Who’s the Dog Now? novel Chapter 81

“Naomi, are you okay?”

Patricia rushed over, her face etched with worry, the moment Naomi walked into their dorm room.

Naomi looked a little surprised as she hung her bag on the back of the door. “Why are you still awake?”

Patricia rolled her eyes toward the door.

“With all the noise Zebulon was making, it’d be hard not to know something was up.”

At the mention of Zebulon’s name, the warmth drained from Naomi’s face.

Patricia’s heart ached for her. She moved closer and asked, “What are you going to do?”

“I can’t believe that guy has the nerve to keep pestering you. I’ve never met anyone so shameless in my life.”

“Do you want me to go give him a piece of my mind? Tell him to leave you alone for good?”

Naomi grabbed Patricia’s hand. “Don’t. It’s no use.”

Zebulon had never been treated this way before. At first, Naomi couldn’t understand why he was so unwilling to let go, but after their conversation tonight, it dawned on her: it was simply his pride.

“What Zebulon wants is for me to trail after him, even if I don’t like him anymore. He has to be the one to dump me, insult me, and reject me. I’m absolutely not allowed to be the one who walks away first.”

Patricia’s eyes turned red with anger. “On what grounds?”

“Who does he think he is, some kind of king?”

“He’s insane! Does he really think everyone has to revolve around him? Has he forgotten how he treated you before? With his awful personality, why on earth should you waste your life on him? You deserve so much better!”

Patricia’s fierce defense made Naomi crack a smile.

“You’re right. That’s why I gave up.”

Seeing Naomi’s pale, fragile expression, Patricia couldn’t help but pull her into a hug.

“See? Sometimes, all it takes is making a choice to get a different result. You’ve got this, Naomi! The sooner you get out from under Zebulon’s shadow, the stronger you’ll be!”

Naomi took a deep breath. “I know!”

She now had to not only figure out how to forget Zebulon but also start building experience to prepare for the eventual confrontation with her family.

She loved painting. Maybe she could work a little harder, managing the family company while making time for her art.

Perhaps if she achieved something in the art world, her parents would finally let her pursue her passion.

As Naomi considered this, a glimmer of hope returned to her face.

“It’s getting late. We should get some sleep.”

“Okay, okay. Sweet dreams tonight.”

“You too.”