after being reborn I changed my college preference Ethan often stayed on campus during weekends so I locked myself in my room studying tirelessly when he brought Emily back home I moved out when he decided to attend University B with Emily I applied to University a instead in my previous life before the college entrance exams Ethan knowing full well that I hadn't stolen anything still accused me of being a thief he did it just to ensure that he and Emily could be together cleanly and honestly fine let them be together but clean and honest did they
even deserve such words nobody knew I had been reborn staring at my mock exam scores I was on the verge of breaking down in my past life just before the college entrance exams I was falsely accused of stealing Emily's watch the accusation shattered my mental state leading to my worst performance ever during the exams and a result far below my usual capability the first thing I did after being reborn was to change my college preference to University a my teacher was shocked and asked didn't you always say you wanted to go to the same University
as Ethan does he know about this hearing Ethan's name an image of his tall and protective figure flashed through my mind everyone always said I was Unworthy of him his family was wealthy he was good-looking and he was a model student in the eyes of the teachers meanwhile I was just the daughter of his father's old comrade in arms someone his family had supported out of loyalty I smiled faintly and replied I don't think that way anymore I feel University is suits me better now in my previous life my mock exam scores consistently surpassed University
A's cut off but to follow Ethan I foolishly changed my preference to University B my sudden decision surprised my teacher who patted my shoulder approvingly in that past life Ethan and Emily orch at the accusation against me claiming I had stolen Emily's watch Emily had pulled me aside in front of everyone her face streaked with tears demanding Justice Claire I know my family isn't wealthy and you look down on me but this watch was a gift from Ethan I've been so careful with it please I'm begging you just return it to me she said her
voice trembling her sobbing grew louder as she collapsed into Ethan's arms Ethan glared at me and said CLA when you were bullying Emily did you ever think about your own background being poor isn't wrong but letting poverty breed evil intentions is hand over the watch now and we'll forget this ever happened the crowd looked at me with disdain mocking and enjoying the drama I smiled bitterly the boy who had once promised to protect me for a lifetime how had he become like this my chest felt as if a boulder were crushing it my heart ACH
deeply I hadn't stolen in the watch so how could I return it they had no concrete evidence against me so they couldn't do much at that moment however I never expected Ethan who had always been kind to me to lock me in a room under the pretext of teaching me a lesson while his parents were away Emily had complained about our public argument saying it embarrassed her Ethan told me I had always been able to endure so a little suffering wouldn't matter Emily being delicate couldn't handle public gossip he said that night the door remained
locked my nerves finally snapped the next day was the college entrance exam I pounded on the door and windows screaming for help but the only response was my own voice echoing in the vast empty Villa in despair I grabbed a glass from the desk and smashed it against the window without hesitation the shards cut into my flesh and the pain overwhelmed Me by The Faint light of dawn I sat there shivering and cold I endured the pain and somehow managed to complete the 3-day exam but my mental state was in Ruins I performed worse than
ever and ended up at a mediocre University in the end I died in a car accident orchestrated by Emily I hated those two with every fiber of my being but now I had been given another chance I was reborn 3 months before the college entrance exams this time I could change everything back at Ethan's house I began packing my things this Villa was a wedding gift from Ethan's parents to him for when he got married Olivia had always treated me well but there was no longer any possibility for me and Ethan the warmth I felt
toward Olivia had to be buried deep in my heart as I packed my belongings I began drafting a new study plan my gaze fell on the photograph of my dream University hanging on the wall hope filled my heart as long as I stayed steady and performed well on the exams I'd soon leave this place behind for good that evening I cooked dinner as usual Ethan came back as expected with Emily trailing behind him Claire Emily chirped sweetly Ethan brought me over again for dinner you don't mind do you Emily was petite her oval-shaped face framed
