Chapter 20
Jaxon stood under the plane tree outside Harvard’s gates, clutching that handmade ring, his mind wandering.]]
He’d been waiting in the cold wind for six solid hours, eyes glued to the academic building exit, terrified of missing that familiar figure.]
When Riley and Ethan walked out together, his heart clenched painfully.[]
She wore a light sweater with her hair blowing in the wind, looking up at the guy beside her and saying something with a gentle smile on her lips.]
“Riley!“]
Jaxon almost charged forward, but stopped just short of reaching her when Ethan stepped sideways to block him.
Ethan’s arm stretched between them, his gaze calm but determined: “What do you want?“]
“Get out of my way!” Jaxon shoved Ethan aside, but froze when he saw Riley instinctively step back.
Her cold expression made it seem like they’d never even known each other.[]
“Why are you here? We already broke up,” Riley’s voice was quiet but sharp as a blade, “I don’t want to see you.“]]
“I know I screwed up…” Jaxon frantically pulled out that handmade ring and slipped it on his own finger with shaking hands, “Look, I wear it every day… I’ll treasure you from now on, make it up to you…“[]
The ring caught the sunlight, but Riley only felt how pathetic it was.[]
When she’d lovingly crafted these rings, Jaxon couldn’t even be bothered to glance at them. Now he was using them as bargaining chips to win her back.]
“Jaxon,” she took a deep breath, “some damage can’t be fixed with apologies. I don’t want to blame you for anything anymore–let’s just move on.“]
Ethan stepped forward and took her hand, their fingers interlocking. The moment Riley felt the warmth from his palm, she felt inexplicably at peace.[]
Jaxon stood there watching the perfectly matched couple, feeling like something was blocking his throat–he couldn’t make a sound.
He suddenly remembered last winter when Riley had stood waiting for him in the snow until frost formed on her eyelashes.[]
Karma sure came fast.]
The Georgia Southern University forum had a post titled #Campus Queen’s True Colors pinned to the front page.
The original poster had uploaded tons of chat logs and photos, detailing Sophia’s years of bullying:[]
Falsely accusing a deskmate of stealing in high school, causing the girl to become depressed and transfer schools.
Bed Warmes? Harvard Goddess) His Pirasure My Payback!
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Chapter 20
Putting laxatives in drinks for girls she didn’t like.[]
Organizing cliques to isolate students from poor families…]]
The most explosive part was a recording with Sophia’s shrill voice clearly audible: “That bookworm deserved to get shocked! If she hadn’t seduced Jaxon…“]]
The post instantly blew up across campus.[]
Former followers who’d stuck to Sophia quickly distanced themselves, with some even stepping forward to testify against her.
Overnight, the beloved campus queen became a pariah.[]
Sophia hid in her dorm, frantically calling Jaxon, but never got through.]
She smashed all her makeup and screamed hysterically: “It’s all that bitch Riley’s fault!“]
But this time, no one was there to agree with her.]]
At Harvard’s library, Riley stared at her computer screen, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.]
The afternoon encounter with Jaxon kept replaying in her mind–his red–rimmed eyes and trembling voice were like a thorn, making her restless and irritated.
“Drink something warm.‘
w
A cup of chamomile tea was placed on the desk. Ethan sat beside her and naturally took the mouse from her hand: “Let me handle this data processing.”
Riley held the warm cup, sneaking glances at his focused profile.
Ethan seemed to sense her gaze and turned with a slight smile: “What’s up?“]
“You… aren’t going to ask about this afternoon?” she said hesitantly.]]
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