Never Again in This Life Chapter 02

Never Again in This Life Chapter 02

This time, I answered the call from the university’s study abroad office.

“I’m calling to confirm that I’ll be joining this year’s exchange program. Thank you for holding my spot.”

The program director on the other end of the line sounded relieved.

“I’m glad you’ve reconsidered, Tessa. This is a wonderful opportunity.”

He was right.

It wasn’t worth changing the entire course of my life for a man.

After hanging up, I contacted a real estate agent and listed the Back Bay apartment my parents had left me.

My terms were simple: a cash buyer and a quick close.

I had just finished making the arrangements when Maddox called.

His voice was as cold as ever.

“Tessa, something’s wrong with Elara’s graduation project. You get good grades. Go help her out.”

Elara Bennett. Again.

She was a constant presence between us.

Last time, that one sentence was all it took. I stayed up for three nights straight, doing her entire project from scratch.

When the final work won an award, only her name was on it.

Maddox’s explanation was, “Elara’s health has always been poor. She needs this award to strengthen her applications.”

And I had actually believed him.

I held the phone and said calmly, “Sure. Send me the materials.”

“Good,” Maddox replied, as if the matter was settled.

I looked out the window and thought my former self was a fool.

Before long, Sterling knocked on my door with sandwiches and soup from my favorite Italian deli.

He set everything on the table, his voice gentle.

“Eat while it’s hot. You’ve been upset about Maddox and Elara lately. Don’t wear yourself out.”

He always showed up right after Maddox hurt me.

And he always, so smoothly, defended Elara.

“Elara’s project is important, and Maddox is in a tough spot. She’s been sickly since she was a kid. She can’t handle this kind of pressure alone.”

See? There was always an excuse for Elara.

I picked up the sandwich and smiled at him.

“I know, Sterling. I won’t make things hard for Maddox.”

Sterling visibly relaxed.

They all thought I was still the same Tessa Hawthorne, the one who would always back down.