Chapter 3

Back at the apartment, I started packing.

As I shoved our matching couple pajamas into my suitcase, my phone buzzed with a text from Lillian:

[Maya, ignore those idiots, they don't know anything! Don't let it get to you!]

I replied blandly: [I know.]

A second later, Ethan texted:

[Maya, I'll pretend you didn't say that in anger. Be good, stop throwing a fit.]

[Everything will be fine once the recruitment results are out.]

[I already booked plane tickets. I'm taking you on vacation to unwind.]

My hands froze on my clothes. I pressed my lips together.

Back during freshman year, Ethan had promised to take me on a trip. Over four years, he made excuse after excuse and never followed through.

I tapped open the flight confirmation.

My blood ran cold.

Austin.

A bustling, high-tech hub known for its futuristic skyline.

And the place where my worst nightmares lived.

I touched my hearing aid. My hands began to shake uncontrollably.

I absentmindedly opened Lillian's public Ins story.

[Campus recruitment secured! Someone lost our bet and has to take me on an epic trip to Austin, haha!]

The picture showed her pinching Ethan's chin while he laughed warmly beside her.

My heart shattered into a million pieces.

He didn't suddenly remember his promise to me.

Lillian wanted to go to Austin. He was merely bringing me along as an afterthought.

Looking closer at the photo, they were sitting in front of a lavish feast.

The comments below were overflowing:

[Is this official now?! You two look so good together!]

[Queen Lillian! Not only did you lock down our ex-president, but you also snatched the only tech offer!]

[When's the engagement party?]

The university group chat was equally wild:

[During the interview, Ethan personally recommended Lillian to the recruiters. He really can't stand being away from her, huh? Are they coming back from Austin with a marriage license?]

Someone dropped a video clip: [Honestly, they might as well be married already.]

I clicked on it.

In the video, Ethan was carefully peeling shrimp for Lillian, his smile soft and affectionate, his eyes entirely fixed on her.

[So gorgeous together! Total power couple!]

The thread ran for hundreds of comments.

Then someone brought me up, and the vibe soured instantly.

[I saw her earlier, clinging to Ethan's sleeve begging him to find her hearing aids. Why does she dump all her drama on him?]

[Saw that too! She actually claimed they needed to 'break up'... Gross. Does Ethan even know who she is?]

[Lillian is way too sweet. If my best friend kept leeching off me and fantasizing about my man, I would've dropped her years ago!]

They mocked me openly, completely forgetting I was in the SnapChat group.

Or maybe they knew, and simply didn't care.

I stared at the screen as a drop of water blurred the cruel words.

When did I become such an outcast?

Was it when I needed his signature on a club form, and he forced me to submit it through three different departments just to "avoid suspicion"?

Was it at the annual gala, when he posed for photos with Lillian while pushing me into the dark corner of the room?

Or was it every single time he shrugged indifferently whenever I told him people were isolating me?

We were the ones dating. Why was I forced to live like a shameful secret?

Staring at the messages ridiculing me for daring to compete against Lillian, I took a deep breath and typed:

[Ethan and I have been dating for four years. We broke up today. From now on, we have zero connection. Don't mention me with him again.]

Without waiting for the inevitable explosion of insults, I left the group.

Then I opened the chat with my academic advisor and sent a message:

[Professor, regarding the overseas research job you mentioned... I accept.]