Chapter 3

Alexander began actively pursuing me. He'd fetch me for classes each morning, join me for lunch, and suggest evening strolls together.

My injured foot prevented me from doing tasks for Olivia. Our dorm mates shunned us both, leading her to move off-campus.

Over time, it appeared to others that I had genuinely fallen for Alexander.

I'd redden at the sight of him, present him with small homemade gifts, and even share food from my part-time work.

I'd text him morning and night greetings, sharing my daily experiences regardless of his responses.

I discarded my bulky spectacles, let my hair grow, and though my attire remained simple, I could pass for attractive when I gazed in the mirror.

Gradually, I noticed Alexander's perception of me shifting.

He'd intentionally come close to make me blush, and kiss me beneath an umbrella on rainy days.

We gave the impression of being a genuine couple.

Until Olivia, in a drunken state, barged into the dorm, spilling my ramen.

I dodged swiftly, but she scalded her own wrist. Despite shaking it off immediately, it left a red mark.

She glowered at me, seething, "Lily Parker, I considered you a friend, but you lured Alexander away. Have you no shame?"

I maintained my naive facade: "Lured? Were you two an item before?"

Olivia suddenly fell silent, then menacingly pointed at me: "Just wait. You truly believe Alexander would fall for you? He's merely toying with you."

I was toying with him too, and I'd already achieved my goal. Breaking up wasn't a concern.

As expected, Alexander came to reprimand me on her behalf.

Just as in my previous life, he pulled me into a private room, filled with his wealthy companions.

Alexander instructed me to apologize: "Be reasonable. Olivia's never been injured before, and she got burned because of you."

Olivia crossed her arms smugly, scoffing: "Have her apologize? I wouldn't dare. She's Alexander Mitchell's girlfriend after all."

Alexander looked somewhat irritated, teasing her: "You're still jealous about that? Weren't you the one who introduced her to me?"

Olivia gestured towards a line of alcohol bottles: "Fine, if you sincerely want to apologize, drink all of these and I'll forgive you."

Alexander didn't object, personally handing me a glass.

"A whole row is excessive. Just one glass."

I took the glass, but with a quick motion, spilled the liquid on the floor.

"I won't consume a single drop."

In my past life, no matter how I tried to explain, all I received was ridicule.

They were indifferent to the truth, only wanting to mock me.

I was the ugly duckling, the failure, someone beneath their social standing.

I was forced to drink an entire row of shots, ending up vomiting right there.

Olivia covered her nose, while Alexander disgustedly had someone remove me.

This time, after pouring out the drink, I slammed the glass on the table.

With a loud clatter, I explained just once: "You got burned because you deliberately spilled my ramen. You brought it upon yourself."

Olivia leapt up angrily, pointing and yelling: "How dare you say I deserved it! Weren't you always so meek? Finally revealing your true nature, huh? I knew you were a manipulative schemer all along!"

"I'm warning you, if you don't drink this whole row of shots and apologize today, I'll have you expelled tomorrow!"

Alexander frowned, looking at me disapprovingly.

"Lily, did you forget what I said? It's just an apology, why be so difficult?"

I gave a slightly mocking smile: "I did nothing wrong, so I won't apologize."

Alexander didn't expect me to be so unyielding today. He grasped my wrist, staring at me.

"What if I insist you apologize to her?"

I clenched my teeth and shook off his hand: "Then let's end our relationship."