by fair skin she looked especially pure and delicate in her white school uniform she made herself at home squealing with delight at the sight of the dishes I had prepared without hesitation she called out for Mrs Smith the housekeeper to serve the food she got a bowl of porridge Ethan got one and Mrs Smith got one but none for me by the time I returned from the bathroom the three of them were already seated at the table chatting and laughing like a family Emily took one bite and immediately spit it out I'm allergic to peanuts
she exclaimed tears Welling in her eyes I leaned against the door frame watching Ethan pour her a bowl of soup he didn't realize until too late that it also had a peanut base Emily left the house crying muttering to Ethan as she went CLA probably doesn't like me I won't come back anymore Ethan escorted her to the door and returned frowning I ignored him and sat down to eat you did that on purpose he said his voice tinged with confusion then as if trying to justify himself he added Emily's Family is struggling I bring her
here to have a good meal just like my family did for you all those years I didn't reply Ethan sighed and shook his head as if conceding defeat if you don't like her I'll take her to a restaurant next time a week later Ethan stayed on campus to tutor Emily meanwhile I carried a thick stack of practice exams to the library in the past Ethan would stay home and study with me I'd patiently guide him through each problem but now he was focused on helping his new flame prepare for their shared fure future at University
b as I packed my books I came across certificates of achievement Ethan and I had earned over the years I couldn't help but Wonder would he be able to maintain his grades while using study sessions as an excuse for their dates I decided to take my own certificates my hard-earned accomplishments and packed them into my bag these honors were mine alone earned through my effort not thanks to Ethan or his family I bundled them up and left the Villa for the old apartment building where I had grown grown up it was far out in the
suburbs but it carried the memories of my childhood I carefully cleaned my father's military plaque the one he had received posterous for his bravery dad I whispered I promise I'll do whatever it takes to achieve my goals with just over two months left until the exams I could already see freedom on the horizon after that I would leave Ethan's Family behind forever Ethan came home late that night the dinner I had prepared sat untouched I ate at school he explained casually but the faint scent of ginius on him told me otherwise he had eaten with
Emily he probably knew it wouldn't go over well to bring her back so they ate out before he returned I silently motioned for Mrs Smith to clear the dishes and went to my room the only belongings left in the room were some seasonal clothes and study materials I packed the clothes into my suitcase leaving the rest for later once Ethan went out on one of his dates now next week I packed the rest of my things since I was determined to build a better future I devoted all my time to studying While others wasted their
days flirting and chatting I poured every ounce of energy into my review sessions I was deep into my work when a knock came at the door I knew it was Ethan my father had saved his father's life on the battlefield sacrificing his own in the process because of this Ethan always treated me with a level of respect he would never enter my room room without my permission what is it I asked not wanting him to see that I was packing he hesitated before saying the engagement banquet is being prepared how about the third day after
the exams in my previous life our engagement had been arranged according to the wishes of our parents set to take place right after the college entrance exams I glanced at my suitcase and replied indifferently there's no rush letun talk once Olivia gets back Ethan stood silently outside my door for a long moment before finally walking away I finally heard Ethan's footsteps fade away and I let out of breath I hadn't realized I was holding resting my head on the desk I felt a sense of relief given Ethan's age Olivia usually trusted his judgment more since
I had lost both my parents as a child Olivia took me in because of the marriage pack our parents had made to Outsiders I was already considered a part of Ethan's family and the engagement was just a formality besides Ethan was good-looking excelled in his studies and treated me well it was no secret that my heart had always been his everyone could see it I owed the Johnson family for raising me all these years but I had paid them back in full teaching Ethan tirelessly even in my previous life when he falsely accused me and
locked me in a room ruining my future that was enough repayment in this life I owed them nothing I was determined determined to walk my own path that weekend to my surprise Ethan didn't stay on campus he even brought breakfast my favorite ate treasure porridge and fried dough sticks it was something he hadn't done in ages I scrolled through vocabulary words on my phone as I silently sat down at the table the only sounds were the occasional clinks of utensils against bowls I'll stay home with you to study today Ethan suddenly said breaking the silence
