Chapter 3

3

The school anniversary was a big deal.

Zach arrived early.

As a famous pianist, he was naturally the center of attention.

When I arrived, everyone was singing his praises.

"Zach, you're literally the face of the school now!"

"I heard you're the keynote speaker. That's incredible. Who knew you'd become such a star?"

"We'll have to pay for tickets just to see you soon."

"By the way, how did you and Whitney end up together?"

"Yeah, isn't Whitney's family super loaded?"

Zach gave a humble smile.

"We're childhood sweethearts. It just felt right."

Then, someone mentioned me.

"What ever happened with you and Harper? You two were so close. Why did you stop talking?"

"Yeah, you even moved seats back then."

Zach's brow furrowed, his expression turning cold.

It reminded him of a humiliating moment, both in this life and the last.

"Because she's a snitch."

Everyone there was smart enough to get the hint.

They didn't need to ask for details to guess what he meant.

I walked over as if I hadn't heard a thing.

I gave a casual greeting.

"Wait, is that our class president?"

"You're still as stunning as ever after all these years."

"Give us a hug!"

"Why is your dress so baggy? It doesn't fit at all."

I hugged my old classmates.

I gave them some polite, empty smiles.

When my eyes met Zach's, he flashed me a mocking grin.

He was wearing a white tuxedo that fit his lean frame perfectly.

Whitney was clinging to his waist.

They looked like the perfect power couple.

Then there was me, wearing an oversized gown that felt completely out of place.

But I didn't care.

I nodded at him and went back to chatting with the people around me.

"Hey, do you guys know Parker Finn? He was in the other class, the same as Whitney."

"The billionaire heir? The one who's insanely handsome?"

"Yeah! I heard he's also a guest speaker. Apparently, he's a piano prodigy!"

"Really? He's coming? I thought rich guys like him were too busy for this."

"I can't wait to see what he looks like now."

They kept gossiping.

I checked my phone. There was still a long time before the ceremony started.

I decided to head to the restroom to wash my hands.

When I came out, Zach was standing there.

I stepped aside, thinking he needed to use the bathroom.

But he blocked my path.

"Harper, it's been so long. Don't tell me you still have nothing to show for your research?"

I knew exactly what he was implying.

My gaze was ice-cold: "That's none of your business."

"Tsk. What's the point of good grades? You're just working for someone else in the end."

"And picking up trash? You've really hit rock bottom."

"Don't you find it disgusting?"

He waved his hand in front of his nose, as if I smelled like garbage.

"I'm fine with it."

Zach grit his teeth.

"Then go ahead and pick up trash for the rest of your life!"

He turned on his polished leather shoes and started to walk away.

But halfway there, he spun back around.

"I know you still love me, just like you used to. But I don't feel the same way."

"Even if you pretend, I know you can't forget me."

Forget him?

I thought about my past life.

I really did love him back then. I did everything for him.

When he asked me to marry him, I was genuinely happy.

But back then, the lab was incredibly busy.

We had a massive fight because I didn't have time for him.

He smashed things like a madman.

Afterward, he told me it was because he felt insecure.

Looking back, it wasn't insecurity.

He just wanted an excuse to torment me.