Chapter 4

After my fallout with Tyler, Hailey became even more insufferable in our apartment, constantly throwing passive-aggressive digs at me.

Two days later, Gaby told me that Hailey and Tyler had officially announced their relationship on Instagram.

I had blocked Tyler on Snapchat right after that night. Gaby showed me Hailey’s post. It was a photo of them standing in front of the campus library, holding books and leaning in close. They looked like the perfect college couple.

So it wasn't that he wasn't ready; he just already had another target. I hadn't even noticed they were fooling around behind my back! No wonder Hailey was always picking fights with me.

That evening, Hailey walked into the apartment holding a massive bouquet of roses. She deliberately placed them on my desk, putting on a fake, apologetic smile. "Oh, Chloe, this bouquet is just too big for my desk. Mind if I leave it on yours while I tidy up? You don't mind, right?"

"Actually, I do." I grabbed the bouquet and threw it straight onto the floor. "Don't put your trash on my desk. Did I give you permission?"

"Chloe! You're going too far!" Hailey shrieked, quickly picking up the flowers and carefully blowing the dust off the petals.

I glanced at them. The roses weren't even fresh; some were already wilting.

"Did you pick those up from a dumpster? Wow, you really love picking up trash, don't you? First the flowers, now Tyler. You should just rename yourself 'The Recycling Bin'."

"Chloe, shut up! Who are you calling trash?" Hailey slammed the flowers down and lunged at me.

I had mentioned before in the apartment that I had a black belt in Taekwondo. I slowly slid into a professional stance and raised an eyebrow at her, giving her a mocking look.

Seeing my posture, Hailey instantly lost her courage.

She took two steps back and muttered defensively, "I know you're just jealous. I'm not going to sink to your level."

Me? Jealous of her? That was easily the funniest joke of the year.