**Chapter 1: A Deadly Deception**

The studio lights of the Kelly Clarkson show blinded Sabrina Carpenter as she walked onto the stage, her long blonde hair cascading down her back like a golden waterfall. She was here to promote her new music, and Nick Robinson, her co-star and rumored crush, was sitting beside her, looking dashing in his tailored suit. His brown hair was perfectly styled, and his brown eyes sparkled as he chatted with Kelly. His girlfriend, Samantha, a blonde bombshell, sat on the other side of him, her arm possessively draped around his waist. As they took their seats, Kelly Clarkson, the show's host, greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome back to the show, everyone! Today, we have the talented Sabrina Carpenter and Nick Robinson joining us. They're here to talk about their new projects and share some exciting news." Samantha, who had brought a batch of smoothies for everyone, stood up, her bright blue eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I brought some delicious smoothies for everyone. They're made with fresh fruits and are super healthy." Sabrina's eyes widened as Samantha handed her a brightly colored smoothie. "Oh, thank you so much! I love smoothies." She took a glance at the smoothie, but didn't think twice about it, assuming it was just a regular, store-bought drink. Nick raised an eyebrow, his eyes flicking to Sabrina and then back to Samantha. "Thanks, Sam. You're always looking out for us." Kelly, who was sipping on her own smoothie, chimed in, "Mmm, these look amazing! What's in them, Samantha?" Samantha's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Oh, just some apples, peaches, and almond milk. Really simple ingredients." Sabrina, oblivious to the danger lurking in the smoothie, took a sip, her blue eyes sparkling with delight. "Mmm, this is so good!" At first, Sabrina felt fine, but within seconds, her body began to react. Her skin started to itch and prickle, and she felt a tightness in her chest. She tried to brush it off as a minor annoyance, but it quickly escalated. Hives began to break out on her skin, red, raised, and itchy welts that spread rapidly across her face, neck, and arms. Kelly, who was sitting across from Sabrina, noticed her distress. "Sabrina, are you okay? You look a little... off." Sabrina's voice was hoarse, her throat constricting. "I... I think so, Kelly. Just a little... itchy." Nick's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed with concern. "Sabrina, what's wrong?" But before Sabrina could respond, she started to wheeze, her breathing becoming labored. Her face began to swell, her lips and tongue growing larger and more inflamed. She felt like she was suffocating. Samantha's expression changed from concern to panic as she realized her plan had gone awry. She tried to whisper something to Nick, but he was too busy helping Sabrina. Kelly jumped up from her seat, her voice firm and commanding. "Someone call 911! Sabrina, can you hear me?" Sabrina's vision began to blur, and she felt herself slipping away. She tried to speak, but her voice was barely a whisper. As the studio erupted into chaos, Kelly grabbed Sabrina's hand, her grip tight and reassuring. "I'm going with you to the hospital. Nick, you come too." The paramedics rushed onto the stage, and Kelly insisted on riding with Sabrina to the hospital. As they sped through the streets, Kelly held Sabrina's hand, talking to her to keep her awake. "Hang in there, Sabrina. You're going to be okay. Help is on the way." Sabrina's eyes fluttered closed, her body going limp. Kelly's voice grew more desperate. "Sabrina, please don't leave me. You're going to be okay." The sirens blared in the background as the ambulance hurtled towards the hospital, Kelly's voice a steady stream of reassurance. Meanwhile, Nick was left standing on the stage, his eyes fixed on Samantha, who was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of horror and guilt. Nick's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He took a step towards Samantha, his voice low and menacing. "What did you do, Sam?" But Samantha just shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "I didn't mean to, Nick. I just... I couldn't take it anymore." The scene ended with Nick's angry words hanging in the air, and Samantha's tears streaming down her face.