I looked at him in Surprise and instinctively shook my head don't you want me to keep you company he asked frowning slightly Youk just be cooped up in your room all weekend I was about to find an excuse to decline when the doorbell rang Emily's voice came through the intercom Ethan she called cheerfully she stood at the door holding two breakfasts in her hands as soon as the door opened she tilted her head up and smiled at Ethan effectively blocking my view of him why are you here I told you to wait for me Ethan
said moving slightly to Shield her from my gaze Emily peaked out cautiously from behind his chest sorry Claire she said softly I was worried he might skip breakfast so I came to find him I stared at her face so innocent and pure just like in my previous life no matter what she said it could always stir Ethan's protective instincts when Ethan heard that she had been willing to go hungry just to wait for him he naturally followed her out in a hurry abandoning his earlier promise to stay so much for keeping me company he had
planned to meet her all along I scoffed to myself at least I didn't have to worry about making up an excuse to pack my things and leave I pulled out my phone and checked my moving checklist wasting no time I dragged my previously packed clothes and belongings out of the house and called a moving service to take them to my new apartment once everything arrived I organized my things and smiled at the photos of a modest Place dad I whispered your daughter can live just fine on her own without relying on anyone I spent the
entire day at home studying and only returned to Ethan's house in the evening the intense pace of exam preparation made the days fly by late at night under the glow of street lights it was always my shadow bent over books chasing knowledge on Friday evening Olivia and her husband Mr Johnson returned from a business trip they sat quietly on the living room sofa for a long time before letting out a deep sigh CLA Olivia began earnestly heun's just close with another classmate but you and Ethan have been betrothed since childhood if he dares not marry
you I'll make sure he regrets it your parents trusted us to take care of you before they passed away besides your father saved our family you don't have to worry about anything when I didn't respond they exchanged a glance before shaking their heads in exasperation Iration you're so stubborn Olivia finally said with a sigh fine we'll cancel the engagement banquet I listened silently as Olivia made the call to cancel the banquet she informed the event company to withdraw the reservation and refund the deposit just like that the engagement banquet still in its planning stages was
gone letting out a small sigh of relief I stood up and bowed deeply to both of them I knew they meant well by all accounts Ethan was the model student in everyone's eyes the perfect son even his own parents couldn't understand why I was so insistent on canceling the engagement but I couldn't explain I couldn't tell them that in my past life I was betrayed by those closest to me stumbled during the college entrance exams had my entire life turned upside down and ultimately died in a car accident orchestrated by jealousy and Malice after the
engagement was cancelled Olivia and Mr Johnson told me I would always be their daughter even without the formal arrangement I didn't tell them that I plan to leave their family after the exams for now I stayed determined to accompany them through the next two months in the days leading up to the exams Olivia insisted on driving me to school as she held my hand tightly her voice trembled with emotion urging me to study hard and promising to visit me often when I unpacked my things at school I discovered she had slipped a thick watt of
cash into my bag tears streamed down my face Olivia must have noticed that my room was slowly being emptied but she chose not to confront me instead she let me carry out my plans respecting my decisions like a quiet Guardian I opened my suitcase to retrieve some clothes when I suddenly heard Ethan's voice at the door is Emily still upset I turned to see Ethan standing there his face visibly startled when he realized it was me CLA what are you doing here he asked mustered I gestured toward the room next door your room is over
there that moment the door to the neighboring room opened and Emily peaked out she offered me an awkward smile before retreating back inside I looked at Ethan guilt was written all over his face after a moment of hesitation he said Emily's home situation isn't great and she lives far from the school with the exams coming up I thought it' be easier for her to stay here since our place is close to camp I hadn't expected things to progress to the point where they were sharing a roof and apparently a bed Ethan seemed to sense my
