Chapter 9
William and I had been together for eight
years.
We had started out as college sweethearts, both at the same university. After graduation, I had been accepted into a top–tier graduate program, while he chose to dive into the business world. I pursued my Ph.D., and he built a successful company from the ground up. Eventually, he proposed to me, simply saying, “Let’s get married.”
There was no grand proposal, no friends gathered to witness the moment, no engagement ring ceremony. Just his words, and my silent agreement. At the time, I believed our love was unshakable- unbreakable. I thought nothing could stand between us.
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es for you
+ 5 Points
But now, looking back, I realize how naive I had been. Love can be fragile, easily swayed by time, distance, and circumstance. It’s not as invincible as we like to believe.
That afternoon, I found myself back at our old university for a medical fund donation event. To my surprise, William was there as well, his presence unexpected and, for reasons I couldn’t place, unwelcome.
Behind the scenes, he flashed me a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with the kind of self–satisfied energy that only someone like him could exude. “I saw that paper the other day, so I jumped right in, reached out to the collaborators, and got involved. If I’d waited, I would’ve missed out on this amazing opportunity, especially now that it’s all over the media.”
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5 Points
He paused, clearly calculating his next move. “By the way, do you know someone named Amelia Victoria? Can you help me find out more about her? I’m hoping to get an interview or maybe have her endorse my company.”
I regarded him quietly, my thoughts racing. For a split second, I almost told him the truth -that I was the “big shot” he was so eager to meet. But before I could speak, he cut me off.
“Wait, how could you possibly know her?” he scoffed, dismissing the idea entirely. “People like her only hang out with other geniuses. You’re not even close to her level.”
I felt my frustration flare, but I swallowed the words that almost slipped out. There was no point in trying to explain myself anymore.
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+6 Points
“No, I don’t know her” I said, my voice flat and indifferent.
He didn’t seem surprised by my response, only rolling his eyes and making a face that spoke volumes about his growing irritation.
“I heard through the grapevine that there’s a list of people heading to a national secure research facility soon. I’m betting Amelia Victoria’s name is on that list,” he added, almost as if testing me.
I gave a nonchalant shrug, trying my best to mask the unease that crept over me.
William leaned forward, his eyes narrowing, suspicion flickering in his gaze. “You know about this list?”
“No” I replied, my tone cool, as I turned my attention to something else.
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“Ah, forget it, he muttered, clearly losing interest.
Before the conversation could drift further, one of my junior colleagues approached me with an excited look. “Senior, the professor wants you in the group photo! There’s a long line of people who want to take a picture. with you—they won’t get another chance!”
I rose from my seat without saying another word, ready to leave.
William reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me back. “What do you mean ‘no chance‘?”
I kept my expression neutral, gently pulling my arm away. “Nothing. Someone just needs to leave, that’s all.”
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“Who’s leaving?” he asked, now visibly curious.
“No one important” I replied, already walking away.
As I left, I threw a quick glance over my shoulder. William stood there, his face a mix of confusion and frustration, not understanding what was happening.
William, I’m leaving. It’s not something you need to know.
Once again, William had broken his promise.
In the dead of night, his phone rang. Ava’s voice came through the line, trembling with distress. “I forgot my keys, and my parents are out visiting my grandmother. I don’t know what to do.”
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William leaned over to check if I was asleep, but I stayed still, pretending to be fast asleep.
Outside on the balcony, his voice was louder than usual, cutting through the stillness. of the night. “Why did you go back to your place?”
“Don’t you like your sister’s apartment?” he asked, his tone biting, as though he were trying to provoke her.
Ava’s voice cracked on the other end. “I didn’t go back after the trip. I was afraid Victoria would find out and get upset. I was planning on moving back in a few days… but I-”
“I told you to stay there. It’s just a house” William interrupted, impatience evident in his voice.
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“I’m so scared, William. The old
neighborhood feels so dark, and I keep feeling like someone’s following me,” Ava sobbed.
“Don’t worry, I’ll come right now. Stay on the line,” he promised, urgency rising in his voice.
The next morning, I woke up to find William still not home.
I didn’t feel the need to ask where he had gone or call him to check if he was still coming back. The professor had asked me to bring some documents to the university, and I had my own tasks to handle.
It wasn’t until I was on my way to campus that I got a call from William.
“Sorry, Victoria,” he said, his voice strained. “Can we visit the campus another time?”
