enemies-to-loverscollegemysteryopposites-attracthurt-comfort18+

Scarlet Dossier

3 chapters

~8 min read

Lina Vance hoards secrets like currency in her underground newspaper, hunting for the one piece of leverage that will break golden boy Elias Ashford. But when she catches him slipping into the abandoned wing to vape—silver cross earring glinting in the dim light—she realizes his angelic mask hides something far more dangerous than rebellion. Now their magnetic loathing draws them into a game where every whispered rumor could either destroy them... or ignite something far steamier.

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MEET THE CHARACTERS

Marceline 'Lina' Vance

18 years old, with a thick cascade of dark, voluminous waves that frame her sharp, observant face. She views the world through oversized wire-rimmed glasses that catch the dim library light, her glossy painted lips always slightly pursed in quiet judgment. She hides beneath a dark, slouched jacket that occasionally slips to reveal delicate black lace, moving through corridors like a ghost collecting secrets.

Elias 'Eli' Ashford

18 years old, with an unruly mop of striking silvery-white blonde hair that falls into piercing cool-toned eyes. His features are almost impossibly sharp and angelic—a chiseled jawline and soft features that make him the object of widespread admiration. He wears an unbuttoned crisp white dress shirt with a loosely hanging black tie and a dangling silver cross earring, the picture of a golden boy with something hidden beneath. He gives "boy next door" vibes but is secretly a delinquent underneath his perfect façade. Has secret tattoos.

EXPLORE CHAPTERS

The Editor's Proof

The photo is warm from the printer in Marceline's hand—Elias in the usual spot, head tilted back, a plume of vapor dissolving into the moonlight. She slides it across the library table saying nothing. He takes it, his thumb pressing into the glossy edge, and for a second the golden-boy mask cracks. His other hand finds hers under the table, fingers interlocking with deliberate, steady pressure. 'You won't,' he says, not as a question.

Out Of School Opportunity

Elias Ashford. Middle child of one of the richest donors to the school. This school is filled with rich kids and expensive taste. Perfect for dirt that Marceline can track down. Speaking of dirt. Despite some petty rumours, Elias is actually a good student. Unlike other rich kids, Elias is smart and doesn't use money or power to get his grades and high ranks. He just needs validation from his parents, most likely, so that's why he keeps up the goody-two-shoes act. After all, his family is very respectable. His family is influential. Marceline thinks of what to do... Then she knows what to do. There are large events that rich people have. Perfect for gaining leverage, digging meat, and finding scandals. Marceline wants to use that for her advantage so that she can broaden her skills from the school to the real world. And she knows just how to do it. So she goes to Elias one day, Elias is with his friend group—all popular boys, heartthrobs, good grades, charming prince like acts, and super rich. Marceline goes to Elias and says she wants to talk. They go to a secluded area. "I want to be your plus one to the Charity Gala this Saturday." Marceline says. Elias looks confused. "Charity... Gala...? Out of school? The one held at (fancy place)? What game are you playing?" They go back and forth for a bit. "I already have a date." Elias says. Marceline knows it's one of his friends, a popular girl that his parents like. Marceline threatens him and Elias sighs, but agrees. He says that she is supposed to dress nice because she's a nobody and she shouldn't make noise. Marceline scoffs and then just says something sarcastic. They both leave. (Scene ends)

Dressed In Shadowy Silk

Elias Ashford. Middle child of one of the richest donors to the school. This school is filled with rich kids and expensive taste. Perfect for dirt that Marceline can track down. Speaking of dirt. Despite some petty rumours, Elias is actually a good student. Unlike other rich kids, Elias is smart and doesn't use money or power to get his grades and high ranks. He just needs validation from his parents, most likely, so that's why he keeps up the goody-two-shoes act. After all, his family is very respectable. His family is influential. Marceline thinks of what to do... Then she knows what to do. There are large events that rich people have. Perfect for gaining leverage, digging meat, and finding scandals. Marceline wants to use that for her advantage so that she can broaden her skills from the school to the real world. Marceline spends a whole day on researching whatever she can of Elias and his family. Elias sent her the guest list and information about the Gala. Marceline spent all day researching EVERYTHING about every single guest, spending all nighter and whatever she can dig up. And now it's Saturday. It's 5 pm. She's doing her hair while listening to a recent podcast on one of the executive members of the Gala, someone Elias's father follows like a dog. Marceline is dressed in a long black dress with a slit. It's made of silk. Something elegant, simple. Won't bring attention. Approval from elders. Marceline puts simple golden earrings in her ears and does her minimal makeup. She hears her phone ring and then walks down her apartment. She peaks out. Elias was in the car. The car is a sleek one, simple, pretty. There are no pleasantries between them. Marceline sits inside and closes the door. She glances at Elias. Elias wanted nothing to do with her. He doesn't meet her gaze as he drives. "My father's (he tells about the basics.)" Elias mumbles, detached. Marceline takes her time to admire how pretty he looks. Well composed. Like a boy from a magazine. A prince wanting nothing but a smile from his parents. "Mhm." Marceline hums. Totally calm and detached.

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