Chapter 25
Josie shot Kyle a cold look. There was hatred in her eyes, but it was easy to miss. Before time rewound, Kyle’s cruel words had pushed her into depression.
After Josie cut ties with the five of them, Kyle started acting like Natalie’s nasty lapdog—constantly picking on Josie and trying to bring her down. He said Josie had no shame. He claimed she was after Aiden—Natalie’s husband at that time—and even showed everyone her old diary entries about liking him.
Then he went further, spreading lies that Josie had slept with the village chief to pay for college and that she sold her body just to get into a better academic program.
Those rumors destroyed Josie’s reputation. She couldn’t face anyone anymore and ended up spiraling into depression.
“My life’s none of your business,” Josie said coldly. “Just leave. Don’t come to me again.”
Kyle threw a bag of snacks at her feet. “Stop pretending you’re better than everyone else. I know your family’s broke and you can’t afford snacks. Just take this. It’s a gift from Aiden and Natalie.”
He then turned and muttered, “What a joke. I can’t believe I wasted so much time on someone so clueless.”
“Don’t listen to him, Josie,” Vincent said as he picked up the snacks. “Kyle’s always harsh with his words, but he means well. He’s just worried you won’t be able to land a job later.”
Josie turned to look at Vincent. Her eyes were so cold and sharp that Vincent felt a chill crawl down his spine.
“Just say what you came to say,” Josie said.
She was sick of dealing with them over and over. This time, she didn’t want to hear any more excuses.
The funny thing was, before time rewound, she used to follow them around like a shadow, hoping they’d talk to her or even just look her way. But all they ever did was get annoyed or push her away.
Now that she’d quit their research team and cut them off, they suddenly wanted her back. She figured they were just being difficult. They only cared once they lost what they took for granted.
But too bad for them—this was just the beginning.
Vincent lowered his voice. “Josie, don’t be like this with me. I can’t take it. You know we’ve always been the closest.”
Josie gave a bitter laugh. “So what? What do you want from me?”
Vincent licked his lips. “It’s nothing major. You know Professor Lawson’s new project just started. There’s a ton of prep work, plus the competition. I’m swamped.”
Josie just smiled without saying a word. Vincent’s face turned red.
“Look, kicking you off the team wasn’t really my decision,” he said. “Aiden forced you to apologize in public, and Professor Lawson made the call to remove you. I tried to talk to Aiden, and I even begged Professor Lawson. But you know, I don’t have much pull on the team. They don’t listen to me."
Vincent was always good at playing the victim. Before time rewound, whenever he acted like his hands were tied, Josie would do anything for him—even the toughest, most thankless tasks. But in the end, she saw the truth. She’d just been a stepping stone, a free worker.
She didn’t feel sorry for him anymore.
“If you’re not gonna say what you came here for, I’m leaving,” Josie said, turning away.
“Wait!” Vincent was stunned. He hadn’t thought Josie would actually walk away. She never used to be like this. Back then, she’d stop, ask what he needed, and try to help.
But now, he panicked at the thought of her really leaving and hurried after her.
“Okay, okay, I’ll tell you. Just don’t go,” he said, shoving the snack bag into Josie’s hands. “I’m getting ready for graduate school. Can you help put together some study materials for me? I need them in about three weeks.”