Chloe chuckled. “Sarah, you’re such a total bookworm.”
I smiled back. “Studying is how I’ll make a real difference in the world. What’s the point of dating? Besides, I’ve read some amazing books lately, I can recommend
them to you…”
The moment I brought up studying, their interest evaporated. They mumbled a few perfunctory replies, and I gratefully shut up, enjoying the quiet.
After that day, Jake stopped seeking me out.
I thought my life would finally return to normal, a peaceful college existence. But a few days later, Chloe called me. Her voice sounded strained.
“Sarah, can you come here?”
I frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Chloe’s voice was hesitant, almost stuttering. “I’m at the mall near campus. I’m feeling a bit unwell. Can you come pick me up?”
“What’s wrong with you?”
Chloe just kept insisting she felt sick, begging me to come get her. I didn’t understand why she’d call me, but she was my roommate, and Chloe rarely asked for my help. Fearing she was genuinely unwell and alone, I packed my things and headed over.
When I arrived at the designated restaurant, I saw Chloe sitting at a table. She wasn’t alone. Liam Sterling was sitting opposite her.
My face instantly went cold. “What is this? You said you were sick. Your boyfriend’s right across from you. Why didn’t you ask him for help?”
Chloe’s face fell. She stood up and tugged at my arm. “I’m sorry, Sarah, I lied. I was afraid you wouldn’t come out. We just wanted to invite you for dinner. Please, just
sit down.”
Annoyed, I pushed her hand away. “If you’re fine, I’m leaving.”
As I turned to walk away, Liam’s cold voice cut through the air. “What did you do to Jake? He’s a mess.”
I looked at Liam. “His mood has nothing to do with me. We’re not friends, and I’m not friends with any of you.” I glared at Chloe. “Don’t ever bother me again.”
I spun to leave, but Liam’s voice rose, sharp and commanding. “You dare walk away, Sarah! If you leave, I’ll tell Jake your secret.”
I stopped dead, a cold smirk playing on my lips. “What secret? Go on, tell him.”
Liam’s face was a mask of frustration. “You know it.”
“I know what? You’re making baseless accusations, just spouting rumors?”
Liam clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on me with intense frustration. “The Jake in Jake’s eyes is different from the Jake in ours.”
I burst out laughing, as if he’d told the most ridiculous joke. “Hahaha! Are you out of your mind? You’re completely unhinged. You should ask Jake about that, how would I know what he sees in me?”
I turned, the smile vanishing from my face the moment I walked away.
Chloe chased after me, her face pale as she stammered apologies. “I’m so sorry, Sarah. I don’t know what’s wrong with Liam. He forced me to call you out. It’s my fault, I’m so sorry.”
I ignored Chloe, but she grabbed my arm again. “Sarah, please forgive me, okay? Don’t ignore me.”
I frowned, looking at Chloe. “Do you even need me? You’re not exactly short on friends, especially ordinary ones like me.”
Chloe’s face stiffened, tears welling in her eyes. “Sarah, I genuinely want to be your friend.”
“Stop playing games,” retorted, my voice sharp. “Just say what you mean. If you don’t, we have nothing more to talk about.”
Chloe bit her lip, struggling for a moment, then finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper. “Liam is… he’s really focused on you. I really like him, but every time we’ve hung out, he just asks about you. If you don’t talk to me, he’ll definitely ignore me too…”
I froze, feeling utterly bewildered. “He’s like that, and you still like him?”
Chloe was on the verge of tears. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve liked a guy this much. Please, I’m begging you, help me.”
“Help you?” I scoffed, my voice cold. “Who’s going to help me?”
I pushed her hand away, turning and walking straight back into the restaurant, heading directly for Liam.
“If you let my roommate spy on me again, I’m calling the police.”
Chloe, rushing back, heard my words. Her mouth dropped open, her expression a mix of shock and panic.
Liam’s pupils constricted, his emotions a tangled mess. “Sarah, what are you talking about…!”
Chloe rushed over, trying to stop me, but I shook her off, my eyes icy. “Chloe, I’m telling you, if it weren’t for the fact that we’re roommates, I would have called the police already! I’m letting you off the hook this time, so just shut up.”
Chloe instantly deflated, unable to utter another word.
I turned back to Liam, my gaze unwavering. “Write me a handwritten promise. If you harass or spy on me again, if you violate my personal rights, I’ll make sure you spend a few nights in a cell.”
