Wesley's words made me pause, and I couldn't help but look up at him. "What do you mean? You think Ivy's the one stirring the pot?"
"Anyway, I don't buy into that love-at-first-sight stuff." Wesley crossed his arms and leaned against the desk. "Maybe Ivy used some trick to make Matthew like her so quickly?"
I'd considered that possibility too, but without any proof, I couldn't point fingers.
"What are you talking about? It's class time!" The angry voice of the calculus teacher, Ryder, came from the podium, and a piece of chalk nailed me right on the head.
I immediately sat up straight.
Ryder stared at me disapprovingly. "Karena, you always say you don't get it, but you never pay attention in class. How can you expect to learn? Wesley's already got it down and doesn't even need to listen. Are you at his level yet?"
"Sorry, Sir." I lowered my head, feeling a bit wronged. There were three of us talking, but Ryder only called me out. I never knew what it was about me, but my math teachers never liked me since I was a kid.
"If you don't start paying attention, you can go stand in the hallway." Ryder's words kept me in line for the entire class, and I didn't dare to slack off until the class was over, and I finally relaxed, collapsing onto the desk.
"Karena, let's go to the cafeteria for lunch." Amelia said and tried to pull me up from the desk.
I waved my hand. "Sorry, I have to go see Howard."
Amelia raised an eyebrow and teased me, "I forgot you have lunch with your boyfriend every day. It's a routine now."
I sighed helplessly, "I don't know what's wrong with him lately. He's been so moody."
'Sometimes, out of nowhere, he gets all worked up over something I say. Now I'm walking on eggshells around him, too scared to speak. Do guys have a time of the month too? Otherwise, why has Howard suddenly become so irritable?' I thought.
"Forget about her. Let's go eat." Wesley packed his books and stood up, giving me a disdainful look.
'This guy is also moody. Being around these two unpredictable people, I'll go crazy sooner or later.' I thought.
After saying goodbye to Amelia, I headed to the infirmary, feeling a bit down.
I pushed open the door and saw Luna sitting there. This was the third time this week, and by now, I was used to it and didn't think much of it.
Howard glanced at me as I entered, then said, "Miss, please have a seat. I'll see you after I finish with her." His businesslike tone annoyed me.
'In front of Luna, he is so eager to distance himself from me, afraid that she might find out he has a girlfriend.' Thinking of this, I walked to a chair and sat down, feeling a bit sulky, and stared at the two of them.
"It's just a minor cold, nothing serious. I'll prescribe some medicine for you." Howard's voice sounded gentle, much softer than his usual tone with me.
I couldn't help but pout.
'Men are all the same. How can they resist a pretty face? He was so harsh with Luna before, and now look at him.' I was fuming inside but didn't know why I was so angry.
Luna had a gentle smile on her face, her eyes never leaving Howard. "Dr. Smith, my stomach isn't feeling well. Can I skip the medicine and get an IV instead?"
"It's nothing serious; just pop some pills and you'll be fine." Howard said gently.
"Alright, I'll do whatever Dr. Smith says," Luna said with a coy tone and flashed a bright smile.
I sat to the side and suddenly felt very uncomfortable, not wanting to watch any longer. I stood up and walked outside.
Standing by the flower bed, I kicked at the branches in front of me and cursed, "Bastard, he was so composed when I was around, but now he can't hold it in. Why get angry? I shouldn't be upset at all. It's actually better if Luna wins him over, then he'll stop bothering me altogether."
"You'll end up knocking that tree askew with your kicking." A clear, elegant voice came from behind me, and I froze but didn't turn around.
I angrily retorted, "What's it to you? Aren't the pretty girls enough to keep you busy? Now you're worried about every little tree and flower? You're such a bleeding heart!"
Howard took a long stride and stood beside me. "I l know you are cursing me."
I looked up at him angrily. "Why aren't you tending to your patient? She is waiting for you!"
He suddenly leaned in exaggeratedly and sniffed. "Are you jealous?"
I choked with anger, shoved him away, and stormed off. "Don't follow me."
Halfway through, I realized Howard hadn't followed me, and I got even angrier.
'That bastard, Told him not to follow, and he actually didn't. Is that how he treats someone?' The more I thought about it, the more wronged I felt, and I squatted down, crying. 'Typical, men are all about looks. If one is pretty, they can't resist. He was all about sticking with me forever, and now he's probably itching to be with someone else. I get it, what do I have? Nothing. I'm no match for Luna or Ivy, or anyone else for that matter.'
"Are those tears for me, or are you crying over Matthew?" A faint voice came from above.
I recognized it as Howard's voice but didn't want to respond. I was too upset to talk to him.
"You're crying so hard, so it can't be for me. Are you worried about Matthew? Didn't I promise you he'd be fine? Isn't that enough?" Howard's tone was harsh, and I could almost imagine his impatient expression.
I cried even louder, and Howard, unable to take it, frowned and pulled me up from the ground. "What do you want me to do to make you happy? I already promised to help you save Matthew."
"What does this have to do with Matthew?" I wiped my tears. "Are you tired of this already? Want to break the contract? Fine by me, I'm fed up too. Let's end it today. Go bind yourself to whoever you want."
Howard's face suddenly turned darkened, and his voice was icy. "You want to break the contract? You're tired of me?"
I nodded preemptively.
Howard suddenly let out a cold laugh. "Dream on. You can never get rid of me. Once this contract is made, it can never be broken unless one of us dies."