Chapter 2

Just like in my previous life, Lucy's post exploded overnight. The backlash was fierce—people said she'd shattered their worldview. Someone even dug up our dorm information. After that, whenever the three of us went out—even without Lucy—we were met with rolling eyes and open hostility.

"That's them. They think just because they look decent, they can mess around. They've ruined our university's reputation."

"I heard the university's top scorer is among them. Bet she cheated her way to the top with her body."

Last time, I'd made Lucy delete the post in time, so things hadn't escalated this badly. This time, not only was she affected—all three of us were dragged down with her.

Joey grabbed the two of us and stormed back to the dorm, seething with anger.

Lucy was washing her feet when we got there. The towel in her hand looked oddly familiar. I glanced at where I kept my towels—and my heart sank.

That was my face towel.

I'd caught it this time. But if I hadn't—how many times had she already used it?

The thought of wiping my face every day with a towel she used on her feet made my skin crawl.

I rushed over and snatched it from her, furious.

"What are you doing? Why are you using my face towel to wipe your feet?"

I wasn't pretending. I was genuinely angry.

Lucy didn't look the least bit embarrassed at being caught. Instead, she sounded perfectly justified.

"I'm pregnant with a rich man's kid now. You should feel honored I'm using your stuff. If you serve me well, I might even ask my future husband to give you a janitor job after you graduate."

She wasn't wrong about one thing. It had been half a month since she posted on the forum. During that time, she'd been staying out overnight and had us cover for her with the dorm supervisor. Clearly, she was already pregnant.

As for who the man was, she never gave a name—only that he was rich, dressed head to toe in designer brands, and while we were still riding shared bikes, he was already driving a luxury car.

Based on her description, there was only one person at our university who fit.

Nick Swarton, the richest heir in all of Samreen City.

Hearing her say that made my blood surge.

"I don't need you to hand me a job. I have hands and feet of my own. And that still doesn't give you the right to use other people's things without permission."

Lucy let out a cold laugh.

"Do you have any idea how hard it is for university students to find jobs these days? Still pretending to be noble? You'd better not regret it. If you can't find work after graduation and come begging on your knees, I won't let my husband help you."

As she spoke, she stomped her foot hard into the basin, splashing water all over me.

Joey had already been on the verge of exploding. If not for what had just happened, she wouldn't have held back this long.

"Lucy, deal with your own mess yourself. Don't drag the three of us down with you. Get on the forum right now and clarify that this was your personal behavior and has nothing to do with us! Because of you, we're getting criticized everywhere we go!"

Joey planted herself in front of me, hands on her hips, shouting.

Lucy rolled her eyes.

"I'm doing this for your own good. I know the three of you are too embarrassed to admit it, but you've been jealous of me for a long time, haven't you? Stop pretending to be pure."

Joey was so angry that her face turned red.

"You—what nonsense are you talking about? We just want to study in peace. Don't project your filthy thoughts onto us!"

Lucy rolled her eyes exaggeratedly.

"Treat me like this and see what happens. Believe it or not, I can have my future husband make it so you can't even stay in this university!"

"If you've got the guts, have him come after us himself," Joey shot back. "You really think getting pregnant makes you a queen? Everyone out there is calling you shameless, and you actually think you're something special?"

Joey's strength was overwhelming. Lucy flushed with rage, glaring venomously at the three of us, so angry she couldn't speak. Clutching her phone, she burst into tears and ran into the bathroom.

From outside, I could vaguely hear her making a complaint call. Her voice was nothing like usual—pinched and cloying, unpleasant to listen to.

Grinding her teeth, Joey dropped back into her chair.

The other roommate, Carmen Radler, asked worriedly, "She isn't really dating Nick, is she? We really can't afford to offend someone like him."

Joey snorted.

"So what if she is? We're in the right—what's there to be afraid of? Does he really think he can bend the law? We got into this university on our own merit!"

But the moment I heard Nick's name, I glanced at my phone.

There was a message from him.

Nick: [What time do you get out of class? I'll take you to a new restaurant.]

The timestamp was yesterday afternoon.

That's right. Nick and I were childhood friends. How could I not know if he had a girlfriend?

Our chats were always casual—reply when we had time, silent when we didn't. As for whether he had anything to do with Lucy, I'd have to ask him directly to know for sure.

So I quickly typed back.

Me: [Let's go today.]

He replied almost instantly.

Nick: [I'll pick you up after class.]