Chapter 294

Rosalind shoved through the packed hallway, her determined strides carrying her straight toward Julian and Arabella.

Arabella's face paled instantly when their eyes met. She ducked behind Julian's broad shoulders like a frightened rabbit. "Rosalind, please... don't hurt me again..."

Julian stepped forward, his handsome features twisting in disgust. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Rosalind?"

A cold smirk played on Rosalind's lips. "Running scared, Arabella? Maybe you know exactly what you deserve. Homewreckers always get what's coming to them."

Gasps rippled through the gathered students. The whispered accusations began immediately.

"Did she just call Arabella a homewrecker?"

"Wait, what's going on between Rosalind and Julian?"

Julian's expression darkened like a thundercloud. "Enough of your nonsense, Rosalind. Just walk away."

Rosalind stood her ground, chin lifted defiantly. "Afraid, Julian? Afraid everyone will find out we've been engaged this whole time? That you're my fiancé?"

The realization hit her like a slap - he'd never once acknowledged their relationship publicly. Not once.

When Julian opened his mouth to respond, she cut him off sharply. "I'm done. I want to break our engagement."

Julian froze, shock flashing across his face. This wasn't part of the script.

Their families had been close for generations. His parents had practically ordered him to pursue Rosalind, insisting she'd make the perfect wife. So he'd played the part - complimenting her, pretending affection, reeling her in effortlessly.

She'd followed him around like a lovesick puppy, sharing every little joy with him. Bright, cheerful, full of life - and to Julian, utterly foolish.

That hideous birthmark of hers made his skin crawl.

Then Arabella had strutted onto the basketball court, all curves and batting eyelashes. An easy conquest, throwing herself at him.

But Rosalind calling off their engagement? That wasn't supposed to happen.

The ugly duckling was dumping him?

For the first time, Julian really looked at her. Her eyes - clear, striking, burning with something new.

Rosalind's voice rang out, steady and strong. "Let me make this clear, Julian. You're not rejecting me. I'm throwing you away."

She yanked off the delicate bracelet - the Blackwood family heirloom given during their engagement - and thrust it at him.

Julian's grip tightened on the jewelry, his face hardening. "This is your choice, Rosalind. Don't come crawling back when you regret it."

"Not a chance in hell," she shot back without hesitation.

"Fine." Julian's voice was ice. "It's over."

As he snatched the bracelet, Rosalind turned sharply on her heel. Passing Arabella, she announced loudly, "Ladies, guard your men! Arabella specializes in stolen goods!"

Arabella's face turned purple with rage. "You little bitch—"

But Rosalind was already walking away, the whispers exploding behind her.

"Oh my God! Julian was engaged?"

"And Arabella knew? What a snake!"

"Can you blame her though? Look at those tits - no man could resist that."