Chapter 1

I almost gave up admission to a top-15 university for my childhood sweetheart Brent, fantasizing he would finally confess his love.

Until that afternoon when I overheard him telling his friend dismissively: "Without me, she's nothing."

Turns out I could never compete with Sienna, the blonde beauty who transferred here three months ago. Turns out he chose Michigan State because the pretty girl needed protection, while I was "tough as a rock."

That moment, my heart died completely.

I secretly accepted Northwestern University's offer and left for Chicago alone. I let him think I'd obediently follow them to the same college—until the day classes started and he discovered I had "vanished."

"How could you betray me like this?!" he demanded furiously.

"Betray?" I laughed coldly. "Who betrayed whom first?"

Hazel's POV

"OH MY GOD!" I screamed, jumping from my chair.

Michigan State University Engineering Department Full Scholarship Acceptance Letter

I rubbed my eyes frantically and read it again, then again! Yes, that was my name!

"This is real! This is REAL!" I clutched the paper and spun around my room like a maniac.

I'd fought for this scholarship for an entire year! Now I could finally go to college with Brent!

My hands shook as I dialed Mom's number.

"Mom! Mom! I got it!"

"Got what, honey? Calm down!"

"The scholarship! Michigan State! FULL RIDE!" I was incoherent, tears already blurring my vision.

The line went dead silent for two seconds, then I heard a chair crash to the floor.

"WHAT?! You really got it?!" Mom shrieked. "My baby girl! I'm so proud of you! But..."

"But what? Mom, this is good news!" I wiped away tears.

"Hazel, sweetheart, of course I'm happy for you." Her voice became careful. "But are you sure about turning down Northwestern? That's a top-fifteen university in the nation... You still have two weeks to think about it."

My smile froze instantly.

"Mom, didn't we already discuss this?" My voice turned sharp. "I can't leave Brent alone. His grades aren't as good as mine - he can't get into Northwestern. We promised we'd always be together!"

"But Hazel, Northwestern's engineering program is top-tier nationally. Your talent shouldn't be wasted..."

"Wasted?" I cut her off. "Mom, some things matter more than rankings! Brent needs me, and I need him! I don't want to go to some fancy school without him!"

A deep sigh came through the phone.

"Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't force you. I just hope you're really sure this choice is worth it." Mom's voice carried resignation. "Your father would be proud of your achievements too."

After hanging up, I stared at the acceptance letter in my hands.

Northwestern's acceptance letter still lay quietly on my desk. I planned to send the rejection letter tomorrow.

Because Brent said his SAT scores weren't even close to Northwestern's standards.

Because we'd promised to stay together forever. I couldn't imagine college life without him.

This is all worth it, I told myself firmly. For love, for our future.

I rushed to the kitchen, carefully selecting his favorite dark chocolate cupcake and that rich mocha coffee he loved. The acceptance letter went safely into my bag - today I was going to give the most important person in my life the surprise of a lifetime!

At the diner entrance, I could see through the glass windows that there were only a few scattered customers inside. Brent should be helping in the kitchen. I decided to sneak in through the back door and surprise him!

Walking around to the back of the diner, I heard familiar male voices through the half-open window. It was Brent chatting with Tony.

I was about to knock when I heard words that made me freeze instantly.

"Honestly, dude, I think Sienna needs me more than Hazel does."

My steps stopped dead.

"She'll be scared to death going to college out of state alone. She's not like Hazel, you know? Way more fragile." Brent sighed helplessly.

Sienna? That girl who transferred from LA just three months ago?

Unease began spreading through my chest.

"But isn't Hazel like your childhood sweetheart or whatever?" Tony asked. "Won't she be pissed if she finds out you're only choosing Michigan State to be with Sienna?"

Those words hit me like a sledgehammer.

He's choosing Michigan State... to be with HER?

Brent let out a dismissive snort.

"Nah, she won't care. Hazel's always depended on me for everything. Honestly? Without me, she's nothing. She'll follow me anywhere anyway."

Nothing.

That word made my world go silent.

I was ready to give up Northwestern for him! I fought for an entire year to be with him! And in his eyes, I'm NOTHING?

"Plus, Sienna's already been through enough moving here from LA. She needs someone to protect her, you know?" Brent continued. "Hazel's tough as nails. She can handle anything on her own. That's just who she is."

Sharp pain spread from my chest throughout my entire body. I found myself breathing rapidly, and my hand holding the acceptance letter began trembling uncontrollably.

This letter almost made me trade my entire future for the chance to be with him.

And he doesn't even care.

I stumbled backward, terrified of being discovered. My foot slipped, and everything in my bag scattered across the ground - the coffee cup and cupcake smashed to pieces.

Tears blurred my vision as I crouched down, shaking as I tried to pick up the fragments.

The pain in my chest felt like it was tearing me apart, but I bit my lip hard, refusing to let myself cry out loud.

So my years of feelings were just a joke to him.