Chapter 3

Ryan knew exactly what would get to me.

We checked into a hotel and snapped a few flirty pictures together.

Back at my dorm, I sent them to Alex.

Then I left a message: [Thanks for handing me this guy. He's amazing. I'm really enjoying him.]

After putting my phone on silent, I went to bed.

The next morning, I woke up to a ton of noise outside my dorm.

I peeked out the window and saw Alex.

He was standing downstairs, staring up at my window and yelling his lungs out. "Sophie, pick up your phone! Why won't you answer me? You really will do anything just to piss me off, won't you?

"I know you're awake! Come downstairs and tell me what's really going on between you and Ryan.

"Just say you did it to get under my skin, and I'll act like nothing ever happened!"

As he spoke, he dramatically wiped away an imaginary tear. "Sophie, how could you be so heartless!"

Emily was standing not far from him, pretending to be all sweet and innocent.

There was a whole crowd gathered, pointing and gossiping about him.

Alex was kind of a big deal on campus. Everyone knew who he was, and that we were dating.

People were gossiping out loud.

"Are they fighting? Isn't it inappropriate for Sophie to treat her boyfriend like that?"

"He's going all out like this. Sophie, just come down and comfort him. With a face like his, I'd let him get away with murder."

I rolled my eyes at all those suckers for good looks.

If they were so into guys who cheated, maybe I should just let them have him.

I laughed in disbelief, quickly put on my best makeup, and headed downstairs.

Alex was blocking the dorm entrance. When he saw me, he puffed out his chest. "Sophie, you're finally here! You edited those photos to piss me off, didn't you?

"Ryan's my bro. There's no way he'd ever try to steal my girl.

"If you want to piss me off, at least fake the photo with someone else next time."

His confidence was unreal.

Who was to blame for his shamelessness?

I slapped him right in front of everyone. "Stay away from me. We're over."

Alex's eyes widened. He was stunned that I'd actually slapped him in public.

He looked pissed. "As for what happened yesterday, I'll let it go. I came all the way here to apologize. What else do you want from me, Sophie? I'm seriously running out of patience!"

I replied coldly, "I told you, we're over. Is that really so hard for you to understand?

"Well, as you wished, Ryan's my boyfriend now. Thanks for sending me such a good guy."

Emily rushed over, her voice sickly sweet and fake, and pulled Alex behind her protectively. "Sophie, how could you slap Alex?"

I slapped her too. "You deserve one too."

"Alex, see what she did!" Emily shrieked. Her voice was so grating, like nails on a chalkboard.

I raised my hand again, and they both instinctively stepped back in perfect sync.

I laughed at how spineless they were. I was actually hoping for a hair-pulling brawl. "Alex, listen up. Ryan's not just hotter than you. He's richer, more thoughtful, and way more gentle. Eight-pack abs, killer height, and legs for days.

"And trust me, he outdoes you even in that department.

"He doesn't even give a damn about you. Yesterday, he was kissing me and roasting you at the same time.

"Emily, you like stealing other people's men, but your choices are pretty bad."

My words hit Alex right where it hurt. "Sophie, y-you..." he sputtered. "How dare you so?"

He was on the verge of tears. "I don't buy it! I'm calling Ryan right now. Just wait till I call you out. Even if you cry and beg, I won't forgive you."