Chapter 4

My voice sounded weak as I responded to my roommate's question. "Maybe."

I had known Camden even longer than I had known Boyd.

We were born in the same hospital and our birthdays were only three days apart. Maybe we were born to be enemies as he had peed all over my face. Both our families had been teasing us about it ever since.

From then on, our rivalry began.

Later, I got engaged to Boyd because of an arrangement between our grandfathers. After that, Camden started targeting Boyd every chance he got. One time, he even kicked Boyd in the crotch and almost ended Boyd's chances of having children. My relationship with Camden got worse since then.

We used to go out and have fun together, but Camden and I ignored each other after that whenever we met for two whole years. Then, right before the SAT, Camden suddenly went crazy and asked me which school I was applying to.

I told him and mocked him, saying he would never get into Alpaca University. Who knew he would outdo himself and actually get in?

Our families threw a party together to celebrate us going to university.

Camden and I stood there, both of us with a cold demeanor, while my mom and Camden's mom tried to make us reconcile. They even made us sit across from each other and play nice at the dinner table.

I was so angry that I splashed wine all over Camden's face, and Camden smugly used my dress to wipe himself dry.

I splashed him again, and he wiped his face again.

In the end, we started splashing each other.

He was soaked from head to toe, and my dress was a disaster.

My mom was completely delighted. "See, aren't you having fun now?"

I got even angrier. We were clearly fighting, not fooling around.

Camden and I maintained a delicate balance before class started and our relationship seemed to return to the way it used to be.

This was such a curse.

My phone suddenly rang, cutting off my thoughts. It was Boyd.

I did not really want to answer as I was in quite an awful mood. Being cheated on was pretty embarrassing.

The phone kept ringing, and a message came in after that: [Eleanor, don't misunderstand us. There really is nothing between Jolene and me. She was upset because of her father's illness, and I was only comforting her. Don't doubt me just because of a few photos.]

I closed my eyes and simply rejected the call. Yet, Boyd refused to give up and called again.

When my roommate heard the phone ring, she looked confused. "Eleanor, why don't you answer your phone?"

I helplessly picked up my phone and walked to the balcony, picking up the call.

Boyd's voice came through. "Eleanor, you have to believe me. The person I love is you. Jolene and I really have nothing going on."

For the first time, Boyd's voice annoyed me.

I was just about to speak when I saw a crowd gathered downstairs. Someone was making a public declaration to Camden.

…Were people not tired from the orientation's training?

The young woman was still wearing her T-shirt and pants from the orientation, and she was holding a bouquet of roses.

She shouted, "Camden, I like you!"

I was on the third floor, and I could even hear her clearly.

I did not mind watching a drama where Camden was the main character.

Boyd was still explaining over the phone, going on about how difficult Jolene's family situation was, how hard things were for her, and how pitiful she was. He had no choice and had only helped her out of kindness. He told me to be mature, told me not to misunderstand them, and told me to be considerate of him and Jolene.

I was not listening at all as my attention was not on what he was saying.

It was still early, and the streetlights were still dim.

I leaned over the balcony and met Camden's eyes.

I thought I saw him smile.

My heart jumped, and I had a bad feeling.

Camden suddenly reached out and pointed at me. "Eleanor Malone! My girlfriend!"

His voice was especially loud.

Everyone downstairs looked up at me.

Boyd suddenly went silent over the phone.

He sounded a little hesitant. "Eleanor? Who was talking just now?"

I said casually, "Sorry, I have something to take care of."

Then, ignoring Boyd's reaction, I hung up and charged all the way downstairs.

Seriously?! Did Camden need to get his head checked?