Chapter 4
Stella was the other recognized genius in the physics department, and in the original novel, she was Lucas's soulmate.
Like Lucas, she was crazy about physics. The two of them were always geeking out over theories together, and their teamwork eventually turned into romance.
In the original story, I was the villainess who kept messing with Stella out of jealousy for their deep connection, and in the end, I basically dug my own grave.
Now, the main character herself had finally shown up.
Stella was holding a stack of papers. Her eyes lit up when she saw Lucas, but then she noticed me lounging on the couch.
Her smile froze for a moment, but she quickly smoothed it out. "Lucas, I've organized the simulation data we discussed last time. And who might this be?"
Her gaze settled on me, with a perfectly measured curiosity.
Here it came, the classic villainess versus beloved heroine showdown.
The System's icy voice chimed in right on cue, "Key plot triggered. Host, please execute the mission immediately.
"Mission Name: Stake Your Claim.
"Mission Content: Insult Stella Harper in the shallowest, most unreasonable way possible right in front of Lucas, making your jealousy and foolishness obvious.
"Mission Reward: 15% progress towards going home."
I totally got this. I sprang up from the couch, my four-inch heels clicking as I strutted over to Lucas. I grabbed his arm, shooting Stella a smug, territorial look.
"Who am I? Oh, I'm his girlfriend. And you are?" I said, putting on an annoyingly cutesy, sugary voice.
Stella's face went pale, but she kept her composure. "Hello, I'm Stella Harper, Lucas's classmate. We—"
"Classmate?" I cut her off, looking her up and down in an exaggerated way. "If you're a classmate, you should look the part. Why are you dressed so boring and basic? Who are you hoping to impress?"
My words were sharp and totally unreasonable, and the air around us instantly turned icy.
Stella's eyes went red. She stared at me in disbelief, and then looked to Lucas for help. "Lucas..." she said, her voice trembling, sounding so hurt.
Come on, Lucas, showed your chivalry. Defended your soulmate and gave me a proper scolding. I looked at Lucas, full of anticipation, almost eager to see him put me in my place.
In the original story, Lucas would frown and say to me in a cold voice, "Chloe, have you had enough? Apologize to Stella."
And his standing up for her would only make me even more jealous, making me completely hate Stella.
But Lucas shot Stella a quick, uninterested look, and then turned to me.
Instead of scolding me, his eyes actually had a little amused, almost indulgent smile, like he was secretly entertained by my antics.
Seriously, what was he grinning at? I was out here bullying his precious Stella, and he wasn't going to step in or something.
"Lucas, look at her." I kept going, pointing at Stella's dress. "Who even wears that type of dress anymore? She's obviously got some hidden agenda.
"And those dumb papers she's clutching? Bet she's pretending to study so she can get close to you." As I spoke, I reached out, trying to snatch the papers from Stella's hands.
Stella flinched, hugging the papers to her chest. "Ms. Turner, don't push it. These are really important research materials."
"Research materials?" I sneered. "Yeah right, looks more like a stack of love notes to me."
I really was a genius. That line was so petty and savage. My act was absolutely flawless.
I was practically holding my breath, waiting for Lucas to finally lose his temper. I was sure that he couldn't stand my crazy antics much longer.
But instead, Lucas caught my hand and gently pulled it back. With an exasperated yet doting tone, he said, "Alright, that's enough."
He didn't even glance at Stella. He locked his gaze on me, as if nothing else existed for him but me. "She doesn't matter."
His voice wasn't loud, but his words exploded in the quiet lab like a bomb going off.
Stella's face went completely pale.
I was stunned too. I asked the System, "What did he say? Are you sure we're still in the original story? Did someone hack his brain or what?"