Chapter 20

News of Shayne leaving Southerford University spread like wildfire. Within a day or two, it became a hot topic on the campus forums, and naturally reached the Dance Department where Laura studied. During a class break, several women clustered together, their lowered voices unable to hide their excitement and curiosity. "Is it true? Did that insanely handsome guy who was always looking for Laura really leave?" "The list has already been posted, so how could it be fake? I heard he went to a top university overseas." "That's so sudden. Wasn't he still…" "Shush! Stop talking…" The murmurs came to an abrupt halt the moment Laura walked into the classroom. Several gazes flicked toward her cautiously, tinged with curiosity and a trace of barely concealed sympathy. Laura's steps paused for an imperceptible moment before she continued as usual and took her seat. She clenched her fists slightly, creasing the edge of the page beneath her grip. Nothing about Laura's daily routine changed.