Fleur complained to Liam, "I had won it last time."

"Hush dear. It's okay" he tried to comfort her.

​​

Adriana and Dmitri watched in apparent amusement as Liam tried to coax Fleur because she was feeling down due to her loss. The other couple were entertaining in their antics and they couldn't help but shake their heads and laughed aloud.

Adrianna was wearing a sash that was given to her after she had won the competition and she held her trophy proudly. Dmitri wanted to take her photographs but he hardly carried his phone around. Suddenly, a loud orchestra played and the poster that was earlier showing the competition date was now showing Adrianna's picture as the Belle of the Ball. Adrianna's face split into an a cheshire like grin. She was so happy that she squealed and danced all the way to her carriage. While Dmitri sat with her inside, Liam was with Fleur on her broom. It was best to leave the two love-birds alone for the moment.

When they reached the royal palace, it was already evening and after they had their dinner, all of them went to do their own individual tasks.

As the canopy of flowers started closing in around them, Dmitri embraced her tightly and Adrianna remarked , "Tomorrow my academy starts, and I will again be busy. Dmitri, it's just a scant ten days to my crowning ceremony, at least that is what I have estimated...

"Hmm…" he replied.

"I am nervous," she said as she thought about how things are going to change in case the crown accepts her. The ministry had recommended that she stayed there for a month, and it had been over thirty days. She was beginning to become slightly impatient.

"Don't be… everything will fall in place…" said Dmitri and dozed off to sleep. He was too tired after spending the entire day in the competition.

The flowers of the canopy bloomed white and had a very sweet fragrance to them.

The next day Adrianna woke up early and went to the academy while Dmitri was still in his land of dreams. She smiled at him and hoped that he would stay there that day too.

In the academy, the results of the second stage of the competition were announced. Although Adrianna was very close to winning, the girl who won it was Nefasky. There was a huge cheering from Nefasky's friends.

They all carried Nefasky on their shoulders back to the class. Nefasky was so happy that she treated all the class with an exotic dish that she got especially from her house.

She looked at Adrianna, who was sitting there and watching them cheer Nefasky with a smile. Nefasky went to her and said, "I don't know how you got injured so badly otherwise you could have won but I am glad that I found you and Shay were there."

Adrianna said, "Congratulations Nefasky. I can't win every time."

Nefasky smiled and left her to join her friends. Lile was sitting right there in the far corner watching Adrianna. After Nefasky went back to her, Lile went to her and said loudly for all to hear, "Nefasky, many congratulations! I am so happy that you have won the competition. Unlike others who only love to gloat in their victory and don't want to help their friends because they are afraid that by helping friends, they would lose the competition, you went way out of your way to help others."

Adrianna narrowed her eyes. Nefasky was surprised at Lile because Lile had left her and become Adrianna's friend. She was also aware of the Belle of ball competition scandalous ending.

Lile shook Nefasky's hand and looked at Adrianna. "Sometimes, it is important to teach a lesson to the bitch who is condescending. What do you think Adrianna?" asked Lile with a scornful face.

The entire class went silent.

Adrianna raised an eyebrow. Nefasky was disgusted by Lile's attitude. She found her to be extremely revolting at that moment for trying to drag her in between her fight with Adrianna. Before she could say anything, Adrianna said, "My name must sound so good because it is always on your lips ! Also, don't call me a bitch, I am definitely much eviler than that!"

"You arrogant bitch!" shouted Lile. Then she looked at Nefasky and said, "See, this is what I mean. She is so conceited. No wonder no one likes her."

"People who are as intelligent and attractive as I am are usually conceited. I agree I am an acquired taste. So if you don't like me, go acquire some taste," replied Adrianna with a warning look in her eyes.

Lile looked at Adrianna with a shocked expression. The way she was answering was so unlike her. She looked at Nefasky for support. However, she was disappointed because Nefasky laughed and said, "I don't think she is conceited. She likes to think of things that she actually cares about. Also, thank you for congratulating me." Saying that Nefasky turned her back towards Lile and started talking to her friends who were again excited.

Lile gulped. She realised that she was all alone now - with no one to back her up in sticky situations.

Adrianna walked out of the class, feeling better. She had had innumerable people who were always mocking her. Lile was out of her friendship zone completely.