Chapter 2

I turned around without a word and tossed the medicine in my hand straight into the trash. Then I headed up to the top floor of the academic building, to the dean's office.

When I knocked and walked in, he was flipping through my file.

"Samantha, just the person I was looking for." He adjusted his glasses, his tone full of approval. "What are your thoughts on the early admission offer from Whitford University?"

"I've made my decision."

I took the pen he handed me.

The metal tip felt cold; colder than my chest.

"I'll sign."

He lit up immediately, standing to shake my hand with both of his.

"Good! That's what I like to hear. I knew you wouldn't gamble with your future. I'll keep this confidential for now. After the exams, we'll make a proper announcement."

I nodded. "Thank you. I'd rather keep it quiet for the time being."

With my competition results and consistently ranking in the top three statewide on every practice test, Whitford University had already reached out to me a long time ago.

But for Blake, I kept putting it off.

He wanted Arrington University. It was the highest he thought he could reach if he pushed himself.

To stay with him, I had been carefully controlling my scores every time. I made sure I was just a few points above him. Close enough to look evenly matched.

I used to think that was the most romantic kind of sacrifice.

Now, it just made me feel like the biggest fool alive.

After leaving the dean's office, I went straight to a café on the back street behind the school to pack up my things.

The private room in the far corner of the second floor was something I had paid for with an entire year of allowance, just so I could tutor Blake there. We had even pinky promised that the space belonged to only the two of us. No one else would ever step inside.

The moment I pushed open that familiar wooden door, what I saw made my stomach turn.

Blake was sitting in my usual seat, a pen in his hand. Maeve was pressed close against him.

Their heads leaned together as they looked at the same workbook, way too close. Her chin was practically resting on his shoulder.

At the sound of the door, they jumped apart like startled animals.

A flicker of panic crossed Blake's face. He shot to his feet, stumbling over his words. "S-Samantha, what are you doing here?"

"I'm not taking the SAT. I came to grab my study materials."

His eyes lit up. "Really? You're staying back a year with me?"

He tried to hold it in, but the corners of his mouth still lifted. Then he forced on a look of guilt and heartbreak.

"You really gave it all up for me?" He stepped forward and reached out, wanting to pull me into a hug. "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you this year. I promise."

I walked straight past him to the table and yanked my materials out from under Maeve's arm.

The movement was too sharp. The pen holder tipped over, pens scattering across the table with a harsh clatter.

Blake flinched, clearly caught off guard. He stood there awkwardly, then reached for my hand.

"Samantha, don't get the wrong idea. Maeve's foundation is weak. The exams are coming up. I was just trying to help."

I pulled my hand away and coldly swept my books and supplies into my backpack.

"No need to explain. I won't be coming back here again."