Chapter 2

Olivia bragged confidently, "Isn't Alexander amazing? He's so popular with the girls. What do you think of him?"

I quickly denied any interest, replying timidly, "He's way out of my league. I'm sure Alexander only has eyes for you."

My comment hit the right note, and Olivia beamed with pleasure.

While Olivia was aware of Alexander's interest in her, she wasn't ready for a serious commitment.

Later, during the university's athletic event, she was meant to carry a flag, but stumbled on her gown and hurt her ankle. A sportsman from the team rushed her to the medical center.

That incident was supposed to lead to Alexander confessing his feelings for me out of envy.

However, I managed to injure my ankle first on the day of the sports event.

Despite the discomfort, I hobbled over to deliver Olivia's cosmetics bag to her.

Olivia showed no sympathy for my condition, instead criticizing my tardiness.

"You're so sluggish just bringing something over. If your foot's in pain, just endure it. What if you made us miss the procession?"

I bowed my head apologetically, acting completely submissive.

The muscular athlete appeared again: "Are you alright? Let me escort you to the infirmary."

I blushed and declined, insisting it wasn't necessary, but nearly lost my balance.

He still scooped me up, determined to take me for treatment.

Suddenly, we felt a chilly stare. I looked up to see Alexander.

Olivia called out enthusiastically, "Alexander, don't I look gorgeous today?"

But Alexander ignored her, focusing on me instead. "Put her down, I'll take her."

Olivia's expression soured immediately. "Alexander, I'm due in the parade soon. What are you doing?"

I hurriedly tried to diffuse the situation. "There's no need for you to take me, this guy can handle it. Don't disrupt Olivia's schedule."

At the infirmary, the nurse declared the injury quite severe and advised against walking for a while.

I expressed my gratitude to the athlete, learning his name was Ethan.

Ethan was about to depart but paused at the doorway.

"Um, could I have your number? In case you need any assistance later."

I observed his flushed ears, not quite comprehending his intentions.

Shortly after my arrival at the infirmary, word came that Olivia had fallen. Alexander personally escorted her in.

She was dressed in a flowing tulle gown, resembling a princess, with Alexander as her gallant protector.

Ethan returned with an ice pack, looking perplexed at the sight of the pair.

Olivia was wailing in agony, and the nurse recommended immediate icing.

She rudely gestured at Ethan, demanding he hand over the ice pack.

I meekly offered as usual, "Let Olivia have it first, I can wait for another one."

Ethan seemed irritated but complied.

"Then I'll help you back to your room first, and I'll get you one later."

"Lily, are you incapable of doing anything on your own? Must you always rely on others?" Alexander's tone was harsh, his words cutting.

Yet he took the ice pack and personally applied it to my swollen ankle.

Olivia watched in shock. "Alexander! I haven't even used it yet! How could you give it to her?"

Alexander paid her no attention, instead meeting my gaze. "Lily, don't you have feelings for me? Let's be together."

I used feigned surprise to mask the coldness in my eyes.

Alexander wouldn't fall for me so easily. He was primarily trying to provoke Olivia's jealousy.

I didn't agree immediately, stammering nervously: "I- I never said I had feelings for you."

I retreated to the dorm, where Olivia's attitude towards me changed dramatically.

She spoke with bitter sarcasm: "Well, well, I had no idea you were involved with Alexander. You're quite skilled, getting together with him. I suppose you've hit the jackpot now!"

I kept my gaze lowered, denying her accusations.

But Olivia persisted: "Stop the act! You must have feelings for Alexander, right? I've seen plenty of girls like you."

"Always trying to improve your social status, not knowing your place. Even if Alexander likes you, his family would never accept you!"

This was far from sufficient. My ambitions extended far beyond mere affection.