Chapter 3

When Sophie invited our roommates to dine at a five-star hotel, I pretended to be regretful.

"Sorry, I have an anatomy lab tomorrow. I still haven't memorized all the organ systems and structures," I said. "I'll probably be staying in the study room tonight."

When Sophie handed out designer bags to the others, I held my dictionary-thick textbook and turned her down firmly.

"Those designer bags are too expensive, and they can't hold nearly as much as my canvas bag," I said.

Faced with Sophie's repeated attempts to charm us, Claire happily fell into the trap. "Sophie, I want to be your best friend forever!"

I couldn't help but scoff inwardly. If she really wanted to be Sophie's best friend forever, Claire's life was going to be very short.

Zoey remained indifferent, but she accepted it because she couldn't refuse it. However, she just left it there, unused.

Despite my and Zoey's deliberate distance, Sophie didn't get discouraged. She remained warm and friendly, never showing any of the arrogance one would expect from a wealthy family's daughter.

It was clear—she was patient.

And just like that, the semester passed.

During this time, I threw myself into my studies while Sophie was grabbing all the attention. Not only was she the designated host for school events, but she also made frequent appearances on trending topics.

As the holiday break neared, she announced in the dorm, "Tomorrow's my 18th birthday, and my dad is hosting a coming-of-age ceremony for me. You all have to come! I'll have the driver pick you up tomorrow."

I instinctively looked for an excuse to turn it down.

"Sorry, Sophie, I've been staying up late studying this semester. These few days, I just want to sleep like a log."

On the other hand, Claire was excited. "A coming-of-age ceremony for an heiress? It must be quite an event!"

Zoey remained as composed as ever, saying nothing.

Sophie feigned modesty and added, "Oh, it's nothing special, just a simple ceremony with some family and friends. But I've only invited three of you out of everyone in school. If you don't come, my dad will definitely scold me for not getting along with my roommates."

Claire suddenly perked up and asked, "Sophie, could I film some footage for your coming-of-age ceremony? It'd make for a great project. We in the journalism department need to make a video for our final assignment. It has to get over 100 thousand views, and I've been struggling to find the right topic. A low-key yet luxurious coming-of-age ceremony for a rich heiress would be perfect!

"Please, Sophie, we're such close roommates! Let me ride on the coattails of your fame as the campus belle!" Claire begged.

Sophie hesitated. "But, you know, events like these are private affairs…"

Suddenly, I remembered something. In my past life, it was at the coming-of-age ceremony that Sophie introduced me to the Lewis family twin brothers.

It was there that Jonathan confessed his feelings for Sophie in front of everyone. Afterward, Xavier turned his attention to me.

Although Claire was temporarily blinded by vanity and influenced by Sophie, Claire wasn't beyond redemption. I still wanted to wake her up and help her.

So, I switched tactics.

"Sophie's dad is a well-known philanthropist and businessman. He donates to my high school every year to help students in need," I said. "People like him, who use their wealth to benefit society, should definitely get more recognition. I'd like to express my thanks for his generosity."

I smiled at Sophie. "Why don't we let Claire film some footage? Not only will it help her complete her assignment, but it'll also shine a light on your family's charitable contributions. Plus, having some video memories of your coming-of-age ceremony sounds like a great idea."

I glanced at Zoey. "Zoey and I will also go and join in the fun."

Even though we hadn't interacted much, we had an unspoken understanding. She saw my intent and agreed to attend.

Seeing that the three of us had all willingly walked into her trap, Sophie agreed to let Claire shoot the video. In her eyes, this was an excellent opportunity to promote herself—after all, she was the campus belle. Getting more publicity, even if it meant trending online, could help lay the groundwork for her future career as a famous TV host.

That was how I managed to exchange my presence at the coming-of-age ceremony for the chance to shoot the video.

Given my previous life's understanding of Sophie and the Lewis twins, I knew this footage would be more than just about the ceremony.

The next morning, Sophie sent a driver to pick us up.

On the way, I felt nervous and almost couldn't breathe. I had to dig my nails into my palm to ease the anxiety.

Because today, I would see Xavier again.

In my past life, after Sophie's coming-of-age ceremony, Xavier had told me that he had fallen for me at first sight and immediately began pursuing me with fervor.

He entered my world with an air of confidence that left no room for refusal.

He waited under the dormitory building with a bouquet of red roses, refusing to leave until I appeared.

Time and again, he showed up at the library, endlessly sketching my profile. He humbled himself, accompanying me to a cafeteria he never ate at, silently sitting by while I ate.

He made a spectacle of himself, attending public lectures with me and sparking gossip among the entire class.

On my birthday, he launched a fleet of drones into the sky, broadcasting his love for me in front of the entire school.

Soon, everyone knew—the second son of the prestigious Lewis family was pursuing me, a girl from a poor county, a true Cinderella.

Not to mention, Sophie did everything she could to fan the flames.

But the truth was that all his grand gestures gradually softened my heart.

I thought that, for once, the abandoned girl was truly loved unconditionally.

Only later did I realize… I was nothing more than a tool to be used.