She's the Campus Prince

Helen was already over him; whatever feelings she once had were long gone.

She just gave him a cool glance and said, "What do you want?" Her tone was flat, making it clear she wasn't interested in talking

Austin stood there quietly, not saying a word.

Girls passing by couldn't help but glance his way, whispering to their friends, "He's so handsome."

Austin paid them no mind. His amber eyes slowly turned to Helen. "Helen, I need your help."

Helen cut him off, "If you're here to ask me to help you chase after Cameron, not a chance."

Austin was speechless. He had come to Helen, obviously because of Cameron.

Cameron had blocked him on alt platforms. Even when he showed up right in front of her, Cameron acted as if he was invisible. He was truly out of options. That was why he had come to Helen.

But before Austin could even open his mouth, Helen had already shot him down. Austin just stood there, staring at Helen, his eyes full of desperation.

Helen felt her scalp tingle under his gaze. She stood up and said, "Austin, you've known Cameron longer than I have. You should know what kind of person she is better than I. Do you really think I could help you?"

Austin just stood there, speechless. Seeing his silence, Helen gave Austin another look, shook her head, and walked away.

If Helen wouldn't help him, he'd figure something out, one way or another.

'So what if Cameron is holed up on some island?' he wondered, 'The Yates family isn't the only family living there. If Helen wouldn't help me, I'd just find someone else to get him onto the island. Money talks.'

Before she knew it, three days had flown by. Cameron sat on the beach, letting the sea breeze blow through her hair. Winter on the island was freezing.

Even though Cameron was wrapped up in a thick down jacket and snow boots, the wind kept sneaking in, and her hands and feet were already numb from the cold.

It was freezing, so Cameron decided to head home and warm up. She got to her feet, but her legs were so numb that she suddenly toppled forward onto the sand, completely out of control.

"Watch out." Austin dashed over and grabbed Cameron's arm, catching her just in time before she hit the ground.

"Austin?" Cameron stared at him, shocked.

'Why is Austin here on the island again?' Cameron couldn't help but wonder. 'How did he even get here? Isn't this place supposed to be closed to outsiders?'

Austin caught her just in time, steadying her. "Cameron, are you okay?" he asked, concern in his voice. He was relieved he'd been quietly following her; otherwise, she really would have taken a tumble.

Cameron furrowed her brows. She leaned on Austin for a moment, waiting until the feeling finally returned to her numb limbs.

She took a step back. "Thanks."

Austin's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Don't mention it."

Cameron frowned. "How did you even get in here?"

Austin just smiled, "I have my ways."

"How long are you going to keep pestering me?" Cameron's face darkened. Austin was speechless.

One moment, Cameron was thanking him; the next, her expression turned cold and distant.

Austin sighed helplessly, "Cameron, I'm not pestering you. I'm pursuing you" Cameron replied, "No need."

Austin said, "Cameron, as long as you're single, I'll keep chasing you."

Cameron curled her lips. "Oh, so what you mean is, if I weren't single, Austin's eyes widened in shock. "What are you saying? Do you ho you wouldn't keep pestering me?"

boyfriend? Who is it? Are you with Bradley?"

Cameron was at a loss for words. 'Why would he think of Brad?' she thought.

Austin's face turned ugly as he demanded, "Cameron, why would you pick Bradley over me? We're the ones who really fit together. We both had rough childhoods, so we actually understand each other. We're made for each other."

"Oh, really?" Cameron sneered. "Austin, don't you get why you lo

out?"

Since he insisted on misunderstanding, let him think whatever he wanted. All she wanted was for him to stop bothering her.

"Lost at what?" Austin asked, his face darkening.

Cameron said flatly, "Austin, you're right. We both had rough childhoods, so looking at you is like staring into a mirror. I don't want to do that every single day, you get it?"

Austin frowned.

Cameron went on, "I want a guy who grew up in a real family, someone who's bright and full of positive energy, someone who can actually bring some light into my world. Do you really think you could be that guy?"

Austin was speechless. Sunshine was never a word anyone would use for him. He'd lived his whole life in the shadows-how could he ever be someone

like that?

Before the SATs, Austin had seen Bradley's family-they were so loving and close- knit. That was why Cameron chose Bradley.

'And me? What about me? Did she really just toss me aside like I was nothing?' he wondered.

Back then, Cameron was always so good to him. She even went against his family for him.

'Was all of that fake?' Austin couldn't help but wonder.

