Ella Lacey walked up to the stage and stood in front of the central microphone, creating an abrupt silence across the hall.
The stage lights then dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight shining down, bathing her in a soft, white glow.
Even before she opened her mouth to speak, those in the backstage who knew the truth were peeking through the curtains, pointing at her and whispering among themselves:
"She doesn't have a speech script, she must be very nervous."
"More than nervous, she must be scared!"
"Yes, she is top scholar in liberal arts, if there is a mistake, she will be laughed at. It's only natural for her to be scared."
"Let's just wait to see her make a fool of herself!"
…
However, as soon as Ella Lacey began to speak, she was calm and poised, "Honourable leaders, teachers, classmates, good evening everyone. I'm Ella Lacey, and I am honoured to be the representative for the freshman class …"
Her eloquent opening won fervent applause from the audience.
