Chapter 3
Thauled the box of Tanner’s stuff down the dorm stairs, my grip tight around the cardboard. Just as I pushed through the main door, I almost walked. right into hum—and Ayla, who was all but draped around his arm.
She was laughing way too loud, shoving playfully at his shoulder.
“One case of beer? Please, I could still out drink you any day, Miller. Don’t even try me.”
Tanner was smirking until he saw me. His expression flickered, and he subtly tried to detach himself from Ayla.
He was waiting–waiting for the tears, the drama, the whole jealous meltdown I used to pull.
But this time? I didn’t even look at him. I adjusted the box and kept walking.
That’s when he stepped in front of me, that familiar arrogant grin back on his face.
“Okay, okay–you can trash the hoodies, but not the wooden wolf. I carved that thing for a month. My fingers still have trust issues.”
I stared right through him. “Don’t worry. I don’t want reminders of you.”
He chuckled like I’d told a joke. “Your loss, darling.”
As I turned. Ayla grabbed my wrist–her touch making me freeze.
“Addie, wait. Seriously, don’t overthink this.”
“I had a few too many drinks, so Tanner walked me back. We’re literally just friends. I’m basically a guy in his world, okay?”
“A guy?” I snapped, my voice sharp and loud enough that a few people leaving the dorm slowed down to watch.
“Do ‘guys‘ make him run to CVS at midnight to buy their tampons? Do ‘guys‘ have private Minecraft worlds with him–building houses together, going on “adventures‘ like some digital power couple? Do ‘guys‘ text him three times a week to bring them a milkshake because they’re ‘too sad to go alone“?”
I stepped closer, my anger boiling over.
“If you genuinely think you’re ‘one of the guys,‘ then maybe get your delusion checked by a professional. But if you keep playing this fake nice–girl garbage in my face one more time-”
Ayla’s smirk vanished. She looked caught, embarrassed, then fake–wounded all in three seconds.
“Whoa, I didn’t know you were keeping score. Fine. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to-”
Tanner pulled her back sharply, his voice cold.
“You don’t apologize to her.”
He shot me a glare. “She’s always been like this–thinks she owns me. Throws a fit over nothing.”
I didn’t wait around to hear more.
I walked straight to the trash bin, lifted the box high, and let it drop with a heavy thud.
No turning back now.
07:42
Delete, Block, Move On: Your Little Crybaby Upgraded to Untouchable Queen
Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy DaisyNovel. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.