I Got Hot, He Got Desperate Chapter 05
Molly’s POV
I hated being harassed.
Especially by a guy I’d already blocked.
One week back on campus, and Albert was acting like a total
psycho trying to find me. Messaging Emma to pass along notes,
lurking outside my dorm, even having Connor stage “accidental”
run–ins.
I ignored it all.
The man who once made me grovel for attention meant absolutely nothing to me now.
Lunchtime. I walked into the cafeteria and instantly became the center of attention.
This feeling of being watched by everyone–I’d never get tired of it.
“God, there’s the campus goddess…”
“She looks stunning today too…”
“I’m gonna ask for her number…”
“Dude, get in line!”
I soaked up those heated stares, settling at a window table. Just
as I pulled out my phone, Ryan’s message popped up.
*Ryan: What are you up to, beautiful?*
*Me: Just sitting down for lunch*
*Ryan: Missing me?*
*Me: (blushing) A little…*
*Ryan: Only a little? I’m hurt*
*Me: Okay, a lot*
*Ryan: I miss you too. Get ready for a surprise*
*Me: What surprise?*
*Ryan: You’ll find out soon
I was about to ask more when a shrill voice cut through the air.
“Well, well, look at our little ‘ugly duckling.
Madison Pierce stood beside my table, looking down at me smugly. Behind her were several Kappa sisters, all wearing malicious grins.
I slowly looked up, expression calm. “Something you need, Madison?”
“The plastic surgery turned out great!” Madison’s voice was deliberately loud, drawing everyone’s attention. “But fake is fake–you’ll never be a real swan. Fake lashes, fake boobs, fake face… what’s next, finding a fake boyfriend to complete the set?
The entire cafeteria went silent. Everyone held their breath,
waiting for this queen bee showdown.
I slowly put down my phone and stood gracefully. Even with Madison in heels, I was still half a head taller.
“Madison,” my voice was soft but carried clearly across the
cafeteria, “I’m curious–why does a truly confident woman need to tear others down to prove her worth?”
Madison froze, clearly not expecting me to fight back.
“You think changing your face means you can…
‘At least I don’t need to step on others to prove my value.” I cut her off with a mocking smile. “Real queens never have to announce their status. If you’re really the campus queen, why are you so threatened by some ‘plastic surgery girl“?”
Whispers erupted around us.
“The goddess is right!”
“Madison’s always been a bully!”
“Finally someone’s putting her in her place!”
Madison’s face turned red. “Who do you think you ARE?! You’re still just some unwanted loser…”
“Molly!”
A familiar voice interrupted her. Albert hurried over from across the room, looking at me with complicated emotions.
I felt absolutely nothing. This man had finally shown up.
“Albert.” I nodded coolly.
My cold attitude made Albert’s face fall immediately. He’d probably expected excitement from me, or anger–not this complete indifference.
“Molly, can we talk?” he pleaded. “Privately?”
“Nothing to discuss.” I sat back down, returning to my salad.” We have no relationship anymore.
Albert’s expression grew even uglier. Being rejected publicly like this was humiliating for the former campus star.
“Molly, please.” He suddenly leaned forward, hands planted on my table. “I know I messed up before. Give me a chance to explain…”
“Explain what?” I looked up at him, eyes ice–cold. “Explain how you threw me away like garbage?”
Albert’s face went deathly pale. The whispers around us grew louder as everyone watched the drama unfold.
“I… I was young and stupid…” his voice started shaking.
“Young?” I laughed mockingly. I slowly stood to face him eye–to- eye. “Albert, we’re the SAME age. And that was three months ago, not three years.”
Albert was struck speechless, sweat beading on his forehead.
Madison smirked from the side. “Albert, look at yourself. Getting this pathetic over some plastic surgery girl–is it worth it?”
“Madison, SHUT UP!” Albert suddenly exploded. “This isn’t your business!”
“Not my business?” Madison shrieked with laughter. “You men are all the same—see a pretty face and forget your true nature. Albert, remember what you said about her three months ago? Like a damn puppy‘–those were YOUR words!”
The entire cafeteria fell dead silent. Everyone stared at Albert in shock.
Albert’s face completely drained of color. “Madison… you…”
“Playing the romantic now?” Madison grinned triumphantly.” Men are so FAKE. See someone get a makeover and suddenly switch faces.”
I watched Albert’s panicked expression with only cold amusement.
Just then, Albert suddenly grabbed my wrist hard, desperation flashing in his eyes. “Molly, don’t listen to her bullshit! We grew up together, I’ve always…‘
“Let go of me.” My voice was ice.
“NO!” Albert’s grip tightened. “You can’t treat me like this! I really…‘
“She said let go.”
A deep male voice suddenly rang out.
A long, powerful hand grabbed Albert’s wrist.
I looked up to see Ryan Torres standing behind me. He wore a black tailored suit, face stern, eyes sharp as blades.
My heart stopped beating.
When did he get here? How was he here?
“Who the hell are you?” Albert was startled by Ryan’s sudden appearance but still didn’t release my wrist. “This is between us–GET LOST!”
Ryan didn’t answer, just twisted his hand. Albert cried out in pain, forced to let me go.
Then Ryan naturally wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me protectively behind him.
That familiar warmth and scent instantly surrounded me, making my whole body tremble.
“Not anymore.” Ryan’s voice was calm, but the coldness in his eyes was chilling.
“What the hell are you?” Albert was furious with embarrassment. “Molly’s my childhood friend! We grew up together! What right does some OUTSIDER have to interfere?”
Ryan sneered. “Childhood friend? You mean the one who mocked her at frat parties?”
Albert’s face changed dramatically. “How… how do you know…”
“Because I know every part of her past,” Ryan’s arm tightened, holding me closer, “including the memories you damaged.”
“You don’t understand our relationship! We have fifteen years of history!”
Madison laughed coldly from the side. “Oh great, another white knight? She looked Ryan up and down. “Dressed all fancy, but you’re just some college student, right? Don’t think wearing a suit makes you a gentleman.
Ryan turned to look at Madison. “You are?”
“None of your business.” Madison lifted her chin arrogantly. “I suggest you wise up and don’t get fooled by this plastic surgery girl. She used to be UGLY as hell–this whole look is bought and paid for.”
After hearing this, Ryan suddenly smiled. That laugh was bone- chilling.
“You’re telling ME to wise up?” He slowly walked toward Madison. “What makes you think… you have that authority?”
Madison was intimidated by Ryan’s presence, instinctively backing away. “I… I mean…
“You’re Madison Pierce?” Ryan continued advancing. “Family runs a law firm?”
“YES! My dad’s the most famous lawyer in town! Our family has DEEP roots here!”
Ryan stopped, a mocking smile crossing his lips.
“Local elite?” He pulled out his phone. “Connor Martinez, come here for a second.
Connor, eating not far away, heard his name and looked over. When he saw Ryan, his face went ghostly white.
“Ryan… Mr. Torres?!” Connor rushed over, his tone shockingly respectful. “What… what are you doing here?”