silence after a pause he added right why don't you move your stuff into my room you can stay there for now I'll take the floor as he spoke he opened the door to his room and looked inside by the way what happened to all the books in your room you used to have so many I picked up one of my textbooks and pursed my lips well this Villa was his after all it didn't matter to me where I stayed as long as I wasn't treated as a guest I've already finished those books they weren't useful
anymore so I got rid of some of them I said casually Ethan frowned even if the exams are only 2 days away you might need those books later why would you sell them I didn't respond seeing my silence he added what about the engagement what did my parents say he placed the book back on the desk and I replied evenly they said the timing wasn't right we'll talk about it later this was the excuse I had agreed upon with Olivia and Mr Johnson to delay the engagement once I moved all my belongings out and settled
back into my new home I plan to have a proper conversation with him about it Ethan seemed satisfied with the explanation and didn't question it further he nodded lightly and muttered all right if that's the case then he stepped out saying he'd handle moving some things and that I didn't need to worry about it I looked at the rooms nearly empty bookshelves only a few martial arts novels we had read together remained for a moment I considered returning them to Ethan but my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of laughter outside Ethan's voice was deep
and calm Emily's playful and Coti and Mrs Smith's kind and cheerful the three of them seemed so at ease as if nothing had changed I sat back down silently sharing a room with Ethan was already inappropriate even if the engagement hadn't been cancelled but with the college entrance exams just two days away leaving now would only cause unnecessary drama Ethan would surely make a fuss I decided to wait until bedtime to quietly set up a spot for myself on the living room couch after studying all day I wanted to sleep early however Emily full of
energy was lounging in the living room in a chamisal night gown pulling Ethan aside to help help her with her questions Ethan glanced at me briefly before coaxing her upstairs yet their laughter and conversation carried through the walls as if intentionally loud enough for me to hear feeling suffocated I stepped outside for some fresh air Claire why are you out here in the middle of the night aren't the exams soon Youk catch a cold called the neighbor from her window her concern genuine the house was stifling I replied with a small smile the neighbor who
husband worked in real estate had a comfortable life she often brought me little souvenirs from her trips abroad treating me kindly she leaned over the balcony her tone exasperated that Ethan I swear he seems so devoted but look at him now bringing some other girl into the house right before your big exams and you why don't you put him in his place you're too nice the two of you are practically engaged but you're letting this slide if you let him get away with it now he'll think he can walk all over you in the future
she continued her tie rate but I only half listened apparently Ethan had told everyone that I had suggested bringing Emily home because of her poor family circumstances and long commute claiming I wanted to help her focus on studying I laughed to myself bitterly clearly Ethan was just trying to save face using me as a shield to fend off criticism but since I was planning to leave soon I didn't want to waste energy on meaningless arguments I nodded politely and said nothing the next morning I left for school early the neighbor saw me off urging me
again to talk some sense into Ethan I just smiled and waved goodbye when I arrived at the classroom there weren't many students yet I took out my notebook of mistakes and reviewed a few questions but then I noticed something that didn't belong to me a shiny conspicuous watch placed in plain sight pushing my books to the corner of the desk ah Ethan my watch is gone Emily's panicked voice rang out as she frantically searched her bag her eyes glistening with unshed tears that watch was worth nearly $10,000 I held the watch in my hand intending
to return it but the moment Emily saw it a glint flashed in her eyes she suddenly lunged toward me slapping my hand hard the watch flew out and landed on the floor with a clatter drawing everyone's attention the murmurs began immedi immediately isn't Claire the one raised by Ethan's family how could she steal someone else's things even if she dreams of marrying Rich a dog's nature can't change Emily's voice soft and tearful chimed in Ethan there must be some misunderstanding Claire must have her reasons her tone was so innocent so considerate just as I remembered
