Chapter 2

I followed the standard process for SAT preparation and college applications. When the results came out, I was thrilled to be accepted into Stanford University's School of Business.

The summer flew by, and on the first day of school, my butler James packed my luggage and drove me to campus.

Halfway there, I spotted a familiar figure on the roadside, and my heart began to race.

Ethan had been deliberately avoiding me lately, and we hadn't seen each other for weeks.

I never expected our next encounter would be on the way to college move-in day.

Under the scorching summer sun, Ethan was dragging two large suitcases, one in each hand. Olivia had her arm linked through his, holding a parasol to shield them both from the sun.

They walked along, chatting and laughing, as if they were the only two people in the world.

Olivia had been offered early admission to Stanford thanks to her Science Innovation Award, while Ethan had secured an athletic scholarship for swimming.

They would be inseparable throughout their four years of college life!

I felt a lump in my throat and quickly asked the driver to speed up. I couldn't bear to watch their intimate scene any longer.

Upon arriving at the dorm, I was hit with another shock - the name list on the door showed that Olivia and I had been assigned to the same room.

At this point, all I could do was try to stay calm and tell myself I'd find a way to request a room change later.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed that James had finished unpacking my things and was signaling that he needed to leave. I nodded blankly and muttered thanks, then noticed Ethan and Olivia appearing in the doorway.

Ethan's gaze sweeps over my face without lingering, and he immediately starts arranging Olivia's bed.

He busied himself smoothing the sheets and plumping the pillows, like a considerate boyfriend.

Olivia watches smugly as Ethan bustles about for her, then pulls out some iced drinks from her bag and hands them to her roommates.

"It's so hot out, have a cool drink to beat the heat," she says with a dazzling smile.

The roommates accept the drinks and enthusiastically chat with Olivia.

"Your boyfriend is so good to you, I'm so jealous!"

"He's not just handsome but so thoughtful too, he's the perfect boyfriend!" the roommates exclaim admiringly.

Olivia's cheeks flush as she glances at Ethan, still busy working, and giggles behind her hand.

Ethan pauses briefly but doesn't correct the roommates' misunderstanding, essentially confirming their relationship.

I feel like my heart is being stabbed, my ears ringing, as the whole world starts to feel unreal.

By noon, Ethan has finally finished setting everything up for Olivia.

Olivia enthusiastically calls out to everyone, "Ethan and I would like to treat you all to lunch today, to celebrate getting to know each other."The roommates erupted in cheers. Olivia's gaze fell on me as she asked with deliberate concern:

"Sophia, you've had a scowl on your face since we walked in, not even saying hello. Just tell us what you'd like to eat. I'll go with whatever you decide."

I shook my head, responding weakly, "No need. I'm not going."

My roommates asked curiously:

"You two know each other?"

"Why does it feel so awkward between you?"

Ethan coldly interjected, "Because this little princess thinks she's too good for us common folk. Can't be bothered to associate with us."

He patted Olivia's shoulder. "You're too kind, still wanting to invite her to lunch. Meanwhile, when she saw us walking in the scorching sun from her fancy car, she couldn't even be bothered to stop and offer us a ride. You treat her like a friend, she treats you like a stray dog. Not worth it!"

With that, Ethan pulled Olivia towards the door. The other two roommates shot me looks of disdain before following them out.

Left alone in the dorm room, I felt as if I'd been plunged into an icy abyss. The bright college life I had just been dreaming of had turned into a nightmare on the very first day.