Ophelia Gets Thrown Out (Ophelia) novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Chapter 85

The strained dynamic between the sisters was now evident, and Declan began to understand Zoe’s earlier criticisms as a deliberate attempt to prejudice him against Ophelia.

Noticing his contemplative gaze, Zoe bit her lower lip before forcing a smile. “But I promised our parents I’d look after you.” “There’s no need to blame yourself. It was an accident, unpredictable and unavoidable,” Ophelia replied, her tone even. “If our parents ask, I’ll make sure they know you weren’t involved. Unless, of course, you actually were.”

A subtle challenge in Ophelia’s tone made Zoe stiffen. “What could that possibly mean? How would I be involved?”

“Then let’s not delay further. I’m already late for registration.” Ophelia’s voice remained cool as she turned away, her expression neutral.

Though suspicions lingered, Ophelia knew accusations without proof were pointless. Ella would investigate properly. If Zoe was behind this, the truth would emerge eventually.

“Right,” Zoe murmured, relieved that the confrontation had ended.

Ophelia turned back to Declan with a polite nod. “Thank you for waiting, Declan. Shall we?”

A faint smile touched his lips. “Of course. Let me show you around the campus first, then I’ll take you to your classroom.”

“I appreciate it,” Ophelia replied courteously, falling into step beside him as they entered the school grounds.

Left behind, Zoe watched them enter the school grounds, her eyes dark with frustration.

It was another failed attempt. It grated how Ophelia always emerged unscathed. ‘Why does she always have such luck?’ Zoe thought.

Without his earlier prejudices, Declan proved a patient guide, explaining the campus layout with clarity.

Ophelia listened attentively but offered little response, understanding this was merely Connor’s pretext for introducing them.

Her reserve intrigued him. Unlike others who sought his favor, she maintained a respectful distance.

‘Had I misjudged her?’ he wondered, his manner growing genuinely courteous.

After accompanying her through registration, he escorted her to the academic building.

“Your advanced class is on the third floor. The instructor is expecting you,” he said. “I’m usually on the fourth floor opposite. Should you need anything, my door is open.”

“Alright, thank you, Declan,” Ophelia replied calmly, turning to enter the building.

A strange pang of disappointment struck Declan as she moved to leave. Her indifference felt genuine, and somehow that bothered him.

“Wait,” he heard himself say, the words escaping before he could reconsider. “Can I get your number?”

He mentally kicked himself for sounding so uncharacteristically forward.

Nearby, Zoe stared in open astonishment. Declan, who had publicly shot down countless girls vying for his attention, was now voluntarily asking for a number.

And of all people, he’d chosen Ophelia.

Ophelia smiled at Declan’s awkwardness.

“That’s alright,” she said lightly. “I know Mr. Blackwell probably told you to keep an eye on me, but you really don’t have to take it to heart. He’s always joking about matching people up anyway. We’re both adults. Let’s not make this weird.”

Finally, Declan understood. Ophelia genuinely had no interest in him. This really was just Connor’s attempt at playing matchmaker.

After a brief moment of embarrassment, Declan quickly regained his composure. “You’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

Yet even as he spoke those words, the hollow feeling in his chest deepened.

“I should get going,” Ophelia said, turning toward the staircase.

“See you around,” Declan replied.

As Ophelia disappeared up the steps, Declan fall Successfully unlocked! actually imagined she might be interested in

him.

The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth. Without so much as glancing at Zoe, he turned and walked away.

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Chapter 85

The sudden silence jolted Zoe back to reality, her mind returning to what Declan had mentioned earlier, the advanced class.

The advanced class at Dunhollow University represented the pinnacle of academic achievement. Both she and Daphne had clawed their way into that program through relentless effort, proving themselves through countless exams and competitions.

Yet here was Ophelia, granted immediate access to what they had fought so hard to attain.

By the time Zoe realized Ophelia had vanished around the stairwell corner, she hurried after her, arriving just as their homeroom teacher, Jameson Wells, was introducing Ophelia to the advanced class.

The way Jameson carried himself with unusual respect toward this new student made Zoe’s chest tighten with a suffocating pressure.

She had hoped Ophelia’s first day would be marked at least by some embarrassment, if not outright humiliation. Instead, Ophelia had been personally escorted to the most prestigious program the university offered.

That Ophelia could bypass all the established protocols and be placed directly into the advanced class as a transfer student felt like a personal insult.

Each new privilege granted to this newcomer twisted deeper into Zoe’s conscience.

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