Taylor hurried through the college corridor, clutching her notebook, trying to shake off the unease from earlier. She needed a quick break and headed to the lavatory, hoping for a moment alone.
But as she pushed open the door, she froze. The same group of girls stood there, blocking her path, smirks plastered on their faces.
"Hey, newbie," the tallest girl said, crossing her arms. "Maybe it's time you focused on his last name for a change."
Taylor furrowed her brow. "I… I don't understand."
The girls exchanged mischievous glances. "Oh, you really are clueless, aren't you?" one of them said mockingly. "His father… is Liam Bennett. Founder of Bennett Company. You… have no idea who you're playing with."
Another stepped closer, voice dripping with condescension. "And you? You're just… a toy. Some poor girl who doesn't belong in his world. Do you really think he'll stick with you?"
Taylor felt a rush of heat in her chest. Her palms clenched around her notebook, but she didn't step back. Instead, she straightened, lifted her chin, and met their gaze head-on.
"I don't care who he is," she said firmly, her voice steady and full of conviction. "I know I love him. And he loves me. That's all I care about."
The girls froze, momentarily stunned by her boldness. Then the tallest girl scoffed, but her smirk faltered slightly. "Hmph… we'll see how long that lasts."
Taylor didn't respond. She turned on her heel and walked past them, her steps confident, her heart pounding but unwavering. She didn't need their approval. She didn't need their judgment.
Outside the lavatory, she took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of adrenaline and pride. She had stood her ground. She had said what mattered most — the truth about her feelings.
And as she walked back to class, a small smile tugged at her lips. No matter who Chris's father was, no matter the rumors, she knew one thing: her heart belonged to Chris, and his belonged to her.
And that was enough.