Chapter 16

However, the calm on the surface did not last long. Melinda's obsession did not dissipate after her public humiliation. Instead, it twisted into something even more relentless and haunting. She stopped making scenes in public and switched tactics. Instead, she waited and watched. She memorized Shayne's schedule. Then, outside the buildings where he had classes, the library he frequented, even beneath the men's dormitory, her ghostlike figure could always be found. She no longer cried or shouted. Instead, she fixated on him with that wronged, resentful, accusatory stare, questioning him again and again. "Shayne, why are you treating me like this? You promised you'd take care of me." "Have you forgotten? Give me an explanation, or I won't leave." This silent, ongoing harassment was far more unnerving than hysterical outbursts. Shayne's patience had long since run dry. He merely treated her with icy indifference, quickening his pace to shake her off. Yet, she always reappeared. One