NOVGO.NET Chapter 73 : The Answer That Destroyed Her
Chapter 73: Chapter 73 : The Answer That Destroyed Her
The campus cafeteria was completely packed.
Audrey sat at a small table near the back. The noise in the massive room was deafening. Students were eating, laughing, and arguing loudly.
She tried to ignore all of it. She kept her eyes locked entirely on her notebook.
So, the team dynamic is shifting, Audrey said. She tapped her pen against the paper. How do you plan to handle the upcoming tennis regionals, Maya?
Maya, the captain of the women’s tennis team, smiled across the table. Well, we have a very strong freshman lineup this year. I think if we focus on our defensive footwork, we can easily make the finals.
Daisy sat next to Audrey, snapping a few quick photos of Maya for the article.
That is great, Audrey said. She wrote the quote down. Her handwriting was a little messy because her fingers were still shaking.
Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the front of the cafeteria.
Audrey jumped. She looked up.
A massive group of football players were crowded around the large flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Ben was standing right in the middle of them.
Turn the volume up! Ben shouted excitedly. They are starting the press conference!
Audrey felt all the blood completely drain from her face. Her stomach twisted into a tight, painful knot.
Audrey, Chloe said softly.
Chloe had just walked over with a tray of food. She set it down on the table and looked at the television. Zoya was right behind her, holding a bottle of water. They both looked at Audrey with deep concern.
Do you want to leave? Chloe asked immediately. We can go back to the apartment right now.
No, Audrey whispered. She gripped her pen tightly. I am in the middle of an interview. I am fine.
You are clearly not fine, Zoya pointed out. She sat down in an empty chair. Your heart rate is visibly elevated. It is completely okay to remove yourself from a stressful environment.
I am staying, Audrey insisted stubbornly. She looked back at Maya. Sorry about the interruption. You were talking about defensive footwork?
Maya nodded slowly, but her eyes darted toward the television screen. Yeah. Our footwork...
And now, live from Miami! the sports announcer on the television boomed. His loud voice echoed across the entire cafeteria. Director Hayes of the National Development Academy will announce the top draft picks!
The entire cafeteria went completely quiet. Everyone turned to watch. Even Maya stopped talking.
Audrey could not help it. She slowly turned her head and looked at the bright screen.
The camera showed a crowded press room in Florida. Bright camera flashes went off like lightning. Director Hayes stood at a wooden podium.
Thank you all for coming, Director Hayes said into the microphone. This camp has pushed our athletes to their absolute limits. But one player stood out above the rest. He is a natural leader. He is an absolute powerhouse on the defense. I am proud to announce our number one overall prospect... Mason Calloway.
The campus cafeteria completely erupted. The football players started screaming and hugging each other. Ben threw his notebook into the air.
Audrey did not cheer. She just stared at the screen.
Mason walked out from behind a blue curtain.
He was not wearing his dirty practice jersey. He was wearing a sharp, perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was styled neatly. He looked entirely grown up. He looked like a massive professional superstar.
Audrey felt a terrible ache in her chest. He was incredibly handsome. And he was officially completely out of her league.
Mason stepped up to the podium. He shook Director Hayes’ hand.
He looked directly into the camera.
Audrey held her breath. For one crazy, impossible second, it felt like he was looking right at her through the television screen.
But his eyes were completely dead. There was no spark. There was no cocky smirk. His jaw was locked tight. He looked totally exhausted.
Thank you, Director, Mason said. His deep voice rumbled through the cafeteria speakers. It sent a massive shiver straight down Audrey’s spine. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I will not let the league down.
He looks miserable, Daisy whispered quietly from her chair.
He is just being professional, Chloe argued, but she frowned at the screen.
The reporters in the press room started shouting questions at once.
A female reporter in the front row stood up. Mason! Huge congratulations. You have had an amazing month down here. But the internet is currently blowing up about your personal life.
Mason froze on screen. The muscle in his jaw twitched violently.
We saw the photos from the restaurant in Miami, the reporter continued with a bright smile. Are you celebrating this massive contract with someone special?
Director Hayes smiled proudly. He leaned into the microphone.
I can answer that, Director Hayes chuckled. Mason has the full support of our entire organization. Including my daughter. Elena, come on up here.
Audrey stopped breathing entirely.
A girl walked onto the stage. It was the girl in the red dress from the photo. Today, she was wearing a stunning white outfit. Her dark hair flowed perfectly over her shoulders.
Elena walked directly up to Mason. She smiled brightly at the flashing cameras. She reached out and smoothly wrapped her arm around Mason’s waist. She leaned her head against his broad shoulder.
Mason went completely rigid. He did not put his arm around her. He just stood there like a stone statue.
The cafeteria went deadly quiet.
Chloe gasped quietly. Zoya narrowed her eyes at the screen.
Mason, the reporter asked eagerly. Is it official? Is the top prospect officially off the market?
Mason stared at the camera.
He did not look at Elena. He looked straight ahead. The silence stretched on for three long, agonizing seconds. The tension on the screen was incredibly thick.
Audrey gripped the edge of the table. Say no, she begged silently in her head. Please just say no.
Mason swallowed hard. He looked down at the podium.
Yes, Mason said quietly. His voice was completely flat. We are together.
The press room erupted in cheers and camera flashes. Elena smiled wider and kissed Mason quickly on the cheek.
In the campus cafeteria, someone dropped a metal tray. It hit the floor with a loud crash.
Wow, Ben said loudly from the crowd. He really did just move on. He is dating the boss’s daughter.
Audrey felt like the ceiling had just crashed directly onto her head.
The words echoed in her ears. Yes. We are together.
It was real. The photo was real. He did not fight for her. He did not care about the breakup text. He just replaced her with a billionaire’s daughter who could buy him whatever he wanted.
Audrey, Chloe whispered. Her voice was full of deep, raw pity.
I am fine, Audrey said.
She picked up her pen. Her hands were shaking so violently she dropped it. It rolled across the table and fell onto the floor.
She did not bend down to pick it up.
She closed her notebook. She shoved it into her backpack and zipped it shut with a sharp, aggressive tug.
Thank you for the interview, Maya, Audrey said. Her voice sounded entirely robotic. It did not sound like her at all. I will email you if I need more quotes.
She stood up from the table.
Wait, Audrey, Daisy said, standing up quickly. Do you want me to walk with you?
No, Audrey stated firmly. She put her backpack over her shoulder. I have to get to class. I will see you guys later.
She turned around and walked away from the table.
She had to walk right past the massive crowd of football players. She had to walk right past the television screen playing Mason and Elena’s smiling faces on a constant loop.
She kept her head perfectly straight. She did not look at the screen again. She pushed through the heavy cafeteria doors and stepped out into the freezing campus air.
As soon as the doors shut behind her, Audrey let out a broken, shattered breath.
She leaned against the brick wall of the cafeteria. She pulled her knees to her chest. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut, but the tears finally fell. They were hot and completely unstoppable.
She gave him up to protect his dream. And he took the dream, the contract, and a brand new girl without a single look backward.
It was finally over. The fake relationship, the late-night phone calls, the quiet promises. All of it was completely gone.
Audrey wiped her face aggressively. She stood up straight. She forced herself to take a deep breath. She had six more months left of this semester. She was going to survive it if it completely killed her.