Her Heart, Her Undoing novel Chapter 4

Avery sat alone in the cafeteria, swallowed a few tasteless bites, then went straight to the registrar's office to withdraw.

When the registrar heard that Avery's reason for withdrawing was to study overseas, she looked at the promising student with pity but only nodded without saying anything more.

With the photo scandal and the plagiarism mess still buzzing across campus, she didn't try to talk Avery out of it.

"Your withdrawal will take a few days to process," she said flatly. "Attend classes as usual until you receive confirmation."

"Thank you," Avery said quietly, her face unreadable.

Avery moved through the rest of the day like an empty shell, sitting through lectures without taking in a word.

When the bell rang, she gathered her books and drifted out with the crowd. She passed the campus garden and saw students rushing by excitedly.

"Hurry up! There's a fight up ahead!"

"Oh my god, it's Julian! I've never seen him this mad!"

"He's standing up for Tessa! He's fighting for her!"

Avery stopped in her tracks, pain pricking at her chest. Almost against her will, she followed them and found a ring of students packed tightly around the lawn.

In the middle of it all, Julian was fighting another student. He was usually composed and reserved, but now, he looked like someone had struck a nerve. His fists landed brutally, rage twisting his striking features.

Snatches of commentary floated over the noise.

"I heard that guy grabbed Tessa after she turned him down."

"Julian is always so calm and collected. I never thought I'd see him throw punches."

"Wait, I thought his girlfriend was Avery. So, why's he going all out for Tessa?"

"Come on! After those photos leaked, do you really think he still cares about Avery? He's done with her."

Each word cut like grit caught under raw skin. She thought she was numb, but the ache still found her.

Just then, Tessa pushed through the crowd like a startled deer, threw her arms around Julian's waist from behind, and cried out, "Julian, please stop! I'm scared... Please don't!"

Julian finally stopped, releasing the bloodied student to stumble aside, then turned to Tessa. His rage dissolved at once, giving way to a gentleness that looked almost clumsy.

He brushed her tears with careful fingers, and his voice was gentle enough to make her melt. "Don't be scared. I'm done. Did I scare you?"

That softness cut through Avery like an icy blade, shattering the last bit of hope in her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify