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Chapter 3

I was so freaked out that I started sweating bullets, biting my tongue to snap myself out of it.

When I finally opened my eyes, I saw my familiar room, sweat dripping down my face, and I was shaking like a leaf.

"Emily, did you have a nightmare? I called you a bunch of times, but you didn't answer. Stop zoning out. You've been asleep forever. Get up and get ready to go," Amelia said, yanking me out of bed and rushing me to get dressed.

She looked at my outfit and frowned, then took the amulet off my neck.

"You can't take this off!" I protested.

"I know, but we're not going for the vintage look today. This amulet doesn't go with your red dress at all. Try my diamond necklace instead. Trust me, you'll be the star of the show!" Amelia insisted.

I told myself it was just for a little while; it should be fine.

As soon as we stepped out of the dorm, a cold breeze hit me, oddly calming me down. Before I could turn back, Amelia locked the door, tossed the key in her bag, and dragged me to the venue.

By the time we got there, the place was already packed.

Gorgeous guys and gals were everywhere, turning heads and grabbing attention.

"Emily, stand tall and flaunt those curves. Make every guy here fall for you. I'm off to find my first target of the night. Good luck!" Amelia said, giving me a thumbs-up before disappearing into the crowd.

The noisy scene gave me a headache. Maybe I was just not cut out for these social events.

I sighed and quietly slipped to the edge of the room while no one was looking.

There was a champagne tower and a ton of desserts. I hadn't even had a sip of water before leaving, and now I was starving.

Rubbing my stomach, I grabbed some desserts and champagne and started nibbling in a corner.

A breeze blew, messing up my long black hair and showing off my slender neck. The red dress was already a head-turner, and now I had a bunch of unfamiliar guys staring at me, though I didn't notice.

"Emily."

A soft voice behind me made me jump, and I dropped my dessert, staining my dress.

I spun around, but no one was there.

Was I just imagining things? Maybe I was just too jumpy from lack of sleep.

Trying to calm myself, I looked down at the big cream stain on my dress, feeling annoyed.

Just as I was about to grumble, a strong perfume scent hit me. "Emily, need some help?"

The recent nightmares had me on edge, and I immediately looked up, taking a few steps back, eyeing the person in front of me warily.

He was in a gray casual outfit, with short hair that made him look fresh and cheerful. His tall, imposing figure was a bit intimidating.

I clenched my fists and tried to sound tough, "What do you want?"

He waved his hand and scratched his head, speaking softly, "Emily, don't be nervous. I'm Andrew Anderson from the sports department. I came to your school before for a debate competition. We were opponents back then."

He continued, "I was really impressed by your eloquent speech. I came here hoping to run into you, and I did. I see your dress is dirty. How about using my jacket to cover it up for now?"

Before I could respond, he opened his jacket and tied it around my waist, his warm hands brushing against my most sensitive spot.

By the time he finished, my heart was racing. "Thanks. I'll make sure to return your jacket."

Andrew smiled casually, "No rush. I'll walk with you to sort it out. It's getting dark, and it's not safe for you to be alone."

His sudden concern made me uneasy. I reached for my bag to get my phone, only to realize that Amelia hadn't even left me my bag.

With no other choice, I had to go with Andrew.

Before leaving, Amelia spotted me through the crowd.

She stood in the center, waving frantically, "Emily, come here! I see the teacher! His outfit matches yours perfectly. We can take some great photos then. Why are you leaving with someone else? Come back!"

Amelia's voice was loud, but with the speakers and the mixed laughter of men and women at the venue, her voice was drowned out.

Under the dim streetlights, two long shadows intertwined.

I lowered my head, feeling a bit excited.

In eighteen years, I had never walked with a boy, let alone talked to one beyond a few simple words.

And now, I was wearing a beautiful dress, walking with the sunny and handsome Andrew on the quiet, deserted campus.

The wind carried the low chirping of insects and birds, adding a touch of charm to the atmosphere.

But it felt like there was always a cold, sticky gaze on me from behind, making me feel uneasy.

Every time I talked softly with Andrew, I took the opportunity to look around several times, but I never found anything.

Instead, his engaging conversation made me lower my guard quite a bit.

After walking a short distance, I was no longer as vigilant as before and had a good impression of Andrew, whom I had met a few times.

The further we walked, the darker it got.

A cool breeze blew across the lake, making me shiver.

Andrew's warm hand rested on my cold shoulder at that moment, and he said, "I know this might be a bit forward, but you seem really cold. This may help keep you warm and prevent you from getting sick."

The warmth spread from my shoulder to my heart, a feeling I had never experienced in my eighteen years.

It was warm, comfortable, and beautiful. It made me want to sink into it.

By the large lake, it was just Andrew and me.

The further we walked, the more brazen the gaze behind me became.

When his hand slid to my waist, he stopped walking.

Andrew lifted my chin with his right hand, his tone no longer shy and awkward but rather like a seasoned player, "At first, I thought you were some kind of aloof princess, but it turns out you're just easy to take away. This place is perfect, quiet enough. I've never tried it with a med student outside before. Do you have any special skills?"

I was almost dumbfounded by his sudden change in demeanor.

Just as I was in shock, his hand reached for my chest.

I bit my lip and quickly slapped him, my heart trembling with anger. "I'm not the kind of person you think I am. Take your jacket back. I'll pretend nothing happened today."

I shoved the jacket into his arms and turned to leave.

Instinctively, I reached for my amulet, but my neck was bare.

I had just taken a step when my hair was yanked from behind.

"Who are you pretending to be? Coming to a party dressed like that at night, aren't you just looking for a man? If you're so desperate, I'll satisfy you." Andrew grabbed my hair with one hand and tore at my dress with the other.

I mustered all my strength and stomped on his foot, but he pushed me onto a nearby bench, holding my hair with one hand.

"Bitch, you dare to fight back. Let's see how I play with you tonight."

My head hit the bench, making me dizzy and weak.

I bit my lip hard, tears of humiliation and regret streaming down my face.

I should never have come out.

I should never have dressed so provocatively.

Almost as soon as the thought crossed my mind, the person on top of me suddenly fell straight down.

That familiar voice descended like a god, "Touch my girl, and you're looking for trouble."

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