Chapter 300
If Everett had a girlfriend, would he treat her with the same tenderness he showed his sister?
Rosalind caught herself mid-thought. What was happening to her?
She suddenly realized how much mental space Everett had occupied lately. Heat rushed to her cheeks instantly.
This wasn't like her at all.
Sleep eluded Rosalind that night, making her late to Willowridge University the next morning.
By the time she arrived, the quadrangle was already overflowing with students. Colorful banners and heart-shaped balloons decorated every corner.
Julian knelt before Arabella, presenting an enormous bouquet of crimson roses. "Arabella, from our first encounter, you captured my heart completely. Will you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?"
Arabella, dressed in an exquisite lace gown, beamed with joy. She nodded eagerly. "Yes, Julian! Nothing would make me happier."
Julian rose, cradling Arabella's delicate face before pressing his lips to hers.
Arabella giggled, cheeks flushing pink. Then her gaze landed on Rosalind, and her smile faltered. "R-Rosalind."
Julian turned sharply, shielding Arabella behind him. "Rosalind, you witnessed it yourself. Arabella accepted my proposal. We're officially together now!"
Rosalind's laugh came out icy. "Congratulations. At least now Arabella won't have to lurk in the shadows anymore."
The "lurking in shadows" comment struck Arabella like a physical blow. Her eyes flashed with venom.
"How dare you speak to Arabella like that!" Isabella's voice cut through the crowd as she stepped forward.
Isabella positioned herself directly before Rosalind, the humiliation from the Whitmore estate still fresh. Now was her moment for revenge.
With calculated sweetness, Isabella addressed the gathering. "Rosalind, that birthmark has marred your face since childhood, while Julian has always been Willowridge's golden boy. Surely you understand why your engagement happened. Rumor says it was purely a family arrangement - Julian never had feelings for you!"
The whispers erupted immediately.
"I always wondered how someone like Julian got stuck with Rosalind. Now it makes sense - family politics."
"So Arabella isn't some side piece after all! She's his real choice."
"Julian's so brave for following his heart despite family pressure."
"University heartthrob and campus queen - now that's a power couple!"
"Rosalind should be ashamed, acting so bitter. As if someone like her could ever deserve Julian."
Isabella's words turned the crowd into a frenzy of cheers for the new couple, all directed against Rosalind.
Rosalind's fists clenched. "If it was just a family arrangement, then tell them why our families arranged it in the first place-"
"Rosalind," Isabella interrupted sharply, "are you referring to when Julian supposedly called you beautiful and declared his love?"
Rosalind's voice shook. "That's exactly what happened!"
Peals of laughter erupted from Isabella and the onlookers.
"Seriously? You actually believe Julian would say that? Look at yourself!"
"Julian falling for that? Don't make me laugh."
The crowd took up the cruel chant, hurling insults at Rosalind.
Her face drained of color.
Julian watched with contempt. After daring to break their engagement, she should be groveling for his forgiveness.
Arabella smirked, satisfaction curling her lips. So what if Rosalind was the Whitmores' favorite? She'd still been publicly humiliated.
Just then, a clear, melodious voice cut through the noise.
"What's going on here?"