Chapter 6
Josie's POV
The Brooks family driver dropped me off near campus rather than at the entrance. I preferred it this way—less chance of attracting unnecessary gossip. Though a small circle knew about my connection to the Brooks family, staying under the radar meant fewer complications. I adjusted the strap of my backpack on my shoulder, carefully holding Olivia's purse in my other hand.
The chimes from the central clock tower reminded me I needed to pick up my pace. Missing the beginning of class meant Professor Henderson would definitely notice—she had a habit of calling on latecomers with particularly challenging questions. But even as I slipped into the lecture hall just in time, I knew my mind wouldn't be fully present for today's session.
"The interaction between proteins and enzymes is crucial for drug development..." Professor Henderson's voice gradually faded in my consciousness. I stared at the blackboard filled with concepts I'd already familiarized myself with, but my thoughts drifted to the conversation at the Brooks house and my decision to move out.
Would Connor already know I'm planning to move out? Would he even care?
I gave a bitter smile and shook my head. Based on what he'd said about me to Sofia at Starlight, he'd probably be relieved.
The class ended sooner than I expected, or perhaps I'd just been too lost in thought. I packed my notebook and navigated through the crowded hallway toward the Liberal Arts building where Olivia's literature class was held. She and I rarely shared classes, being in different years and majors.
Olivia was waiting on the concrete steps, surrounded by her usual crowd of friends. Even in a group, she was easy to spot—the Reed family's trademark tall frame and her bright golden curls gleaming in the sunlight. She waved me over, and her friends automatically parted to make way for me.
"You got it!" she exclaimed, taking her purse from my hands and quickly checking the contents with relief. "I knew I could count on you. Mom would have killed me if that necklace went missing."
"When have I ever let you down?" I smiled in response, though my tone was more tired than usual.
Olivia gave me a shrewd once-over. "You look like you need a drink. How about Echo tonight? They've got a new bartender who's supposedly amazing."
"No way," I said firmly. "If your parents or Marcus found out you were at a bar again..."
"Fine, fine," she pouted, then her expression turned mischievous. She pulled out her phone from her purse, scrolled for a moment, then held it up to my face. "But look at this. Tell me he's not your perfect alternative."
On the screen was a photo of Dylan Brooks, clearly taken at some business event. He was wearing a perfectly tailored dark suit, those calm blue eyes seemingly piercing through the screen. I felt my face grow warm and immediately pushed the phone away.
"Stop it, Liv." I remembered my kitchen encounter with Dylan the night before, the moment he steadied me when I stumbled. The warmth of his palm, those attentive eyes... "Seriously," I cut off both my thoughts and her words, "I don't need to jump from one relationship straight into another. Besides, it's just..."
"Hot?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Inappropriate," I corrected firmly, though I felt my cheeks grow warmer. "Anyway, I do need your help with something. I'm looking for an apartment closer to school, preferably in Greenwich Village or nearby."
Olivia's eyes lit up, immediately switching from gossip mode to action. "You're finally moving out? That's fantastic!" She was already on her phone, dialing a number. "Hello? It's me. I need to see a few apartments near Greenwich Village this afternoon—good location, safe, suitable for a single woman..." Her voice trailed off as my attention was drawn to a commotion down the hall.
Sofia Morales was walking around the corner, surrounded by her usual entourage of admirers. Her perfect makeup and designer clothes showcased her newly acquired status—Spectrum Media's top broadcaster and Connor's new flame. When her gaze passed over me, a smug smile played on her lips, her eyes flashing with challenge.
I didn't feel as angry as I might have imagined. I simply gave her a brief glance before slowly looking away. She didn't seem worth my anger anymore.
"That pretentious little bitch," Olivia muttered venomously, clearly noticing our exchange.
"Never mind her. Can you find me a decent place to live soon?" I changed the subject.
"Don't worry, I've got it all arranged. I'll let you know as soon as I hear something."
I was in the lab that afternoon, running tests on my latest samples when I caught a glimpse of Olivia's text. It was a photo of a single-bedroom apartment with large windows, followed by her message: [I'm free all afternoon. Let me know when you want to go see it]
She'd found a place already? Olivia could be surprisingly efficient sometimes. I looked at the time—3:30 PM. If we went to see it today, I could potentially move out tomorrow. The thought gave me a strange mix of excitement and anxiety.
[Let's go at 4] I texted back.
[Perfect! I'll come find you!] Olivia replied immediately with a winking emoji that made me smile.
At four o'clock, I walked with her to see the potential apartment. It was conveniently close, just a ten-minute walk from campus.
"And here it is!" I stood in the center of a brick apartment building in Greenwich Village, watching sunlight stream through the large windows onto the hardwood floors. Though the space wasn't large, the open layout made it feel spacious and bright. "I love it here."
Olivia surveyed the simple furnishings and exposed brick walls. "It really is nice. Very artsy. Close to school, and there's a coffee shop and mini grocery downstairs." She moved toward the windows. "And check out this view!"
I joined her in admiration, taking in the New York skyline stretching into the distance. This was my fresh start. No Brooks mansion luxury, no suffocating expectations, and no shadow of Connor.
"So Connor really is a total jerk," Olivia said as we left, not bothering to hide her contempt. "Flirting with Sofia, talking behind your back. I can't believe he actually called you boring! As if his parties and media games are so sophisticated."
I sighed softly, realizing my feelings about the whole situation weren't quite what she imagined. "You know what? I'm not even that upset about him choosing someone else."
"What?" Olivia turned to me, surprised.
"I mean, yes, rejection hurts. But what hurts more is how he chose to do it." I paused, watching people rush by on the street. "We've known each other for ten years. I thought we at least had enough respect between us to have an honest conversation. Was he afraid I wouldn't agree to break the engagement? Or did he think making me 'get the hint' was easier than actually talking?"
Olivia squeezed my hand. "He's a coward, Jo. Doesn't know how to handle difficult conversations, so he chose the sleaziest way out."
I shook my head, remembering the Connor I thought I knew. "He wasn't always like this, you know," I said softly. "The night I first came to the Brooks house, I had a high fever. I was twelve, had just lost my parents, was in this strange big house..."
I recalled that night, curled up under the covers, afraid to disturb anyone. "I didn't want to bother anyone, so I just suffered through it. But then I felt someone touch my forehead and put a cool washcloth on it to bring the fever down. The next morning, I found a handkerchief with Connor's name on my nightstand."
Olivia listened quietly, unusually refraining from interrupting.
"That's why I don't understand," I continued, feeling my eyes grow damp. "How can the Connor who cared for a sick little girl be the same person who mocked me at Starlight?"
"People change, Jo," Olivia said gently. "Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. It's not your fault." Then she suddenly added through gritted teeth, "That bastard. He'll regret it someday!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her expression, breaking free from the melancholy. "I'm ready to move forward. New apartment, new start."
