Chapter 2

After a while, Chloe walked out of the office.

She wasn’t crying. She didn’t even look upset. In fact, there was a faint, smug smile on her face.

Julian’s teaching assistant, Marcus, walked out behind her.

Marcus was just like Julian—cold, unapproachable, and practically a grim reaper in a suit.

Marcus cleared his throat and made a solemn announcement: "The paper deadline has been extended by one week. Also, Professor Sterling is treating the entire class to dinner after lectures today."

He paused, then added, "Additionally, Chloe has officially been appointed as the Professor's new teaching assistant."

The entire room went dead silent.

Chloe had just transferred to our major this semester, and she was already Julian’s TA?

I had been practically living in the library just to get a shot at that position.

But who dared to say a word?

A cold, arrogant man like Julian was openly showing favoritism to Chloe.

More than jealousy, everyone felt pure envy.

Students immediately crowded around Chloe, showering her with compliments.

"Chloe, you're amazing! How did you manage to tame a cold man like Professor Sterling?"

"Thanks to you, we survived the deadline! And we get a free gourmet dinner!"

...

Chloe stood there elegantly, smiling shyly as she chatted with them.

I had no interest in joining the hype. I quietly opened my Snapchat.

It was completely empty. My online boyfriend hadn’t tried to win me back. We were officially over.

Wanting some fresh air, I started to walk out, but Chloe pushed through the crowd and walked straight up to me.

"Avery," she called out politely.

"Yes?"

She hesitated, looking a bit sheepish.

"I just wanted to ask... that Switch you lent me, did your boyfriend give it to you?"

"Yeah."

"My online boyfriend."

Chloe pressed further, "Do you know what he looks like?"

"No. If I did, it wouldn't be an online relationship, would it?"

"Did the console cause any trouble with the professor?" I asked cautiously.

"No, Professor Sterling didn't say much." Chloe smiled, then added, "I really like the Switch. Do you think you could sell it to me?"

I did like the console, but I didn't care about the money.

Indifferently, I said, "No need. If you like it, you can have it."

We were broken up anyway. Keeping it would only annoy me.

"But... your boyfriend gave it to you."

"We broke up."

"Why?"

I whispered, "We weren't a good match."

Chloe looked thoughtful. "I see. Tell me more about him."

Realizing that sounded a bit intrusive, she quickly tried to soften her expression.

"Men are all pretty much the same, I guess," she mumbled, then lowered her voice significantly.

"To be honest, Avery... Professor Sterling and I are dating now."

"I know you’ve taken a lot of his classes. I just wanted to ask... is he always this cold?"

Holding my coffee, I smiled. "You're beautiful, Chloe. I'm sure you know exactly how to handle men."

"I'll head out first."