Scorched Earth: A Revenge Romance

Chapter Five

The week flew by in a zombielike haze after successfully turning in all my research papers. My regular coursework was an exhausting but welcome distraction from what Mina had told me at the diner. But by Friday afternoon, I was practically begging for the weekend to put me out of my misery as I trudged back from campus to our apartment.

Newbridge University sprawls across the rolling hills of Newbridge, Connecticut, a quaint New England coastal town perched on the precipice of the Atlantic. With its salt-kissed air and weathered charm, the town cradles the renowned institution on its rugged shores. Founded in the 19th century, Newbridge University first rose to academic prominence for its scientific innovations, becoming the heartbeat of the place that gave it its name.

The campus itself was a captivating blend of eras, a living timeline of its architectural evolution. Venerable redbrick buildings, their walls snaked with ivy, huddled in the shadows of sleek, modern structures. Their glass facades and gleaming steel frames stretched like sentinels of progress toward the sky. On the northern edge of campus sits the Science and Technology Park. Its cluster of cutting-edge facilities, with angular forms and expansive windows, reflect the changing light of day.

Gothic Revival library buildings stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Brutalist lecture halls. Postmodern student centers shared courtyards with Neo-Georgian dormitories. Each structure embodies a different chapter in Newbridge's history. As day turns to dusk, light and shadow dance around the grounds, blurring the lines between past and present, tradition and innovation.

As soon as I got back, I pushed open our apartment door, carelessly kicking off my shoes, seeking only one thing: my bed. I could have cried from joy the moment I bounced onto my bed, making sweet, delicious contact.

As much as I wanted to sleep the weekend away, I knew I had one more thing to check off from my to-do list. As a Journalism student, I also worked part-time for the university paper, the Newbridge Daily Herald. I had a couple more articles to send off before rotting away for the weekend. I was currently covering the student arts and entertainment section of the paper. I had already done my research on the active clubs and upcoming events on campus the week prior. Now, all that was left to do was write some compelling articles.

Rolling to my side with a groan, pulling my phone from my pocket. 6:10 PM. Mina will be home soon to start getting ready for her date. With how busy our schedules have been, Mina and I had practically been estranged since the start of the week, only able to share a few words in passing. Still, she had succeeded in getting me to agree to help her prepare for tonight. As she put it, I was the reason she had to go on this date in the first place.

A date she's excited to go on. I remind myself with a snort.

Mina had confirmed that Kian would pick her up at 8:00 PM to go to Le Jardin, a local French restaurant. We decided yesterday she would wear a chunky sweater and skirt combo paired with knee-high boots. It was chic yet understated.

Like clockwork, I hear the front door open, and Mina's voice echoes throughout the apartment, "Lye? Are you home?"

"In here," I say in response, my voice muffled as I remain face down on my bed. After a few silent beats, Mina appears at my open doorway, looking weary from her full day, but her eyes shine excitedly.

"So I was thinking." She jumps straight in, dumping her backpack on the floor of my room and coming close to the bed. "If tonight goes well, we might come back here so..."

I grunt. "Thanks for the heads up. I have to head to the library to finish writing some articles anyway. I probably won't be back until late."

Mina perks up. "Okay, cool, yeah, that works out then." She ties her hair in a messy bun and back-pedals to the bathroom. "I'm gonna go hop in the shower."