Chapter 5
“Avery, what’s this about?” []
1 yanked my arm free and stared calmly at Killian.]
“Nothing special. Just that from now on, you’ll have to cook your own meals!“]]
His face froze, a flicker of unease crossing it as he started to speak.]
But I was already pushing my suitcase toward Professor Davis, a smile on my face I hadn’t shown in ages.
“It’s been a while, Professor, Sorry you had to come pick me up yourself.“]
Professor Davis’s cold expression softened, revealing his concern for me. 0
“If things weren’t working out, you should’ve called your teacher and classmates sooner. With us around, no one would dare mistreat you!”
That comment was clearly aimed at Killian–the professor even shot him a glance.[]
Warmth flooded through me. Even after all these years, my professor and classmates still had my back, just like before.
Professor Davis took my suitcase from my hand.[]
“If there’s nothing else, let’s go. The car’s waiting outside.“[]
I nodded and took a couple steps following him when Killian finally snapped out of his daze.
He rushed forward, blocking my path, his eyes burning into mine.
“Avery, what the hell is going on? Even if you need to leave, you should at least explain yourself!“]]
“You can’t just walk out without saying anything! What’s that about?”
Listen to him talk–like I’m the one who abandoned everything. Like he’s the victim who suffered all the pain and torment.
I laughed bitterly, tilting my head to mock him. “Weren’t you the one who just told me to get out? Funny how quickly you forgot what you said.“[]
“If your memory’s failing you, Killian, maybe you should see a doctor. Hate for someone so young to develop early–onset dementia.“[]
Hearing me insult Killian, Chloe–who’d been watching from the sidelines–suddenly charged forward like a guard dog, all claws out.] “What’s your problem, Avery? How dare you talk to Killian like that!“]
Finally, i didn’t have to hold back anymore.
I grabbed Chioe’s arm, yanked her forward, and stuck my foot out to trip her.
“I used to tolerate your crap because of Killian, but you think you can still act like a spoiled brat in front of me now?”
Then Chloe fell flat on her face, making intimate contact with the floor.[]
Her fake nose instantly bent sideways, and she burst into tears from the pain.]
“Killiant Avery’s bullying me! Do something about her!“]
I let out a soft laugh, feeling Professor Davis backing me up. My eyes never wavered as I stared directly at Killian.]
He frowned, hesitating for a long moment before helping Chloe up.
Then he looked at me, stammering. “Avery, you know I was just angry. It was just something I said in the heat of the moment–you don’t need to take it so seriously!” “If you felt hurt, I apologize.”
“Whatever it is, let’s go back home and talk. No need to air our dirty laundry in public.”
When he said “public,” he emphasized it, glancing at Professor Davis standing behind me.]
In the past, I might have turned back after hearing those few sentences from Killian
But now I could see through everything.
Not just him, but Chloe too.
One kept pushing and threatening him to divorce me, the other kept giving in to her every selfish, unreasonable demand.
Compet
That told me everything I needed to know.
Taking a deep breath, I looked up and said flatly:]
“Whatever you want to say, you can say it now. If we’re talking about strangers, you’re more of a stranger to me now than anyone.”
Killian’s body trembled slightly.]
Under the dim streetlight, his eyes revealed a flicker of panic.]]
