"Oh my gosh! Is that her? So disgusting..."
"She has no shame! Yuck!"
"She's shameless. With everything she's done, how many men do you think have had a taste of her?"
"She acts innocent, but deep down, she's filthy. Hahaha."
"I know, right, girl!"
"Look! That's the girl I was telling you about! She sold herself for money! No wonder she can afford to study at this university."
"She's a whore! I can't believe she's still here at the university. So cheap! She should be kicked out."
"Maybe she had a wealthy customer!"
"She's ruining the university's reputation."
I sighed deeply. The moment I set foot inside the university, this was what greeted me—whispers and disgusted looks.
"It's so annoying... I just want to slam their faces into the pavement," Katherine said, fuming.
"Just let it go," I replied.
I grabbed her arm to stop her from charging toward the girls who were badmouthing me.
"Let it go? Aren't you even going to react to what they're saying? Jasmin, they've been talking trash about you for months, and for a month now, you've been stopping me from smashing their faces into the ground," Katherine said, her voice filled with frustration. Katherine is my childhood friend and my only ally.
I turned to her and smiled. "Let them think whatever they want. What matters is that you and I know the truth. I don't need to defend myself over something I didn't do."
"You know I get that... but you're too nice. That's why it's so easy for them to bully you," she commented.
"They'll get tired eventually," I simply replied.
I'm Jasmin Selene Alvarez ,18 years old, and currently studying at Harrington University as a scholar.
"Jasmin, that's all I ever hear from you. 'They'll get tired.' But I don't think the word 'tired' exists in their vocabulary because you're still the hot topic on campus. The whole university knows about the rumors that you're a prostitute—don't get me wrong, but that's how everyone sees you. And you're not doing anything about it? All you say is 'let it go,' or 'they'll get tired,'" Katherine said.
I sighed again. "I just don't want trouble. If I retaliate, my scholarship might get affected. Besides, I'm not bothered because what they're saying isn't true. I haven't done anything wrong, and my conscience is clear," I explained.
One mistake and I could lose my scholarship. My education depends on it, and without it, I don't know how I'd continue my studies.
"Even so, sometimes you need to stand up for yourself. I won't always be here to back you up," she said. I smiled and hugged her.
"That's why I'm so thankful you're always here for me. I'll endure all their insults until I graduate," I said, smiling.
"Ugh! I don't know what to do with you... Anyway, I'll see you after class. I'm off," she said before leaving.
We're in different departments. Katherine is in Culinary Arts, while I'm in Fine Arts—drawing and painting. I've loved it since I was a child, so I decided to pursue it.
My dream is to have my own exhibit in an art gallery where people can see my work. That's why I'm working hard to achieve my goals.
As I continued walking, I bumped into the dean.
"Miss Alvarez, I need to talk to you. Follow me to my office," she said, making me nervous.
I followed her to her office.
"Take a seat," she said as we entered.
I sat in the vacant chair across from her desk.
"I wanted to talk to you about the rumors circulating about you. You know these could affect your scholarship," she said seriously.
"Dean, none of those rumors are true. Yes, I work at a club, but only as a waitress to support myself," I explained.
I can't lose my scholarship; it's my only hope.
"The board is very strict about these matters. If the rumors reach them, they might revoke your scholarship."
"But Dean, I'm telling the truth," I insisted.
She paused and looked at me. "I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything. The board will still have the final say."
"Thank you, Dean," I said, feeling disheartened as I left her office.
"Hey! Watch where you're going, slut!" a guy I accidentally bumped into sneered.
"S-sorry!" I said, quickly walking past him. But before I could get far, he grabbed my arm, stopping me.
"How much?" he asked.
I looked at him. "What?"
"Don't act innocent. Everyone knows you're a paid girl. So, how much?" he said, stepping closer and tilting my chin up.
I slapped his hand away and stepped back.
"Oh! Hahaha... she's playing hard to get," one of his friends said with a laugh.
"Don't embarrass me in front of my friends. I'll pay you well," he said, grabbing my hand and pulling me closer.
I pushed him hard and slapped him across the face, silencing his friends. "I'm not for sale!" I shouted before storming off.
Instead of going to class, I went to the school garden. Sitting on the grass, I cried, letting out all my emotions.
I stayed there for several minutes, eventually stopping my tears but still sitting with my face buried in my knees.
"What the hell are you doing here?" a cold voice startled me.
I looked up and saw a guy standing by a tree. I stood up and composed myself, only to freeze when he walked closer. That's when I recognized him.
How could I not? He's famous throughout the university—feared and admired by everyone. The Rebel Bad Boy of the university... Sebastian Grayson.
I instinctively stepped back, intimidated by the dark glare he gave me. His messy hair and the cuts on his face and lips only added to his menacing aura.
I gathered my courage and ignored his glare, turning to leave. But before I could, he grabbed my arm roughly, forcing me to face him.
"L-let me go—" I protested, wincing at his grip.
"Oh! Now I recognize you. You're the girl everyone's been talking about. So, I guess you're my gift," he said with a smirk.
I frowned, confused by his words.
He suddenly pulled me close by the waist, and before I could react, he kissed me.
It lasted only seconds before I shoved him away and slapped him hard. Wiping my lips, I glared at him before storming off.