Chapter 2

My first instinct was to pack my laptop and leave. I wanted zero drama with him.

Tristan moved faster, slamming his hand down on my textbook. He narrowed his eyes, staring me down. "Are you avoiding me? Why?"

He leaned in closer, studying every inch of my expression. "Are you mad? Because of Serena?"

I shook my head and answered evenly, "Not mad at all. I'm actually happy for you. Lovers finally finding their way to each other."

A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed his eyes, as if he hated how calm I was.

"Is that the truth? Or are you just throwing a tantrum?"

He scoffed coldly:

"Chloe, don't tell me you still can't let me go. At the freshman formal, you had a few drinks and secretly kissed my cheek—did you really think I didn't know?"

"All those little thoughts hidden in your journal over the years... that password-protected folder on your laptop filled with my photos and academic papers? I’ve seen every single bit of it."

"You thought you hid it so well, but the affection in your eyes was blinding. Who in the entire Student Council couldn't tell you were hopelessly in love with me?"

"Never confessing to my face was the smartest decision of your pathetic life, because I honestly would have laughed right in your face!"

"Laughed at how drastically you overestimated your own worth."

He let out an arrogant laugh, snatched my tote bag, pulled out my notebook, and ripped it to shreds.

Tristan grabbed a handful of printed journal pages, scattered them across the library floor, and ground his leather shoe into the paper:

"Chloe, I brought you into the council freshman year and personally built you up to where you are. And this is where you put your focus? You knew damn well my heart belongs only to Serena, yet you secretly hoarded these pathetic fantasies!"

"Do you have any idea how disgusting you make me feel?"

My chest constricted sharply, a dull, familiar ache stabbing at my heart.

I hadn't expected him to drag out my private past feelings like this, stepping on them like worthless trash.

He leaned down close to my ear and whispered venomously:

"I came here to tell you: last night, after I drank that glass and saw the way you looked at me, I knew you wanted to offer yourself up as my cure!"

"Lucky for you, you had enough shame to step back. Otherwise, I would've been disgusted for the rest of my life. Because a girl like you isn't worthy!"

Even though I no longer loved him in this life, hearing such callous cruelty still left a bitter taste.

"Tristan, don't worry. I have zero feelings for you," I said, taking a slow breath as I knelt down, picking up the torn pages one by one.

Surprise flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by a haughty sneer.

"You'd better mean what you say."

He threw out another warning, telling me to stay far away from him so Serena wouldn't get the wrong idea, then stormed off.

I didn't care to be an eyesore to them anyway. I already had paperwork to finalize for an overseas exchange program. After tidying up, I left campus.

That night, I waited until almost ten to return to the council office to grab my belongings.

The moment I stepped inside, something felt off. The official recommendation letter on my desk for the prestigious exchange program was gone.

Opening Instagram, I saw Serena had just posted a screenshot of the exchange acceptance.

Her caption read: 'Just casually mentioned I wanted to study in Europe, and he gave the spot to me instantly. Having a capable, attentive boyfriend really changes everything!'

She stole my exchange spot.

That was an exclusive departmental incentive, prioritized for the director who managed all annual reports—which was me.

As president, Tristan had the final signature. Knowing full well it was designated for me, he handed it to Serena on a silver platter.

Hearing me come in, Tristan leaned against my office doorframe, his tone completely careless. "Serena wanted to go abroad, so I transferred your spot to her. With your GPA, you can just apply again on your own."

I didn't even look up. A simple "Okay" was my only response.

Tristan's brows pulled together as he glared at me.

"Chloe, aren't you the one who hates seeing me treat anyone else well? Why aren't you throwing a fit?"

"Are you secretly plotting something behind our backs?"

"Let me make this clear: if you dare mess with Serena, I'll kick you out of the council before you can blink!"

I finally lifted my eyes, meeting his gaze coldly. "I'm not trying to mess with anyone. In fact, I'd appreciate it if everyone left me alone."

"Besides, haven't you always demanded that I remain strictly professional? You should be thrilled to see me acting this way, shouldn't you?"

Tristan pressed his lips tightly together, his ego clearly bruised. "Fine! Chloe, just fine!"

He slammed the door and walked away. Every time he used that tone, it meant he was furious.

Too bad I had zero interest in placating him ever again.

Whether he was pissed off or not meant nothing to me. I was leaving soon anyway.

Aside from the council recommendation, I had already secured an elite fellowship abroad through an international competition.

He was right about one thing: I never needed his favor to get what I wanted.