[One Day before Prom]

Sinclair household - 09.30 PM

Athena receives a delivery, which happens to be the prom dress she ordered for the upcoming event. Excitedly, she opens the package in the living room. Just then, her father, Robert, enters and notices the package.

Curious, Robert asks Athena about the contents of the package. Athena, taken aback by her father's sudden interest, replies, "It's my prom dress, Father. I ordered it for the prom tomorrow.

"Robert smirks, a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he says, "Oh, how wonderful. The prom dress made by Bernard. I'm sure it's very elegant. How fortunate for you to have Cody's father make your dress in such short notice."

Athena's heart sinks, her mind racing. She has gone to great lengths to keep her meetings with Bernard a secret, even avoiding the watchful eyes of her bodyguard. Yet, somehow, her father seems to know. Doubt creeps into Athena's thoughts as she realizes that her father's words carry a hidden meaning: "I know your every step, and I'm always one step ahead of you."

Keeping her composure, Athena simply responds to her father, "Thank you, Father." She avoids his gaze, understanding his true intentions. Robert smirks, satisfied with the effect of his words, and lets the matter go for now.

Robert approaches Athena with a stern expression, his eyes fixed on her. He asks, his voice filled with authority, "Do you have any idea where I've just been?" Athena's mind races, trying to comprehend her father's question. Robert continues, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "I pay a visit to the hospital, Athena. It seems that Sam Davison, the youngest son of the Davison family, suffers from severe burns due to a careless incident with a cigarette. Quite the coincidence, wouldn't you say?" He locks eyes with Athena, a knowing look on his face, as he realizes her involvement. Athena's shock is palpable as she realizes her father has uncovered her secret. She struggles to find her words, her voice trembling. Fear grips her, wondering what her father's next move will be.

Robert's anger intensifies as he lashes out at Athena, his voice laced with disdain, "If you are so provoked by what he said, then the blame lies with you. You shouldn't allow your emotions to be so easily deciphered. You're an open book, Athena. Anyone can read your thoughts. Utterly useless." Athena's fury ignites, her head hanging low in defeat. Despite her best efforts, she can never seem to meet her father's expectations. 

A momentary calmness softens Robert's tone as he reveals, "Luckily, Sam is covering for you. He spins a web of lies about the cigarette incident, and his parents buy it." He adds, his voice tinged with a warning, "Remember, Athena Sinclair, your actions reflect upon our family name."

Athena nods silently. Robert walks away, but before leaving, he pauses and turns back to face Athena. His gaze piercing, he cautions her, "Don't you dare speak to your mother in such a manner. And you know her health condition, so refrain from discussing him." Although he doesn't utter the name directly, Athena understands the veiled reference to the heated altercation involving her and her mother, Clara, regarding Clara's late son, Alan.

Athena watches her father depart, a whirlwind of emotions consuming her. 

The notification sound on her phone reverberates through the silent living room. Athena snaps back to reality, her attention fully focused on the present moment. She realizes that it has been two days since she last checked her phone. With the prom tomorrow, she wonders if Brielle or Remi sent her a message. Curiosity piqued, she retrieves her phone to see who the text is from.

An unknown number. Despite blocking the person's number multiple times, they persist in sending messages from different numbers. However, an instinct within her compels her to read the message; otherwise, she fears regretting it.

Athena opens the notification and is met with something that leaves her in a state of shock. Sweat forms on her forehead, her hand trembling as she unintentionally drops her phone to the floor. The text reads, "Meet me tomorrow at the prom, Elena." 

The mention of her hidden name, Elena, sends shivers down Athena's spine. She feels a surge of terror and confusion. "Elena?" she mutters, her mind racing to make sense of the situation.

Pausing for a moment, Athena tries to reassure herself, "It can't be him, right? No, it's someone else, it's not him." But deep down, a nagging fear lingers, reminding her of the past she has tried so hard to escape. 

She weighs her options, contemplating the consequences of not meeting this mysterious person at the prom. The thought of her past being exposed, potentially leading to the ruin of her future, fills her with dread. Reluctantly, Athena realizes that she has no alternative but to confront this person.

With a determined look on her face, she sets her jaw and whispers to herself, "I must meet him. I won't let him manipulate my past and control my future." 

[Day -D, Prom Day]

In the shadows, Athena's past victim, Eryx seethes with resentment and an insatiable hunger for retribution. His every move is calculated, his plan meticulously crafted to expose Athena's darkest secrets. With unwavering determination, he gathers every piece of evidence, patiently biding the time for the opportune moment to strike. The tension thickens as their scheme nears completion, the anticipation of his revenge hanging in the air like a dark cloud.

Meanwhile, Athena's closest friends find themselves entangled in their own web of ambition. Driven by a desperate need to prove their worth to their parents, they set their sights on winning the prom title, regardless of the consequences. Blinded by their own desires, they fail to see the collateral damage their actions may cause, even if it means ruining Athena's future.

As the prom night approaches, the stage is set for a collision of intentions. The air crackles with suspense, as Athena's past victim and her friends unknowingly edge closer towards their respective goals. The impending clash of their plans creates a palpable tension, leaving everyone wondering who will emerge victorious and at what cost. Today the prom night becomes a battleground, where secrets, betrayal, and consequences intertwine, threatening to unravel the fragile relationships they once shared.