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Chapter 8 : Faces of Evil
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Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 9 : Unpleasant Reunion
*Lily*"Ready to partner up with Mr. Smug?" Rachel teased me with a smirk. Her voice cut through the crisp air, bringing with it a sense of reality I wasn't ready to face. With each hesitant step toward our first class on Monday morning, I could feel the weight of Saturday night's shared moments with Adrian causing a bizarre cocktail of anxiety and anticipation within me. In all honesty, I was more prepared to deal with his annoying smirks and his obnoxious demeanor than not knowing how to behave with him at all.And after everything that happened at the part–and after it–I wasn't sure of what our dynamic would be like today."Shut up, Rach," I muttered, my cheeks ablaze with embarrassment and irritation. It was ridiculous, really, how a few odd, unusual moments could disquiet the rhythm of my life and put me in an uncertain path.We slipped into the classroom just as the clock tower chimed, signaling the start of another week—one I'd been dreading. The rows of seats, filled wi
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 10 : Behind the Lens
*Adrian*I wandered closer to the fountain where a cluster of students lounged on the grass, chattering excitedly as they finished classes for the day. "Hey, guys. Mind if I ask you a few questions for a documentary?" I asked, waving the camera in my hand. My voice was a well-practiced blend of casual and authoritative—an artful performance honed by years of being underestimated. I’d normally have Kit–my assistant within the Campus Cinema Program–with me for these sorts of tasks, but since this was a personal project, I thought it would be better that I just did it by myself. I didn't think anyone would get exactly what I was after if I asked them to do it for me. As the head of the Program, I had to show a different side of myself—one marked by leadership and vision. But, even with all the responsibilities and creative work, I always managed to keep some of my rebellious nature. It was my way of connecting with people, making them open to helping me bring my projects to life.
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 11 : Campus Romance Drama
*Lily*The weight of the paperback in my hands might as well have been a leaden slab, sinking me deeper into the floral duvet that adorned my bed. My eyes were set on the cream-colored pages, but the words seemed to mock me. I couldn't focus on them, my mind consumed by inner turmoil and confusion as I reminisced about my conversation with Adrian this afternoon."Jealous, Everhart?" Adrian's voice echoed in my mind, laced with that infuriating smirk I could see clearly in my head without him even being in front of me. "You can deny it all you want, but I see through you." I closed the book with a huff. How could he be so full of himself? How come he assumed he knew me at all and could see through me so easily? I tossed the novel onto my nightstand, feeling the corners of my mouth twitch downward. Adrian Sterling was everywhere, invading my thoughts against my will. My fingers drummed against the mattress as I tried to pull myself together and understand my conflict.Was I re
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 12 : Truth or Dare
*Lily*"Rachel, I don't know. This one?" I held up a deep red velvet dress against myself, its plunging neckline and thigh-high slit screaming boldness I wasn't sure I possessed. I wasn't even sure why I had bought that dress in the first place."Absolutely not," Rachel scoffed from her position sprawled across her bed, makeup strewn around her like the aftermath of a beauty tornado. "That's way too Jessica Rabbit. Here." She leapt up, rifling through my clothes with the expertise of a seasoned stylist until she unearthed a sleek black bodysuit paired with high-waisted shorts. "This is it. It's mysterious, it's edgy, it screams 'I'm here to forget about tall, dark, and broody for one night.'"I hesitated, fingering the delicate lace detailing along the bodysuit's sleeves. "Are you sure?" Doubt laced my voice as I studied the piece."Trust me, Lily," Rachel insisted, her eyes alight with an infectious excitement. "Pair it with those killer boots, and you'll own that party.""Okay
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 13 : Heart's Gambit
*Lily*The crowd around us buzzed like a hive of bees as James leaned in, inching closer to me, and I held my breath, every muscle in my body tense. My mind raced, my thoughts a tangled mess of nerves as I prepared myself for his kiss. It wasn't that I didn't find him attractive. Or that I was nervous to be kissed in front of dozens of people. It wouldn't be a sacrifice to be kissed by James, but for some reason I couldn't explain, I just wasn't feeling anything. There was this nagging thought at the back of my mind whispering the name of another person I wanted to be kissing me instead, but I ignored it.There was no way I would indulge such ideas.But because of that, and without thinking clearly, I did something even I wasn’t expecting. Inches before our lips met, I turned my head ever so slightly, orchestrating a narrow escape. James' lips touched the corner of my mouth, and that was enough to make me embarrassed at myself for my lame move. The onlookers erupted into scr
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 14 : Surrendering to Him
*Lily*A ripple of trepidation coursed through me as I recognized the meaning behind Adrian’s words. His eyes were fixated on my lips with such intensity that I was grateful that I was leaning against the wall.His fingertip grazed my jawline, the touch tender yet commanding and I cursed myself for my weakness, for the longing I felt for him. Before I knew it, Adrian's lips captured mine. The world tilted on its axis, all sense of time and place dissolving into the warmth of his kiss. His lips moved against mine with an urgency that left me breathless, his tongue tracing the seam of my mouth, seeking entry. I found myself parting my lips in silent consent before thought could intervene.The taste of him ignited every nerve ending within me with a flame that hungered for more. My hands, acting of their own accord, reached up to tangle in the soft locks at the nape of his neck, drawing him closer, deepening the kiss that was rapidly unraveling my self-control.Adrian groaned agai