from my past life she always appeared harmless but her words Twisted the truth and planted doubt in others Minds Ethan frowned deeply Claire do you know that stealing is a crime you could go to jail for this Emily's friends quickly chimed in Emily why are you defending her someone like that probably has their eyes on more than just your watch and to pull this right before the exams she must be trying to mess with you on purpose another student added with disdain she's just jealous that Emily and Ethan are close but that doesn't excuse breaking
the law she could ruin her entire future more voices joined in you never really know people do you we should just call the police I stood silently amidst the accusations the chaos swirling around me feeling the all too familiar sting of betrayal I picked up the shattered glass covered watch and said sure call the police after all the only person who really knows how this watch ended up in my drawer is the one responsible Barefoot doesn't fear wearing shoes I thought sure enough Emily's face turned pale as she clung tightly to Ethan's sleeve no no
don't call the police she stammered that wouldn't be good for Claire she's about to take her exams too her friends however weren't so kind Emily you're too soft-hearted one of them said people like her will just take advantage of your kindness soft-hearted I let out a bitter laugh then suddenly raised my hand and slapped Emily across the face the sharp sound echoed in the room leaving her stunned and speechless pathetic aren't you Emily do you really not know what you've done do you need me to air out all your Dirty Deeds for you to feel
satisfied Ethan seeing her cheek rapidly swell immediately pulled her into his arms CLA what's wrong with you have you lost your mind lost my mind I laughed bitterly that's rich she's the one accusing me of theft right before the most important exam of my life you want the truth check the security cameras they'll tell you everything a few students who had remained neutral began to speak up yeah let's just check the cameras that'll clear everything up Ethan's expression darkened but he muttered Claire there's no need to deny it I can pay for the watch I
took a step back and sneered you think I did it Ethan you've known me for years do you really believe I'm That Kind of person he hesitated his fingers twitching slightly as if reconsidering his assumptions but then the notice came back the security cameras had conveniently been out of order I had no way to prove my innocence and the watch ended up being handed over to the principal the teacher aware of the watch's high value called me into the office Ethan suddenly appeared and declared Emily said she won't press charges the Johnson family's wealth and
influence were undenied able even the principal couldn't ignore Ethan's words the teacher looked troubled but had no choice but to return the watch Emily of course put on another performance crying dramatically for over an hour while Ethan comforted her he seemed entirely absorbed in her tears paying no attention to anyone else later that evening Ethan came to find me CLA he began his tone suggesting he wanted to argue I sat down waiting for him to speak he hesitated his face stiff and uncomfortable I'll sleep on the couch tonight he finally said I stayed silent he
paused again clearly unable to hold back what he really wanted to say Emily is upset he continued she cried all afternoon couldn't you have just let her be it's only a couple of days until the exams do you really have to be so petty I let out a cold laugh which seemed to catch him off guard he probably expected me to get angry maybe even start defending myself instead my calmness seemed to annoy him more fine I said smiling faintly whatever you say this unexpected response made him falter for a moment he seemed unsettled as
if something was slipping out of his control in my past life I had trailed after Ethan like a shadow laughing only when he laughed afraid to cry if he was displeased looking back I felt like a fool in this life I knew better I would keep my distance Ethan clearly hadn't expected my easy agreement his expression flickered with a hint of panic as if he could sense that something was slipping away but couldn't grasp it the next day I returned to my old apartment a day earlier than planned I took all my personal documents with
me just in case that night I sat at my desk reviewing my mistake book halfway through I heard a knock at the door thinking it was my neighbor I opened it without much thought standing there was Ethan wearing only a t-shirt his face pale and his hair disheveled as if he'd been exposed to the cold night wind my first thought was that Ethan still wasn't willing to let me go the neighborhood was quiet with only the occasional Cry of a stray cat echoing in the darkness Ethan stared at me intently his eyes drilling into mine
