บททั้งหมดของ Rich Love : บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

Carolyn's POVFinally, freedom. The last exam paper had been turned in, the bell had rung, and I had practically floated out of school on the wings of pure, exhausted relief. First term exams were over. My bandaged ankle had fully healed. My brain was no longer full of ledgers and calculations, and most importantly—I was free of J.J., even if just for a while. At least, that’s what I thought. I sprawled across my bed like a starfish, still in my comfy T-shirt and shorts, clutching my pillow like it was some kind of victory trophy. The soft hum of the ceiling fan whispered above me, promising peace and a week of actual breathing. No mind games. No drama. Just blissful solitude. Then came the knock. A soft double-tap on my door. “Carolyn?” my aunty’s voice floated in before she opened the door with a smile that I didn’t like one bit. I sat up, instantly suspicious. “Yes?” She came in, holding a brown envelope. “I’ve got great news!” That smile again. The one she wore when she wa

Carolyn’s POVI walked away from the stream with shaking hands and a storm behind my ribs.His lips had been soft. Too soft. His grip was firm but not painful. The warmth of his breath still lingered against my mouth, haunting me like a shadow I couldn’t outrun. I hated him. I hated him. But…God help me—I liked that kiss.The memory replayed over and over in my head, like an unwanted song stuck on loop. The way he dragged me back. The fire in his eyes. The fury in mine. The tension that melted into surrender, for a moment.I had let myself go. I had melted. For J.J.What was wrong with me?My fingers curled into fists as I stomped up the hill trail toward the cabins, heart thudding like a warning drum. My mind screamed logic, screamed self-respect, but something deeper inside whispered betrayal. Not of others—of myself.I should have slapped him harder.I should have never let him close enough to feel how much I still wanted him.By the time I reached Cabin 5, my legs felt like jelly

Carolyn's POVUnder the Starlit StreamThe night wrapped around me like a blanket—soft, quiet, and cool.I walked slowly down the dirt path, guided only by the moonlight and the rhythmic sound of water nearby. The stream was just ahead, hidden behind tall grass and a wall of trees. It was always the most peaceful place in the camp. A secret pocket of the world where no one could yell names at you, or laugh in your face, or tie your hands behind your back and call you a slut like Emma and her little army had done today.The word still stung.Like poison beneath my skin.“Slut.”My cousin said it like it was a fact.Like I deserved it for existing.I knelt by the edge of the stream and let out a shaky breath. The water shimmered under the stars, glowing silver and soft blue as it danced over smooth stones. I slipped off my sandals and let my legs dangle over the edge, toes skimming the cold water. The chill startled me at first, but then it felt… grounding. Real. Like I wasn’t just floa

Carolyn’s POV I couldn't stop smiling.It felt… strange, this happiness that bubbled up whenever I thought about the camp. And it wasn’t just because of the activities or the people or the food (though I did enjoy the endless supply of abacha). It was J.J.In the beginning, I had never imagined that I'd enjoy spending time with him. After everything I have experienced with him—his reputation, his sharp words, his coldness—I have experienced him being unbearable, someone to avoid at all costs. But now, after the days we spent talking, laughing, and even just sitting in silence, I realized that he would be a delight to be around if he wanted to be, It made me understand Emma more and why she was so crazy about J.J. J.J. had layers. Beneath that tough exterior, there was a side of him that most people didn’t get to see. The more I saw, the more I liked what I saw. He was funny. Kind. Even when he tried to act aloof, I could see the care in his eyes, the way he always made sure I was ok

Carloyn's POVI stood at the edge of the garden terrace, away from the glittering lights and champagne laughter. My eyes kept drifting back to the massive French doors, where J.J. had disappeared with his father nearly ten minutes ago.What are they talking about?I shifted on my heels, heart tapping out a steady rhythm of unease. J.J.'s father hadn’t even looked in my direction. Not once. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just a father-son check-in.Was he asking about me?Judging me?Was I some charity case dragged into a party meant for pedigrees and legacy?A sharp heel clipped behind me. I turned just as Emma brushed past me, too close, deliberately grazing my shoulder with a smirk."Oops. Didn’t see you there," she said, her lips curled like she’d tasted something sour. "Thought this part of the terrace was for actual guests."I straightened. "I am a guest."Emma turned to face me fully, eyes glinting with venom masked as charm. "You being here is... bold. I'll g