Chapter 2

Word that I had dumped Luke spread through campus like wildfire. Overnight, I became the villain in everyone's story—heartless, ungrateful, and playing the love game for sport.

No matter where I went, I could feel the stares on my back and hear the whispers trailing after me.

"She's the one who dumped Luke."

"I heard she was just using Luke until something better came along. She probably found some rich guy."

"Wow… never thought she had it in her. She always seemed so quiet, but she's got a scheming streak a mile wide."

I couldn't have cared less. Compared to the electric shocks and restraints I had endured in the psych ward in my last life, these rumors were nothing. They were child's play compared to what I had been through.

For the past two days, Sarah wouldn't leave me alone, constantly pushing me to get back with Luke.

Every word out of her mouth was loaded with how miserable he was without me, how much he still needed me.

"Nat, Luke hasn't eaten for two days. He's lost so much weight. You can't just let him waste away like this."

She took my hand, her voice dripping with sincerity. "You guys were everyone's couple goals. Don't let a little fight ruin that."

I pulled my hand free and met her gaze, taking in the fake sweetness in her eyes. It was almost funny. I said evenly, "If you really care so much about him, why not go date him yourself?"

Her smile faltered for half a second before snapping back into place. She explained, "I'm doing this for you. I'm your best friend. I can't just stand by and watch you screw this up."

"Oh, really?" I gave her a dry little laugh before continuing, "Well, thanks for the unsolicited advice."

I left her standing there and headed straight for the basketball courts.

One figure immediately caught my eye. He was tall, pale enough that his storm-colored eyes seemed to draw anyone in and hold them there. A small mark beneath one added an edge that made him hard to look away from.

He wasn't playing—just leaning lazily against the hoop, like he had all the time in the world. The space around him was completely empty, as if everyone knew better than to get too close.

The guy was Ethan Grant—old money, had a bad temper, and had moods that could turn on a dime. He had trouble written all over him. In my last life, I had heard the rumors—one young lady dated him for less than a month before she transferred to another school just to get away.

I took a deep breath, walked across the court, and stopped right in front of him. He seemed to sense someone watching him and lifted his gaze, slow and lazy. His eyes locked on me—cool, appraising, with just a hint of impatience.

"What do you want?" he asked me. His voice was just like him—cold and distant.

I met his gaze head-on and said, each word deliberate, "I broke up with Luke. Now, I'm saying yes to being your girlfriend."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Ethan just stared at me. He was caught off guard. He straightened slowly, towering over me, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Last time when I was pursuing you, didn't you say you and Luke were madly in love? What, so now you're ready to let him go?"

Ethan's words pulled me back to the years I had spent with Luke. Back then, we were really in love. But that was before Sarah stole it all away.

I kept my voice steady. "If you're not interested, then forget it."

I was just about to turn away when he let out a low, quiet laugh. "Of course, I am."

Before I could react, Ethan closed the distance and gave me a kiss.