He gripped the trophy, swept his gaze across the audience, and let it land squarely on Vivian.
"Today, I want to give special thanks to someone: my student, Vivian Mercer."
"I used to believe that burying myself in research was my life's purpose. But ever since she came along, I realized there's so much more in this world worth exploring."
"To be precise, she's not just my student. She's also my teacher."
"Why don't we give her a round of applause and invite her up to say a few words?"
The moment he finished, thunderous applause erupted through the hall.
Vivian's cheeks flushed pink, the picture of bashful modesty. Her roommates nudged her forward, and only then did she stand and make her way to the stage.
As she passed me, she deliberately bumped my shoulder. Her eyes glittered with triumph and provocation.
I treated it like a joke. Not worth my time.
Within moments, Vivian stood beside Elmer with a microphone in hand and began her speech.