as if he were searching for answers or trying to break through my resolve come home with me Ethan said said his voice unusually soft I looked at him calmly and replied this is my home he reached out trying to grab my hand but I took a step back to avoid him Claire don't be mad please just come home with me he said Ethan lifted one foot as if about to step inside and help me with something but I quickly pushed the door half closed his gaze landed on the item sitting on the edge of my
living room table and his expression immediately sh shifted what are those I froze for a moment they were the things I had packed up and brought back from the Johnson's house old books I plan to sell Ethan's face grew tense his expression a mix of confusion and anger you've kept them in such good condition you've always been careful with your belongings he muttered as if talking to himself I sighed but my grip on the door handle remained firm Ethan frowned you're still upset Emily was in a hurry and misunder OD you but she really loves
that watch she's always respected you and she cares about you she even urged me to come find you today but you you're always so he trailed off when he noticed the way I was looking at him distant as if he were a stranger his mouth moved as if to say more but the words never came out I laughed dry respect respect is not getting cozy with someone else when you know your engagement is coming up respect is not letting her sleep in your bed while you're still with someone else Ethan's face cracked his expression wavering
between disbelief and defensiveness what cozy I just feel sorry for her her family situation isn't good so I'm just helping her out a bit more helping her I scoffed does helping include sharing a bed when did giving every girl you feel sorry for a home become your life's Mission his face turned pale his composure visibly shaken Claire you're angry right now let's calm down tomorrow the driver will come to pick you up he said hastily before turning and stumbling out of the apartment I watched him leave listening to his hurried uneven footsteps fading down the
stairs smiling faintly I close the door it's funny how extreme anger can make you laugh how could I have been so blind in my past life chasing after someone so alien to me determined to avoid a repeat of my past I focused all my energy on studying staying at home and keeping to myself Ethan didn't try to find me again one evening as I was reviewing mistake explanations I heard a faint rustling outside my door curious I turned the handle to check but the clinking sound of a chain suddenly echoed I realized I'd been locked
in with an iron chain I couldn't believe Emily had the audacity to pull such a stunt even in a different setting without hesitation I picked up my phone the next morning our class guest gathered outside preparing to enter the exam Hall Emily was smiling brightly her mood unusually cheerful don't worry CLA won't be late she said with a smug confidence Ethan standing beside her gently patted her head good luck on your exams Emily looking into her do-like eyes his expression softened but then he seemed to recall the cold detached look I had given him the
other day a trace of unease flickered across his face an emotion he couldn't quite shake off as the teacher ushered the students into the exam Hall my absence became apparent Emily's smile widened her heart bubbling with joy like an open Ken of soda she could already imagine I wouldn't show up Joy bubbled up within Emily as she beamed with satisfaction after the final exam reporters caught up with Jason he The Perennial runner up in the grade rankings for an interview the host asked you're the first student we've interviewed was this exam difficult for you Jason
smiled confidently at the camera it was manageable Emily who was walking behind him chimed in with a sweet smile Jason this time you'll finally be first in the grade rankings Jason's expression darkened his usual politeness cracking don't set me up for failure Emily he said sharply his tone making her Flinch Emily scrambled to explain but CLA didn't even show up for the exams if you're not first then who else could be Jason didn't bother responding to her from the day the exams began I hadn't stepped foot back into the Johnson's home the next time I
saw Ethan was just before the celebration banquet Emily clinging to Ethan's arm with a radiant smile walked in with him the moment Ethan saw me he instinctively shook her hand off though his mood seemed off he quickly recovered and smiled at me CLA it's okay if the exams didn't go well you can always repeat the year my cousin runs a fantastic Preparatory class the resources are excellent I can recommend you join with your previous performance you'd surely get into University B next year and even be our Junior I pressed my lips together lightly and said
such a great opportunity why not save it for yourself Emily's friends immediately jumped in bristling with indignation Claire don't be so ungrateful Emily's just thinking about what's best for you plenty of people take an extra year to study and improve don't throw away your future just because of your pride their fake sincerity was so blatant it was laughable Jason happened to walk in at that moment and overheard their remarks with a disdainful glance he said Emily you and your pack of dogs are barking nonsense again on the day of the exams you were cursing someone
