Chapter 99 - Retaliation

Sophia was shocked that Zoe talked back at her. Zoe never did so in the past. No matter how she bullied her, the girl never fought back –– silently enduring at the side.

Sophia inwardly grimaced while keeping her angelic smile. With a concerned face and voice said, "Zoe, mom, and dad are worried about you. How could you just pack your things and live in the dorms without even telling us?"

"As expected of the black sheep."

"No manners at all."

"Even to her own parents, no parental love whatsoever."

Sophia continued, "Mom and dad are angry, but I'll help you talk to them. You shouldn't run off like that. You should listen to our parents once in a while."

"Did you hear that? She doesn't even listen to her parents."

"She's making Sophia look so bad. So shameless."

"Haven't you heard? She's an embarrassment to the Collin's."

Zoe smiled and crossed her arms. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that you're so knowledgeable about how to live my life now." Her hips then slanted to the side. "Tell you what, why don't you give your unwanted lectures to someone who cares?"

Sophia looked hurt and stammered, "I-I didn't mean to. I'm just concerned about you."

Zoe rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to retort, but I cut in.

"Sophia, are you sure you wanted to continue your charade?" I licked my lips and dangled my phone in front of her.

Sophia's smile fell, and colors drained from her face. She then seized Holley's hand and pulled her away.

I smirked while the other gossip.

"What happened?"

"I don't know. The moment that girl brought out her phone, Sophia just walked out."

There were still whispers and glances thrown our way until the introductory event started.

Zoe nudged me with probing eyes. "How did you even became enemies with Holley Goldwood?"

"She thinks I stole Cain Fay from her," I said, my attention on the stage.

Zoe's eyebrow arched. "THE Cain Fay? Okay, I won't even ask how you met the elusive man, but Cain Fay doesn't even like her."

I gave her a sidelong glanced and grinned. "How do you know?"

"Duh! I was practically dragged at Holley's birthday party every year. And the last five years they've been engaged, Cain Fay was only seen together with her on her birthday. And anyone who had eyes could see that the man didn't even have an ounce of interest in her. He'd rather focus all his attention on his laptop. The whole party, he was sitting all alone, typing on his laptop like he was a stranger, accidentally stumbling his way there. He didn't even kiss nor greeted her. I'm practically amazed he didn't break the engagement much early on."

I giggled. I could picture Cain doing just that.

After the introductory event, Zoe and I exchanged numbers.

"What's with this ridiculous, unfair schedules?!" she exclaimed when we were about to part ways, going to our respective buildings.

"You just have three classes a week, and I have like five, and you have so many free times!" she added.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Art is a difficult subject."

"So is linguistic." Then She groaned. "My building is this way. Let's have lunch later."

"Sure.