Chapter 1

After a sleepless night, I finally called my homeroom teacher, Mr. Hayden. The phone rang for a long time before it went through.

Mr. Hayden's voice was tired. "Nelly Seagel? What's wrong?"

I asked hoarsely, "Sir, has my guaranteed university admission information been changed?"

After a few seconds, Mr. Hayden muttered, "Nelly, the school was going to inform you about the guaranteed university admission change tomorrow."

My mind short-circuited. "Why? I got first place in all my competition scores and overall evaluations."

Mr. Hayden sighed. "The Joller family got involved. And the application materials were submitted to the province yesterday, so they can't be withdrawn."

I held the phone for a long time without saying a word. After the call ended, I sat on the bed, staring blankly.

Suddenly, a voice came from outside the door. "Nelly, come out and cook."

It was my father. I did not move.

My stepmother, Marissa York, quickly commented sarcastically, "Oh, she has guaranteed university admission now. She won't bother cooking. Lara is unlucky, unlike some people who were born into good families."

Marissa had barely finished speaking when my phone rang. It was Bryce Joller. I stared at the name for a long time before answering.

His voice on the other end of the line was as languid as ever. "Still not up? I brought you breakfast. Come downstairs."

I was suddenly amused. Even at a time like this, he still acted as if nothing had happened. I suppressed my emotions and asked, "Bryce, is my guaranteed university admission gone?"

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. He quickly muttered, "Nelly, who told you that? I've checked the school system. It's probably just a temporary adjustment."

I asked softly, "You really didn't do it?"

Bryce was silent for two seconds before becoming a little annoyed. "Nelly, are you doubting me?"

I hung up immediately.

Twenty minutes later, Bryce appeared downstairs at my apartment. He acted the same as always—taking my bag and handing me two eggs and a carton of milk.

Meeting my reddened eyes, he frowned. "Why do you look so pale?"

He spoke as he reached out to touch my forehead. However, I took a step back. He paused, his gaze finally darkening. "What's come over you?"

I stared at him before suddenly handing him my phone. On the screen was the synced note: [Operation: Save Lara Lane]

Bryce's expression froze completely. He stared at the screen and was silent for a long time.

Suddenly, my eyes reddened. "Bryce, is it fun scheming to get my guaranteed university admission spot while pretending to love me?"

Bryce's Adam's apple bobbed violently. After a long pause, he finally muttered, "Nelly, I didn't want you to find out so soon, but Lara really has no way out."

I immediately cried, "So you ruined my future?"

Bryce frowned. "You're different from her. You're excellent at your studies. You can ace the SATs, but she can't."

It was the same remark.

I stared at him intently. "What exactly can't she do?"

Bryce's eyes were filled with unconcealed pity. "A few nights ago, I saw her hiding in the kitchen eating leftovers. Your dad and stepmom took you out to eat, and nobody paid any attention to her. She didn't even dare to get any proper food."

I froze and then almost laughed in anger. "So you feel sorry for her? She's always been good at acting, can't you tell?"

Bryce frowned deeply. "Nelly, you're too prejudiced against her."

I finally understood. Through Lara's pretense, he saw the old him—the one who no one cared about or protected and was a desperate people pleaser. Thus, he softened and became biased.

Bryce slowly added, "Nelly, I just want to save her."

My voice trembled. "Fine, continue with your rescue plan, but you miscalculated the third point. You'll never see the day you marry me."