Chapter 3

The next day, I took my new application form to school to get it signed.

Watching that bright red mark, signifying my departure, being firmly stamped on the paper, my heart suddenly felt empty for a moment.

After a brief愣怔 moment, someone blocked my path.

Liam Thorne frowned slightly.

“Aria, you changed your front door password?”

“I went to your place right after dropping Chloe off yesterday, but the door wouldn’t open…”

I cut him off, concisely. “Yeah, I changed it.”

He seemed displeased, as if nothing had happened, and asked intimately, “What’s the new password? So I can come to your place and take care of you.”

I said calmly, “No need. I won’t be living here after I transfer.”

Liam looked at the folded application form in my hand, as if suddenly remembering. “Oh, I completely forgot about that.”

“Aria, don’t worry, I’ll come get mine signed tomorrow.”

Such casual chats, walking side-by-side with Liam, had become increasingly rare since Chloe transferred to our school.

I closed my eyes, indulging in a moment of reluctance, then tentatively said,

“Between us, what’s there to worry about?”

Liam was silent for a long time, then abruptly spoke. “Aria, actually, I…”

Chloe suddenly appeared behind Liam, carrying a stack of notebooks. She complained to him affectionately,

“Liam, didn’t you say you’d help me with my tutoring? Why did you suddenly disappear?”

Saying this, she handed Liam the notes.

“I saw your study plan goes out two months, so I prepared the corresponding study materials.”

She winked playfully. “Liam, you won’t mind me peeking, will you?”

“Of course not…” Liam’s smile was strained. He nervously glanced at me.

Seeing no reaction from me, a faint look of disappointment crossed his face.

So, while pushing me away, you were already planning a future with someone else.

Just a future that never included me.

I tried my best to maintain a dignified composure, but deep inside, a bitter taste spread like a rich wine.

I squeezed my palm, forcing myself to clear my head. “You two chat. I’m leaving.”

Chloe feigned surprise, acting as if she had just noticed me, as if I had startled her. “Ar-Aria…”

“Are you upset because Liam and I are studying together?”

“But I come from a modest background, not like you with all your resources…”

As she spoke, she started to sniffle again.

I didn’t want to play along with her act, so I said coldly, “Move.”

The sparse guilt in Liam’s eyes vanished. He grabbed my wrist, his voice laced with anger.

“Aria Blackwood, what kind of tone is that?”

Without another word, he dragged me in front of Chloe and yelled, “Apologize to Chloe!”

The last sanctuary in my heart silently crumbled into desolate rubble.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I raised my hand and slapped Liam Thorne hard.

“Liam Thorne, the one who should be apologizing is you.”

“But not to Chloe Davis. To me.”