Chapter 2

After ending the call, Sophia returned to the campus. Her first class that morning was a computer science course she shared with Caleb. Although she had already completed her required modules, she had enrolled in a few extra classes. This was in part to enhance her research skills, but also to spend more time with Caleb. Now, however, she had no desire to see him. Yet, her sense of responsibility as a student wouldn't allow her to skip class. As always, she was the first to arrive in the classroom. Shortly after sitting down, she felt the dizziness strike. She was no stranger to this feeling—the last time she took the pill, she had a fever for three days straight. She rested her head on the desk, hoping to recover for a moment. Just then, someone abruptly yanked her by the arm and pulled her behind the curtain. Startled, she looked up to see Caleb. The young man's domineering kiss fell before she could react. His hand snaked beneath her skirt. His fingers grazed over something, and he let out a chuckle. "You didn't shower?" he let out another sordid titter. "What, were you reluctant to wash off a part of me?" Sophia's face turned crimson from shame and fury. "Let go of me! I... I have a fever!" Stunned, Caleb touched his palm to her forehead and found her burning hot indeed. But that didn't stop his wandering hand. "Sophia," he croaked, his voice growing hoarse. "I heard that your insides grow hot, too, when you have a fever. I've never experienced that..." Sophia was bewildered. It took her more than a couple of seconds to catch the meaning behind his words. She felt more blood gushing to her cheeks. She was just beginning to resist when footsteps and chatter filled the room. More classmates were arriving. "Damn! Why are there four legs behind the curtain? There's a four-legged monster!" joked one student. Finally, Caleb removed his hand from under her skirt. "What a bummer," he grumbled before emerging from behind the curtain. Seeing him, the male students in the room started whistling and teasing. "I was wondering who had so much energy this early in the morning. Turns out it's Cal and Sophia!" "Cal, class is about to start! Your endurance is not great, is it?" Caleb flung a book in his way, hollering. "Get lost! I didn't even get to enjoy the main course—it's all your fault for ruining the moment." His friends erupted in laughter. "Got it, just the appetizer then." "Is it just me, or does Sophia look different? It's like she has developed." "You don't get it, do you? It's the massage! Our baseball star, Cal, sure knows how to handle things." After straightening her clothes, Sophia walked out in time to hear the playful remarks. Her face paled. Meanwhile, Caleb did nothing to stop them. He simply sat with his head lowered, engrossed in a mobile game. The men's blatant stares and the women's quiet, judgmental whispers brought tears to her eyes. "Five more days," she kept reminding herself. "Just five more days, Sophia Lane, and this will all be over." … As soon as the class ended, Sophia got up to leave. However, Caleb's friends mentioned a gathering at a karaoke bar outside campus. Before she could refuse, Caleb dragged her along. Christine was the first person Sophia spotted as they walked into the room. Unlike Sophia's bare-faced goody-two-shoes look, Christine stood out with her polished appearance. Despite her excellent grades, she knew how to dress up. She was the kind of person who could effortlessly draw attention in a crowd. Sophia couldn't help but notice Caleb stiffen beside her. One of his friends muttered under his breath, "Why didn't anyone mention Christine would be here?" "Forget it. We're already here. Let's just have fun." They all sat down and began a game of Truth or Dare. They spun the bottle, and the first victim was Caleb. Cheers filled the air. "Cal, when was your last time, and where?" Caleb casually fiddled with his lighter and smirked. "Yesterday, in the woods behind the hill." The crowd broke out in howls. "Classic Caleb! Bold as usual!" "Who would've thought? Sophia looks so innocent; she doesn't even wear makeup. Who knew she's got a wild side too?" Countless frivolous jibes rang out, and Sophia inadvertently clenched her fists. When she lifted her gaze, she caught Caleb stealing a glance at Christine. The second bottle spin landed on Christine. The room quieted slightly. It didn't last long, as a drunken man blurted out, "Christine, say, since you used to be Cal's girlfriend, did he ever take you behind the hill?"