Ice & Prejudice

Chapter 79

Ria's POV:

The past two weeks had been a whirlwind. After the hockey game, Blake and I had gotten closer-closer than I'd expected. He was sweet, patient even, knowing I'd just gotten out of a relationship. He didn't push, didn't rush me into anything, and for that, I was grateful. Maybe that's why I said yes to him. I needed someone, anyone, to help me get over Nik.

Nik, who clearly hated me now.

Since that game, everything had changed. It wasn't just the awkwardness of seeing me and Blake hangout on campus or dodging Nik at every corner. No, it was the glares, the sneers, the insults muttered under people's breaths as I passed through the hallways. It started small-just the occasional look or whisper. But soon, it became more direct.

"Slut."

"Traitor."

"Homewrecker."

I'd hear it as I walked to class or across campus. It wasn't just in my head. It was everywhere-ugly comments, side-eye glances, dirty sneers and scowls. Even my Instagram DMs were flooded with threats and nasty messages. What the hell had I done? Nik had clearly moved on. He hadn't shown up at my place, my classes, or even at The Ruby. There was no sign of him anywhere. I was getting over him, but why did it feel like the whole campus had turned against me?

And then there was his social media. I couldn't help but see it. Well, I only watched it from Layla's phone. She was a really good friend. Nik was out partying almost every night, usually surrounded by girls, drinking, laughing. He looked like he was having the time of his life. Like I didn't even exist anymore. Like I never did.

And Vlad? Vlad had vanished. No more threats, no more showing up to scare me. It was as if the second I broke up with Nik, Vlad disappeared. But I knew better. He was probably somewhere, lurking in the shadows, enjoying every second of the chaos that was unfolding between Nik and me. The more Nik hated me, the more Vlad won.

I went to the campus Starbucks after class with Layla, needing something to calm my nerves. I ordered my usual black tea, not really feeling like matcha or anything fancy today, but when the barista handed me my cup, something was off. Instead of my name, someone had written "traitor" on the side in big, bold letters. My stomach twisted, but I kept my face neutral, even though inside, I was fuming.

Then I took a sip. Hot water. Just hot water. No tea, nothing.

Layla was ready to throw hands, already stepping up to the counter to give the girl a piece of her mind, but I grabbed her arm and shook my head. "It's fine, Layla. Let's just go."

She didn't look convinced, but she followed me out of the Starbucks anyway after sticking out her middle finger to the girl and calling her a bitch. I told her to go ahead already, that I had to take care of something first, though what I really needed was to find Nik. I had a sinking feeling this was all connected to him somehow.

We didn't make it far before a group of guys in athletic wear-who probably just came out of the gym-stopped us just as I was about to leave.

"Ria, right?" one of them grinned, his eyes scanning me in a way that made my skin crawl. "Heard you like to ride, huh? Always on top, isn't that right?"

My blood ran cold. What. The. Fuck.

Another one smirked, nudging his friend. "Bet she likes it rough too. Wolves said so."

It was like a punch to the gut. My ears rang, and suddenly, everything clicked into place. Nik had told them. He'd blabbed about our most intimate moments, spreading it around like gossip, like it was nothing. I saw red.