Chapter 97 97

Chapter 97 97

Jordan sat on a wooden bench in the university courtyard during his mid-morning break, legs stretched out, phone in hand.

He scrolled through Instagram absentmindedly at first, liking a few posts from friends, until he reached Sloane’s profile.

His thumb froze.

She had posted new photos from last night. In the first one, she was smiling brightly at a restaurant table.

The guy sitting across from her was laughing, leaning in close, one arm casually draped over the back of her chair. Another photo showed them walking side by side, Sloane looking up at him with that soft expression she used to give Jordan. The caption read: “Unexpectedly nice evening #blinddatevibes”

Jordan stared at the pictures for a long time. His jaw clenched so hard it hurt. A sharp, ugly twist of jealousy burned in his chest. He hated how good she looked. He hated how comfortable she seemed with that stranger.

He hated that she was moving on while he was still stuck in this mess with his brother and Yuki.

He locked his phone and shoved it into his pocket, but the images stayed burned in his mind.

Later, in the crowded cafeteria during lunch hour, Jordan was carrying his tray, a sandwich and a bottle of water, when he turned a corner and literally bumped into someone.

Their trays collided with a loud clatter, a drink nearly spilling.

“Shit, sorry—” Jordan started, then froze.

It was Sloane.

She was holding her own tray, wearing a simple white top and jeans, her hair tied back.

“Jordan,” she said, steadying her tray.

They both stood there awkwardly for a second.

Jordan cleared his throat. “Yeah… sorry about that.”

Sloane hesitated, then nodded toward an empty table nearby. “We can sit… if you want. Or not. Whatever.”

Jordan wanted to say no. But his feet moved anyway. They ended up sitting across from each other at a small table near the window.

“You looked happy in those photos,” Jordan finally said, his voice low. He tried to sound casual, but it came out bitter.

Sloane looked up. “You saw them?”

“Yeah.” He stared at his food. “The guy… he seems nice. Lucky for him.”

“Are you jealous, Jordan?” Sloane put her fork down slowly.

He didn’t answer right away. His fingers tightened around the water bottle.

Sloane let out a short, tired laugh. “You pushed me away, didn't you. You told me you haven't forgiven me. So yes, I went on a date. Because I’m tired of waiting for you to decide if I’m worth forgiving.”

Jordan looked at her then, really looked. Her eyes were tired, but there was still that fire in them, the same fire he used to love.

“I know,” He said quietly. “I’m not saying you can’t date. I just… seeing it hit differently than I expected.”

Sloane leaned forward slightly.
“What did you expect? That I’d sit around crying over you forever? I apologized a thousand times for cheating. I told you it was a stupid mistake. But you keep punishing me like I’m the worst person alive.”

Jordan rubbed his face with both hands. “It’s not just that. Everything is fucked right now, I was just being selfish.”

Sloane watched him for a long moment, her expression softening just a little.

“Whatever. Well, wish me luck in my new date. Hope things work out.” She said and continued eating.

Jordan kept quiet, not knowing what to say.

_____

Yuki fumbled with her keys at the door of her dorm room, her hands still shaking from everything that had happened at the aquarium. The date with Kade had been perfect until that phone call and the gunshot.

She had lied to him on the way back, telling him it was Ivy who called because she needed her urgently.

How was she supposed to tell him the truth? That Stefano had almost killed him because of her? She couldn’t. She had to stay away from Kade for now.

She needed to stop being an idiot and think of what to do next. She couldn’t just go back to New York.

She finally got the door open and stepped inside, locking it behind her with a heavy click. She took out her phone with trembling fingers and dialed Stefano’s number. It rang twice before he picked up.

"Hello, princess. So nice of you to call." Stefano said, his voice smooth and calm.

Yuki’s voice cracked immediately. "Please… don’t hurt Kade. I’m begging you. Just leave him alone. I’ll do whatever you want, just don’t hurt him."

Stefano chuckled softly on the other end. "How are you, princess? Did you eat anything this evening? You must be hungry."

"I don’t care about that!" Yuki snapped, tears filling her eyes. "Promise me you won’t hurt Kade. Please. He has nothing to do with this."

"I’ll send you some food in just a while," Stefano replied, completely ignoring her plea. "Something light. You need to keep your strength up."

Yuki’s frustration boiled over. "Why are you doing this? Why won’t you just leave me alone?"

There was a knock on her door.

Yuki startled so hard she nearly dropped the phone. She walked over and opened it cautiously.

Ivy stood there, holding a large, expensive-looking food package.

"The reception lady said this just came in for you," Ivy said, handing it over.

"Oh. Thanks." Yuki took the package quickly and shut the door immediately, locking it again.

She put the phone back to her ear, voice shaking with anger. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Just taking care of my princess," Stefano said smoothly. "And don’t even think about throwing the food away. You wouldn’t want to make me mad."

Yuki’s hand tightened around the phone. "You really won’t leave me alone, huh?"

"So you finally get it," Stefano replied, sounding almost pleased. "Goodnight, princess."

He hung up.

Yuki stood there for a long moment, staring at her phone. She felt completely drained. She opened the food package slowly.

It was a beautiful, high-end meal — grilled salmon, fresh vegetables, rice, and a small dessert. It looked expensive and perfectly prepared.

She sat down on the edge of her bed, staring at the food.

Think, Yuki. What do you do now?

She felt trapped. Completely trapped.