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 15 : Whispers in the Library
*Lily*The aftereffects of last night's party clung to me more stubbornly than the smell of spilled beer on my jacket. Rachel was seated across from me, her eyes alight with the kind of fervor that came only when she sensed a good story brewing."Spill," she ordered while leaning across the table, her salad untouched and her gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made evasion seem impossible.I poked at the limp lettuce on my plate, the plastic fork feeling heavy in my hand. "You're such a gossip," I joked, trying to sound nonchalant, but the memories of last night were still pretty vivid in my mind."Oh, wow! What a genius you are," Rachel murmured with sarcasm while rolling her eyes at me. "Come on, Lil. You left the party looking like you'd seen a ghost. I'm dying here, just give me some good gossip." Her voice held a note of intrigue and curiosity, and I could see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to imagine what had happened."Fine, geez. It's not nice to gossip
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 16 : The Zimmerman Legacy
*Lily*The tome from the university library lay splayed open on my bed, its pages dense with archaic references that swirled in my head, leading nowhere. I decided to abandon the futile study session, restless energy propelling me through the corridors of the Bronze Wing dormitory. Arriving at Jenna’s door, I hesitated, hand hovering before the wood hesitantly. Her situation gnawed at me, an unsolved puzzle that kept me awake and unsettled. It wasn't that late yet, but she could be sleeping already. I was certain she hadn't had a tranquil night of sleep last night because of what happened, but I needed to talk to her.The gentle rap of my knuckles against the door disrupted the silence around me. After a few seconds, it swung open, revealing Jenna in her pajamas, looking completely distraught. Her golden hair was a cascade of untamed waves, and she had a haunted look in her eyes that I couldn't ignore."Sorry to disturb you, Jenna, but can we talk?" My voice was soft but carried
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Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 56 : Glimpse of Future
*Lily*Two months had flown by since the exposé went viral and Elysium turned into a scenario of apocalyptic chaos. Each day that passed ever since pulled Adrian and me even closer together.So much changed ever since that it was hard to keep track of everything. The more important thing was that the Order of Elysium was now part of a dark past, no longer active thanks to Adrian, Chris, Jenna, and everyone else who accepted to risk their lives to end that madness.I was so proud of everyone that it was hard to put into other without shedding a tear.I felt proud of myself too, although I hadn't done the dirty work of gathering evidence and exposing anyone. But knowing I had encouraged Adrian to start this, somehow was enough for me.Lots of students were expelled and many people--parents, professors, members of the board, staff--were arrested for several crimes such as corruption, defamation, harassment, forgery, to name a few.Adrian didn't win the Festival with the exposé, bu
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 55 : Safest Place
*Lily*As soon as the bedroom door closed behind us, Adrian's arms wrapped tightly around me, instantly melting away any remaining tears and igniting a wave of longing within me. His kiss was fervent while his hands roamed with purposeful intent, cupping my ass and solidifying his hold on me. He moved with a blind confidence toward the bed, each step he took resonating with an unspoken urgency.My arms were tightly entwined around his strong, broad neck as I leaned into him for support. His muscles flexed and rippled beneath my touch, providing a solid foundation for me to lean on.With a fluid motion, Adrian tossed me onto my back on his bed, and I bounced slightly upon the mattress. My eyes drank in the sight of him as he hovered above me, his presence commanding every ounce of my attention. He pressed his face against my neck, his warm lips tracing a scorching path along my throat, igniting fire with every touch and nibble of flesh. I squirmed beneath him in an instinctive
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 54 : My Best Work
*Lily*As we settled into his car, the seatbelt clicking into place, anxiety crept up on me. Normally, I would have been exhilarated by the rush toward the unknown, but today, apprehension constricted around my heart like ivy.With the impact of the news, I had forgotten to let Rachel know I was going back to the city to try and find Adrian. Retrieving my phone from the depths of my bag, my thumb hovered over the screen before pressing call. "Hey, girl," she answered after a few rings. It didn't escape me the way her voice was strained and cautious."I'm going to the city to find Adrian," I told her. "Please let me know if you see him," I pleaded into the phone, my voice a thread fraying at the edges.Rachel's voice crackled through the speaker, her tone a mix of reassurance and surprise. "Yeah, I got you, girl. I haven't seen his face around campus today, but... Oh, wait—" A pause snagged the conversation, and I tensed."What? What happened?" The question shot out of me, shar
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 53 : Detonating the Bomb
