Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 50

Stephen’s eyes drifted over the pile of books on the table across from him. The words caught his attention and he raised an eyebrow. “What’s all this?” he asked, looking over at Rebecca.

Rebecca caught his expression right away and hurried to clear things up. “Mr. Duncan, it’s not what you think. I am applying to grad school, but it won’t get in the way of work. It’s a part-time program, just classes on weekends.”

Stephen wasn’t thinking about what Rebecca thought he might be thinking. He remembered his uncle mentioning something about Rebecca on the drive home after the birthday party. He knew about their almost teacher-student connection and the way fate had missed its timing.

He let out a quiet, distracted “mm,” though his brow was still slightly furrowed.

Rebecca watched his face, her lips pressed together. If she were in his position, having just gone out of her way to recruit someone only to find out they were prepping for grad school, she’d probably be worried too. They barely knew each other. How could he tell what was true or not?

It made sense for him to be cautious.

Rebecca put down her pen and considered how to explain herself honestly. Just as she was about to open up, Stephen rubbed his chin, suddenly looking serious.

“Rebecca, I’ve told you before. When we’re not at work, don’t call me Mr. Duncan. Just call me Stephen.”

Rebecca, who had been mentally rehearsing what to say, was stunned for a moment. All that frowning was just because of how she addressed him?

She couldn’t help but laugh a little, the tension in her chest finally easing.

“Okay, Stephen.”

It was only the second time she’d said his name, but it came out a lot more naturally this time. Stephen’s eyes flickered, and he looked genuinely pleased.

With that little moment behind them, Rebecca felt recharged and quickly dove back into her notes. The sunlight coming in through the window painted her in gold, but she didn’t even notice, completely absorbed in her work. The scene was peaceful and almost picture-perfect.

Stephen stretched out his long legs and leaned back, quietly watching her. After what felt like ages, he realized he was still staring at the first page of his book.

He shook his head and tried to focus, flipping to the table of contents. He’d already forgotten what he was looking for in the first place. The book was thick and heavy, and without the index, he’d be searching forever.

Growing impatient, he looked up again. Rebecca was still calm, not even glancing his way, as if he wasn’t even there.

It was weird for Stephen. He’d always been the center of attention, especially with girls. No matter where he went, he could feel eyes on him.

Once in the cafeteria, he scanned the crowd for Rebecca. He was tall enough to see above most people, but she was nowhere in sight. Maybe he’d guessed wrong. Maybe she wasn’t here.

“Caleb, is the fried chicken any good here?”

Stephen had just pulled out his phone to message Rebecca when a familiar voice caught his ear. He turned to look.

There was Rebecca, chatting with Caleb, her face lit up with a bright, easy smile. She looked nothing like the cautious, reserved girl she’d been with him.

Stephen’s eyes narrowed just a bit. Caleb was familiar too—his uncle’s favorite student.

He hadn’t expected Rebecca to be so close with Caleb.

Picking up a tray, Stephen walked over to them in a few quick steps.

“The fried chicken is so-so,” he said, joining the conversation. “The meet pie and pasts are way better.”