Chapter 4: The Homewrecker Rumor

The next day, I went to my general education class.

Melissa was surrounded by a bunch of girls, soaking up their flattery.

After all, as the only girlfriend of the chemistry department’s star to make it onto his Instagram, she was the center of attention.

Everyone was asking about her and Jason’s love story.

Their voices were high and eager, gossip spreading like wildfire. Melissa preened, twirling a strand of hair and smiling modestly, her phone screen flashing with notifications. I could hear a chorus of, “So, how did he ask you out?” and, “I heard he’s never posted a girlfriend before!”

As soon as I walked in, the chatter died. Everyone turned to look at me.

Their stares were full of challenge, mockery, and even a little pity.

I acted like I didn’t see any of it.

I kept my head up and crossed to my seat, not meeting anyone’s eyes. I dropped my bag onto the floor with a thump, digging for my notebook as if I was immune to their drama.

After I sat down, I heard a girl snicker behind me.

"I thought someone must’ve cried herself to sleep last night and wouldn’t dare show up today."

"Didn’t expect her to show up like nothing happened. Girl’s got nerves of steel."

Their words pricked at me, but I refused to give them the satisfaction. I turned to look at her. "Why would I cry? Unless you’re the one who’s been crying over Jason, not me."

The girl stiffened, glancing at Melissa in a panic. "Don’t talk nonsense. Not everyone is as shameless as you."

I raised my eyebrows. "At least I had the guts to go after who I liked. You can’t even admit you like him."

"You..."

She was left speechless, her finger trembling as she pointed at me in anger.

"Enough, everyone stop it."

Melissa shot her a look of annoyance, then walked over to my desk.

Her perfume hit me before her words did—something floral, way too sweet. "Emily, I don’t care what happened between you and Jason before. I just hope you won’t try to get between us again, okay?"

Melissa said this in a pitiful tone.

It immediately got the class whispering.

"Get between them? Did Emily try to steal Jason after he got together with Melissa? Isn’t that being a homewrecker?"

"Who knows? She chased after Jason so hard before, it wouldn’t be surprising if she really did become a homewrecker."

The gossip around me got louder.

I looked up at Melissa and said clearly, "I have never tried to get between you and Jason after you two got together."

My voice rang out, clear as a bell. For a moment, the whole class seemed to go silent.

Melissa’s eyes got even redder. She nodded quickly. "Yeah, you haven’t. As long as you don’t bother Jason again, I can pretend nothing happened before."

[The side girl is so annoying. Can the main girl just slap her?]

[Crying, crying, the side girl only knows how to cry—she’s cried away all her luck.]

[Honestly, the main girl is way more likable. At least she didn’t cry and sob after the breakup.]