Chapter 4
I rushed to my computer, meticulously comparing each character.
The results were alarming, everything matched perfectly, down to the programming language that mirrored my second version.
“But how is that possible? I never showed it to anyone!
Is it just sheer coincidence that Megan and I chose the same competition question, used the same language, and ended up with identical code?
No way!
Should I be worried my computer has been hacked?”
I took a deep breath and began a thorough scan of my system.
An hour later, after confirming that there were no hidden programs or viruses, I sank into a swirl of self–doubt.
My mind was racing, and in my distraction, I didn’t even notice Logan standing nearby, calling my name in increasing frustration.
“Keira! Hey, Keira! What are you lost in thought about?”
His voice startled me back to reality, and when I turned, I found
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Chapter 4
Megan next to him, her eyes wide with trepidation.
“Um, Keira, Logan mentioned how hard I’ve been working for the competition, and he invited me to dinner with you guys. You don’t mind, do you?”
As I looked at her innocent face, memories of the online harassment I had suffered at her hands came flooding back. My fists clenched unconsciously, and a surge of anger coursed through me.
But this wasn’t the right moment for a showdown.
I fought to suppress my unease and tried to maintain a calm facade, searching for an excuse to leave.
Yet Megan stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
“Please, Keira, don’t misunderstand! Logan really just wants to celebrate my finishing the program. If you don’t come, he might get upset.”
I glanced at Logan, and indeed, his expression had soured.
He chimed in, “It’s just dinner! Stop being jealous, Keira. Megan invited you! Don’t act like you don’t appreciate it.”
Logic screamed at me to refuse immediately and put as much distance between us as possible.
But the doubts and frustrations swirling within me pushed me to nod
instead. I was curious to learn more about what was
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really going on.
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After a brief moment of hesitation, I finally said, “Okay, let’s go.”
The moment the words left my mouth, Megan’s eyes lit up mischievously as she linked her arm through Logan’s before leading me to their favorite restaurant.
What I hadn’t anticipated was that we weren’t the only ones arriving at the restaurant. Waiting for us were Megan’s six other
teammates.
As we stepped inside, the rest of the group immediately surrounded Megan, showering her with toasts and compliment leaving me to stand off to the side like a ghost.
I numbly ate food around my plate while no one seemed to notice me.
Everyone’s eyes were glued to Megan as they admired her, launching into a chorus of praise.
“Megan, you’re incredible! No wonder you have an IQ of 160- your parents must be brilliant geniuses.”
“Seriously, it’s amazing how you tackled such a tough problem. Getting plagiarized but still reworking it in a day? That’s insane!”
“Megan is stunning and talented–she’s totally my goddess!”
Megan soaked up the compliments like a sunbather basking in
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rays, beaming at everyone and joining in on the laughter.
Then someone chimed in, “Logan is so lucky to have Megan as his girlfriend. I’m so jealous!”
