It had been two days since the photo leak, but the silence between Isabel and Adrian had stretched longer than either of them expected. Words became careful. Glances too brief. The world had discovered their secret, and it wasn't ready to forgive them.
Isabel sat by the window of her dorm room, knees hugged to her chest. The city beyond the glass blurred behind drops of rain, and her thoughts spun like the storm outside. Jude was at his desk, headphones on, pretending to study but glancing at her more often than not.
"You haven't seen him since the faculty hearing?" he asked, voice low.
She nodded without turning. "No. He said he needed time."
"Time or distance?"
She finally looked over. Jude's expression was unreadable, but his voice was gentle. "You deserve someone who won't run the moment things get hard."
Isabel swallowed. "He didn't run. He's protecting me."
"You always defend him," Jude said softly, then stood and left the room.
Isabel stared after him. The silence he left behind felt louder than the rain.
---
Across campus, Adrian stood at the edge of his father's study. The Cole estate was a place of control and tradition. Even the air felt suffocating. Mr. Cole sat behind his mahogany desk, reading a printed copy of the scandal blog.
"You've embarrassed this family," his father said coldly, tapping the paper.
"I've lived by your rules long enough," Adrian replied. "I won't apologize for loving someone."
His father scoffed. "A student, Adrian? You've jeopardized everything we've built. Do you even understand what's at stake?"
Adrian's fists clenched. "Yes. And I don't care."
"Then you're out," his father said flatly. "Out of the foundation. Out of the will. Out of every board seat I've placed you in."
The silence stretched.
Adrian straightened his spine. "Then maybe I'm finally free."
He walked out, shoulders tense but eyes clear. He didn't stop until he was in his car, hands trembling on the steering wheel. Isabel's face flashed in his mind. Maybe losing everything was worth it... if it meant choosing her.
---
Meanwhile, Vanessa found herself walking through the art district, umbrella swaying lazily by her side. She hadn't planned to stop by Zara's studio, but her feet moved before her thoughts caught up.
The door was ajar. Inside, music played low and moody. Zara was painting—a chaotic swirl of color and feeling.
Vanessa stepped in quietly. "You're still using our playlist."
Zara didn't turn. "It was mine first."
Vanessa smiled faintly. "We need to talk."
Zara put down her brush. "About Jude?"
Vanessa nodded. "He's... different. He sees me in ways I didn't expect. But I don't know what to do with that."
Zara came closer. "Then don't force yourself to choose. Maybe you're still figuring out who you are. You don't owe anyone an answer right now."
Tears welled in Vanessa's eyes. "You always say the right thing, even when it hurts."
Zara touched her cheek. "That's love, Ness."
---
Later that night, Isabel found herself at the quiet park near campus. The swing creaked under her as she stared at the stars, blinking through misty eyes.
"Figured you'd be here."
She turned. Adrian stood at the path, hands in his pockets, soaked from rain.
"Did you walk here?" she asked.
He nodded. "Car broke down. Or maybe I just needed the punishment."
She didn't smile.
He stepped closer. "I've made decisions without you, trying to protect you. But I was wrong. That's not love. That's fear."
Isabel's breath hitched. "I thought you were gone."
"I was. I left everything behind today. My father. The boards. The reputation." He knelt in front of her. "But I couldn't leave you."
She touched his rain-wet face. "So what now?"
He took her hand, pressed it to his chest. "Now we fight. Together."
And for the first time in days, Isabel let herself breathe.