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“Yes, that’s right,” Carlisle said, placing his score report on the table in front of Sarah.
Sarah froze as her eyes fell on the score of 1400, her breath catching in her throat. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. He really did score 1400.
She couldn’t believe it. Just a month ago, he was a slacker, and now he had transformed into one of the top students. How did he do that? Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the impossible. Was it… the power of love?
Taking a deep breath, Sarah forced a smile, her voice sweet and coy. “Shouldn’t you thank me, then?”
Carlisle blinked, slightly taken aback by her words. After a brief pause, he allowed a small, almost playful smile to form. “Why should I thank you?” he replied, his tone light but tinged with sarcasm. “The person I should thank the most is Wanda. Without her guidance this past month, it would’ve been impossible to achieve this score.”
Sarah’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Didn’t you only start studying hard because I told you I wanted to study at Riverland University?” she shot back, her voice dripping with an almost calculated innocence. “Would you have gotten such good results if I hadn’t said that in the first place?”
She lowered her head slightly, putting on an act of pitifulness. Her flawless appearance, combined with the vulnerable gesture, made it impossible for anyone to resist feeling a twinge of sympathy for her.
Sean, who had been watching the exchange closely, felt a flare of protectiveness toward Carlisle. Though he was tempted to intervene, he quickly suppressed the urge. He knew Carlisle’s character and could see through Sarah’s manipulation. Still, he silently hoped Carlisle wouldn’t fall for her act.
Carlisle’s expression remained unchanged, but there was a coldness in his voice as he laughed softly. “Don’t you realize you’re just living in your own world, Sarah?” he said, a mocking edge in his tone. “I applied to Riverland University for my own sake. It had nothing to do with you at all.”
The words hit Sarah like a slap to the face. She stared at Carlisle, her eyes narrowing as if she couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. He used to go along with everything I said, she thought, the betrayal settling in. How could he say that?
The words stung. She had always controlled the narrative, always known how to keep him in her orbit. But now, it seemed like he had broken free.
Sean, who had been observing the exchange, couldn’t suppress a relieved sigh. It appeared that Carlisle had truly moved on from Sarah. Good, he thought, it’s about time.
“Let’s go, Carl,” Sean said, a casual tone masking his relief. “It’s time for your celebration!”
Just as Carlisle stood up, his phone rang from his pocket. He pulled it out, and Sarah’s eyes immediately darted to the sleek Motorola Razr V3 in his hand. Her breath caught in her throat.
That phone was the latest model, released just last month, with a starting price of 4200 dollars. How could Carlisle afford that?
Her heart sank. Wanda… It must have been Wanda who bought it for him.
A wave of disappointment washed over Sarah, leaving her pale and drained. She had thought she was the one who could offer Carlisle everything—support, ambition, even the possibility of a future together. But now, it felt like she had lost it all.
Carlisle answered the call as he walked out of the classroom with Sean. The conversation was brief, but Sarah remained rooted to her spot, trying to steady her racing thoughts.
On the other end of the call, Hilda, Carlisle’s mother, remained silent for a moment.
“Mom?” Carlisle asked, his voice uncertain. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“I’ll ask him instead!” came Gordon’s voice, as he took the phone from Hilda’s hand. He sounded a bit flustered. “Carl, um… Have you… You…?”
Carlisle chuckled softly, amused at his father’s hesitation. “Are you trying to ask if I got into college?” he asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
Gordon nodded eagerly. “Yes, yes! Have you?”
Carlisle’s smile widened. “I got into Riverland University!”
“Really?” Gordon exclaimed, his excitement practically bursting through the phone. “That’s incredible!”
“Of course it’s real. Would I joke about something like that?” Carlisle laughed.
His voice softened slightly as he asked, “How’s the preparation for the party going? I plan to bring a few classmates along.”
Gordon’s voice grew more serious as he answered. “All’s ready. Bring as many of your friends as you want!”
Carlisle’s brow furrowed as he processed the information. “Oh? Those people from our village are going to your Uncle Gerard’s, right?”
Gordon’s tone shifted to one of mild frustration. “Yeah, only some of my colleagues and your mom’s family are coming to show their support.”
Carlisle’s expression softened with understanding. “Okay, got it,” he replied calmly, before hanging up.
