Chapter 2

My relationship with Greyson had been good until Elise came along.

When there were no classes, Greyson would buy me breakfast and have a female classmate deliver it to the dormitory for me. That female classmate was Elise. I was embarrassed at first, but Elise always waved her hand and said it was not a big deal.

To show his gratitude, Greyson would buy Elise a portion as well. She always smiled and praised Greyson, "You're so nice. If only my boyfriend were handsome and considerate too. Nicola is so lucky to have a boyfriend like you!"

Gradually, she and I grew more familiar with each other. When there were no classes, she would even deliberately get Greyson to pick me up after class.

When I saw her, she would enthusiastically hug me and accuse Greyson, "He didn't even want to come to see you! He only came because I made him! You have to teach him a lesson!"

Greyson smiled and touched her head, nodding affectionately.

I did feel a little uncomfortable on the inside at the time, but I had no idea why.

Later, when she praised Greyson, she would subtly insult me. "Nicola, you're just too carefree. You're not gentle and considerate at all. Girls should learn to be considerate of others. You're so ordinary-looking, so you should cherish a man like Greyson!"

Due to my childhood experiences, I had low self-esteem to begin with. Elise's constant belittling only made it plummet even further, and I felt intensely uneasy.

Greyson noticed this but thought I was being dramatic.

Not long after, Greyson played a piano piece during an arts festival. I was held up by other things, so I gave the crochet flowers to Elise to pass on to him.

After the performance, I finished my tasks and rushed backstage.

Greyson's voice sounded. "Nicola is inferior to you in everything. Even her taste is worse than yours. These flowers are really ugly. As expected of an adopted child. You're right; an ugly duckling won't ever become a swan!"

I froze, my hand slowly lowering from the doorknob. I had not expected him to tell Elise about my background.

Elise's voice was shocked but carried a hint of joy. "Why did you throw the flowers away? Do you think they're ugly?"

He hummed in agreement. His voice pierced my heart like a sharp thorn. "She likes giving me these ugly things, but I don't like them at all. Forget it. Let's go celebrate."

His words ripped my heart open like a sharp blade, leaving me embarrassed.

They were about to come out, so I quickly hid in the fire escape. After everyone left, I retrieved the crochet bouquet from the trash can.

Greyson, who suddenly returned, bumped into me. A look of awkwardness appeared in his eyes. "Nicola, I forgot to take the flowers."

I dodged his outstretched hand. "The bouquet you have is fine. You don't need this one."

My gaze fell on the red roses in his arms.

He was taken aback, followed by annoyance at being exposed. "Why are you making a fuss? I told you I left them behind! And these red roses are much prettier than your stupid flower! Elise is prettier than you and better than you in every way!"

It felt like a knife had been plunged into my heart. I stared at him in disbelief. "You think so too?"

Lately, I often heard my classmates say that I was jealous of Elise, which was why I was always arguing with Greyson. However, no one had considered that Greyson and I were a couple, and she had forced her way in between us.

His tone was impatient. "What did I say wrong? You're just jealous of Elise! Why won't you admit it? Everyone can see it! She's prettier, yet I'm with you. Shouldn't you cherish me more?"

Seeing that I did not react, he took the scarf Elise had left on the table and left. That evening, Greyson seemed to realize he had gone too far and apologized with a gift. "Nicola, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. This is the doll you like. I went out of my way to buy it."

My gaze fell on another bag, and I had a premonition. I asked, "What's this?"

"This one's for Elise. She likes it too. You can give it to her when you go upstairs later."

Even when he bought me an apology gift, he bought another gift for Elise. I felt wronged, and a lump formed in my throat. "Greyson, haven't you noticed you've changed?"

"Don't you think you've changed?" he countered.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and my voice choked. "I've changed? Yeah, I really have. Elise's ostracism and belittling have made me insecure, sensitive, and even tormented!"

"Don't talk about her like that! She's not like that!" His eagerness to defend Elise was especially jarring. It felt like needles were pricking my heart.