Before Dylan could retort, Chloe suddenly snapped, “Enough!” She looked at me, and in her eyes, there was no trace of guilt, only a burning anger and undisguised disgust. “Those thugs already confessed, Caleb. They admitted you paid them to go after Dylan! Caleb, I never thought you could be so cruel, so utterly malicious! He’s barely stepped out of this academic bubble, and you’ve alre-
ady made him endure something like this!”
I stood there, frozen, and after a long moment, my voice came out barely a whisper. “Chloe, so you’d rather believe Dylan and a
couple of hired thugs than believe me?”
Chloe was silent for a long moment, then she said, her voice strained, “I only believe what I see with my own eyes.”
I stood there, utterly numb, my heart rattling in my chest. All I could hear was the chorus of contempt and mockery aimed squarely at me. The department head, seething with rage, practically roared. “I never imagined such a despicable student would emerge from my department! You have clearly not met the standards for graduation! You will not participate in this graduation ceremony, As for your disciplinary action, I will report it to the university and you will be notified. Now, leave!”
I ignored the dean, my gaze locked on Chloe’s. But she averted her eyes, a frown creasing her brow, and spoke in a low, exasperat- ed tone. “Caleb, just go back. Don’t make a scene here, don’t disturb the other students‘ graduation! As for us, we’ll talk about it privately later!”
I stood there, humiliated, my voice trembling as I asked, “Chloe, are you sure you won’t regret doing this to me?” But Chloe didn’t
respond. She simply turned and walked away with Dylan, leaving me standing there alone.
From that moment on, I became the university’s laughingstock. My former friends, once close, now avoided me like the plague. My heart felt utterly hollow. I bought a one–way ticket to join my parents, who had been living abroad for years. Before boarding the flight, I slipped the ring off my finger, the one she’d given me, and mailed it back to her.
10.19
Chanter.
My memories faded, and I focused back on Sophie and the curious faces around the table. “If this is all you brought me here to talk
about, then I’ll be taking my leave now.”
But Sophie immediately moved to block my exit, her voice frantic. “Caleb, wait! Chloe’s on her way, just let her speak to you herse-
If!”
My brow furrowed. “I don’t think there’s anything left to say between us. Besides, I’m married.”
