Chapter 4

The cold sensation of the pain patch snapped me out of my memories.

I immediately booked an appointment with an orthopedic specialist for the next day.

At the hospital, the doctor looked at my scans, his expression serious.

"We caught it early. If we do the surgery now, you can fully recover and keep dancing."

"But before the surgery, you must avoid any strenuous activity. If it worsens, the damage might become irreversible."

Since summer break was just around the corner, I let out a breath of relief.

When I got back to the dorms, I bumped into Chloe and Julian at the entrance.

Julian saw the medical envelope in my hand and frowned.

"What's that?"

I brushed him off. "Just a routine scan."

Julian nodded and didn't press further.

Because a sobbing Chloe was far more urgent.

"Avery, why do you want to break up with Julian? Is it because of me?"

"Julian and I are just friends! You're the most important person to me, how could you doubt us?"

I stared at her silently.

I couldn't help but think of my past life. After Julian's accident, Chloe couldn't accept it and blamed me for everything.

"If you hadn't kept texting him the night before, he wouldn't have been so tired! He wouldn't have made that mistake!"

Because of Chloe’s words, everyone had turned their anger on me.

Even the local media picked up the story.

I was cyberbullied until I fell into severe depression, almost taking my own life.

Now, hearing her fake-crying, I asked her directly:

"Chloe, don't you love Julian?"

Chloe’s eyes widened in panic, and she stammered:

"How could I take your boyfriend? Besides, if we wanted to be together, we would have done it long ago. Why would he even be with you if he liked me?"

Julian looked at me, thoroughly disappointed.

"Avery, you shouldn't doubt Chloe. She's the one who cares about you the most."

His voice carried a commanding tone.

"Apologize to Chloe."

I looked at him.

"I don't know if she cares about me, but you definitely care about her."

Julian’s face darkened. Chloe stopped crying and stepped in front of Julian.

"How can you say that to him? Has he not been good enough to you? Without him, you wouldn't even be in college!"

To protect Julian, Chloe didn't hesitate to drag up my painful past.

Ignoring the stinging ache in my chest, I walked right past them.

Chloe wanted to chase after me, but Julian held her back.

"Forget it. She doesn't appreciate your concern. Look at you, crying like a wet kitten."

I heard Chloe sniffle.

Julian comforted her gently.

"She's just throwing a temper tantrum. We won't actually break up. We'll both always be here for you."

I let out a bitter laugh.

The moment I got back to my room, I submitted my application for the study abroad exchange program.

My academic advisor called me to confirm.

"This exchange spot is only for your current major. You're sure you don't want to transfer to Geology anymore, right?"

Thinking of Julian's smug confidence, I replied without a second of hesitation, "Yes, I'm sure."

The next morning, Chloe texted me:

[Avery, I was too harsh yesterday. Don't take it to heart.]

[Julian said you're in a bad mood. Let's go hiking this weekend to clear your head! You love hiking, right?]

In my past life, I had only lied about loving hiking because I wanted to accompany them on their field trips.

Just as I was about to reject her, Julian called, his tone helpless.

"Just say yes, Avery. Otherwise, she's going to keep waiting outside your dorm."

"My leg is injured. I can't hike," I said coldly, then hung up.

But they actually showed up at my dorm anyway, blocking my way.

Julian’s tone left no room for argument.

"It's a short trail, and there's a cable car at the top. It won't affect your leg."

I was practically forced into the car between the two of them.

There were other classmates in the car.

On the way, the two of them chatted excitedly with the others, while I sat there like an outcast.

When we got out, Julian naturally reached for my backpack.

"I want mine carried too!" Chloe chimed in, showing no hesitation in her intimacy with Julian.

Julian smoothly took her bag as well.

It was only when we started climbing that I realized this was actually Chloe's geology field project.

I was just a tag-along.