Chapter 2

Gavin's voice turned desperate.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about. Once I graduate, who's going to look out for her? I have to lock down her offer now."

"And after she graduates? Buying a house, getting promoted, getting married, having kids—are you going to handle all of that too?"

He stared at me, stunned. "Fiona, you can't say that. When I chose you, she got into a car accident. She was in the hospital for months. Did you forget?"

I took a deep breath. "But when you and I got together, you two had already been broken up for six months."

He cut me off.

"I've never owed anyone anything in my life. Except her. The only thing I can do is help her however I can."

I'd heard this speech for three years. My ears were numb to it.

Chloe was his first love. She retook her SATs just to follow him to Stanford.

When she heard Gavin had a new girlfriend, she drove off crying and crashed her car. She missed her Ivy League interview and spent months in therapy.

Gavin believed he owed her.

Three years together, three years of hearing this guilt trip on repeat.

I used to think he was honorable. Now it just made me sick.

"Gavin." A soft voice floated over.

Chloe stood under a tree, waving at him with a delicate smile.

"How did it go? They didn't give you a hard time, did they?"

Gavin shook his head. "Don't worry. I'll handle it."

"I'm so lucky you're helping me. I'm not smart, and I'm so bad at everything. Without you, I'd probably go bald from stress trying to find a job next year."

She glanced at me as she spoke.

Gavin's voice softened. "I won't let you lose a single hair."

Chloe lowered her head shyly.

"I heard Aetheris is only hiring two people from Stanford this year. If they sign me, will that hurt Fiona's chances?"

Gavin paused, then quickly brushed it off.

"She'll be fine. Fiona has other offers. She's a big girl—don't worry about her."

In his mind, I was talented. I won awards. I didn't need his protection.

But Chloe? She wasn't smart. She was fragile. She couldn't survive without him.

Three people in a relationship is one too many.

I turned to leave.

Chloe called after me.

"Fiona, let's grab dinner together! My treat. To celebrate."

"No thanks," I said flatly. "I'm going to the library."

Before I got far, I heard Chloe whisper to Gavin.

"Does Fiona hate me?"

"She's just like that. She really wanted Aetheris, and now that it's not happening, she's upset. Give her time."

I stopped walking for a second. Then kept going without looking back.

I did need time.

Time to process what I now understood about both of them.

I wondered when they'd finally wake up.

What world-class tech company bends its hiring rules for a fresh grad?

I grabbed dinner alone at the dining hall, then rushed to the library.

Gavin texted me.

Don't be upset. I got you your favorite garlic shrimp. I'll come pick you up—eat it while it's hot.

I flipped my phone face-down on the desk.

No time to be upset.

Aetheris had assigned me a mentor—a senior engineer named Sebastian Thorne. Also a Stanford alum, two years ahead of us.

He'd come to campus for a recruiting event once, as a distinguished alumnus speaker.

I hadn't even started the job yet, and I already had the chance to learn from him.

The bigger the package, the higher the expectations.

I wasn't going to let anyone down.

So I buried myself in the library, day after day.

Gavin, meanwhile, seemed convinced Aetheris would cave to his demands.

He rejected all his other offers and started enjoying his pre-graduation vacation.

He and Chloe made a group chat for planning a graduation trip. They added me.

I gave him a friendly warning.

Forget the trip. Is your offer even confirmed?

He replied: Finally showing some concern? I'll ask them.

Chloe suddenly sent a string of messages.

I want to go to the beach! I can wear pretty dresses and swimsuits!

Gavin, let's go to the beach. Remember when we were dating, you promised to take me to see the ocean? You still owe me!

Ugh, never mind. Forget I said anything. It's your graduation trip. I don't have the right to suggest anything.

Gavin immediately reassured her.

Of course you do. We're not together but we're still family. I promised you, and I'll keep that promise. Let me look at hotels.

I scoffed and muted the chat.

Then I pinned Sebastian's chat to the top.

Then I pinned Sebastian's conversation to the top of my messages—so whenever he sent articles or files, I'd see them right away.