Chapter 21
Ethan pushed up his glasses: “You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”
This pressure free way of getting along made Riley’s nose sting
When she was with Jaxon, she’d always been walking on eggshells, terrified of saying the wrong thing and making him unhappy.[]
But Ethan gave her complete space and respect.
“Actually. I…” she sighed softly, “seeing him–like that still makes me feel bad.”
Not because of lingering feelings, but because she felt sorry for all the genuine emotion she’d once invested.]
Ethan gently took her hand: “Want to go for a walk?”
By the time they reached the lake behind the campus woods, Ethan magically pulled out a lunch box from his bag: “Try this.“]
Riley opened it to find delicate handmade sushi, each piece topped with the fish roe she loved.]
“You made this?” she asked in surprise.]
“Yeah, first time trying. Might not look great,” Ethan’s ears turned red, “but I can learn to make anything you want.“[]
Such a simple, honest promise was more moving than any sweet talk.
Riley bit into the sushi and suddenly choked up: “Ethan, why are you so good to me?”
“Because I like you,” he said so naturally, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, “and also…”
Before he could finish, commotion suddenly erupted in the distance.]
Somehow Jaxon had gotten onto campus and was being held back by security, still desperately looking their way: “Riley! Let’s talk one more time! Just once!“]
Riley’s body instantly tensed
Ethan keenly sensed her discomfort and draped his jacket over her shoulders: “Want to head back?”
“Yeah.” She kept her head down and walked away quickly, never once looking at Jaxon.
Ethan followed behind her, pausing briefly as they passed Jaxon: “Stop bothering her.“]
“What the hell are you?!” Jaxon raged and tried to Junge forward, but security held him tight, “Riley! Look at me!“]
The only response was their retreating footsteps.[]
Outside the girls‘ dorm, Ethan walked Riley to the entrance but didn’t immediately say goodbye.
They shared a brief, understanding hug.]
Though the embrace lasted only moments, it made Riley think about his clean soap scent all night.]
Lying in bed, she suddenly realized…
Those nightmares about Jaxon hadn’t come to haunt her in a long time
Sophia huddled in her dorm room corner. phone screen glowing with countless unread messages.[]
All of them were insults and mockery.
The once–adored campus queen had become trash that everyone avoided.
Forum posts were everywhere, surveillance videos had gone viral, and her bullying of Riley was completely exposed.]]
“Sophia. you still have the nerve to come to class?” A roommate sneered and slammed books on her desk, “The advisor wants to see you. Academic dismissal notice came through.”
Sophia’s head snapped up, face pale: “Impossible! You’re lying–my dad’s on the school board!“[]
“Your dad?” The girl scoffed. “Rain Industries stock tanked so bad your dad can barely save himself, and you think he can help you?”
She grabbed her bag and rushed out, only to be cornered by a group of girls in the hallway
“Well, well, if it isn’t our campus queen,” the leader grabbed Sophia’s hair, “Weren’t you so high and mighty before? Now you’re like a stray dog.”
Sophia cried out in pain and tried to escape, but was shoved hard to the ground.
Her designer bag was trampled, makeup scattered everywhere, surrounded by cruel laughter.
“You you wouldn’t dare!” she screamed hysterically, “Jaxon won’t let you get away with this!“]]
“Jaxon?” The girls laughed even louder, “He dumped you ages ago! Word is he’s been going crazy trying to find Riley, but too bad–she’s all sweet and cozy with that Harvard genius now.“]
Sophia trembled all over, nails digging into her palms.]
In Jaxon’s mansion, the lights were dim.[]
He sat on the couch, playing with a silver switchblade, staring at his phone screen with sinister eyes.]
It was that photo of Riley and Ethan from the academic conference.
She looked so natural, so relaxed, as if the past pain had never existed.]]
CRASHI
A glass shattered against the wall, shards flying everywhere]
“Sophia Rain, I’ll never forgive you… he muttered her name. his voice carrying hone–deep coldness.
Late at night, Sophia dragged her exhausted body back to her empty dorm.]
She’d barely pushed the door open when a large hand yanked her inside
♡om
