Chapter 4

Xavier’s words were like a bomb dropping on the crowd.

Ignoring the agonizing pain in his wrist, Ethan stared at me, his eyes bloodshot with rage.

"Seraphina, is he telling the truth?"

"Are you really that cheap? You jump into another man's bed the exact same night we break up?"

Beside him, Lily gasped, covering her mouth in mock horror.

"Seraphina, how could you... Ethan has a bad temper, but he was always loyal to you..."

I opened my mouth to deny it, but suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against a hard chest.

Xavier leaned down, his warm breath brushing against my ear.

"What's wrong? Shy to admit it?"

"Who was the one begging me to go easier on them last night?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone in the hallway to hear.

My entire body went rigid.

Is this guy a natural-born actor or what?

Just as I was about to stomp on his foot, I caught his eyes. They were dark, deep, and filled with an intensity I couldn't quite read.

The chat went completely insane:

[Noooo! Seraphina is ruined! How could she sleep with the villain? My ship has sunk!]

[Even though Ethan is a jerk, he never touched another girl! Sera, I am so disappointed in you!]

[It's over, there's no going back now. Is she just throwing her life away?]

[Xavier is definitely using her! He just wants to get back at Ethan! Wake up, Seraphina!]

I took a deep breath.

If Ethan wanted to believe I cheated, then so be it.

Either way, I wanted nothing to do with him anymore.

I leaned back into Xavier's embrace, flashing Ethan a dazzling, mock-sweet smile.

"Yes, it’s true."

"And honestly, Xavier is a million times better than you."

"At least he doesn't smash my hard work just to impress some cheap girl."

Ethan trembled with pure rage.

"Fine! Fine! Fine!"

He snarled, his eyes dark with malice.

"Seraphina, you will regret this!"

"I will make sure you realize just how miserable your life will be without me!"

With that, he grabbed Lily and stormed off, completely humiliated.

As the crowd dispersed, I immediately pushed Xavier away.

"Done acting?"

Xavier didn't seem bothered. He casually slid his hands into his pockets.

"Throwing me away the second I’m no longer useful? How heartless, Seraphina."

He stepped closer, his gaze turning serious.

"But just so you know, one thing I said was absolutely true."

"I really am a million times better than him."

I rolled my eyes and walked away.

Behind me, his low, amused chuckle followed me down the hall.

Back at my apartment, my phone rang. It was my mother.

"Sera, what is wrong with that Carter boy? I heard he destroyed your thesis project?"

"Mom, I want to transfer to London."

There was a brief silence on the other end.

"Go ahead, sweetheart. Your father and I support you. As for Ethan, the Vance family will make sure he pays for what he did."

After hanging up, I stared out at the city skyline.

For the first time in years, my mind felt incredibly peaceful.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed.

It was a text from an unknown number.

"Velvet Lounge, 8 PM tonight. If you don't show up, you'll regret it."

Attached was a photo of Xavier, beaten up and covered in blood.

My heart stopped.