Chapter 1

696words2026-02-09 09:49

30 minutes before the college entrance examination, I stood at the school gate, waiting to be let inside. Maverick Barkley ran toward me, breathless and anxious, sweat pouring down his face.
"Amelia, Ginger left her admission pass at home. I need to go back and get it for her."
I nodded calmly. "Go ahead. Please be careful."

Still panting, Maverick added, "After the science exam, wait for me at the school gate. I want you to come along to buy Ginger a birthday present."
With zero hesitation, I looked straight at him and said, "No need. Maverick, let's break up."
He froze, lifting his gaze in shock. Then, his brows furrowed, irritation flashing across his face as he asked, "Amelia Radford, what's with the attitude? I'm just helping Ginger get her admission pass. Nothing's going on between us."
I nodded, my voice flat. "I know. I just want to break up. I don't think we're right for each other."
Maverick stared at me, then let out a short, mocking laugh. Turning away, he snorted. "Fine. If you want to break up, so be it. Just don't regret it."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the sea of examinees.

I watched his retreating figure, the corner of my lips curving into a small smile.
Don't worry, Maverick. This time, I won't be the one regretting anything.
In my previous life, when Maverick wanted to go back for Ginger Livingston's admission pass, I stopped him.
"The exam is about to start. What if you don't make it back in time and miss it?" I warned him.

He looked torn, but in the end, he listened to me and took the exam as scheduled.
I never imagined that when the results were released, Ginger's results plummeted after she missed her liberal arts exam. In despair, she jumped to her death.
Later, Maverick and I were both enrolled at Bloomdale University—the best university in the country. After graduating, we rode the wave of the booming internet industry and entered top-tier companies. Within a few years, we were earning seven-figure salaries. We dated, got married, and built what seemed like a perfect life.
Maverick and I built our relationship from our schooling days to our wedding vows. I always thought our relationship was solid. To everyone else, we were seen as a model couple.
Until one stormy summer night after we were married.
Maverick came home, pulled a knife from his coat, and plunged it into my chest again and again. Blood flowed everywhere.
Clutching my chest, I stared at the love of my life, disbelief flooding my eyes.
Maverick's face was twisted, madness blazing in his gaze. He snarled, "It's all your fault! You stopped me from getting Ginger's admission pass!
"If I had gone back for her, she wouldn't have killed herself for missing the exam. You shall pay for the love I've lost!"
Ginger Livingston?
The old me was foolish enough to believe they were just childhood friends. It turned out the person Maverick had loved all along was this childhood sweetheart.
My well-intentioned choice became a thorn lodged in his heart for decades.
This time, I hoped they would stay together forever.
…
Half an hour later, I took my seat in the examination hall on time. After two and a half hours of relentless writing, I finally handed in an answer sheet worthy of three years of my effort.
After the exam ended, Mom and Dad took me out for a celebratory dinner that night. I told my parents I had done well. Getting into Bloomdale University would not be a problem.
Mom was overjoyed. "When the time comes, you can go to Bloomdale University with Maverick. You'll have each other to rely on."
I shook my head calmly and said, "We've broken up."
Mom and Dad were stunned into silence.
I chuckled and reassured them. "What are you worried about? Bloomdale University will still be there, regardless of whether we stay together or break up. It's not going anywhere."
Mom and Dad burst out laughing at the response, raising their glasses. "Then, here's to our daughter! May she make her mark at Bloomdale University!"