Zoe's POV

I rested the whole night and finally regained my energy. Early to bed and early to rise made me look more spirited than the day before.

"Hey, girl, you look much better today. How about joining me for morning class? I believe you'll discover a new world!" Demi was excited, clutching her books.

"Sure," I quickly packed up my things, stuffing that shirt into my bag, "I'm about to face my mentorship internship, so I think I should contribute to my studies."

"Yeah, you shouldn't punish yourself for others' mistakes, beautiful girl. You should focus on your own affairs." Demi glanced at the clock. "I think we should hurry."

The shuttle bus had its fixed departure time, and we arrived just in time.

Demi was excited about being on time. "I've never felt such a sense of urgency before."

I understood she usually arrived ten minutes early to wait, so being just on time wasn't her usual style.

The driver opened the door for us, and I was the last in line. Just as I was about to board, someone grabbed me.

"Zoe, I think you should take some time to hear me out." Evander, the beggar, appeared again.

This made me feel incredibly nauseous, like finding half a rotten bug in my food.

The driver urged, "Girl, get on! Otherwise, we'll all be late!"

Clearly, Evander wasn't ready to let me go. I could only apologize to Demi with a glance and to the driver, "Sorry, sir, you can go ahead."

"Alright, kind girl, have a wonderful day," the driver smiled and closed the door.

Since the day I saw Evander again, I knew this day wouldn't be too wonderful.

"What do you want to say?"

"I know I messed up. I just want to say I'm sorry. Can you give us another chance?"

“REALLY?” i raised my voice, “You FUCKED fucked my best friend in my bed and then want me to forgive you and continue to be with you? HOW DARE YOU?” At this point, the students noticed our argument and began to gather nearby and whisper to each other.

“Zoe, it was Daria who seduced me. You know, all my teammates are romantically involved with cheerleader girls, and I wanted to earn a little face, but I know now that I was wrong... I made a mistake for once, please, just forgive” Evander said pulling me in.

“Do you think I'm unloved?” I crossed my arms and looked at him with contempt. “You betrayed my trust and I will never forgive you, scum! Never let me see you again.”

Evander looked at me with a shocked look on his face, he surely didn't expect me to be so adamant, I had always been lulled by his sweet words before, but there were only 0 and infinite times to cheat. The students began to grab their cell phones and video record as Evander lowered his head and hurried away.

Suddenly, a customized motorcycle roared to a halt in front of me. The rider, clad in a black leather jacket, removed their helmet.

It was Orion. His hair shimmered in the sunlight. Was my life turning into a melodramatic TV show? What was happening, and why couldn't I just go to class in peace? As Orion took off his helmet, nearby girls began to gather and swoon... but his eyes were fixed only on me.

"Hey, need a ride?" Orion patted the passenger seat. I was surprised; we weren't exactly close, just had a one-night stand.

I considered ignoring his offer, but then I noticed his shirt in my backpack. Turning around, I hurried over and handed him the shirt. "No thanks. I already washed the shirt. Here you go."

Other girls started whispering. "Who is she?" I heard one girl murmur. "I don't know," another replied. "But let me tell you... if Daria finds out, this nerdy girl is toast." I frowned. Just hearing Daria's name made my stomach churn.

"I have a spare helmet," Orion offered.

"No need, thanks," I replied. "I'll take the bus."

The other girls were surprised by my refusal, and the whispers grew louder. Any girl would feel lucky riding behind Orion on his motorcycle, but not me. I just wanted to be alone! I sidestepped Orion's motorcycle, but he rolled forward to block me. He flashed me an audacious smile, his deep blue eyes looking just as normal as the last time I saw him.

"Come on," he insisted. "Are you sure?"

“Yes, I'm sure!” I shouted, stomping my feet and clenching my fists. “Stop mixing me up with your playboy games, I'm not a target for your conquests!”

I walked away angrily, leaving Orion behind me looking surprised.

It just so happened that the next shuttle bus arrived, so I quickly got on, found a seat in the back, and put on my headphones to isolate myself from the world.

By the time I reached the front of the campus, morning classes were over.

I heard Demi yelling behind me. I turned to see her running and waving her arms.

“Hey, today's the day we pick our internships,” I say. “Where do you want to intern?”

“I want to go to the operating room,” Demi replied. “It'll be tiring, but you'll learn a lot. What about you?”

“Neurosurgery.” I replied. I knew Demi was feeling a little sad that we wouldn't be interning together anymore.

“I'll miss you in class,” Demi said, waving at me. I said. “I'll see you at Maya's Bakery after school.” After school, I always went to a local bakery to make some extra money. The best thing about Maya's bakery was that it was far away, so it was rarely patronized by students from my campus. So I always felt more comfortable.

Maya and my grandmother are the same age. Maya's son was my father's friend in high school. So she was more like a family friend to me. Maya and I were especially close when she offered me a job at her bakery. Even though I didn't need the money, I helped her out. Since then, she has become one of the closest people to me.

Maya's bakery has a retro-modern style. The store has a lot of space for tables where people can sit inside and a few tables outside. Everything in the bakery has been personally approved by Maya. She loved to bake and when both of her children moved out, she opened a bakery on her retirement. Even now, she makes half of the food displayed in our display cases.

Chef Harley and I have always insisted that she take a break and let us take care of the bakery, but she never gives in. She loves baking and seeing everything sell. It was no surprise that the bakery was a huge success.

I walked into the store and the bell on the door rang. There were a few tables in the store seated with customers. I walked towards the display case and smiled at Olivia, the cashier.

Olivia was a cute girl, in high school, and had just started working here. She's still studying, but for now, she can handle the day job efficiently on her own. During peak hours, we need two people to work together, a waitress and a cashier.

Olivia, already in uniform and apron, is busy checking out a middle-aged man. I waited for the man to finish taking his order before greeting Olivia.

“Hi Zoe.” Olivia said cheerfully. Another thing about Olivia was her perkiness. She was too perky for my taste.

“Hi Olivia. I'm going to go change in the back, okay. Do you think you can hold out for a while?”

She nodded to me. I pushed open the door that was only for us employees.

I quickly changed into my uniform and walked to the kitchen at the far end of the bakery. I couldn't start my shift without greeting Maya and Harley.