Chapter4

The next morning, Eric and I went to campus together. As we reached the entrance to the lecture hall, we ran into Simon. He saw us, his face instantly darkening. He strode over quickly, blocking our way. "Zoe, you're seriously with him?" He stood in our path, his tone hostile. "What else?" I raised an eyebrow. "Simon, we never actually got together. Please stop bothering me." "What do you mean 'never got together'?" He sneered. "Zoe, have you forgotten how you chased after me? Now you just call it off?" "That was then. This is now," I retorted, meeting his gaze squarely. "I was blind before. Now I see clearly." "You..." Simon was choked with anger. "Move," Eric stepped forward again, placing himself protectively in front of me, his voice cold as he addressed Simon. Simon glared at Eric, hostility radiating from him. "Eric, I told you, this is between Zoe and me. Butt out." "Her business is my business," Eric repeated firmly. Simon was silenced, his face twisting further. But then, he lunged and grabbed my wrist with surprising force. "Let go!" I struggled. Eric moved swiftly, prying Simon's fingers off my wrist and stepping fully between us. "Simon, watch yourself." After that, I took Eric's hand and walked away without a backward glance. In the cafeteria, we found a table. Eric went to get food while I waited. Soon, Grace appeared, tray in hand. "Zoe, can I sit here?" she asked sweetly, putting on her harmless act. I looked at her, disgust rising in my throat. "No." Her smile faltered for a second before returning, looking pitiful. "Zoe, are you mad at me?" "I have nothing to say to you," I turned away, evading her face. "Zoe," she suddenly lowered her voice, leaning in. "Are you really going to be with Eric? Do you even know who he is?" I turned back to her. "Who he is isn't your concern." "He's a murderer's son!" Grace's voice was loud enough for nearby tables to hear. Sure enough, people around us looked over, shocked. "Grace, stop spreading lies!" I glared at her. "It's not a lie," she said with feigned hurt. "It's common knowledge! Zoe, I'm just looking out for you. Don't let him fool you." "Enough!" I cut her off. "Get out of here. You're making me sick." Grace bit her lip, clearly frustrated, but she finally left. Eric sat down expressionless, seemingly oblivious to the whispers around us. But Grace's voice had been so loud. There was no way he hadn't heard. "Eric," I hesitated, then asked anyway, "About your father..." He stiffened slightly, then said flatly, "It's true." "But..." "He was framed." His voice was firm. Looking into his resolute eyes, my heart ached for him. "I believe you," I said sincerely.