Chapter 2

"Actually, I realized something was wrong around 3 a.m., but I was so exhausted that I accidentally fell asleep. That's why I only remembered now.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have fallen asleep..."

Impressive.

In just a few sentences, Lewis had already turned himself into the victim.

That tactic didn't work on me, but it was even more effective than tears when it came to Cerys and the others.

She turned to him and spoke gently, "How are you supposed to do well on the exam if you don't sleep? This was Finley's responsibility in the first place. Helping him was kind of you, but you can't sacrifice your own future for it."

Lewis's eyes immediately reddened.

Cerys frowned with concern, then pulled me aside and whispered, "Finley, you're so spoiled. You're selfish, and you have no consideration for other people. Honestly, I can't imagine what it would be like to marry someone like you.

"I'm making this clear right now. My family doesn't want me to marry someone who acts like an entitled rich kid.

"After the exams, either don't apply to Northbridge University or Blackwell University, or intentionally skip one of your exam subjects. Either way, don't end up at the same university as Lewis and me, so you can stop picking on him.

"Otherwise, the engagement is off."

When she finished, she straightened up and shot me a glare as if daring me to challenge her.

I tightened my grip on my backpack strap. Not a flicker of emotion crossed my face.

"Cerys, Mrs. Williamson posted everyone's test center assignments in the class group chat days ago.

"The schedule was already finalized. If Lewis can stay up for two nights straight and still manage to mess up my test center, are you really sure he's smart enough to get into Northbridge or Blackwell?"

Lewis's face went pale immediately.

The surrounding students immediately turned on me.

"That was way out of line! So what if you're ranked first in the class?"

"Just call a cab or have your family's driver pick you up. Do you really need to take cheap shots at Lewis over something this trivial?"

Cerys lowered her gaze and bit her lip. "Finley, if Lewis's family hadn't gone through such a hard time, and if it hadn't affected his studies, he wouldn't be any worse than you.

"You really think you earned first place all on your own? How many private tutors did your family hire for you? How much money did they spend?"

Listening to her accusation after accusation, I let out a short laugh.

Last year, I did work with a few tutors, but the Moores had actually hired those tutors for Cerys. She'd felt awkward being tutored alone and insisted on dragging me into the sessions.

Now, somehow, it had become proof that I only ranked first because of private tutoring.

The truth was, Cerys hadn't always been like this.

We'd grown up together. Our families had arranged our engagement when we were children, and she had never objected. Back then, she'd grinned and told everyone she'd always wanted to marry me anyway.

Everything changed during our freshman year of high school, when Lewis transferred in from another state. He had a gentle personality, came from a wealthy family, and was instantly liked by everyone.

At first, Cerys simply looked out for him, but later, she included him in everything.

Then, during our sophomore year, his family went bankrupt. The entire class started treating him like fragile glass. Cerys even openly declared that anyone who bullied Lewis was picking a fight with her.

From that day on, Lewis was always right, and I was always wrong.

When he claimed I'd stolen his spot in a competition, then I was expected to "give it back" to him.

If he cried in front of me, then clearly I'd said something terrible.

Once, he even recited the wrong passage during class. All it took was one watery-eyed glance in my direction, and somehow everyone decided I'd distracted him and hurt his grades.

At first, I argued, but they didn't believe me. Eventually, I stopped.

If people are determined to blame you, they'll always find an excuse.

"Cerys, what happened to Lewis's family wasn't my fault. And you know perfectly well who those tutors were actually hired for," I said coldly, then turned and walked toward the curb.

Arguing over Lewis was a waste of time.

I was about to call my driver and have him pick me up at the school gates. Eastbrook was ten minutes farther away than Westhaven, so I had to leave immediately.

"Finley!" Lewis jogged over, his eyes still red. "Please don't be angry with me. I really didn't mean it..."

He reached for me, but I sidestepped him and answered flatly, "It's fine. I get it."

However, he refused to let it go. Instead, he grabbed my wrist even tighter.

I yanked my arm back, but at that exact moment, his hand caught the edge of my phone, sending it flying from my grip and crashing to the ground face-down.