Chapter 24
Eliana didn’t need a teammate, but she let Stella tag along without objection.
Others, however, weren’t so lucky
Unmoved by their invitations, Eliana remained on her own
Soon enough, whispers circulated, branding her as “The Bitter, Broke Girl Who Thinks She’s Better Than Everyone.
Standing beside her, Stella glanced around before whispering. Thana, do you think we’ll actually rank in this? Don’t worry. Tve been training hand. I won’t be dead weight this time!
Stella hadn’t been the most diligent in training before, often finding ways to slark off.
But she found herself influenced by Eliana, so she began working hard in each daily session. As a result, Stella’s physical stamina was actually pretty good.
Fliana gave a famt nod. “Just do your best, she replied, her voice steady.
Money and housing weren’t motivating Eliana.
She could easily have skipped the entire training if she wanted to. But she chose not to stand out.
She was here to relive the path she’d missed last time, taking in the views she missed.
Nearby, Willow let slip that she already had a single dorm room assigned, prompting an envious outcry.
rivate roome T
“Oh, Willow! You’ve already got a private room? That’s amazing one of the girls gushed.
Covering her face shyly, Willow said, “It’s not a big deal! My parents just wanted to make sure I was comfortable. But I’m really looking forward to spending time with all of you!”
With that, admiration blossomed around her, and Willow basked in the attention with a delighted smile.
As free grouping time ended, they lined up again.
The head instructor stepped forward, announcing. “Tonight, we’ve brought in the record–holding team from last year’s endurance climb to cheer you on. Give them a warm welcome!”
Four men in casual attire walked onto the stage. Leading the group was Cameron in a sleek black jacket, standing out under the blazing sun.
The crowd erupted into applause, admiring the four with awe
A girl leaned in, excited. “Oh my gosh! They’re so handsome!”
Another girl chimed in, gesturing animatedly. “It’s Cameron! Cameron Wright”
A third girl chuckled, crossing her arms as she joined the convenation. The campus legends! Cameron, Adam, Thomas, and Landon! I had no idea they set the record!”
Most of the freshmen had heard of their names
Among the group, there were students from many different departments.
The four of them were well–known. And the leader, Cameron was often referred to as the “campus heartthrob at Isonstead University. His fame rivaled that of Roman, and their names were frequently mentioned in the same breath.
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Chapter 24
Eliana stood silently.
watching Cameron from a d
a distance.
D
Their eyes met briefly, catching her off guard, and she blinked, feeling her pulse stutter.
When she refocused, he had already looked away, his attention now on the crowd, sharing his experience from last year.
His voice had a warm, summery cadence–like a glass of chilled lemonade on a hot day.
She shifted her gaze toward Thomas,
Cameron’s presence somehow dimuned the aura of the other there, making them appear almost as his supporting cast, though each of them was outstanding.
Some people are just born for the spotlight, Eliana thought, clapping with the crowd.
After the speeches, the instructor assigned two additional girls to Eliana’s group.
They were surprised but pretended to be disappointed.
“Oh, great one grumbled. I didn’t want to team up with her anyway! Can we switch groups?”
The instructor’s tone was stern. “You think you can pick and choose? Go take it up with the head instructor.”
Stella rolled her eyes. “Drama queens.
“Excuse me, Stella?” one of them snapped. “You want to fight?”
Stella gave them a sly smile. “Did I say anything about you? If you think it’s about you, that’s your problem.”
Unfazed. Eliana began packing her backpack.
She crouched down, checking her supplies, when she noticed a pair of polished, expensive shoes in front of her. Looking up, she met Cameron’s cool, smiling gaze.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Thomas and his groups joined them with a laugh. “Don’t forget we promised to come see you, Eliana
Eliana sighed, glancing at them. “You didn’t have to make a scen
Thomas lifted his fist playfully. “Hey, we’re here to cheer you on
Grinning, she fist–bumped him. “Fine. I’ll give it my best.”
Adam and Landon stepped up for fist bumps, too, each encouraging her in their own way.
Cameron, however, packed up her hat, which had fallen, and placed it back on her head–adjusting the brim.
His voice was low and steady. “It’ll be exhausting, but we’ll be waiting at the finish line.”
Ehana looked up and met his gaze.
Eliana blinked, feeling a brief but undeniable flutter, “Right. Got
When the four left, the spectators around them began to murni excitedly.
Stella sidled up to Eliana, whispering, “I didn’t know you were sclose to them.”
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Chapter 24
Just friends. Eliana replied casually
But the girls nearby were jealous. “Oh, please,” one of them scoffed loudly. “I thought someone here was close with them. Guess I was wrong! Meanwhile. Willow’s the real deal–she even got a mosquito repellent from Roman!”
Stella fired back. “Mind your own business!”
The mosquito repellent was originally a gift from Roman to Eliana.
But Willow took it from Eliana and distorted the truth.
Willow knew exactly who the repellent had originally been from.
But there was no way she would admit that as she watched the scene unfold from behind the crowd.
Willow hadn’t expected Eliana to get close to Cameron and the others, especially to the point of becoming part of their inner circle. It was a shock to her.
‘But it doesn’t matter. Someone like Cameron will never look twice at a girl with no background like Eliana, she thought.
Rumor had it that Landon was the one who went through girlfriends the fastest. It wouldn’t surprise Willow if Eliana had Just
hooked up with Landon, becoming his latest fling.
That has to be the case, she thought.
“Later that night, at nine o’clock, the students began the grueling mountain endurance test.
As they entered the mountain’s dense woods, darkness swallowed the group, cach team disappearing along the trail.
Though the path was marked to prevent anyone from straying too far, the wilderness was vast, and it was easy to get disoriented.
Each recruit wore a GPS tracker for safety, and the challenge was clear: any team failing to finish by sunrise would be marked as unsuccessful.
Eliana forged ahead with confidence, navigating like she already knew the way.
Stella followed close behind, trying to keep up.
Not long after, the two remaining girls were already huffing in exhaustion.
