Chapter 2

Students poured out of Oakhaven University after classes. From a distance, Gilmore spotted a long-haired girl standing at the gate. She had a pretty face and looked charming in her slim blue dress. The soft evening sunlight highlighted her figure. Many boys passing by glanced at her. A faint smile touched Gilmore's lips; the girl at the gate, in the long dress, was his girlfriend, Tiffany. She must be waiting for him.

Tiffany, however, was staring toward the campus, oblivious to Gilmore's presence. He planned a surprise, quietly approaching her. He pocketed the small box from the old man, straightened his clothes, and started toward her, flowers in hand. Suddenly, a blue BMW pulled up and stopped in front of Tiffany. A radiant smile lit up her face as she waved to the car's occupant.

Gilmore froze. A sickening feeling washed over him. The BMW's window lowered, revealing a handsome man behind the wheel—Brandon Wilson, a piano department freshman, known as the "Piano Prince." Brandon, from a wealthy Oakhaven family, was rich, handsome, a talented pianist, and the dream guy for many Oakhaven University girls. He was always surrounded by admirers. Gilmore never expected Tiffany to be waiting for him.

Brandon smiled at Tiffany. "Tiffany, sorry to keep you waiting. Get in; I've reserved a table at the Hilton."

Tiffany nodded sweetly. "Okay." She walked briskly to the car. Gilmore saw Brandon lean over to open the door for her. Tiffany got in, brushing her hair back. Then, she spotted Gilmore.

Brandon, who saw Gilmore—and knew he was Tiffany's boyfriend—pretended not to notice. He looked at Tiffany with interest. Tiffany quickly composed herself. "Nothing. Let's go!" she said.

A smug smile played on Brandon's lips. He'd clearly investigated Gilmore. Gilmore's parents were farmers; he was poor. Brandon wasn't surprised Tiffany chose him—everyone wants a better life, he reasoned. He wanted Tiffany, she wanted his money; it was a fair exchange. He smiled scornfully. Tiffany's cold glance stung Gilmore's pride.

Gilmore recalled the old man's words. He felt a shock. The old man had been right. His girlfriend had been unfaithful. Anger surged through him. Had she only pretended to be innocent?

The BMW didn't drive off. Instead, Brandon parked beside Gilmore. He'd done it deliberately.

He smiled. "You're Gilmore Reed, right? Those flowers for Tiffany? Sorry, but she's my girlfriend now."

He'd stolen Gilmore's girlfriend and mocked him. Brandon's arrogance stemmed from his wealth and privilege; he dismissed Gilmore.

Despite the insult, Gilmore remained calm. "Mr. Wilson, you're mistaken. Those flowers weren't for her. Even so, you have good taste in women I'm finished with."

"What did you say?" Brandon exploded.

Gilmore remained indifferent, thinking, Doesn't he want to humiliate me? Now, I'll get back at him.

Tiffany, nervous that Brandon would misunderstand, shouted at Gilmore, "Gilmore, what are you talking about? I've never liked you. Don't flatter yourself. I'm Brandon's girlfriend!"

The nearby students stopped to watch.

Gilmore was stunned. Tiffany had publicly declared she'd never liked him and was Brandon's girlfriend. She was clearly ending their relationship and pledging loyalty to Brandon—ruthlessly. She'd humiliated him. She wasn't the simple girl he knew; she was calculating.

Gilmore sneered. "What a sly fox! I was a fool!"

He ignored Tiffany's sullen expression and turned to leave.

Brandon's harsh laughter followed. "Hey, poor boy. Find a girl and give her those flowers. Maybe she'll like you…" He was mocking Gilmore for thinking Tiffany would prefer a poor man.

Gilmore saw several girls exiting the gate. The first had long hair, a beautiful face, and a delicate figure. Her skin was fair, her eyes bright. When she smiled, her eyes crinkled. She was captivating, attracting every boy's attention.

Gilmore felt a sense of familiarity. Brandon and Tiffany's insults spurred him to action. He strode forward and thrust the bouquet into the girl's hands. The crowd gasped. The girl's eyes widened in shock and confusion. Her friends were speechless.

Before she could react, Gilmore pulled her into his arms. She was dazed, like a frightened rabbit.

"I like you!" he whispered, leaning down and gently kissing her face. Then, he released her and walked away, looking dominant and bold.

Her friends finally reacted. "Christine, did he just confess?" "Our goddess was kissed?" "Will she get pregnant?"

Christine Foster blushed, astonished and angry. She said nothing, leaving hurriedly, followed by her friends.

In the BMW, Brandon and Tiffany were speechless. Brandon couldn't believe Gilmore had confessed to and kissed Christine, who came from a powerful family and was considered unattainable, even by him. He was consumed by jealousy.

Tiffany was shocked, too. Gilmore was nothing to her, yet he'd kissed the most beautiful girl at Oakhaven University, right in front of her – a slap in the face.