*Adrian*The semester's end was so near, I could almost hear the collective sigh of relief from the entire campus. But for me, it was a race against time, the final stretch in a marathon that had tested every fiber of my being. As I sat at my desk, fingers poised over the keyboard, I was reminded of how everything had changed since that fateful day when Rachel, bless her, had been the bridge between Lily and me.And through that storm, finding Lily again had felt like grasping a lifeline in turbulent seas. She'd been wary, understandably, but as the days warmed into something resembling trust, I promised her that I would not let her down. Not again.After guaranteeing Lily wouldn't run away from me again, I felt more encouraged than ever to put my plan into action.Perched within the confines of my apartment, away from the incessant chaos of campus, I clicked the button with a finality that seemed to echo in the suddenly quiet room. The screen flickered as the documentary began t
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 52 : Unexpected Encounter
*Lily*When Rachel left on Sunday morning to return to the city, I felt a sense of loss as she walked away. And there I was again, in the kitchen of the coffee shop, back to my routine, scrubbing away at the espresso machine, lost in a rhythm that didn't require thought. My movements were mechanical; wipe here, rinse there, all while my heart wrestled with a puzzle that refused to be solved.The distance between Adrian and me was more than just miles—it was this gaping rift filled with uncertainty. Could we go back to what we were once? Would he be mad at me for ghosting him for so long?The whirring grinder and the hiss of steam from the milk frother became the soundtrack to my internal debate. Long distance wasn't something I believed in, or so I'd convinced myself. Yet, as I stood there, the possibility of not fighting for what Adrian and I once had was even more unbearable.The day faded, and with it, the bustle of customers slowed to a trickle before the doors closed behind
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 51 : Friendly Visit
*Lily*When the final chime of my shift sang out, I untied my apron with a sense of finality, the fabric heavy with the scent of roasted beans and sweet syrups. As I stepped into the brisk evening air, a shiver chased up my spine from the chill and I wrapped my coat tighter around me to prevent the wind from cutting through.Before I turned the corner, I felt the familiar buzz of my phone in the pocket of my jacket. Rachel's name flashed across the screen, piercing the veil of avoidance I'd carefully crafted around myself. Perhaps I was finally starting to let the grief for losing my dreams behind me, or maybe I just really missed her, but I swiped the answer icon before doubt could reclaim me."Hello?""Li-Lily?" The voice on the other end trembled. "You answered," she breathed, relief coating her tone."Hi, Rachel..." My heart constricted, guilt taking hold of me as I heard how desolated she sounded. "I'm sorry. I just—""No, don't... I understand." Her words hitched, and I p
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 50 : Changing Plans
*Adrian*After hearing that Louise was behind Lily's expulsion, I felt a hatred take over me in a way that I could barely control, threatening to erupt in an uncontrolled deluge of fury whenever I thought of it. I envisioned myself storming towards her, demanding she revoke the injustice she committed. But every time my mind was consumed by that idea, I clenched my fists, swallowing the acidic bile rising in my throat until I could think clearly. I couldn't do anything hasty. This wasn't anything small, a mere girl confrontation within college life.If this was it, I'd have wasted no time to run after Louise and demand she did something, anything to fix what she had done. But I had no such luck.This felt like climbing a mountain with no summit in sight.Now, more than ever, I understood Lily's fears. How could someone live like that, constantly watching over their shoulders? She had been right to be afraid. I blamed myself for not seeing it sooner, not taking this more serious
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 49 : Home
*Lily*The world outside had continued its relentless spin, but within the walls of my father's house, time seemed to have slowed to a gentle crawl. Two weeks since the expulsion had reshaped my existence into something unrecognizable. I'd traded classrooms and libraries for the comforting monotony of domestic life, finding solace in the simple rhythm of household chores.I could tell my father wanted to say so much to me, but after I returned home carrying my luggage, my cheeks stained with tears, I knew he was trying to respect my space. He offered me words of comfort, of course, but I could see it in his eyes how upset he was for my situation.He didn't doubt me for a second; he knew I was innocent. In my opinion, he shared my frustration with the injustice I suffered, but we both understood that, as mere pawns in the chessboard of wealthy and influential people, we were powerless to fight the system.That's what probably bothered him the most.Whenever Dad wasn't working, my
Fragments of Elysium: Love on Campus Chapter 48 : Putting the Pieces Together
*Adrian*The world seemed dull and lifeless since I heard Lily had gotten expelled from Elysium. Chris had been the bearer of ill news, saying he heard someone saying they saw Lily walk into an Uber with her luggage. I didn't believe it at first, but when I tried to find her and couldn't, realization hit me like tons of bricks.I called and texted her countless times, but she never answered me, and that's when I knew things were indeed true. The realization settled like lead in my stomach; she was truly gone.Days had gone by ever since, and I couldn't come up with a plan. I didn't know what happened, other than that the Order was behind her expulsion. But that's all I had, and even though I had told Lily that I'd figure out a way to take them out of her tail, I hadn't had the time to think it through before they made their next move.When I realized, she was already out.The door to the editing room creaked open, pulling me away from my tumultuous thoughts. Chris’s voice cut th
