Chapter 87
Linda’s expression softened as she met his eyes, though the tension in her tone was unmistakable.
“I’m only doing this for your own good. Look at you…” Her words trailed off, but she quickly caught herself, taking a deep breath as she forced a kinder expression onto her face.
“Ryan, it hurts me more than you know to see you in pain. I just want you to be safe and happy. I’d do anything for you, you know that. Why can’t you understand?”
Ryan’s initial annoyance faded as her words sunk in. Guilt flickered across his face as he spoke softly, “Linda, I didn’t mean… I didn’t think about it like that…”
Linda sighed deeply, her gaze turning cold and distant. “If you don’t make things right with Sophia, then maybe it’s best we go our separate ways.
Without waiting for his response, Linda turned sharply and strode off, leaving Ryan standing in stunned silence, her words echoing in his mind.
As their conversation drifted toward me, I tried to stay focused on my book, keeping my head down
to avoid their emotional whirlwind.
But I could feel Ryan’s gaze burning into me, and soon enough, he was storming over.
“Did you say something to her?” he demanded, his tone harsh and accusing.
I looked up, feigning innocence as I met his glare. “How could this possibly have anything to do with me?” I shot back, my tone casual. “You’re the one who got dumped.”
Ryan opened his mouth to retort, but then his expression shifted as he realized I hadn’t actually done anything to interfere.
After a long moment, he muttered something under his breath and walked off, seemingly defeated.
The rest of the day, Linda was busy with her own matters, brushing off Ryan’s attempts to reconnect. With each failed attempt, his enthusiasm waned, replaced by a simmering frustration that soon turned in my direction.
Ryan suddenly approached me, his face set with determination. “I’m coming home with you this afternoon,” he announced, his tone making it clear he wasn’t asking but demanding.
Iscoffed, rolling my eyes. “Since when do you have any say in where I go ou
the bus if you’re so desperate.”
A flash of irritation crossed his face at my blunt rejection, but he wasn’t about to back down so easily. He spent the rest of the afternoon pestering me, trying to provoke some sort of reaction.
At one point. I nodded off during study time, only to wake up and find him draping his jacket over
- me.
Once, that might’ve made my heart race, but now, I simply shrugged it off, handing it back without a
word.
As school came to an end, Ryan suddenly handed me a photograph in front of everyone. I took it, reluctantly glancing at the image.
The photo captured me walking across campus, sunlight casting a soft glow that almost made me look serene, beautiful even.
The background showcased the school gardens in full bloom, enhancing the picture’s natural beauty.”
It would have been a lovely photo, except that it came from Ryan, the last person I wanted capturing moments of my life.
The class burst into whispers, some admiring the photo, others shooting me questioning looks.
I looked at the picture again, and then, without a second thought, tore it right down the middle in front of everyone.
Ryan’s face fell, disbelief mingling with frustration. He didn’t expect me to humiliate him like this, not in front of so many people.
The whispers
whispers around us grew louder, fueled by the rumors of Ryan’s recent issues with both Linda and me. It seemed the once–admired “campus god,” who had a long line of admirers, was now facing rejection left and right.
Finally, the day ended, and I made my way to the car to head home.
As I arrived, I spotted Lirian standing near the gate, waiting for me. A smile tugged at my lips, seeing
him there.
Why are you here?” I asked, approaching him. “Are you all healed up?”
Lirian’s gaze was soft as he looked at me. “I missed you,” he said, his voice a deep rumble. “And yes, I should be well enough to return to school tomorrow.”
Over the past few days, Lirian had been helping me with my studies, his insight and calm demeanor
a much–needed contrast to the recent drama.
I nodded, gesturing for him to wait. “Head to the study. I’ll be there in a minute after I change.”
Just as I turned to go, a sharp voice called out from behind me. “Sophia, did you invite him over?” Ryan’s voice dripped with resentment.