to fail now you're shamelessly suggesting a top student retake the year your audacity is incredible want me to give you an award for it Emily's face turned pale she glanced at Ethan clearly hoping for support Ethan frowned seemingly displeased with Jason's mocking tone and took a step closer to me even if you didn't take the exam just come home Ethan said even if you don't go to college my family can still take care of you and that's when I understood no matter how outrageous Emily was Ethan would always justify it to him her actions were
excused by her difficult upbringing and others were expected to accommodate her something inside me snapped without warning I slapped Ethan across the face the sharp sound silenced everyone Emily froze M Cry The Tears In Her Eyes Vanishing in shock as she stepped protectively in front of Ethan why did you hit him are you crazy she shouted raising her hand to slap me in return before her hand could land Jason grabbed her wrist and shoved her hard causing her to stumble into Ethan's arms I've seen enough a little discipline won't hurt Jason said coldly his smile
more like a sneer as he looked at the two of them like they were a ridiculous spectacle Ethan's expression darkened as he walked over to me grabbing my wrist tightly you're coming with me today we need to settle this once and for all pain shot through my arm and I stumbled forward nearly crashing into him and I instinctively prepared to kick him but Jason was quicker his fist connected with Ethan's jaw sending him stumbling backward Jason stepped protectively in front of me shielding me with his arm are you blind she doesn't want to go with
you then back off go to the hospital and get your eyes checked Jason said his voice calm but laced with warning Ethan clutched his red and jaw his face a mix of anger and frustration his glare bore into me as if trying to suppressed the storm brewing inside him Emily quickly jumped in to diffuse the tension Ethan don't fight over someone like her it's not worth it she said desperately tugging at his arm few classmates having arrived early began to notice the commotion and turn to watch Ethan's expression shifted multiple times his chest rising and
falling with restrained emotions finally he turned to me and said in a low deliberate voice CLA I'm so disappointed in you I said to Ethan after everyone left I stood there for a moment calming my emotions Jason looked at me a trace of concern on his face I shook my head it's just that I didn't get the chance to kick him earlier you beat me to it such a shame Jason fell silent for a moment then burst into hearty laughter you haha I really didn't expect that I didn't attend the celebration banquet in the end
Jason noticing my reluctance to deal with Ethan and Emily suggested we go to the Riverside to watch the fireworks instead parents celebrating the end of exams had bought fireworks and we spent 3 hours watching the colorful bursts light up the cold night sky as the final pieces fell glittering and fading the night grew quiet Jason turned to me his profile sharp in the dim light and lean down to whisper near my ear why not consider someone else for a change I stayed silent pretending not to hear right now my plans for the future didn't include
love my heart was void of men I believed I needed Solitude to grow stronger the day the results were released gossip spread like wildfire among the students Emily had been taken away by the police right after checking her scores pictures of her being escorted into a police car flooded every group chat at the same time news of my being ranked first in the gr spread just as quickly some classmates from my exam Hall came forward I told you I saw someone sitting in her seat you all insisted she didn't take the test yeah I saw
her too another chimed in she took the test and even got into University a I feel so proud to say I'm in the same class as Claire it's a dream come true the tide of public opinion shifted rapidly videos of Emily boasting to the host about Jason becoming the top ranked student resurfaced and were now ridiculed online the backlash was Swift and merciless after being bailed out by Ethan's family money Emily discovered the tables had turned completely in my favor pale with rage She fainted upon seeing a screenshot of my top ranking scores and had
to be hospitalized on the eve of the exams Emily had locked me in my old apartment building under the guise of trying to convince me she had manipulated Ethan into giving her my address all to disrupt my focus I hadn't made a scene about it then instead I quietly filmed her from the window ensuring I had proof I waited for this moment when she would soar to imagin Heights only to plummet back down to reality in this second chance at life I couldn't let her actions go unpunished once in college I juggled part-time work with
