Chapter 2

Once the enrollment process was complete, Ruby took it upon herself to invite everyone in the dorm for a meal. As we gathered around the dinner table, she proudly declared, "My goal is to become the most famous social butterfly on campus and date a hundred guys. A person as charming as me should definitely make the most of it."

My two roommates and I couldn't help but frown at her words.

Catherine spoke up without hesitation, "Isn't that a bit much? It sounds like you're turning relationships into some kind of game. Besides, isn't that guy sitting next to you your boyfriend? Doesn't it bother him when you say things like that?"

Before Ruby could respond, Daniel quickly interjected, "You're missing the point. This is about embracing openness and freedom. I find Ruby's carefree attitude incredibly captivating. Besides, I'm Ruby's official boyfriend. Everyone else is just passing shadows. As long as Ruby has me in her heart, why should I care?"

With that, the two of them held hands and shared a sweet smile.

On the other hand, my roommates and I exchanged knowing smirks, silently poking fun at the scene in front of us.

I shook my head. Daniel was so smart and kind back in high school, but now, he was someone entirely different. I couldn't even remember what had attracted me to him back then.

Ruby went on excitedly, sharing her "grand plan".

"There are eight major departments at our university, and I'm planning to have ten boyfriends in each one. I'll keep a few spots open for the men outside campus. If I can manage to snag a couple of professors, that'd be a nice bonus.

"So, what do you think? Doesn't that sound fair? This way, everyone gets a shot at being with me."

I knew better than to try reasoning with Ruby. I nodded along, pretending to be impressed by her "brilliant" plan.

Catherine, however, couldn't help but chime in, "If you're planning to date so many guys, you might want to take some precautions. Getting pregnant by accident would be a nightmare, and abortions can really take a toll on the body."

Ruby waved her hand dismissively. "I don't use protection. The best experiences are without barriers. Don't worry, I won't get pregnant."

I acted shocked. "How is that even possible? Are you infertile or something?"

Ruby shot me a glare. "What nonsense are you talking about? As long as I don't want to get pregnant, I won't. But when I do, it'll happen. I've got my own secret."

As she spoke, her gaze flicked to my wrist. The moment she saw the crystal bracelet, a smug grin spread across her face.

What she didn't know was that the bracelet on my wrist was just a cheap knockoff I had bought at a random shop off campus. The one she had given me was now resting on Mrs. Winslow's wrist.

That night, neither Ruby nor Daniel came back to the dorm.

My two roommates and I quietly agreed to stay out of it. Of course, that meant we didn't cover for her during room inspections.

At 12:00 am, Ruby messaged the freshmen group chat.

"The bed at the hotel near campus is so uncomfortable. I woke up with a sore back and legs."

Along with the message, she shared a photo of herself in a bathrobe. It showed her lying on the bed with one shoulder bare.

Almost immediately, the group chat was flooded with messages from several guys.

"Why are you sending us this photo so late? How's anyone supposed to get any sleep now?"

"Are you sure the bed alone is what's making your legs feel weak?"

Seeing she had caught their attention, Ruby casually shared her WhatsApp details. "Message me if you want to have some fun."