Chapter 11: You’re Such a Jerk

Allie was lost in thought as Adam Sinclair walked beside her.

Once they stepped outside, Allie snapped back to reality. She jerked her hand out of his grip and spun on him. "Adam Sinclair, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Her heart was racing. It wasn’t like Adam kissed her against her will, but when he did, Allie didn’t pull away. For a crazy moment, she thought it was Liam Hart kissing her.

What’s wrong with me?

Adam stopped, his cold expression unchanged. "I’m sorry."

Allie’s anger flared. "You used me as a shield? Why me?"

"Because you’re Nick Lawson’s ex. Felicity wouldn’t dare touch you," Adam said, his voice calm but sharp.

Allie clenched her fists. "You’re such a jerk."

Without another word, she turned and stormed off.

Chloe West shot Adam a look before hurrying after Allie.

Allie had dropped her bag in her rush to leave. It wasn’t anything important—just a few clothes—but she didn’t care enough to go back for it.

Once they reached the dorm, Chloe hesitated. "Allie, I’m sorry. If it weren’t for me asking you to help, this wouldn’t

have happened. If Nick finds out—"

Allie cut her off, unlocking the door to their room. "It’s not your fault. And I’ve already broken up with Nick."

Chloe froze. "What? You broke up with him?"

"Yeah," Allie muttered, turning to face her. "It’s been over for a while."

Chloe was stunned. "But… but he’s always been so good to you! Everyone said you two were perfect!"

Allie didn’t answer. She just unlocked the door and stepped inside.

The other two roommates were there. Emma Carter, the top student, was gathering books to go to the library, and

Cher Waverly was sitting on her bed, quietly.

Emma waved as she passed by. "Hey, you guys."

Chloe laughed nervously. "Emma, going to the library on the first day? Isn’t that a bit much?"

Emma smiled but didn’t slow down. "Time is precious. I don’t waste it."

Emma was studying finance and business management. She spent more time in the library than in the dorm, always buried in her books.

Allie and Cher were both journalism majors, and they had known each other since high school. But today, it was different. It was like neither of them acknowledged the other.

The air felt tense.

Chloe felt it too. After a long pause, she said, "Hey, how about we all go to The Fireside Grill tonight? You know, the hot pot place."

Allie sighed, looking tired. "I can’t. I have to move some stuff tonight. I’ll pass."

 

* * * * * * * *

 

Chloe blinked in surprise. "You’re moving? You’re not staying in the dorm anymore?"

Allie, packing her things into a suitcase, didn’t look up. "I rented a place off-campus. I’m moving out tonight."

Chloe frowned. "But why? I thought everything was fine here. We were all good living together, weren’t we?"

Before Allie could answer, Cher spoke up, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Oh, Chloe, you know how it is. Some people can’t handle the simplicity of dorm life. Maybe Allie needs... something more."

Chloe froze, glancing between Allie and Cher. What was going on here? They used to be close, didn’t they? Was there a fight?

Allie ignored Cher, continuing to pack without responding.

Chloe hesitated, her concern growing. "Everything okay?" she asked, her voice low.

Allie’s voice was calm but firm. "I just need a change. It’s fine."

The two of them packed up the car and drove to Allie’s new place. When they pulled up to the gate of the luxury

neighborhood, Chloe’s eyes widened. "Wait, you live here too?"

Allie shot her a confused look. "What do you mean ‘too’?"

Chloe laughed nervously. "I just heard a lot of celebrities live around here. If we bump into one, don’t forget to grab an

autograph for me."

The neighborhood was massive—single-family homes hidden behind tall trees, long driveways stretching out of sight. It was the kind of place where you could live for years and not know a thing about your neighbors.

After they got everything inside, Allie turned to Chloe. "I’ll buy you dinner tonight. Let’s go to The Fireside Grill."

Chloe quickly waved her off. "No way, I’ve got this. If it weren’t for you today, I might’ve ended up with a scar or something."

Allie gave a small smile but didn’t really mean it. As they sat down at the restaurant, Chloe, still worried, couldn’t hold back the question that had been gnawing at her.

"So, what happened with Cher?" Chloe asked, trying to keep it light.

Mentioning Cher hit Allie like a punch to the gut. The anger and hurt she felt were still fresh. She took a deep breath before responding. "Let’s just say... we’re done. For good."

Chloe caught the flicker of pain in Allie’s eyes and immediately regretted asking. "Sorry. Don’t want to push it."

Allie gave a small nod, relieved. "Thanks. It’s better if we don’t talk about it."

Chloe didn’t push. Instead, she tried to change the subject. "How about we drink a little? I know it’s been a long day, and you could use it."

Allie didn’t protest. She needed to drown out the turmoil in her chest, even if it wasn’t the healthiest way. "Sure."

Chloe didn’t expect it, but after just two beers, Allie was completely out of it, slumped over the table.

"Great," Chloe muttered, helping Allie back to the villa.

When they got back to the villa, Chloe noticed a sleek black Bentley parked in front. She paused. Didn’t Allie say she was living alone?

But then she shrugged. Maybe it was a family member’s car. She didn’t have time to think too much about it.

After helping Allie to her room and confirming she was passed out, Chloe turned to leave.

But just as she stepped out of the room, the door creaked open, and in walked Liam.

Chloe stopped in her tracks, surprised. She hadn’t expected him back tonight.

Liam stood in the doorway, looking at Allie with concern written all over his face. His gaze softened, and he walked

toward the bed, sitting beside her. His fingers brushed against her flushed cheek.

Allie stirred at the touch, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw Liam, a smile tugged at her lips. "Nick... you’re back..." she whispered, her voice thick with sleep.