Chapter 321

“Look, we’re all friends here, right? Helping each other is what it’s all about. Come on, let’s get you settled in your dorm,” one of them said, stepping forward to lead Kara away.

Kara glanced at her messy pile of belongings with reluctance.

“Surely, all this junk can’t be yours, huh?” one of them asked, eyeing the pile skeptically.

Though not dirty, Kara’s belongings looked like they were from a discount store’s clearance sale. On the other hand, they were all from well-off families; maybe not high society, but accustomed to finer things. Just their bedding and clothes alone could rack up a hefty sum.

Hearing her stuff being called junk, Kara suddenly wanted to ditch them. Her pride got the better of her as she said, “Oh, I don’t know whose stuff that is. I was keeping an eye on it for someone.”

“Yeah, right. It looks like the kind of stuff someone would dump, not store. Those suitcases and bags? Total thrift store vibe.”

In the upscale area, they rarely saw anyone not living in comfort and naturally assumed someone had discarded the belongings on the sidewalk.

“Let’s drop it and head back to school. I have some spare sheets and blankets you can use, Kara,” one of them offered, linking arms with her in a friendly gesture.

As they strolled off, Kara kept shooting glances back at her things—all her clothes and must-haves—unsure about ditching it all.

But the thought of moving into the Sutton Mansion made her decide against taking anything with her. After all, she couldn’t cling to her old life if she wanted to start anew. Her bargain-bin stuff didn’t fit her new status.

When she followed her new friends to the school dorm, Kara’s heart swelled with pride at seeing the neat, spacious room. Back home, everything felt worn out, even with modern conveniences like indoor plumbing, which couldn’t mask the mustiness. But there, the apartment was fresh, decorated with tastefully arranged flowers that added a touch of elegance. Living there would be a dream come true for Kara.

“Kara, this is your room,” one girl said, showing Kara into a plain but spotlessly clean room.

It had everything she could need, including a desk, a bed, a bathroom, a computer, a bookshelf, and a wardrobe. There was even a private balcony.

“It might look bare now, but I’ve asked my folks to send over some of my bedding and stuff. They should be here soon.”

Hearing her roommate consider the room ‘bare,’ Kara felt even more out of her depth. It was already beyond anything she’d experienced. “Kara, when will Mr. Sutton take you home?” The eager curiosity in her roommate’s eyes was unmistakable.

Kara felt insecurity as she replied, “Mr. Sutton… well, Mr. Sutton mentioned since we’re not officially engaged, it might tarnish my reputation to move in so hastily. So, for now, I visit him when I can.”