Chapter 7 After saying that, Jace helped the shaken Marissa to her feet and turned away, leaving Sloane behind in the freezing lake, her strength slowly draining with every passing second. The next time she opened her eyes, all she saw was the white ceiling of a hospital room. Several classmates stood at her bedside. When they saw her awake, they finally let out a breath of relief. "You're awake, Sloane! Thank God, you scared us to death!" It turned out a classmate had been passing by the lake and spotted her unconscious, drifting near the shore. They'd called for help, and someone had rushed her to the hospital. "We tried calling your parents, but couldn't get through... so we took the liberty of calling Jace instead," one of the girls explained awkwardly in a hushed tone. Another classmate chimed in, this time sounding both frustrated and stunned. "We told him you were in the hospital and asked him to come see you. But he actually said... he said you'd already broken up, and that your situation was none of his business!" Sloane listened quietly, expressionless. It was only when she heard those words "nothing to do with him"-that the corner of her lips lifted just slightly in a pale, bitter smile. So this was the boy she had loved for so many years. A heart that turns cold is harder than stone buried beneath a lake. Her classmates felt the awkwardness and pain in the air. They tried to comfort her. Sloane pushed herself up and offered them a reassuring smile. "Jace is right. We really have broken up for good. Probably... we won't have any contact from now on." Everyone looked at each other, still in disbelief. "But how can that be? Didn't you two agree to go to Northbridge together?" Sloane lowered her eyes, her voice soft. "No. He and Marissa are going to Northbridge, I applied to-' Before she could finish, the hospital room door burst open with a loud bang. Her parents rushed in, their faces etched with anxiety. "Sloane! Are you okay? How did you end up in the lake? You scared me to death!" They hovered over her, anxious and panicked as they asked about her injuries. Sloane tried her best to calm them. For a moment, she thought she saw a tall, familiar figure at the doorway, wearing that black jacket she knew so well. Chapter 7 31.82% But when she looked again, the doorway was empty. Only hospital staff and other patients passed by. Once the doctors confirmed she was stable, her parents handled the discharge papers. Sloane thanked her classmates and said goodbye. Over the next week, she stayed home to recover while also preparing for college. She connected with a senior from Southridge University through a new student group chat, gathered information about campus life, and booked her flight. Her parents watched her busy preparations, hesitating several times before finally speaking up. "Sloane, Jace's family is holding a graduation celebration banquet. They invited our whole family. What do you think..." Sloane paused mid-pack, then nodded calmly. "It's fine. I'll go." On the day of the banquet, Sloane and her parents arrived on time with a gift in hand. When she saw Jace, they simply exchanged polite nods. Not a single word was spoken. Both sets of parents saw this and assumed the two were just having another spat. Grace Carter took Sloane's hand with a warm smile, trying to smooth things over. "Sloane, you're here! Come on inside. Jace is just being stubborn. You'll both be off to university together soon. Be a little more forgiving with each other, don't hold a grudge." Richard Carter clapped Jace on the shoulder. "You're the man. Give way to Sloane more." Jace stood off to the side with a cold expression, saying nothing. His gaze never even landed on Sloane. Sloane took a slow breath and was just about to speak-to finally tell them she and Jace had broken up- when the entrance suddenly filled with noise and chatter. Marissa walked in, holding a massive bouquet of sunflowers, dressed to impress and glowing. She smiled sweetly and greeted Grace and Richard politely. "Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Carter! I came to congratulate Jace!" The moment Jace saw her, his aloof expression melted. His eyes softened noticeably. Without waiting for his parents' response, he said, "You made it? Come in." Then he led Marissa straight into the hall, completely ignoring Sloane and her parents. Grace and Richard's smiles faltered. They quickly tried to save face. "Oh, come in, come in. Please, have a seat..." For the rest of the evening, Sloane's parents never stopped watching Jace and Marissa.. They saw everything-how Jace carefully picked out food for Marissa, how he quietly shielded her from drinks when others toasted her, how the two of them whispered and laughed like a perfect couple. Chapter 7 31.82% Their confusion gradually gave way to understanding, and finally, to heartbreak. Later, while Sloane stepped out to use the restroom, Evelyn caught up to her and gently asked, "Sloane, tell me the truth. What's going on with you and Jace? Is he doing this on purpose to upset you? You two have known each other your whole lives. Don't let a small fight ruin everything." Sloane thought about all the back-and-forth over the years-every breakup, every reunion, and how each time they got back together, Jace seemed to grow colder and more hurtful. She shook her head, her tone weary but firm. "Mom, I'm not holding a grudge. I truly intend... to end it completely with him." She took a deep breath and finally voiced the long-buried decision. "Actually, I changed my application. I'm not going to Northbridge. I'm going to Southridge University." Her parents stared at her in shock, momentarily speechless. Southridge? That was a thousand miles away from Northbridge! Just as they were about to speak, a loud crash and a wave of commotion erupted from the banquet hall. Chapter 7 31.82%