my studies consistently ranking at the top of my class I occasionally heard rumors about Emily and Ethan breaking up apparently during a conversation with her friends Emily had accidentally let slip details about the watch and locking me in the room Ethan overheard everything he had been shocked his perception of Emily completely shattered he confronted her demanding to know why she had pretended to be innocent all these years while blaming everything on me for years he had believed I was petty and mean-spirited a bully the stark contrast between what he had thought and the truth made
him question his own judgment by the time Ethan realized he had been wrong about everything it was winter Emily cried and begged him for 2 months but all she got in return was a large breakup settlement and a Curt don't let me see you again that was Ethan always so self-centered placing himself above everyone else meanwhile Jason who had also gotten into University a kept subtly making his presence known he'd sit beside me in class join me for meals or wait outside my classroom after exams today there were fireworks near the river 5 km from
campus Jason had invited me and I agreed it was time to address the dynamic between us and give our relationship some clarity as the year ended I wore my winter coat and buried my face in a thick beige scarf at the campus gate I unexpectedly saw Ethan his face was pale from the cold and he looked Haggard as if he'd been waiting for a long time the moment he recognized me he rushed over and pulled me into a tight Embrace I struggled pounding on his chest but he didn't let go he held the back of
my head his voice urgent as he said CLA I know you're angry at me Ethan said his voice heavy with regret but I'm actually glad because it means you still care I didn't answer instead I lifted my knee and drove it straight into his stomach pushing him away go home Ethan stop acting crazy just as I finished speaking Jason arrived catching side of the scene without hesitation he shoved Ethan aside and instinctively stood protectively in front of me haven't you had enough of Haunting her like a ghost Jason snapped Ethan's expression darkened as his anger
flared seeing Jason reminded him of the scene before the celebration banquet and the memory only fueled his rage Jason Ethan growled are you coveting what's mine he raised his fist as if to strike I stepped forward and cut him off before before he could go any further Ethan we have nothing to do with each other anymore hearing me call his name Ethan froze his aggressive posture faltering CLA he murmured his voice breaking I was wrong if I had known you were going to call off the engagement I never would have let you leave I would
have stayed by your side I misunderstood you I realize that now let's start over please I let out a cold laugh no Ethan Jason letun go without hesitation I reached for Jason's hand and he responded by gripping mine tightly Ethan stood there stun as we walked away his figure growing smaller in the distance left alone in the biting wind he watched us his face filled with disbelief by the bridge the cold wind swirled around us as vibrant colors from the fireworks danced across Jason's sharp profile after a long silence he finally spoke CLA does this
mean what I think it means I couldn't help but laugh softly I had been waiting for him to ask that opening my mouth to respond I was interrupted as Jason gently placed his warm hand over my lips shoua let me speak first he said his voice low and tender his star-like eyes locked onto mine as he began Claire for 3 years you've always been ahead of me whether in rankings in the dining hall or even in my thoughts I've watched you eat study and Tackle exams with that serious focus of yours first I thought it
was admiration but then I realized I'm a hopeless romantic and I'm hopelessly in love with you he looked up at the sky his nose slightly red from the cold as he continued I used to stand back watching you cry smile and hurt all for Ethan it made me feel like a terrible person lurking on the sidelines hoping for a chance that seemed imp possible then Emily showed up and for the first time I felt like I could breathe again he smiled dryy I could tell you this story a hundred times if you'd let me I
know you're scared of Love scared it'll distract you from your goals you always say your heart has no place for men because you need your strength to wield your sword Jason took a deep breath his hand clenched at his side well how about this I'll wield the sword for you will you let me I stared at him caught off guard could it really be this simple slowly I took off my warm gloves placing my hand in his then the job is yours I said smiling boyfriend his previously composed face lit up with Vivid emotion CLA
CLA CLA he repeated his voice full of joy my girlfriend
