I tried to stay invisible.
I let my roommate insult me, rummage through my things, spread rumors, and even parade her knockoffs around like they were superior to mine.
None of it mattereduntil she stole my scholarship and labeled me unfit for it. That was when my patience finally snapped.
And when my father made one single phone call, the girl who called me low-brow finally realized who she had been provoking.
Recently, my roommate Danielle Clementine has been dating a so-called trust fund guy, and she flaunts it around the dorm nonstop.
Hey, check out this Tiffany bracelet he got me. Isnt it gorgeous? She lifted her wrist toward the light, angling it so the metal glinted dramatically.
Wow, that mustve cost thousands! Your boyfriend treats you so well!
For real! Does he have any friends? Set us up!
The girls crowded around her, piling on compliments. Their worship made Danielle glow like shed just won a pageant.
She even tossed out a handful of high-end cosmetics, and the others scrambled to grab them, squealing in excitement.
I sat off to the side reading, not joining the commotion. That, of course, caught Danielles attention.
She shot me an annoyed look.
Sophie, dont you think this Tiffany bracelet is stunning? Way better than that cheap silver bangle you always wear, right?
I glanced at the bracelet and immediately recognized the telltale signsit was a knockoff.
The plain silver bracelet on my wrist? Limited-edition Tiffany.
Still, I stayed low-key. Yeah, its pretty. My silver bracelet is nothing special.
Pleased, Danielle walked over and snapped my book shut.
Sophie, you really need to, like, invest in decent jewelry. Its embarrassing standing next to you.
I didnt respond. Everyone knew Danielles background wasnt glamorous; she wasnt even solid middle-class. Before this boyfriend, she lived in cheap T-shirts and jeans. Now she acted like a socialite.
I quietly reopened my book, trying to find my place.
Alexa Wind looped her arm through Danielles. Forget her. You two arent in the same league anyway. Lets go eat tonightI want the full update about you and your boyfriend.
Danielle smirked. Cant. Im going out with him tonight.
Jealousy flashed across Alexas face. At some fancy restaurant, right? Dont forget to post pictures!
Danielle didnt answer. She spent fifteen minutes applying makeup, put on her only dress worth over $500, and strutted out like a swan.
That evening, I ordered spicy gumbo and ate in the dorm while Alexa squealed, Danielle just posted! Lookfoie gras, caviar, red wine, steak oh my gosh!
The roommates crowded around her. Alexa looked at my gumbo with disdain.
Some people go on luxury dates, and some stay home with cheap gumbo. Talk about contrast.
Gumbo was now a moral failing, apparently.
She shoved her phone at me. Look how perfect they look together.
I glanced at the photoand paused.
The trust fund guy in the picture?
My familys new security guard.
My dad had made his fortune in Seattle after an early jackpot win, and during high school Id had everythingdesigner clothes, a chauffeur. Unfortunately, that also made me a target, and I almost got kidnapped.
Since then, Dad insisted I keep a low profile. Even though he bought a mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, near Columbia University, he encouraged me to stay in the campus dorms.
I still liked quality clothing, but to avoid attention, Id often call my things knockoffs. Eventually, everyone assumed I was a poser with a taste for fakes.
I didnt care. I was here to study.
Dad always said: We only have money. You have to earn the honor.
A whole wall of our home displayed my awardseach framed like a priceless treasure. Once, Dad climbed a ladder to fix a peeling corner on one of the frames.
My goal in college was to win scholarships every year. Money meant nothing; the recognition did.
Recently, we replaced our security guard, and the previous one recommended his nephew, Tony James. He seemed responsible. I had no reason to expect hed pose as a rich boyfriend for Danielle.
As the roommates gushed over her post, I couldnt help but laugh silently.
Danielle returned from her date wearing a knockoff Chanel outfit and carrying a pile of gifts. One by one, she laid them out as the roommates crowded around.
Danielle, that Chanel looks amazing.
Gucci perfume? Can I just hold it?
Ugh, Im so jealous!
Danielle smiled smugly and stole a glance at me before lifting one bag. Sophie, I remember you have a similar Herms. Want to compare?
I removed an earbud and watched calmly as she opened my locker and pulled out my Herms tote.
She placed hers beside mine and raised her voice dramatically. Hmm? Sophie, yours looks a bit different from mine.
Different was an understatement. Her bag had the shiny surface and thick piping typical of a knockoff.
