Adrian’s words were blunt and unfiltered.
Nancy felt her cheeks flush, as if she’d just been slapped. She had ever imagined a day when Ariel would surpass her. The situation felt surreal–almost absurd—and she struggled to accepit.
Even Frederick’s expression had turned grim and awkward.
Just then, someone called Adrian over. He turned and walked away without another word.
Frederick frowned deeply, then glanced at Nancy. “I’m sorry. Didness things up?“.
If Frederick hadn’t brought up the issue earlier out of sympathy for Nancy, perhaps things wouldn’t have escalated so badly.
Nancy suppressed the frustration bubbling inside her and kept her expression neutral. “I know you did it because you thought it was unfair to me, Mr. Swanson. So, it’s alright.”
Nancy was deeply frustrated. Frederick had unintentionally made things worse. People were now comparing her to Ariel–using her as a benchmark, no less. Still, she kept those thoughts to herself.
After excusing herself, Nancy went to find Jayson, hoping to get his advice. As she approached, she saw Jayson speaking with several prominent figures.
Just then, someone called out, “Mr. Larkin, could you stand next to Ms. Walker? We’re taking a group photo.”
Those words halted Nancy in her tracks.
Ariel heard the request too. She looked up and met Jayson’s eyes.
She didn’t like the idea, but kept her expression composed.
Personally, Ariel disliked such arrangements. If the photo were released publicly, it might spark renewed speculation about her and Jayson. That kind of attention would distract from the significance of today’s event.
Before Ariel could respond, à deep voice declined the request. “It’s alright. I’ll stay out of the frame today. The rest of you should go ahead.”
Jayson had refused to join the photo.
Ariel felt a wave of relief. As she turned, she noticed Nancy standing in the distance.
Nancy’s expression softened at Jayson’s response, but her gaze toward Ariel was cold and hard.
Even after Ariel had received so much attention and praise, Jayson hadn’t spared her a glance.
It was only then that Ariel realized Jayson’s refusal might not have been about distancing himself from the academic circle but about protecting Nancy’s feelings.
By staying out of the photo, Jayson avoided appearing as a couple with Ariel, and no one would question it.
Chad furrowed his brows when he noticed Nancy.
Jayson seemed to care deeply about Nancy’s emotions so much so that he was worried she might feel jealous
iel
Ariel welcomed his decision. She looked away and joined the other guests.
After the group photo, several students approached Ariel, asking to take pictures with her.
She didn’t turn anyone down.
Somehow, she felt like she had become a role model for these students. Their enthusiasm nearly overwhelmed her,
Carlos had already left the venue.
1/3
JO
Cedric passed by Ariel as he exited the hall. He gave lier a cold look “Don’t get too full of yourself. It’s still too early to tell how far you’ll go.”
His words were sharp and biting, as always. But Ariel didn’t respond. Cedric had been fair today he had spoken the truth when it mattered.
Before leaving, Cedric saw Jayson walking toward Nancy. The sight stopped him in his tracks.
He turned to Ariel, disbelief in his eyes. “If I were you, I wouldn’t just sit back and let someone else steal my partner. You should fight for him instead of giving up just to preserve your marriage.”
Ariel was left speechless.
