Chapter3

I was pulling my suitcase to the door when I saw Eric waiting outside, holding a thermal lunchbox. "I figured you hadn't eaten breakfast," he said, handing me the lunchbox. His voice was still cool but carried a hint of warmth I hadn't noticed before. I opened it. Inside was steaming hot oatmeal and some side dishes. In my past life, I'd never eaten anything Eric cooked. Turns out he was really good at it. "How did you know I was kicked out?" Eric looked slightly awkward, rubbing his nose, his voice less confident. "I knew your relationship with your family wasn't great. I worried you might storm out impulsively, so..." I smiled, blinking at him. "You care about me that much?" "Let's go," he said, taking my suitcase somewhat stiffly. "I've rented a place off-campus. You can stay with me for now." I was taken aback. "Alright then. Thanks." "No trouble." We had just reached the bottom of the stairs when we saw Simon standing there, his face thunderous. "Zoe, you're really leaving with this guy?" He blocked our path, his tone threatening. "Don't forget, your parents still need the White family's help." I scoffed. "Simon, I don't like you anymore. Please stop harassing me. As for the Patel family, isn't there still my sister?" "You..." Simon was speechless with anger. Eric stepped forward, shielding me, his gaze icy as he looked at Simon. "Move." Simon was momentarily cowed by Eric's presence and instinctively stepped back. But he quickly recovered, flushing with humiliation. "Eric, this is between Zoe and me. It's none of your business." "Her business is my business," Eric stated, leaving no room for argument. Simon stared at us, eyes filled with resentment and fury, but he finally moved aside. Sitting in the car, I watched the scenery blur past, my emotions tangled. Scenes from my past life flashed before my eyes—the pain and humiliation felt as fresh as yesterday. "What are you thinking about?" Eric's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Thinking... how come I only just realized how amazing you are?" Arriving at Eric's rented apartment, I found it surprisingly cozy. Simple, but clearly set up with care. "You can take this room," Eric pointed to a bedroom. "It's got everything. Get some rest, I'll make dinner." That night, lying in bed, I tossed and turned. The memories from my past life were too vivid, the painful scenes replaying relentlessly. Just then, my phone rang—an unknown number. I hesitated but answered. "Zoe, it's me." Grace's voice came through, dripping with fake concern. "Where are you? Mom and Dad are so worried. Come home, please?" "Where I am is none of your business. Tell Mom and Dad to stop bothering me," I said coldly. "Zoe, how can you say that? We're family!" Grace's voice took on a tearful edge. "I know you're still mad at me. I'm sorry, okay? Please forgive me?" "Save the apologies. I can't handle them." I hung up before she could say more. I knew Grace wouldn't let this go. She was definitely scheming something.