At that moment, my heart began to race wildly. I could feel Magnus’s breath mingling with mine, carrying the scent of sandalwood that made my ears burn. My face seemed to flush, and I quickly turned away. Magnus also snapped out of it, stepping back and saying, “Sorry, Seraphina, I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s fine,” I replied. Though we were now farther apart, my heart was still pounding. “Seraphina, have you thought about dating recently?” Magnus asked casually, as if it were as simple as talking about a meal. But his blue eyes were intensely focused, locking onto me as if I were the only person in his world. My body tensed involuntarily. My relationship with Kael didn’t quite feel like dating, and I wasn’t willing to call it love. But with Magnus…
“Here we are. Go change your clothes,” Magnus said, pulling the car over to the side of the road. From there, it was just a short walk to the shelter of the building, so I wouldn’t have to worry about the rain. Magnus was so thoughtful. I said goodbye to him, returned to my apartment, and immediately took a hot shower. Afterward, I texted him, “Are you home yet?”
“Just got back.”
“Go take a shower and change your clothes. Don’t catch a cold.”
“You too. Maybe take some cold medicine just in case.”
“Okay,” I replied, though I had no intention of taking any medicine. A little rain wasn’t going to bother me. Drinking some water would be enough. Today’s intense studying had left me feeling exhausted. I slumped on the couch, scrolling through my phone, when suddenly I saw something about me in a Facebook group. It was photos of Magnus and me studying in the library and eating together in the cafeteria. The poster had added a comment: “Thought she’s Kael’s girlfriend? Not long after the rumors started, she’s already with another guy.”
The responses below were filled with vicious insults, calling me a slut, a bitch, and a whore who would throw herself at any man. They were all strangers, but their words hit me like punches to the chest. My phone slipped from my hand, hitting my thigh before falling onto the carpet. I didn’t pick it up. My mind was replaying those messages I just saw, my eyelashes trembling uncontrollably, my body shaking. How could this happen? Why were these strangers, people I didn’t even know, saying such cruel things about me? I couldn’t understand it. I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet they were labeling me a slut. And who was taking these photos of me and posting them online? Were these people all hiding in the shadows, just waiting for today?
Just then, I heard the door open. Evelyn had returned. She rushed over and hugged me. “Seraph, don’t be upset. Don’t let those people’s words get to you. You’re amazing just the way you are. They’re just jealous that you’re spending time with such great guys.” Evelyn was furious, and she was literally cursing them on my behalf. Her words made me feel a little better, but only slightly.
“I think someone is targeting me. The first time might have been a coincidence, but this second time? It’s deliberate. They’re after me.”
“I think so too, Seraph. Maybe it’s Vivienne. You’ve crossed her before, and she’s the type to do something like this. She’s gone too far! What nonsense is this? Invading your privacy, spreading rumors, and subjecting you to cyberbullying? You could sue her!” Evelyn was angry and frustrated. And her words reminded me.
Was it Vivienne? I had crossed her multiple times, and she was definitely capable of this kind of revenge. If they were following me, my privacy would be completely exposed. The thought of being watched everywhere-on the street, in class, at the library-filled me with dread. It felt like the time Marek had been stalking me.
I shuddered, even though I was safe in my apartment. Who knew if someone was outside the window right now, taking photos of me? I looked at the window, where the dark blue curtains were tightly drawn. They were double-layered, so no one could see inside. But I still felt uneasy.
Maybe being photographed twice had left a deep psychological scar. I couldn’t even figure out where the photos on Facebook had been taken. My mind raced, trying to piece it together, but there were so many people in those places. I couldn’t identify the culprit. If it were Vivienne, I would have noticed her immediately. She was someone who stood out wherever she went, and I would have spotted her. So it must have been someone more ordinary. The thought made my head hurt.
“Forget it. I don’t want to think about it anymore. I need to sleep. Today’s studying really drained me.”
“Alright, Seraph. No matter what, I’ll always support you. I’ll go argue with those trolls.”
“Thank you, Evelyn. I always make you worry,” I sighed.
“We’re friends. Please don’t say that,” Evelyn said. “Alright, enough of that. You’re exhausted. Go rest.”
I went to my room and lay down on the bed. My body felt off, and a sharp pain in my head made me feel drowsy. I closed my eyes, and the world turned dark, but I felt like my body was spinning. It was unbearable. I pulled the blanket over my head, trying to force myself to sleep.