Chapter 13 Jace was notoriously aloof on campus. After realizing that Sloane had truly let him go, he seemed to lose all sense of direction. Marissa's texts and calls still came in endlessly-notifications lighting up his screen again and again. Messages that once made him feel needed now felt suffocating. [Jace, come to the lecture with me this afternoon?] 25 2 [Want to grab dinner tonight? I found this amazing Japanese place!] [Why aren't you answering me?] He barely glanced at the screen before muting her messages entirely. So Marissa began showing up in person-outside his classes, at his dorm building-dressed in perfectly styled outfits with her sweetest, most flawless smile. Jace barely looked her way, his expression cold, his pace unwavering. "I'm busy." "No time." "Go by yourself." His replies were brief, cutting off any room for misunderstanding. Marissa's glow slowly dimmed, disbelief and hurt creeping into her eyes. But he didn't have the energy to deal with her emotions. Because one thought-irrational, wild-had taken root in his mind and grown rapidly, consuming every part of him. He had to go to Sloane. Right now. No matter what. Once the idea formed, it was impossible to shake. After a long and obsessive search, he finally discovered that Sloane was now attending Southridge University. Transferring. It was the quickest, most direct way he could think of. He jumped into action-calling Southridge University's admissions and academic offices, asking over and over about the transfer process and required documents. Chapter 13 59.09% He dug up every certificate, every transcript, prepared every proof he could find. The news reached his parents quickly. His father's voice came sharp and furious over the phone. "Jace! What nonsense are you up to now?! Northbridge University isn't some place you can just leave on a whim! Do you think this is a game?!" His mother's voice trembled with tears and confusion. "Jace, what's wrong? Did you have a fight with Sloane? Whatever it is, can't you talk it out? Why go as far as transferring?" Standing on the balcony, staring at the dull gray sky, Jace spoke with a hoarse, unwavering determination. "I have to go." "A reason? Give me a reason that can convince me!" His father's voice suddenly rose. A reason? Should he say that he had lost the girl he once thought would never leave, and now he was willing to burn everything to win her back? He couldn't say it. And even if he did, it wouldn't be a reason they'd accept. "There is no reason. I just have to go to Southridge." "You-" His father choked on his anger. "If you go through with this, don't expect another cent from us." "Fine." Jace's voice was hard, his tone resolute. "Even without your support, I'm going." The fight was long and ugly. His parents tried everything-from practical concerns about his future to family reputation, from logic to emotion. Jace just listened silently, shutting it all down with one sentence. "I've made up my mind." He even began secretly contacting agents, asking about loan options, preparing for the worst. Before the dust even settled at home, Marissa somehow found out about his plan to transfer. She showed up, eyes lined with tears, mascara running, gripping his arm in desperation. "Why? Jace, tell me why?! Can you really not forget her? What's so great about her? She doesn't want you anymore! And you're still chasing after her?!" Jace shook her off roughly, eyes filled with cold, unfiltered disgust. "My life has nothing to do with you." "How is it none of my business?!" Marissa screamed. "I like you! I've been with you for so long! What else does Sloane know besides throwing tantrums and threatening breakups?!" "Shut up!" Jace sharply interrupted her, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing straight through her. "Marissa, listen clearly. There has never been any possibility between us. Not before, and even less so in the future. Stop wasting your time on me." Chapter 13 59.09% His words landed like a slap. Marissa stood frozen, face drained of color, lips trembling, unable to say a single word. But nothing could stop him now. The paperwork dragged on with obstacles, but he pushed through. When he finally received the admission letter from Southridge University, he boarded a flight to the city without a backward glance. Leaning against the window, there was no trace of sentimentality-only desperation and a sense of reckless resolve. He didn't care about the new campus. As soon as he landed, he started asking around like a man possessed. The dance department's class schedule. The practice rooms. The dorm buildings she might live in. He searched for every possible lead. Finally, one evening, he caught wind of a joint rehearsal between the dance club and another group. He ran. The rehearsal room's large windows glowed with warm light. Peering in, he saw the silhouette etched deep into his bones. Sloane. She was in a simple black dance outfit, her hair tied loosely, a few strands falling at her neck. She was slightly turned, listening to someone beside her. Eli Walker stood next to her, holding two water bottles, offering one with a relaxed smile. Sloane smiled back. Just a soft, easy smile. Her eyes calm, her expression peaceful-happier than Jace had seen her in a long, long time. Something clenched painfully in his chest, sharp and suffocating. Without thinking, he pushed open the rehearsal room door. "Sloane!" His voice cut through the room like a blade, shattering the moment. All eyes turned to him. Sloane looked back. The gentle smile on her face vanished in an instant. Chapter 13 59.09% She stared at him for less than a second before looking away-expressionless, detached. Without saying a word to Eli, she picked up her things and walked out through the other door. No confrontation. No anger. No tears. Just pure, cold indifference. Jace stood frozen, hand still outstretched, every word he'd prepared lodged painfully in his throat. He watched her walk away. Then turned to see Eli, calm once again, watching him with an unreadable expression. That's when the realization hit him-cold as ice. Sloane was doing just fine without him. No-she was doing better. And in her world now, someone else had taken the place he once thought was his forever.