System Revenge: From Trash Boy to Top Boss

Chapter 29

The Olive Branch had managed to return to something of normalcy, though the sound of it reminded us of nigh-on Wednesday afternoon's tragedy. The rush to get Damon's opportunity cards out and the rest of the party sitting at the table was finally falling into their own meal. But now with a new awareness that everything was going on.

With Beatrice, Chloe and Daphne out of the way, a new type of energy started to fill the air around Aria and Damon’s table. Many students that they’d never met, or even friends of theirs, saw them walk up to the table in a mute expression that seemed both admiration and apology.

"Aria, " said a young girl called Sarah in a sincere tone of voice, "I just just wanted to say that I'm so sorry for ever thinking I didn't like you. I'd heard those rumours and I... I should have known better. You're amazing. You deserve everything.

“Thank you Sarah, ” Aria replied pleasantly, her voice warm. “I appreciate that. ”

Another student spoke up, a young boy named Kevin. “Damon, ” he said, huskily in a tone of respect. “I have to tell you that at the first sign I was worried, I wasn’t sure where your money was coming from, and I... I took you personally from the start, and then after seeing what you did today, after hearing about the opportunity that you’re bringing to our university, I will tell you honestly, that you’re a real visionary. ”

"Thanks, Damon, " Damon responded, his lips flushed, "I appreciate the honesty. "

One by one the students walked up to Aria and Damon and apologized, they congratulated and they gave their sincere assistance. Now Aria's actual friends, the ones who had held her up through thick and thin, circled around her and said they were proud of her.

“We have known you all along, Aria, and that’s not the problem, Emily said in an earnest voice, ” exuding her own happiness.

“And we’re really happy for you and Damon, ” her friend Ben added, clapping Damon on the shoulder. “You two are both the perfect match for each other. ”

As the people around them multiplied, Aria felt a surge of confidence and gratitude. She had suffered doubts, shittivism, manipulation, betrayal and so much more. But she was more brave, more forgiving, and very determined than ever.

Damon, with his little cocked eyebrows and beret, looked at her at once, with the love and admiration of a child. For being so there for her, and defending her honor, and using his power to inspire and do well in the whole university community, she knew she was very fortunate to be in his life.

Damon held out her hand. His eyes told her a little secret: he did think this was her moment, her opportunity to shine. So he stood back from the stage, and let her do the talking.

Aria peered straight ahead, then stepped up and spoke out loud with a new power she never knew she had. "Thank you, " she said, her glance wandering round the crowd. "Thank you all for the kind words, for the support and for the honesty - it means more to me than you think. "

She stopped and a tear rolled down her face. "I have learned a lot in the last few weeks, " she said thoughtfully. "I have learned that true friends are those who stand by you when your life gets tough. I have learned that honesty and integrity are the two most important qualities a person can have, and that it's never a good thing to let anyone else tell you what you are.

She paused, slightly trembling. "I want to say something, " she said, closing her eyes. "I am proud of who I am. I'm proud of what I stand for. And I'm not going to tolerate toxic friendships and poisonous behavior. I am going to be with people who uplift me, who uplift my dreams and who treat me with respect --and I expect nothing less of anyone who wants to be my friend.

The room became so rhapsodic in applause that the room erupted in larger than usual cheers of thanks. Thousands of people waved with all their hearts full of admiration. Aria had spoken her truth and with poise, conviction and firmness.

Damon stepped forward and wrapped his arm around her waist. "I thought I'd say it myself, " he said proudly. "Aria is an inspiration to us all. And I'm so happy to stand with her. "

He gave her a quick little kiss on the forehead and then back away again to let her shine.

As the crowd began to disperse, Aria and Damon gathered their belongings, preparing to leave the restaurant. They walked hand-in-hand towards the exit, their hearts filled with hope and optimism.

As they stepped outside, they were greeted by a familiar sight. Beatrice, Chloe, and Daphne were standing across the street, their faces etched with anger and resentment. They had been waiting for Aria, eager to have one last confrontation.

Aria paused, her gaze locking with theirs. She felt a surge of pity for them, but also a sense of closure. She had moved on, she had found her strength, and she was no longer afraid of them.

She smiled, a cool, dismissive smile that conveyed a world of meaning. "Good luck," she said, her voice calm and even.

Then, she turned and walked away, her head held high, her arm linked with Damon's. They strolled down the street, their footsteps echoing in the twilight, as the campus buzzed with the day's events. Aria's triumph was complete, and her loyalty to Damon was unwavering. The final "face slap" had been delivered, subtly, but devastatingly effective. Their status was irreparably damaged. They were left behind, while Aria and Damon walked confidently into their future.