Madelyn stood up, watching Mason's face light up with unmistakable joy and innocence as he interacted with Sadie.
It was the same expression he wore when he first asked for her contact information—a moment that had never been repeated.
It wasn't that Mason was incapable of such emotion; he had simply chosen to direct it toward someone else. Even that badge had become a means for him to impress Sadie.
Just then, Mason stepped out of the fitting room, the expensive designer clothes transforming his demeanor completely.
"Madelyn, what do you think of this outfit?" he asked, trying to mimic the poised mannerisms of his wealthy classmates.
For a long moment, Madelyn didn't respond.
Following her gaze, Mason's eyes widened in shock as he realized what was on the screen. He grabbed Madelyn's arm in panic, attempting to explain, "It's not what it looks like, Madelyn! Sadie tricked me too. You know how stunning she is—no man can say no to her."
The word "stunning" echoed painfully in Madelyn's heart.
"Is it because I'm not pretty enough that my kindness doesn't matter to you? Am I just a pawn to please Sadie?" Tears slipped silently down Madelyn's cheeks, but she felt too weary to wipe them away.
"Please believe me," Mason pleaded. "Didn't we agree to trust each other? Sadie and I are done. Madelyn, you're the one I truly care about. Sadie is just a pretty face—she's nothing like you."
"Yes, she's definitely different," Madelyn replied, pushing his hand away in disappointment. "If Sadie asked, you'd choose her without a second thought, wouldn't you?"
Deep down, Madelyn couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy.
Mason was momentarily taken aback. He had made that choice in the past, but everything had changed—he genuinely cared for Madelyn now.
Being with her had enriched his life significantly, and he couldn't bear the thought of losing her.
"Once you've savored a life of luxury, it's tough to return to anything else," he thought. "Madelyn, having given me a glimpse of this higher life, you'll have to navigate it with me. After all, who else would want to be with you?"
…
A few days later, Helen returned to her dormitory.
Madelyn looked at her earnestly and said, "Helen, I'm so sorry. I saw the live broadcast. The badge ended up in Sadie's hands because of me. I almost ruined your reputation. You have every right to be upset with me."
"It's nothing to worry about. What matters is that this helped you see Mason's true character," Helen replied with a gentle smile.
Madelyn hesitated, searching for the right words.
Helen frowned, a sense of unease creeping in. "What's that look for? Didn't you break up with him?"
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