Cameron shot Austin a cold look and turned to leave!

"Cameron," Austin called out again.

Cameron turned back, her eyes icy. Austin felt a sharp sting from the look in her eyes.

His amber eyes fixed on her. "Cameron, you were good to me before. Was it just because you felt sorry for me?"

"Felt sorry for you? I guess you could put it that way," Cameron replied, meeting his gaze. "Austin, have you ever heard of something like this?"

"Like what?" Austin asked.

22 JUI

Cameron said, "A lot of girls who never felt warmth growing up, when they get

older and have kids of their own.

"If they have a daughter, they'll do everything they can to give her what they never

had. It's like they're trying to make up for what they missed out on as

a kid.

"That's exactly how I felt about you," Cameron said quietly. That was truly how she felt.

Because she knew what it was like to be caught in the rain, she wanted to hold an umbrella for Austin.

If Austin hadn't done what he did, Cameron would've kept treating him well. He was the one who ruined everything

With that, Cameron turned and walked away.

Austin stood frozen, watching as her figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance. His eyes reddened, and tears slipped silently down bis face.

Now he finally understood. He finally realized why Cameron had treated him so well. She was just trying to heal the wounds of the helpless little girl she

once was.

But he'd been so full of himself, thinking Cameron's kindness meant she had romantic feelings for him. He'd even dragged Xander into things again and again, all because he was jealous and wanted to compete for her.

More and more tears streamed down Austin's face. It was only now that he realized he had completely lost Cameron. He didn't even have the right to be her friend anymore.

Austin looked out at the sea and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Then he posted on Instagram. [Cam, I know you won't see this, but I still want to wish you all the best.

[If you want to go after your own happiness, then go for it. I hope you and Bradley grow old together. And thank you for everything you did for me.]

Austin attached two photos to the post. One was a candid shot of Cameron. The other was a picture of the beach.

Even though Cameron had blocked him, Bradley was still on his Instagram

contacts.

Bradley would see the post, and he'd probably let Cameron know about it.

After posting on Instagram, Austin gave Vincent a call.

"Hello, Mr. Fraser?" Vincent answered.

But Austin stayed silent, and all Vincent could hear was the sound of his heavy

breathing on the other end.

"Vincent," Austin finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Mr. Fraser, is everything going alright for you on the island?" Vincent asked, his

tone full of concern.

"I'm tired," Austin said.

"Mr. Fraser? Are you alright?" Vincent asked, his voice filled with worry.

"Vincent, I want to go back to Yazven," Austin said softly. There was nothing left

here he cared about anymore.

"Alright, I'll come pick you up right away, and we'll head back immediately," Vincent said.

Austin raised his hand and threw his phone out toward the sea as hard as he could. It was all over. He was leaving this place of trouble. He'd never come back.

Xander was scrolling through Instagram before lunch when he saw Austin's post. He froze, completely stunned.

"What does Austin mean by this?! Xander couldn't help but wonder. 'What does he mean by wishing Cam and Bradley a long, happy lite together?

'Who is Cam? Is it Cameron?' Xander wondered, his heart pounding. The photo Austin had posted was of Cameron.

'Is Cameron with Bradley?' Xander thought, stunned. Xander held his breath, a dull ache spreading through his chest.

His mind raced, wanting to close Instagram and call Austin to ask what the hell this post meant. But his fingers just wouldn't obey him.

He tapped the screen over and over, but Austin's post was still there. Xander's breathing grew heavier.

"Xan, what's wrong?" his roommate asked, noticing something was off.

Xander opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Not like he had time to explain

anyway.

His fingers jabbed at the screen so hard it was like he was about t

to punch a hole through it.

Finally, he managed to call Austin, pressing the phone to his ear, his heart pounding as he waited anxiously. But no one answered. Meanwhile, Austin's phone was already sinking to the bottom of the ocean, bubbles rising up around it. And Austin was already on a plane back to Yazven. Xander called over and over, but no one picked up.

His roommates could all tell something was seriously off with Xander. They just looked at each other, but nobody dared to say a word.

Since he couldn't reach Austin, Xander decided to call Cameron instead.

At that moment, Cameron was having lunch. She was with her family, and the

dining room was filled with laughter and chatter.

Xander's call couldn't have come at a worse time.

Cameron was tempted to hang up, but knowing how persistent Xander could be,

she figured if she did, he'd just call right back.

So Cameron picked up her phone. "Dad, Mom, I'm going to take this call."

