Chapter 4

I asked Zev to accompany me to the local university campus.

Of course, we weren't actually meeting in person.

I told him I wasn't comfortable meeting internet friends in real life, so having him chat with me on my phone was enough.

Zev was incredibly sweet about it.

[If you don't want to meet, I won't show my face.]

By the time the bus dropped me off at the campus gates, the snow had just stopped.

The crepe food truck at the entrance was still there.

The owner's son had taken over, but the sign remained the same.

I bought two crepes.

One spicy, one plain.

Seven years ago, Carter couldn't eat spicy food at all.

But I would always buy the spicy one just to tease him.

He'd take a bite, his ears turning bright red from the heat, and still act tough: "It's not even that spicy."

I would laugh so hard I couldn't stand straight.

Flustered and embarrassed, he would grab my backpack and run off.

The sun had been so bright that day. His white shirt billowed in the wind like a young boy's wings.

By the time I reached my third lap around the campus track, my chest began to tighten.

I gripped the metal railing, leaning over to catch my breath.

Suddenly, a pair of black leather shoes came to a stop nearby.

I looked up. Carter was standing behind a tree.

He was wearing a dark grey trench coat, car keys dangling from his hand.

As our eyes met, his expression shifted slightly.

I spoke first. "Are you stalking me?"

He frowned. "Stalking you? Please. I have a business meeting nearby."

The excuse was exactly the same as seven years ago.

Back then, he would sneak onto campus just to see me. When I caught him, he would always say, "Who's here to see you? I was just passing by."

Back then, I would have thrown my arms around him. Now, I just wanted to walk away.

Carter grabbed my wrist.

"Daisy, are you really this desperate to reminisce about the past?"

I looked down at his grip. "Let go."

He sneered. "What, did your little college boyfriend stand you up?"

I waved my phone. "Actually, he's chatting with me right now. He's much better company than you."

Carter's face darkened.

How pathetic. He was actually getting jealous of a fictional character he created himself.

"Daisy, you really are pathetic."

The moment those words left his mouth, a sharp spasm ripped through my chest.

I couldn't hold it in. I bent over, coughing violently.

Carter froze. "What's wrong with you?"

I brushed his hand away. "None of your business."

He wanted to say something else, but his phone rang.

Samantha's name flashed on the screen.

He hesitated for a second before answering.

I couldn't hear what she said, but his expression softened immediately.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

After hanging up, he looked back at me, his face turning cold and distant again.

"Stop playing victim, Daisy. No one is buying your act anymore."

I nodded. "Then leave."

He stood there, unmoving.

I looked up at him. "Isn't Samantha waiting for you?"

It was like I had touched a nerve. His face twisted in anger, and he finally turned and walked away.

My phone buzzed. Zev had sent a message.

[Did you just run into him?]

I watched the red taillights of Carter's car fade into the distance.

[Yeah. He still hates me.]

Zev replied quickly:

[No, he doesn't. He's just an idiot.]

[If he regrets it in the future, would you ever forgive him?]

Sitting on the cold bench, my fingertips were stiff from the freezing air.

After a long time, I replied:

[No. I don't have a future anymore.]