Chapter 7
Don't let me catch you, or I'll make you pay a thousand times over.
I skipped classes for several days.
I devoted myself to tracking her every move around the clock.
I became familiar with her entire schedule.
Though she shared a dorm with Isabella, their personalities were worlds apart.
Chloe was calculating and opportunistic.
Everything she did had an ulterior motive.
She loved socializing and had an extensive circle of friends.
In just two days, I spotted five different men around her.
They didn't seem like boyfriends.
But they weren't just friends either.
After days of surveillance, one thing became clear.
Her promiscuity was real.
Though this was an open secret everyone knew.
After three days of partying at bars, she finally returned to campus.
Tracking her had been pure torture.
I'd spent three full days in those bars too.
I hadn't slept properly once.
Yawning constantly, I followed her to the administration building.
She walked straight into the dean's office.
My expression darkened.
She was going to ask about the ballet championship qualification.
If not for me, Isabella would have been on that stage.
The thought made my blood boil.
A dark idea began forming in my mind.
Since Isabella couldn't go, Chloe shouldn't steal her spot either.
She set me up first.
Fighting back was only fair.
"Just give up. I have my ways."
Her confident words echoed in my ears.
Now they carried a deeper meaning.
I needed to see what "ways" she meant.
After the door closed, I crept closer.
The office door had frosted glass at the top.
It offered a blurred view inside.
I had to stand on my toes to see properly.
I checked the time.
It was exactly the end of work hours.
The hallway was empty.
End of work hours?
Why would she come now if she needed a favor?
My suspicion grew stronger.
I felt closer to the truth.
I pressed my ear against the door.
Their conversation became audible.
Chloe spoke first, casual and familiar.
"Still working?"
"Not anymore, now that you're here."
"Did anyone see you come?"
"Don't worry."
"You're terrible."
Those few words conveyed an explosive message.
I couldn't believe my ears.
They were in that kind of relationship?
I stood frozen, completely paralyzed.
It felt like an invisible lightning strike.
All ability to move had left me.