Chapter 10

Julian watched Jace set his sights on winning Avery back and felt his chest tighten. Irritation and heat surged through him, but he didn't have any reason to stop Jace. He could only stand there, clenching his fists until his knuckles cracked. Even with that restless unease gnawing at him, Julian stuck to the plan. On the day the direct admission slot was officially secured for Tessa, he confessed to her. Under the prettiest blooming tree on campus, Julian opened a velvet box and held out a diamond necklace. His handsome face softened with just the right touch of warmth. "Tessa, will you be my girlfriend?" Tessa gasped, clapping her hands over her mouth as tears welled in her eyes. She launched herself into his arms. "Julian! Yes, yes! I've waited forever for this!" Applause broke out around them, cheers rising as if a fairy tale had finally reached its happy ending. Julian pulled Tessa into his arms. He should have felt happy and fulfilled. He had chased her and planned this mom