Chapter 1
After the game, my boyfriend held the championship trophy and publicly declared his love. The girl? My rival roommate.
Seeing my face turn ashen, Liam Harrison didn’t even bat an eye.
“It was just a bet. What’s the big deal?”
“Worst case, you can just have someone declare their love for you, too. We’ll call it even?”
He was so sure I’d never do something like that, and no one around dared to cross him by showing me any interest.
But then, his sworn enemy walked towards me.
He held his individual achievement trophy out to me, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
“Daisy Miller, I’ve always liked you.”
“Would you be willing to finally look at me, and be my girlfriend?”
I finally took the trophy, nodding emphatically.
That night, Liam Harrison went absolutely insane trying to find me.
The whistle blew.
The host excitedly announced, “Congratulations to the Engineering team for defeating the Athletics team 4-3 and winning this year’s championship!”
During the awards ceremony, the stands erupted in cheers.
I unclenched my clasped hands.
Our university had sent two powerhouse teams to the state championships, and they swept both the championship and runner-up titles. For us, the state tournament practically felt like an internal practice match, a given.
Normally, the Athletics team was way ahead.
This time, the Engineering team finally held their heads high, and their captain, Liam Harrison, was openly weeping tears of joy.
Then, he walked towards the stands, holding the trophy high.
Sitting in the front row, my heart began to pound rapidly.
“Daisy,”
“I’ll propose to you when I lift the trophy.”
Liam’s promise, made over dinner with both our families during the holidays, still echoed in my ears.
I'd asked him why he thought of that, and he'd answered candidly.
“My desire to win this trophy is as strong as my desire to marry you. It means everything.”
Indeed, the Athletics team captain, Cole Sterling, had been his sworn enemy since childhood.
They were equally matched in family background and looks, but while Liam was more well-known in social circles, when it came to actual skill and campus popularity, Cole was superior.
At that moment, a rush of warmth surged through me, and tiny beads of sweat formed on my palms.
Nervousness, anticipation, and excitement intertwined, making my heart feel like it would burst from my chest.
Clutching my skirt, I even felt a little grateful.
I looked pretty today.
Every time Liam had a game, I’d dress up carefully to watch, wishing from the stands for him to win.
I didn’t dare stare too openly, so I just sat quietly in the stands, waiting.
His tall figure knelt down, poised for what I’d hoped would be a proposal.
I awkwardly lowered my head, waiting for one of the most important moments of my life to arrive.
But his voice came from beside me instead:
“Chloe, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend?”
It wasn’t me…
It was Chloe Davis.
My roommate, the one I never got along with.
How could it be her?
My heart instantly ripped open.
A sudden blow landed squarely on my head. My mind was filled with static, and my vision blurred.
I felt like I’d been slapped in public. All my anticipation shattered, my body trembled uncontrollably, and my spirits plummeted into an icy abyss.
My broken heart bled, making it impossible to maintain even basic composure.
“Say yes…”
Cheers and catcalls erupted around us, non-stop.
Chloe feigned surprise as she took the trophy, glancing at me. But I caught the quick, undeniable glint of triumph in her eyes.
Liam slowly stood up, clicking his tongue. “Alright, that’s enough. Doesn’t a girl need some face? Stop all this shouting.”
You cared about her reputation.
What about mine?
My heart pulsed, bleeding in rhythmic throbs, and I couldn't stop shivering.
“Daisy?”
Finally noticing me standing beside him, Liam frowned in displeasure. “Are you crying?”
“It was just a bet. What’s the big deal?”
Chloe, on one side, pretended to turn and look at me.
“Oh, Daisy, I’m so sorry. Please don’t be mad. I was going to tell you tonight… but it was hard to bring up, since it was just their team’s bet. Liam will explain it to you later, okay? Please don’t let this affect your relationship with him.”
I searched her face for a hint of guilt. There was none.
My lips twitched, my voice trembling. “Really?”
Liam shrugged carelessly. “Anyway, I told you it was just a bet.”
I suddenly remembered Chloe’s deliberate effort to dress up today, and how, for the first time, she’d been nice to me, coming to the game together.
That was it. It was a bet designed to humiliate me, and everyone was waiting to watch the show.
What was there to explain?
Liam’s indifferent attitude made everyone around him look down on me, too.
One of his teammates couldn’t help but say, “It really was just a bet, Daisy. Don’t be a sore loser.”
Others quickly chimed in.
“Come on, Daisy, don’t ruin the fun for everyone.”
“We finally won for once. It’s just a joke, let’s have some fun.”
It was as if my not agreeing with them now would make me a huge party pooper.
But did I deserve to endure their cruel games?
Chloe hurriedly handed the trophy to me. Its golden, shiny surface reflected my humiliated face.
She pretended to comfort me, “Daisy, don’t be mad. You can hold the trophy.”
Then she gave Liam a coy look, softly complaining, “How could you be like this…?”
Their interaction was clearly familiar and close.
Liam knew perfectly well that Chloe and I didn't get along.
Yet he was secretly interacting with her behind my back.
This time, it truly disgusted me.
I threw the trophy away, my voice choked, but my chin held high. “Liam Harrison, we’re over.”
**截断点**
Chapter