Chapter 3
I spent a day in the hospital then checked out to prepare for the welcome party performance
But when I got back to the dorm, my roommates were cuid and sarcastic, cominced 14 faked the allergy to came true
I slapped my hospital records down in front of them
When they saw “severe anaphylactic shock,” their eyes went wide and they coni’t say a wit
I ignored them after that
The professor said after the welcome party, I’d transfer to the business campus and get a new form.
Word was the business dean would attend, and making a good impression nigir get ne mo the honors program
So I spent my days doing orientation activities and my nights practicing plans in the music ruan
Marcus kept texting me, br 1 blocked him without reading them.
The day before the welcome party, I went to pick up a package and ran o him again.
He was holding my delivery.
I held out my hand. “Give it”
He held the package up high with that cocky grin
Still mad, huh? Want it? Add me back on Instagram and I’ll give it to you.”
The package was the performance dress Dad had sent.
I stared at Marcus’s smirk. He clearly had no idea I’d nearly died a few days ago.
Taking a deep breath, I pulled out my phone to call his dad.
He immediately grabbed my phone away.
I tried to get it back.
But he held my phone up high, tapped on it a few times, and said:
“Baby, don’t be mad. My advisor wants me to help in the lab over break–I’ll be gone for over two weeks.”
“Two weeks without talking. I can’t handle that. Can you?”
I mapped, “Go wherever you want! It’s none of my business–we’re BROKEN UP?”
Marcus gave me that exasperated smile and pulled me into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head.
“Silly girl, how many times do I have to say I love you before you believe me?”
His sweet words made me sick.
How could he juggle two girls, constantly choose her over me, and still claim to love me?
I broke free and ran off, forgetting about the dress.
I texted him later:
[That package has my performance dress. Bring it to me NOW–I need it for the welcome party!]
He took forever to reply.
1.8%
Chapter 3
[Toobes today. I bring tomorrow. Good night, baby girl]
When I kept texting, be wet se
I was frustrated but figured I’d war until tomoXTON,
But the next day when I asked again
Joy, I’m swamped today, I’ll bring it to you at the party tonight.]
I tried to breathe through my irritation
“Marcus, tonight’s performance is really important to me! You HAVE to bring the dress early?”
As showtime approached, I called him over and over backstage.
Then I heard the announcer: “Please welcome freshman Chelsea Morrison and senior Marcus Blackthorne for their piano duet of ‘Unheard Melodies.”
“Hello, the number you have dialed is not available…”
I pushed aside the curtain and saw Chelsea wearing the dress my mother had made me, sitting under the stage lights with Marcus, playing together. Theard people saying, “That freshman’s dress is gorgeous–they look so perfect together!”
“Right? Did you see that look they shared? OMG, so sweet!”
“Theard the senior agreed to perform just to support her.”
My hands clenched so tight my nails dug into my palms.
“Unheard Melodies” was Marcus’s favorite anime theme song, and the first piece we’d ever played together.
He used to say, “You’re my leading lady, Joy. I’ll never lose my leading lady!”
But his leading lady was done with him.
