Never Again in This Life Chapter 03

Never Again in This Life Chapter 03

The next day, I took my laptop to the library and started preparing my application materials for the exchange program.

I was searching for a book in the reference section when I glanced up and saw Maddox and Elara standing not far away.

Elara was leaning against Maddox, her cheeks flushed. She didn’t look the least bit unwell.

She was smiling as she said, “Maddox, thank goodness I have you. I really don’t know what I’d do otherwise.”

Maddox looked down at her, his voice softer than I had ever heard it.

“Don’t worry. I’m here.”

He turned to get a bottle of water from the vending machine. When he looked back, his eyes met mine.

Maddox’s expression stiffened for a moment before twisting into a frown.

I had clearly interrupted them.

This time, I didn’t rush over to confront him. I just gave him a small, polite smile.

Then I turned and continued looking for my book.

I could feel his gaze on my back.

I ignored it.

These days would be over soon enough.

I didn’t touch a single word of Elara’s graduation project.

Two days later, Maddox cornered me in a library aisle.

He snatched the book from my hands and slammed it onto a nearby table.

Heads turned in our direction.

“Tessa Hawthorne, I told you to help Elara. What are you doing reading this?”

I looked up at him, then at the innocent-looking face of the girl hovering behind him.

“I’m gathering research materials,” I said.

“What materials could possibly be more important than Elara’s graduation?” Maddox pulled Elara forward. “She hasn’t slept in days worrying about this project, and you don’t seem to care at all.”

Elara gently tugged on his sleeve, her voice small.

“Maddox, don’t. Tessa must have her own things to do. I’ll just figure something else out.”

Her words only seemed to make him angrier.

“Listen to her.” He glared at me. “Even Elara is more considerate than you. Tessa, I’ll say this one last time: I want a complete proposal on my desk within a week.”

I looked at the two of them and said nothing more.

“I understand.”

Maddox seemed to think I’d given in. His expression softened slightly as he led Elara away.

I felt the curious stares of everyone around me.

It didn’t matter.

This was the last time.