Feigning innocence, she said, How strange. Mines a gift from my boyfriend. Yours is from home, right?
Alexa chimed in eagerly, Oh yeah. Sophie started school with knockoffs. Makes sense her bag wouldnt be real.
Then, as if she were some wise critic, Alexa continued, Sophie, buying fake designer stuff doesnt change your background. Flaunting knockoffs only distorts your values.
Danielle looked proud, as though shed won a debate.
I kept calm. Danielle, did you even ask before going through my things? And Alexa, your flattery is impressive. You two make quite the duo.
Danielle scoffed, grabbed a pair of scissors, and said, If I hadnt checked, I wouldnt have known how vain you are. Let me help you out by cutting this knockoff.
She raised the scissors while Alexa gestured for the others to hold me.
I didnt flinch. Go ahead. But if you make even one cut, youll pay for it.
Danielle hesitated. Even if its fake, Herms knockoffs still cost thousands. Are you sure you can cover that?
A beat passed. Then she backed down and put the scissors away.
I said lightly, Clean up my locker when youre done.
Alexa snapped, Sophie, dont push your luck.
Danielle ignored me, humming while cleaning. I gave her one last warning.
Danielle, Ill only say it once moreclean my locker.
She rolled her eyes, so I stood up and kicked her chair.
I wont ask again.
The room froze. Even Alexa went silent.
Shivering, Danielle finally cleaned it properly.
When she finished, I checked the locker, sat down, and began reading my textbook aloud.
The entire dorm went quiet.
I didnt think much more about Danielle after that. I threw myself into my goal: winning the scholarship.
My GPA was the highest in the department. I aced every physical exam. I never missed any scholarship-eligible activity.
So when award day came, I was stunned to see Danielle listed as the National Merit Scholarship recipientwhile my name was missing entirely. Not even a minor award.
All my effort, brushed aside.
I checked my evaluation. Every score was top-tierexcept character.
Ms. Julia Lambert had marked me unsatisfactory.
Heart racing, I went straight to her office.
Danielle was already there, smiling triumphantly. Wow, Sophie. Didnt think luck would be on my side. Guess hard work doesnt always matter.
I ignored her. Ms. Lambert, I have a question about the scholarship results.
She sighed impatiently. Sophie, academic ability alone doesnt define you. You lack teamwork and good conduct, so I couldnt recommend you.
I was speechless. I had always shared notes, helped classmates, and served as class rep. The only people Id clashed with were my roommates.
Danielles guilty expression confirmed everything.
I steadied myself. Ms. Lambert, basing this on one persons word seems inappropriate.
Her expression darkened. Are you questioning my professionalism?
Danielle added sweetly, Ms. Lambert, dont bother. Sophie can be pretty low-brow.
I glanced at Ms. Lamberts Tiffany braceletalso a knockoff.
Ms. Lambert, Danielle gave you that bracelet, didnt she?
She froze.
I stood. If I cant get justice here, Ill speak with the Dean.
Danielle snorted. Go ahead. Id love to see you try.
In the hallway, people whispered about the scholarship. Alexa mocked loudly, Look whos herethe top student who cant even get a scholarship.
I ignored her and called the Dean. When I couldnt reach him, I emailed a detailed report with evidence.
After a week with no response, I nearly gave upuntil Dad texted:
Proud of you for winning. Dont forget about your old man.
I called home, crying as I explained everything.
Mom was furious. Frank! Call the Dean right now and have that counselor fired!
I choked, Mom they wont respond. What can Dad do?
Dad rubbed his head awkwardly. Didnt I tell you? I joined the board of trustees.
Before I could react, the Dean called personally, apologizing and promising immediate action.
Danielle walked into the dorm just as the Deans voice came through the speaker:
As per school policy, your roommate will face disciplinary action and return the scholarship.
Danielle burst out laughing. Seriously? Did you hire someone to pretend to be the Dean? Thats hilarious.
Alexa added, Right? She must be losing it.
Then the Dean asked, Who is speaking?
That would be my roommate, I said.
He replied, Understood. Sophie, the updated list will be posted tomorrow.
He hung up.
I glanced at Danielle, blissfully unaware of the disaster awaiting her.
Then I went to sleep.
The next morning, I jolted awake to Danielle screaming like the world was ending.
She was sitting upright on her bed, hair sticking out in all directions, gripping her phone as if it had
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