I Traded Three Years of Love for One Perfect Revenge Chapter 02
For the next few days, Cole and I didn’t contact each other or speak.
On the first day of classes, Aldercrest announced the student chosen to give the first-year address at convocation.
I had the strongest incoming academic record in my program, and the one speaking slot went to me.
It felt like the payoff for countless sleepless nights and all the practice tests and problem sets I’d worked through to get here.
Every night after everyone else had fallen asleep, I stayed up quietly, revising my speech by the glow of my phone.
Brielle caught sight of the draft on my desk and suddenly burst into tears.
“You already have this amazing opportunity. Everyone on campus is going to know who you are.”
“But what about me?”
“I don’t know anyone here. Nobody talks to me, and I feel completely left out.”
“It’s like I don’t even exist.”
I had no idea how to comfort her, so I quietly put the speech away.
That afternoon, I went to the first-year dean’s office to turn in my final draft.
I had barely reached the door when I heard Cole’s voice inside.
“I’d like to ask if Brielle can take Nora’s place as the first-year speaker.”
“That’s what she wants too.”
I pushed open the door and stared straight at him.
“Cole, what gives you the right to make that decision for me?”
Cole strode over, grabbed my wrist, and dragged me into the hallway.
“What are you doing here? Do you have to make a scene and embarrass everyone?”
I yanked my arm free and looked at the man who had once sworn he’d always protect me.
“That honor is mine. What gives you the right to hand it to someone else?”
Cole scoffed.
“You only got into Aldercrest because you lucked into it.”
“You don’t need the spotlight.”
“Brielle’s different. She’s sensitive.”
“She needs this speech to build her confidence and help her fit in.”
“Why do you have to be so heartless?”
Brielle walked over and gently tugged at my sleeve, her voice soft and fragile.
“I’m sorry. I don’t want the spot anymore.”
“I had no idea Cole was going to do this. Please don’t fight because of me.”
Cole immediately stepped in front of her.
“Brielle, you don’t owe her an apology. She owes you this chance.”
Then he glared at me.
“We’re all from the same hometown. What’s wrong with helping each other out?”
“But no, you had to come in here and make a scene in front of the dean just to humiliate me.”
“You’re unbelievable. Getting this worked up over one stupid speech? It’s selfish, and it’s disgusting.”
I looked him straight in the eye and said slowly and clearly, “Cole, we’re done.”
He froze for a second, then his expression turned dismissive, as if I couldn’t possibly mean it.
“What are you throwing a fit about now? Enough already.”
Brielle spoke timidly from behind him.
“Don’t fight with Cole because of me. If that’s what it takes, I just won’t talk to him anymore.”
“Yes. I’m ending it,” I said again.
Then I turned and strode away.
Cole shouted after me, “If you walk away right now, don’t come crawling back later! I won’t take you back!”
I didn’t turn around. I only lengthened my stride.