Chapter 4

Jamie and I rarely had dinner together, especially when his friends were around.

I could tell he didn’t want me too involved with his circle, and he didn’t try to integrate into mine either.

But one day, out of the blue, he asked me to join him.

“Mari, my uni mates are back in town. We’re getting together. Want to come along?”

“Oh, and by the way, you won’t be able to get back to your dorm tonight. So think about it before you say yes.”

I was taken aback.

Jamie had never taken me out before, and the first time he did, he was hinting at staying overnight.

Maybe this was normal for someone as experienced as him, but it left me feeling cold.

I was about to make up an excuse to avoid going when I overheard voices in the background.

“Mate, you’ve still got it. Top-tier postgrad and you’ve got her wrapped around your finger. Teach me your ways!”

“Forget smart girls. My girlfriend would never agree to this. She’d go on about ‘respect’ and ‘women’s rights.’ Blah, blah, blah.”

I could hear Jamie try to muffle the phone, clearly not wanting me to hear the conversation.

“Mari? You still there?”

At that moment, I realised the version of Jamie I had admired—the one with his halo of charm—was about to shatter.

“Of course, I’m coming. You guys start without me,” I said sweetly.

I wouldn’t feel satisfied unless I turned up and saw this through.

Jamie sighed in relief. “Great. See you soon.”