Chapter 3
857words
But whenever I spotted Kane around campus those days—haggard, with dark circles and distracted eyes—I felt a strange satisfaction.
There was an oddly gratifying sense of revenge. Karma's a bitch, isn't it, Kane?
I was determined not to let Kane Lyons ruin my college experience, so I treated that night like a bad hangover—unfortunate but temporary.
In the following days, I threw myself into college life. I joined the poetry club where I met Jeffrey, a charming junior with perfect hair and a dazzling smile.
Jeffrey was everything Kane wasn't. Not only was he handsome and gentle, but he was also incredibly attentive to me. Whenever I stumbled over my words during club readings, he would offer gentle encouragement.
We even started studying together at the library, our heads bent close over shared books.
I glanced at Jeffrey sitting beside me: mature and handsome with gold-rimmed glasses perched on his perfect nose, like a protagonist straight out of a romance novel.
Jeffrey caught my gaze and smiled warmly at me. I quickly turned away, my cheeks heating up.
After leaving the library, Jeffrey touched my arm lightly. "Lucy, I'm having a small get-together with friends this weekend, just some like-minded students. Would you like to come?" His tone was gentle, with a hint of barely detectable anticipation. "I think you might enjoy the atmosphere."
My heart skipped a beat. Was this... a date invitation? Blushing, I lowered my head slightly. "S-sure, I'd love to."
Jeffrey smiled warmly. "That's great. I've wanted to ask you for a while but was worried you might say no. I'm so glad you agreed."
My whole body warmed at his words, that delighted "That's great" lingering in my ears like a sweet melody.
On Saturday evening, I spent an hour getting ready, trying on five different outfits before meeting Jeffrey at the school entrance.
He wore a loose button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, looking more casual than usual and somehow even more handsome.
"You look beautiful, Lucy," Jeffrey said, his eyes lingering appreciatively.
I felt like I was floating on air. Jeffrey was truly my perfect crush.
I followed him to a private apartment off campus. When the door opened, soft lighting and gentle jazz music greeted us—indeed, the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant as he'd described.
I sighed with relief and smiled as I followed him into the stylishly decorated living room.
"Hey! Jeffrey, is this the cute freshman you've been talking about?"
"Yes, let me introduce everyone—this is Lucy Leahy, a freshman in the poetry club—"
I looked up, about to respond with a polite, shy smile, when my gaze locked onto a figure lounging in the center of the sofa—
Kane Lyons.
He was sprawled lazily on the couch, somehow commanding attention even among the crowd. He saw me too, his gaze snapping to mine like a magnet finding north.
The relaxed expression on his face instantly vanished, his jaw tightening. The dark circles under his eyes seemed even more pronounced in the dim lighting, giving him a dangerous edge.
I felt all the blood drain from my face, my hands and feet turning to ice. How could I run into this jerk here too?
Jeffrey noticed my reaction. "What's wrong? Do you know Kane?"
I forced a smile, lying through my teeth: "N-no, I don't."
Jeffrey smiled. "Kane Lyons is our campus celebrity. Star basketball player."
"Heh." I laughed dryly.
Jeffrey introduced me to his friends one by one, but their names went in one ear and out the other. My mind was completely occupied with Kane Lyons' presence.
The party kicked off, with everyone watching movies, playing drinking games, and chatting.
Jeffrey hovered around me for a while before joining his friends for drinks. The moment he left, Kane dropped onto the couch beside me.
My heart rate involuntarily skyrocketed.
"You've got some nerve," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
I pretended to be fascinated by my drink.
Kane took a swig of his beer and continued casually: "I'd advise you not to be so naive. You're way out of your depth with Jeffrey."
Anger surged through me like wildfire. I turned to face him. "What? Are you jealous? Jeffrey is genuinely gentlemanly and considerate, treating people with respect—unlike someone I know who's completely two-faced."
Kane sat up straight, his eyes flashing. "You— Lucy, have you lost your damn mind?"
I laughed coldly, turning away from him.
"Fine. For the sake of our history, consider this a warning. Don't come crying to me when you get hurt." With that, Kane put down his glass with a thud, grabbed his jacket, started to get up but sat back down. "Come with me."
He commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
"Why the hell should I go anywhere with you?"
Kane glared at me, jaw clenched. "Fine. Have it your way, Lucy." With that, he stood up and stormed out of the party.
For some reason, watching him walk away left an unexpected hollow feeling in my chest.
