Chapter 7

Mira's heart clenched as she sprinted, tore down the poster, crumpled it, and stuffed it into her bag.

She turned to leave but was stopped when Vincent Fuller grabbed her wrist. "Mira, let's talk."

She struggled but couldn't break free, finally turning to face him.

His expression was earnest, almost pleading. "We're getting engaged tomorrow. Can't you forgive me?"

She found it laughable. Did he still think a simple apology would make her relent?

Mira's lips curled into a mocking smile, but before she could speak, someone burst through the door, sweating and shouting, "Vincent, come quick! Ella-Ella's going to jump!"

Vincent released her wrist instantly and raced out with the messenger.

Crestwood University's campus descended into chaos. Students gathered below the lecture hall, staring upward.

Mira, in high heels, ran up five flights to the rooftop, where Ella stood outside the railing.

The wind whipped her hair into disarray, her face streaked with tears.

Vincent stood nearby, pale, his fingers digging into his palms, his voice laced with worry. "Ella, whatever's wrong, you can tell me. Don't do something dangerous, okay? Come down."

Ella turned to him, the wind drying her tears, and gave a desolate smile.

"Vincent, you're getting engaged tomorrow. Everyone at Crestwood is congratulating you and Mira. I can see you're genuinely happy. But what about me? I've loved you for seven years, giving you the best of my youth!"

Vincent stayed silent, his gaze locked on her.

Students arriving on the roof whispered among themselves.

Ella took another step toward the edge, her voice light as if floating. "The moment you spoke as the freshman representative, I fell for you. Love at first sight is strange, isn't it?"

Vincent fought to hide his panic. "Come down first, and I'll listen to you."

Ella seemed not to hear, continuing, "I chased you shamelessly for seven years, throwing away my pride. You don't know how cruel the rumors at Crestwood were. All I did was love you-what was my crime?"

Tears streamed down her face.

"I faced brutal online harassment, and it drove me to become a lunatic! I'm like a moth to a flame, destined to burn to ashes. You're getting engaged. Without you, I don't know what my life means."

Some onlookers grew impatient. "This is straight-up manipulation! They're getting engaged, and you're pulling this stunt-what's your deal?"

Vincent snapped sharply, "Shut up!"

"Ella." His voice softened, tender and coaxing. "Come down. I'll help you."

Ella gave a faint smile, turned, and slowly spread her arms. "Vincent, I'm betting my life. Either be with me and skip the engagement tomorrow."

"Or-" Her body leaned forward. "Let me die in front of you, so you'll remember me forever."

Vincent's frame trembled, his eyes flickering between Ella and Mira.

"I-"

Before he could finish, Mira's clear voice cut through. "I'll choose for you."

Ella's closed eyes snapped open, and Vincent turned, stunned.