Chapter 3

3.

The Met Gala was New York’s most expensive social game.

The air was thick with the scent of champagne, jewels, and fake compliments. I wore a cheap, rented dress and stood in a corner like a speck of dust.

Julian was the sun; everyone orbited around him. Genevieve was at his side, glowing like a radiant pearl.

Her socialite friends surrounded her, making sharp, high-pitched comments.

"Oh, darling, that ruby is stunning. Did Julian give it to you?"

Genevieve tilted her chin up. "Of course. It’s a Thorne family heirloom. Only for the future lady of the house."

I squeezed my folder, my nails digging into my palms.

I had seen that ruby in Julian’s study once. I had been foolish enough to think it was a graduation gift for me.

Vance, you're pathetic. What were you even expecting?

Midway through the gala, Julian’s mother, Eleanor, took the stage. She was an imposing woman with every silver hair perfectly in place.

"Tonight, I have a special announcement," she said warmly to Julian and Genevieve. "The St. Claire and Thorne families will officially unite next month."

Thunderous applause broke out. Cameras flashed wildly. Julian didn't refuse; he even politely kissed Genevieve on the cheek.

My stomach churned. I turned to leave this suffocating place and accidentally bumped into a waiter carrying red wine.

The wine spilled onto my dress and a nearby expensive rug.

Genevieve’s friend spotted me and shrieked. "Oh my god! Isn't that Professor Thorne’s ‘inseparable’ little student? How can you be so clumsy?"

Everyone’s eyes landed on me, full of mockery and disgust.

"Is someone like you even allowed in here?" Genevieve walked over, holding her nose. "Julian, your assistant is so uncultured. How could such a low-class mistake happen here?"

Julian walked over. His eyes were like ice, not lingering on me for more than a second.

"Elara, you shouldn't be here. Go to the back, clean up, and leave immediately."

His voice held no warmth, sounding like he was hiding his disgust.

I heard my heart break. It was a clean, sharp snap.

I didn't cry. Instead, I became very calm.

"Yes, Professor Thorne," I replied quietly. "I’ll leave your world now."

I pushed through the crowd, ignored the whispers, and walked out of the museum. The air outside was freezing, enough to wake me up.

I went back to the expensive apartment and started packing. I took off the designer dresses he had bought and threw them on the floor. I took off the Cartier bracelet and dropped it into the trash.

I dialed the number I had been afraid to call.

"Professor Thorne, I quit. Right now."

There was a long silence on the other end, then his voice came through, sounding annoyed. "Elara, what are you doing? If it’s about Genevieve, I can compensate you."

"Compensate?" I laughed until tears came out. "Do you think money can buy back my dignity? Or the humiliation from that lecture hall?"

"The sampling is over, Julian. Your ‘experimental subject’ is going back to her slums."

I hung up and threw the SIM card into the drain.

I took my few old clothes and moved out of that golden cage. I knew if I didn't leave now, I’d be a ghost forever.

My four-year crush and my three months of surrender ended right there.

I didn't want to be the thirsty student anymore. I wanted to be Elara Vance―a free soul.