Chapter 5

Back in freshman year, Marvin was late for our microeconomics class. He rushed in and bumped into me in the front row.

Flustered, he scrambled to help me pick up my scattered books and flashed me an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that."

His eyes were so bright, like they held a sky full of stars.

Later, he admitted he'd had his eye on me for a while, and had bumped into me on purpose to start a conversation.

I laughed and teased him for being sneaky, but he looked serious and said, "From the very first moment I saw you, I knew I had to meet you."

I kept walking until I reached the little garden behind the library.

There was a bench there, the spot we always picked for our dates. Marvin loved reading his own poems to me. Even if they weren't masterpieces, I'd still blush to his ears every time.

One day, he suddenly closed his notebook and took my hand. "Serena, I swear I'll give you the best life possible."

His palm was so warm, and the sincerity in his eyes made me believe he'd keep that promise.

Around the corner was the cafeteria. Back in sophomore year, I was burning up with a fever, and Marvin skipped class to stand in line for half an hour to get me my favorite chicken soup.

When he finally brought it to my dorm, the soup was still piping hot, but Marvin was shivering from the cold.

"Eat it while it's hot," Marvin said, pushing the bowl into my hands. "I asked the cafeteria lady to give more carrots for you."

Those memories played through my mind like a movie reel, each scene as vivid as if it had happened yesterday.

Marvin truly poured his heart into caring for me back then. Every little thing he did was genuine.

But when did things start to change?

It was probably after Vivian returned to the country.

Vivian was Marvin's high school classmate, and she'd come back from abroad last year.

The first time we met, she wrapped her arm around Marvin's shoulder, acting all chummy. "Marvin, I missed you like crazy. Did you miss me?"

Marvin laughed and gave her a playful punch. "Cut it out. You know how much I've missed you."

I stood off to the side, feeling a bit awkward.

Marvin finally remembered to introduce me. "This is my girlfriend, Serena."

"Hey, Serena." Vivian grinned, reaching out to shake my hand. "Marvin and I have always been like this since high school, so don't take it the wrong way."

I forced a smile and shook her hand.

That night, Marvin tried to reassure me. "Vivian's outgoing. We were in the same class back in high school, and we've always been close. Don't overthink it."

I nodded, not saying much.

But after that, Vivian started showing up more and more often.

She'd always use the excuse of a "friends' hangout" to pull Marvin away, sometimes even calling him in the middle of our dates.

"Serena," Marvin would say, looking conflicted, "Vivian says it's urgent"

"Go ahead," I'd say every time, not wanting to seem petty.

Last month, we were celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant when Vivian called to say she'd scored tickets to Marvin's favorite esports tournament.

"It's tonight!" Vivian was squealing on the phone. "Marvin, hurry up. Everyone else is already here."

Marvin's eyes lit up, and he looked at me, waiting for my answer.

I set down my fork. "Go ahead."

"You're the best, Serena," Marvin said, kissing my forehead. "I'll make it up to you. I promise."

That night, I finished the anniversary dinner for two all by myself. When I got home, Marvin had texted me: [Vivian was amazing. We're in the front row.]

In the photo, Vivian was leaning into Marvin, flashing a victory sign.

I turned off my phone and lay awake all night.

The next day, Marvin came back with a huge bouquet of roses and a necklace.

"Don't be mad," he said, trying to win me over. "I brought you flowers and a necklace."

I should've seen the problem right then, but I chose to forgive him.

The cold wind made me shiver, and I realized I'd walked all the way to the school gate without noticing.

My phone buzzed. It was a message from Phillip. [Have you made up your mind? Do you need me to help you get in touch with an advisor?]

I took a deep breath and replied: [Thanks. I want to go to the Londonia School of Economics. If you could introduce me to one of Professor Pearson's old classmates, that would be awesome.]

After sending the message, I took one last look at the campus, then turned and headed for the subway station.