Part 3Goodbye Billionaire Hello Doctorate

Someone laughed and tossed a thick envelope of cash across the table. Carter caught it, slipped it into Peyton's lap, and then turned his mocking gaze back to me.

"Tessa, Tessa. You really are obsessed with me, aren't you? Heard I was in trouble and came running before you even washed your face?"

The room erupted into jeers. One of the guys hollered, "Damn, Tessa! Carter already said he's sick of you. You guys are done. Why are you still throwing yourself at him? Got nowhere else to go?"

Another chimed in, "Look how desperate she is, man. Probably came rushing over to grovel. Thinks she can get her spot back!"

"Right? Playing the tragic, independent heroine yesterday, and today she's practically begging."

"Breakup? Please. She was just playing hard to get, and she completely folded."

I stood glued to the hardwood floor. Despite my best efforts, a single, humiliating tear escaped, tracing a hot path down my cheek.

Seeing me cry only deepened the vicious amusement on Carter's face. He nudged Peyton off his lap, stood up, and closed the distance between us in three long strides. He pinched my chin, forcing my face up so I had to look him in the eyes.

"What are you crying for?"

He leaned in close. I could smell the stale alcohol on his breath. He brushed his lips against mine, a degrading, fleeting touch. "Regretting it already? Beg me. Say the words, and I'll—"

Smack.

The sharp crack of my palm against his cheek echoed through the penthouse. The laughter died instantly. The entire room collectively inhaled.

Carter's face went rigid. The amusement vanished from his eyes, replaced by a dark, glacial fury. He swatted my hand away, his jaw clenching. "Tessa. You dared to hit me? Over this petty bullshit?"

Peyton scrambled off the couch, rushing over to cling to his arm. "Carter, don't be mad. She's just jealous. She's completely lost her mind."

She shot me a venomous glare. "She's always like this in the dorms, you know. Constantly flirting with the guys in our study groups, trying to get attention. She just wants everyone orbiting around her. Don't let her play the innocent victim."

I wiped my face with the back of my hand, my eyes burning red. When I spoke, my voice rang out loud and clear.

"Carter, I was completely blind for the last eight years. From this second on, I will never, ever look for you again. You could drop dead, and I wouldn't even blink."

Carter flinched. For a fraction of a second, genuine panic flashed in his eyes. But he quickly masked it with a cruel scoff.

"Remember the last time you threw a tantrum? It took you three days to come crawling back, clutching that stupid bear I bought you."

"You want to play this game? Fine. I'm waiting."

"Just don't come crying to me when you realize what you threw away."

He turned his back on me, dropping heavily onto the sofa and pulling Peyton into his side. He whispered something into his friend’s ear, looking entirely too smug, utterly convinced I’d break. He didn't even grant me a backward glance.

I didn't stay to watch the circus resume. I turned and walked out.

When I reached the street, I found my electric scooter toppled over against the curb. Both tires had been slashed flat.

I dragged the heavy metal frame all the way back to campus. The streets were pitch black, save for the flickering streetlights. A few drunk stragglers shouted obscenities as they passed. My skin crawled with every step, and I pushed the broken scooter faster, my breathing ragged.

When I finally made it back to the dorm, the cardboard box was still sitting by the door. The sight of it made my blood boil. I kicked it viciously into the corner, threw myself onto my mattress, and passed out from sheer exhaustion.