Chapter 77
Valerie froze in her tracks.
Classes had just let out, and the walkway was packed with students.
With Russell blocking her path so boldly, it instantly drew attention.
Valerie already stood out with her looks, and now with Russell–equally eye–catching–it was easy for people to start imagining all sorts of romantic drama.
She gave him a long look and said, “That piece was written by me. It doesn’t have a name.”
Adrienne, who had seen Valerie sneak off to the music room several times recently, hadn’t expected the melody to be her original composition. Her eyes lit up with admiration. “Valerie, you’re amazing.”
“I knew it!” Russell’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “I knew I hadn’t heard that piece before. It sounded too good not to be famous–turns out I hay the privilege of hearing it in its raw, creative form. Wait, don’t go! I’m really interested in your music. Could I-?”
“No,” Valerie cut him off flatly.
Adrienne winced at the sharpness, secretly feeling bad for the handsome guy. Poor thing–getting turned down by someone he clearly liked. That had to sting.
Russell blinked. “Why not?”
“Because I don’t like you,” Valerie said coldly. “Stop bothering me. I really can’t stand the sight of you.”
She meant it. The humiliation she’d suffered in her past life–because of people like Russell–was something she would never forget.
Even if, in this timeline, the Shelton family hadn’t yet taken Juliette back or shown any ill will, she couldn’t swallow that past.
The wound ran too deep.
“Can I at least know why?” Russell asked, looking genuinely puzzled. “What did I ever do to offend you?”
Valerie gave a bright, ironic smile. “Because your face just pisses me off.”
Russell was stunned into silence.
The exchange had grown loud enough to attract a crowd.
“Who is that guy? Oh my god, he’s gorgeous. He looks like a senior or something.”
“I can’t! He smiled at me–I’m dead!”
“But why does Valerie look so cold? I’d die to be talked to by a guy that hot!”
Russell, hearing the reactions, was reassured his charm hadn’t gone anywhere. Clearly, the problem was Valerie.
He had only been curious about her music at first, but now… now Valerie herself had piqued his interest.
Adrienne, seeing Valerie storm off, felt awkward and guilty. She tried to offer comfort. “Hey… don’t take it too hard. There’s plenty of fish in the sea. I–I should get going. Bye!”
Russell blinked. Misunderstanding again. He called after her, “Wait! Could you do me a favor?”
But Adrienne hesitated, glanced at Valerie’s retreating figure, then back at Russell and shook her head. “Sorry. I really have to go. Bye!” She practically
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Chapter 77
ran away.
Russell chuckled, amused.
The sound of his laugh hit Adrienne like a jolt of electricity. “He’s way too hot…”
She sprinted back to Valerie. “Valeriel Are you sure you don’t wanna give him a chance? I mean, he’s seriously good–looking!“.
Valerie clenched her jaw. “So what if he’s good–looking? You have no idea if he’s friend or foe. People like that? Black heart wrapped in pretty packaging You’re so naïve, someone like him could chew you up and spit you out before you even notice.”
Adrienne blinked innocently. “No way. Someone that handsome has to be a good person.”
Valerie was speechless.
Adrienne sighed dreamily. “I mean, come on. He’s obviously into you, and he’s stupid handsome. Why be so cold? At this rate, you’ll scare off every guy and die alone!”
Valerie chuckled. “Trust me. I won’t die alone.”
She already had a husband, after all.
Adrienne pouted. “Yeah, right. You’re stunning. Not like me. You’ll never have to worry.”
“What are you talking about? I-” Valerie paused, then changed her mind. “Adrienne, do you have a dream?”
“Me?” Adrienne’s eyes lit up. “I wanna publish all my novels, have them turned into hit TV shows, own a beach house, and marry a ridiculously hot guy!”
Valerie laughed. “That’s it?”
Adrienne frowned. “What do you mean ‘that’s it‘? That’s my ultimate dream! If I had all that, what more could I want?”
Valerie considered. “Fair enough. But have you thought about what happens if that ridiculously hot guy turns out to be a possessive psycho? Like, he won’t let you talk to other men, leave the house, or even argue with him, Keeps you locked up just to use you whenever he wants. What then?”
Adrienne’s eyes sparkled. “Oh my god–that’s my favorite type! Possessive, obsessive, brooding alpha male? I’m living for that drama. Bring it on!”
Valerie gave her a look. “Even if he traps you and takes away your freedom?”
“As long as he’s hot, I’ll survive,” Adrienne said, eyes gleaming. “Guys like that totally melt when you act cute. Just a little pout, and boom–he’ll pluck the stars out of the sky for you. Ugh, I need one of those.”
Valerie stared at her. “You’re seriously unhinged.”
Adrienne giggled and covered her face. “If you’re gonna go all in, you might as well commit.”
They burst into laughter and raced each other to the cafeteria.
Over the next few days, Valerie kept spotting Russell everywhere.
At first, she was on edge–was Juliette finally accepted by the Shelton family? Was Russell here to settle a score?
But no… Russell didn’t seem hostile. In fact, he always watched her from afar with a sunny smile, almost like a lovesick teen.
Valerie relaxed slightly, though she still kept her distance.
Adrienne, on the other hand, was cracking fast..
One day, she stormed up to Valerie, practically in tears. “Valerie, you have to help me! He won’t stop following me around, and he’s so hot, I feel bad
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Chapter 77
turning him down too often…”
Valerie flicked her forehead. “So ignore him.”
“But he’s so cute, and he pulled me aside so suddenly, I just… couldn’t say no!” Adrienne pouted, “I’m too weak against hot guys!”
