disappointment and pity.
“Mia,” he said, his voice softer than before. “I hope you use this time to reflect on your actions and become a better person. You have the potential to do great things, but only if you learn to take responsibility for your choices.”
Mia nodded silently, unable to find the words to respond. She watched as her father left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
For the first time in her life, Mia felt truly lost. She didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was certain she would never forget the lesson she had learned the hard way.