Cameron left the dining room.

"Yeah?" Cameron picked up.

"Cameron?" Xander's voice was choked with emotion, but when he finally spoke,

it came out as an accusation. "Are you with Bradley?" Cameron paused. "Who told you that?" Even as she asked, she already knew the answer in her heart.

Xander stood in his dorm, not caring who heard him as he yelled, "I saw Austin's Instagram post. He wished you and Bradley a lifetime of happiness. So, Cameron, when did you and Bradley get together?"

Cameron was silent. 'Austin's post on Instagram?' Cameron thought, her mind

spinning. 'Wishing me and Bradley a happily ever after? So he's really done chasing after me now? Good. That's just what wanted.'

"Say something. When did you and Bradley get together?" Xander yelled.

Cameron frowned. "Do I owe you an explanation?"

Xander said, "I've been after you all this time-don't you get that? If you got with

another guy, shouldn't you at least tell me?"

Cameron replied, "Alright, I'm telling you now. I have a boyfriend. So stop

pestering me, okay? Is that enough for you?"noveldrama

1

Xander's face was twisted with pain. "So it's true. You're really with Bradley? Why

did

you pick him over me?"

Cameron stayed silent.

Xander pressed, "Come on, say something. I need to know what makes me not

good enough."

Cameron answered coolly, "You're immature, shallow, and your temper is awful. Isn't it obvious?"

Xander stood by the window, staring out at Academy Avenue, and let out a bitter,

self–mocking laugh. “So what you're saying is—Bradley is mature, deep, and actually knows how to keep his cool?"

Cameron replied coldly, "Yes, you're right about everything. Now can you stop bothering me?"

Beep. Xander hung up on her.

Cameron frowned and immediately added Xander's number to her block list. 'He's so noisy,' she thought. 'I hope he never bothers me again.'

"Cam, you okay?" Gavin asked, coming out to check on her since she'd been gone a while.

Cameron shook her head. "I'm fine, Gavin."

"Xan?" someone exclaimed.

Xander was so worked up that everything went black, and he just passed out on

the spot. His roommates rushed to catch him.

Luckily, he woke up pretty quickly. But he just sat there in a daze, his eyes

completely lifeless.

After thinking it over, his roommates ended up secretly calling Xander's parents and gave them a rough idea of what was going on.

Logan and Gwen thanked the roommates, asked his counselor for leave, and

brought Xander back home to the Murphy family. He was in no state to go to

school.

After lunch, Cameron got a WhatsApp message from Bradley. [It's been three

days. Have you made up your mind?] Cameron held her phone, thinking for a moment.

Right now, she was sitting in the living room with the TV on, her parents, her

brothers all there, everyone laughing and chatting. The whole place felt so warm and full of life.

Cameron thought to herself, 'I really don't need some lovey-dovey romance right now.' She was content with her life just the way it was.

After a few minutes, Cameron finally replied to Bradley. [Brad, sorry. It's not that

there's anything wrong with you, I just don't want to be in a relationship right now.]

Bradley: [Are you rejecting me?]

Cameron: [Sorry.]

Bradley: [Cameron, if you're going to turn me down, at least do it to my face.]

Cameron was stunned for a moment and wondered, 'Reject him to his face? A rejection is a rejection. Does it really matter how I say it?"

Bradley: [Cameron, if you don't say no to me in person, I'll just take it as a yes.] Chapter 645

Cameron: [Brad, where are you right now?)

Bradley: [I finish my finals this afternoon. After that, I'll head back to Silvermoss Castle and wait for you.) Cameron thought for a second, then replied: [Okay.]

Cameron looked at her family. "Mom, Dad, a classmate asked me to hang out. I'm heading out for a bit."

"Was it a guy or a girl who asked you out?" Gavin asked.

Cameron smiled, "Of course, it's a girl classmate."

Lance grinned, "Cam, Gavin's just worried some guy will run off with you."

Cameron forced a smile.

Jacqueline Yates asked, "Will you be back tonight?"

Cameron nodded. "Yeah, I'll be home tonight."

Elijah rarely checked his phone. School was already out for the holidays. He was

home alone, bored out of his mind.

He thought about messaging Cameron, but worried he might just be bothering

her.

Elijah opened up their chat window and stared at it for a long time, his fingers

hovering over the keyboard. In the end, he just sighed and closed it without

sending a single word.

He opened up Instagram, and right away, Austin's latest post popped up on his

feed.

AD