PART 2: THE BACKSTAGE REFORMATION
Dean Bradley escorted me through the private backstage entrance, ushering me into a warm room equipped with dry robes, styling mirrors, and official regalia.
Assistants hurried around me, drying my hair and adjusting my custom velvet-trimmed doctoral gown with absolute reverence.
“You are representing the peak of this university’s excellence, Dr. Hensley,” Dean Bradley said as he pinned the gold medal of distinction to my chest.
Meanwhile, inside the main hall, my father and stepmother preened in their front-row VIP seats, bragging loudly to the wealthy donors sitting around them.
Haley waved her stolen VIP lanyard at the photographers, entirely oblivious to the fact that her seat belonged to the valedictorian.
My father checked his program brochure, completely ignoring the list of distinguished graduates printed clearly on the back page.
Backstage, I took a deep breath, smoothing down my gown as the fanfare trumpets echoed throughout the massive auditorium.
The heavy velvet curtains parted, and I stepped out behind the faculty board, taking my designated seat directly in the center of the main stage.
(Their smug arrogance is about to crumble into utter shock! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
