Chapter 2

2.

That day ended in a nasty fight, and every student who hated us took the chance to kick me while I was down.

Gold digger, thirsty, manipulative―every foul word was hurled my way.

I was treated like garbage.

For the next week, I didn't reach out to Zane at all.

Finally, Sonny acted as the peacemaker and tricked us both into meeting up.

Seeing Zane, my first instinct was to run.

But he had apparently cooled off and blocked my path with a smile.

Whether I liked it or not, he pulled me into his arms in front of all his friends.

"Stop being mad. I know I messed up."

As I tried to pull away, something cold touched my neck.

"A late Valentine's gift. I made it myself. It's a set with the star necklace you gave me."

Hearing his gentle tone and seeing the exquisite gift, my heart softened.

Once my anger faded, I was willing to talk.

I pulled up the news leaks and Sutton's social media posts to demand an answer.

"You said you were just partners. Do business partners need to be that physically intimate?"

Zane hugged me from behind and looked at the phone.

"It's a huge misunderstanding. She said her earrings looked uneven and asked me to check so she wouldn't embarrass herself in front of the press.

"I didn't even touch her! You know I'm nearsighted, I just leaned in for a second."

A smile was already creeping onto my face, but I kept pushing. "What about the photo? You lied about a meeting and went to dinner with her."

Zane turned me around, cupped my face, and kissed my forehead.

"Baby, I swear, the client changed the meeting time last minute. Sutton said her stomach hurt because she hadn't eaten all day, so she dragged me along."

I swatted his hand away, though I couldn't stop grinning.

Just as I was about to warn him, Sutton walked through the door.

Her eyes were red as she walked straight toward me.

"Sonny told me you guys were fighting because of me, so I rushed over. Laina, Zane and I are just friends despite the engagement.

"If it really bothers you, I can ask my dad to call it off with Mr. Gables. I'll leave the country so I'm out of your way."

It was raining outside, and she was soaked.

After saying that, a couple of tears rolled down her cheeks as she turned to leave.

I clearly saw a flash of pity in Zane's eyes.

He let go of me and rushed after her.

Right in front of me, he wiped the raindrops off her face without any hesitation.

His friends started whispering, looking at me with disdain.

They were judging me, saying I was a bully.

Sutton shot me a timid, fearful look.

At that moment, I truly felt like I was the one who should leave.

That night, I barely ate anything before claiming I felt sick.

I thought Zane would stay to take care of the fragile Sutton, but he chased me into the rain.

He pulled me into a nearby coffee shop, put a hot drink in my hands, and wrapped me in a towel he had just bought.

"Laina, don't be mad. Sutton's family is very strict. If she really asks her dad to break the engagement, she'll be punished.

"I only see her as a younger sister, so I look out for her a bit more.

"Don't overthink it. You're the only one I want."

Seeing me shiver, he held me tight, rubbing my hands to warm them up.

Despite my internal struggle, his meticulous care made me decide to trust him one last time.

But he eventually betrayed that trust.

After that day, Sutton stayed by Zane's side quite openly.

They talked about business and jewelry designs, looking like a power couple.

Not just the students, but even I began to think they were together.

Sutton eventually confronted me with the attitude of a victor.

"Laina, if Zane can see me as a sister now, he can see me as a lover later. Just you wait."

I couldn't find the words to fire back as she walked away with a triumphant smirk.