Chapter 7
I insisted on returning to Harmony House Orphanage until the results were announced.
Jack wasn’t one to waste time – he left me with a black credit card and two security personnel before departing.
When I next saw Camden, his class had just returned from their senior trip.
“You’re still planning to repeat senior year?” He kicked a pebble, his tone dripping with mockery. “Really think you’re some kind of genius now?”
Leaning against the wall, I calmly asked: “Camden, do you remember when you were ten and you stole those muffins from Director Hayes to give to me?”
His movements faltered momentarily.
“That day you promised that when we grew up, you’d make lots of money and take me away from here.” I gazed up at the honey locust tree. “Now I have money-” I waved the black card in my hand, “-but you’re trying to send me as far away as possible.”
Camden’s expression wavered for just a moment.
But he quickly recovered his sneer: “Miss Crawford’s destiny isn’t something ordinary people can compare to.”
“You still don’t understand why I chose humanities courses when I’ve always loved science, do you?”
“Because you always outscored me in every test! I was sick of being forever second–best!”
“So I completely understand how Valerie feels.”
“She works so much harder than you!” His eyes reddened. “But everyone only ever sees you.”
I was stunned. Why couldn’t friends simply wish each other well?
“I see,” I laughed softly. “Camden, I’m curious – Valerie knows you have feelings for her, yet she’s clearly involved with my boyfriend. Does that truly not bother you?”
Camden turned away without answering.
35:32
They Stodde Nu identity I sente heir FunG
Chapter 7
From the distance came inappropriately timed laughter.
Noah and Valerie were walking toward us, side by side.
She was clinging affectionately to his arm.
Seeing us, she immediately released him. “Riley, Camden! Don’t get the wrong idea, we just happened to run into each other…”
Camden’s expression instantly softened: “I didn’t think anything of it.”
Looking at this boy who had become pathetically subservient, I suddenly felt like I was staring at a stranger.
The Camden who used to fight for me, who stole food to feed me – he had died somewhere along the
way.
“Camden,” I asked quietly, “if Valerie really does become valedictorian, and I go to Europe, and they officially get together… will you regret losing our friendship?”
He looked momentarily confused: “What are you going on about now?”
“There are countless orphans who never find their birth parents. You should be grateful for your opportunity. Even if you go abroad, we’ll still be the same friends we’ve always been.”
Yeah, right.
Knowing full well I was being sent like a lamb to slaughter, yet still determined to push me toward
that fate.
Perfect. Now I didn’t even feel the slightest guilt anymore.
Noah approached with visible irritation: “Riley, do I need to break up with you for you to agree to go to Europe?”
I stared back stubbornly: “Wrong. If you break up with me, I’m definitely not leaving. If you want me to admit defeat, you’ll have to crush me with actual results.”
Hearing this, Valerie shot him a reassuring look.
I turned to leave.
15:33
They Kandy.
Chapter 7
Behind me, her sickeningly sweet voice carried: “Noah, let’s go celebrate later~”
I smiled to myself.
Go ahead and celebrate. Revel in your ‘victory‘.
This is the last happy moment you’ll ever have.
15:33
