Chapter 13

Cassian’s POV

I don’t know when the words slipped from my lips, but I didn’t regret saying them — not even a little.

It’s not because I want Drasa to be my girlfriend. I just hate cheating. I despise it with every part of me.

“Are you trying to choose her over me?” Elara’s voice echoed through the room, and I shifted my eyes to her.

“Not really choosing. Just stating the facts. She let you off the hook. The same should apply to her too,” I said calmly, without flinching.

Drasa’s eyes were glued to me, and I gave her a small, awkward smile before looking away.

“I’m not really bothered about her outfit anymore. She tinted her hair.”

“She just told you that’s her natural hair. Or am I the only one who heard that?” I scanned the room, and they all nodded like obedient sheep.

Such liars. They were clearly enjoying the drama.

“Cassian, you’re a student. I won’t let you make decisions for me.” The lecturer sounded hurt, and I raised both arms in surrender.

“I don’t mean to overstep. I’m just pointing out the truth. But if that offends you, maybe you need to reflect on your behavior.”

Still, I didn’t regret it. She knew better than to argue.

She stared at Drasa for a long moment, then walked to the center of the room, gathered her things, and stormed out without another word. A ripple of murmurs followed her, but my eyes only stayed on Drasa, whose face was lowered to the floor.

She suddenly looked up, and I looked away, pretending to count imaginary spots on the tiles until I heard her soft voice.

“Thank you,” she said.

I raised my head and met her gaze. “You’re welcome.”

“Can you move a bit? I want to sit here,” she pointed to the seat beside me.

I wasn’t sure if I should feel excited, but I shifted anyway. A strange sense of happiness swirled in my chest.

Eyes were definitely on us now —on me. But I didn’t care. My focus was on Drasa as she unpacked her books onto the desk.

I wanted to talk to her, but I didn’t know what to say. I cleared my throat, ready to speak, but a voice chimed in.

“Oh? Isn’t this Drasa serving a man at a club?”

I knew that voice. Too well. Elara.

She strutted toward us, eyes glued to her phone.

Drasa froze, but she didn’t look up.

“I mean, isn’t this the same outfit you wore last night? Huh? The body shape looks just like yours.” She stretched her phone toward Drasa, but her eyes gleamed with mischief as Drasa fidgeted with her fingers like she already expected this to happen.

I glanced at the screen and instantly recognized the outfit. It was the same one Drasa wore last night — but her face was blurred, and whoever took the photo had also blurred out her hair.

“You all need to see this,” Elara said, grinning at the class. “I won’t post it on the school platform. I don't want my account blocked but I will AirDrop it to you all. So, turn on your AirDrop!”

She smiled like a villain in a low-budget movie.

Clearly enjoying the drama.

My fists clenched in anger. I didn’t even know why I felt this furious, but all I wanted to do was smash that damn phone — and without thinking twice, I snatched it from her and hurled it to the ground.

The phone shattered into pieces.

Gasps erupted from everyone, even Elara looked stunned.

Drasa raised her head just then, eyes locking with mine. Her red, watery eyes pierced straight into me.

“What the hell did you do?!” Elara screamed.

“Oh, sorry. Slip of the hand,” I said, not looking away from Drasa. “I’ll buy you a new one before the next class.”

“You did what?!”

“I said I’ll get you a new phone. So stop yelling I hate that,” I snapped, finally looking at her. She was shaking, her fists tight at her sides.

I was about to say more, but before I could, Drasa stood up and bolted out of the classroom.

Without thinking, I followed her.

She ran to a quiet corner of the building, dropped to her knees, and started crying loud, painful sobs.

I didn’t touch her. I didn’t say anything. I just stood beside her and watched.

After a while, she stood, turning around to see me standing there with my arms folded. She looked shocked.

“You done?” I asked, my voice low.

She didn’t say anything.

“I mean… I wasn’t trying to listen to you cry. I just… wanted to make sure you were okay.” I scratched my neck, awkwardly.

“I don’t plan on watching you cry again. I just….” 

“I’ll be your acting girlfriend,” she said suddenly, cutting me off.