Chapter 5

At the dock, other students were celebrating the end of the race. I had just gotten off the boat, desperate to escape this suffocating place.

But after only a few steps, my phone started buzzing frantically.

Instagram notification.

Charlotte Beaumont posted a new update.

I clicked it open, and my heart instantly stopped beating.

In the photo, Charlotte was tightly embracing Jax, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. The background was the very dock we'd just left, and she was wearing the exact same pink dress. The timestamp read: 2 minutes ago.

She rushed over to take this photo the moment I left?

Caption: [Always my favorite sailing partner 💕 Back where we belong #memories #us #perfect]

My heart felt like someone had stabbed it with a knife.

"Sloane darling!" Charlotte's sickeningly sweet voice rang out behind me. "Did you have fun today? Though you look a bit... tired?"

I turned around to see her arm-in-arm with two girlfriends, her eyes glowing with victory.

"Not bad," I managed, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I knew this sport wasn't for you." She feigned concern. "Sailing requires so much... experience, doesn't it Jax?"

I felt him approach behind me, but I didn't dare turn around.

"Sloane is a natural sailor." His voice was firm.

Charlotte's smile twisted slightly: "Really? But darling, when you were with me, you always said I was your best partner..."

They were together? When?

"The past is the past." Jax cut her off directly.

"Really?" I held up my phone, showing him the photo. "This is also 'the past'?"

Jax glanced at the photo, anger flashing in his eyes: "Charlotte, when was this photo taken?"

"Does it matter?" Charlotte smiled smugly. "What matters is that some bonds never disappear..."

"Enough." I didn't want to hear any more of this drama. "Thanks for today's lesson, Jax. I should head back."

"Sloane, wait..." He tried to explain something.

"No need to explain." I stepped back. "Some things are already clear."

With that, I turned and left.

Behind me, I could hear Jax and Charlotte arguing heatedly, but I didn't look back.

---

That night, I stood by my dorm room window, gazing at the twinkling lights in the distant harbor.

My phone buzzed with a text from Chloe: "Saw the Instagram post. Perfect! Keep playing hot and cold like this, and he'll be completely crazy soon."

I stared at the message, feeling a sharp pain in my chest.

Desperate?

If anyone was going crazy, it should be me.

Because I realized I cared about his reaction, cared about the desperation in his eyes, cared about his panic when he tried to explain.

And this was definitely not part of the plan.

In the distance, I heard an engine. A familiar black Tesla pulled up downstairs.

Jax got out, holding something in his hands. He walked toward the dorm entrance but suddenly looked up at my window.

Damn, he saw me.

I quickly stepped back, hiding behind the curtain, but couldn't resist peeking.

We locked eyes across the distance for several seconds - that look made it almost impossible to breathe. Then he placed a package on the steps and walked back to his car.

But he didn't leave immediately. Instead, he stood by his car, continuing to watch my window.

A few minutes later, he finally got in and drove away.

I waited ten minutes, making sure he was really gone, before going downstairs to get the package.

Inside was an elegant bracelet and a note:

"The photo was her forcing herself on me - I was completely unprepared. Everything I said on the boat today was true. I know you don't believe me, but I'll prove it to you. This isn't a game. This is the first time I'm genuinely afraid of losing something. —— J"

I held the note, feeling the weight of the bracelet.

Game or genuine feelings?

What was more terrifying was that I realized I was starting to care about the answer.

And that might be the most dangerous thing of all.

A week passed like this.

I stared at the bracelet on my desk, with Jax's note pressed underneath. Seven days and nights, and every time I passed by, I couldn't help but look at it again, then frantically remind myself - this is just work.

"This isn't a game. This is the first time I'm genuinely afraid of losing something."

Damn note. Damn sincere tone.

My phone buzzed with another text from Chloe: "How's the progress? He's been looking anxious lately - that's a good sign."

I quickly replied: "Everything's going according to plan."

But the truth was, I had no idea what the plan was anymore. Every time I ran into Jax in the hallway and saw the hope and carefulness in his eyes, my heart would race uncontrollably.

Worse yet, I was starting to look forward to those chance encounters.

I picked up the bracelet - the silver chain glittered in the sunlight. Not too expensive, but exquisite. The point was, he remembered my casual mention on the boat about liking minimalist designs.

"Focus, Sloane." I told my reflection in the mirror. "This is just his routine. Observe, remember, cater to preferences. Basic player skills."

But my reflection didn't look convinced by these words at all.

My phone alarm went off, reminding me it was time for lunch. I put away the bracelet and grabbed my bag. Maybe a change of scenery would help clear my head and stop me from overthinking.

In the St. Grove dining hall, I deliberately chose a seat as far as possible from Jax's table. But distance couldn't stop me from stealing glances at him - he looked somewhat tired today, with faint dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept well.

Could it be because I never responded to his note?

No, Sloane, don't overthink it.

I forced myself to focus on eating, but the conversation from Jax's table still drifted over.

"Did you guys hear? Marcus is hosting tonight." A guy said excitedly.

"Poker again?" Charlotte put down her fork. "David lost five grand there last time."

"This time's different. I heard some Wall Street guys are coming - stakes are much higher than usual."

I saw Jax frown: "How high?"

"Starting ante is a thousand." The guy lowered his voice. "But Marcus said he's only inviting people who can really afford to play."

Charlotte suddenly raised her voice, making sure everyone in the dining hall could hear: "That's definitely not suitable for beginners then. After all, that level of gaming..." She paused deliberately, her gaze sweeping toward me, "requires certain... experience and capital."

I knew she was targeting me. I continued cutting my salad, pretending I hadn't heard, but every word reached my ears clearly.

Underground gambling? This was definitely not in Chloe's plan. I should stay away from such situations, avoiding any risk of exposure.

"Since when do you care about my evening plans?" Jax frowned at Charlotte.

"Oh darling, I'm just worried you might bring the wrong person." Charlotte smiled sweetly, her gaze obviously turning toward me. "After all, some people might not be able to handle that level of gaming."

I put down my fork, trying to stay calm. Then Jax suddenly turned toward me, those deep blue eyes making my heartbeat accelerate.

This was the first time in a week he'd looked at me directly.

"Do you play poker, Sloane?"