Two years had passed since Adeline was forcibly removed from Moonhaven. A city full of sweet yet painful memories, as she had to leave the man she loved deeply.
Moonhaven would likely become her birthplace that she would never visit again in her lifetime, especially considering how Rowan's parents had treated her.
Now, at twenty years old, Adeline decided to enter a new chapter of her life as a freshman at Blackridge University in Rivertown.
Her journey to reach this point wasn't easy. She struggled hard just to survive.
Adeline still remembered. That night when she arrived in Rivertown, she felt like trash thrown away by Victor and Lena at the roadside with just enough money to survive for only a week.
"That's money entrusted from Mr. Leonard and Mrs. Mirabel for you, Adeline," Victor said at that time. "Take care of yourself. We can no longer support your life. We're doing this on Mr. Leonard's orders."
Adeline was forced to look for work. Every day she worked hard, from café waitress to dishwasher to dry food store clerk, to save money for her future college education and meet her living needs.
Often, she would return home late at night in an unimaginably exhausted state, but always remembered her dream of going to college. That's what gave her strength.
This is a new beginning, Adeline. You've made it this far. Nothing can stop you anymore.
Adeline encouraged herself, even if only in her heart.
Adeline knew life wouldn't be easy for her, but with each step, hope grew, hope to become a stronger person. She wanted to prove that she could rise above and break free from the past that always haunted her.
Now, before her stood a vast and magnificent campus. Blackridge University would become her new world.
I'm no longer a fragile girl who can be bullied by anyone at will. Here, I will stand on my own feet, to achieve a beautiful future.
Adeline determined in her heart while clenching her fist.
Although sometimes there was still an unspoken feeling of longing, for someone she still deeply loved to this day. Adeline knew that separation wasn't what that man wanted. But it seemed fate wanted them to walk separate paths.
I'm sure I can live without him. I hope you're always happy in Moonhaven, Rowan.
With full conviction, Adeline stepped through the campus gates, ready to face all challenges awaiting her in the future.
However, fate apparently had its own plans. The first day at this luxurious campus became the most shocking day for Adeline. When she was already in class and seated, also getting acquainted with her new friends. Suddenly entered a man she had never expected before.
"Good morning everyone. I'm Rowan Nightshade, the new professor who will teach you in this class," he greeted, while smiling, showing his handsomeness. "I will also be your academic advisor. I hope we can work together to achieve deep understanding in this class."
Rowan. That name echoed in Adeline's mind as she now lowered her head. Her body suddenly stiffened, and her gaze was fixed on the figure who now looked at the entire class with a stern and charismatic expression.
She could hardly believe that Rowan now stood before her as her professor.
Rowan's gaze passed over all the students in the room as each introduced themselves to him.
But when his gaze met Adeline's eyes, his expression changed. From warm to cold, and there was a flash of vengeance in it. Adeline could feel her heart beating fast, as if there was a storm raging in her chest.
Throughout the class meeting, Adeline tried to avoid Rowan's gaze, but in vain. Rowan kept throwing glances full of hatred and anger that couldn't be hidden.
"Alright. Today's material is finished. We'll meet again tomorrow," said Rowan.
"Yes, Mr. Nightshade."
One by one, the students left the room. So did Adeline. She tried to get up to leave, but Rowan's voice stopped her.
"Miss Adeline, I want you to stay in class. There's something I need to tell you," said Rowan with a smile that looked sweet, but in Adeline's eyes, that smile seemed to contain hidden threats.
Adeline frowned, but there was no choice but to obey. When the classroom was empty, leaving Rowan and Adeline alone, Rowan walked closer with slow steps. Each of his echoing steps sounded sharp in Adeline's ears.
"How are you, Adeline?" his voice cold and sharp. "I didn't expect fate would bring us together again."
Adeline tried to smile despite feeling awkward. "Fine, Mr. Nightshade. I hope you're also doing well and–"
"Well?" Rowan cut off Adeline's words with a cynical tone. "Do you think I could be fine after what you did to me?"
Adeline swallowed, feeling terrified by Rowan's vengeful gaze. "I... I don't understand, Sir."
Rowan moved closer still, looking at Adeline's face with fiery eyes. "Don't play dumb, Adeline."
He walked around Adeline who was still sitting.
He continued speaking. "You left me just like that, with a silly letter left behind. You asked my father for a large sum of money in exchange for our relationship then left with another man. Do you know how broken I was by your actions?"
Adeline froze when Rowan said he was broken because of that separation. She thought only she was broken.
Slowly Adeline shook her head, feeling confused mixed with fear. "Rowan, that's not what happened. I never left you. It was your parents who offered me money and asked me to leave but I refused. But that night I was still forced to leave. I–"
"Enough! Stop your lies, Whore!" Rowan dismissed her words. "My mother even happily accepted you that night when I proposed to you in front of the guests! You don't deserve to give any explanation. I've suffered enough because of you."
Adeline was shocked to hear Rowan call her 'Whore'. She felt her eyes starting to heat up, but she tried to stay strong. "Rowan... Please, listen to me."
Rowan ignored her plea, instead moving closer and grabbing Adeline's chin, forcing her face to look up at him. "Look at me, Adeline. You think I'll forget how you left me? You think I'll let you live peacefully after betraying me like that?"
Adeline felt the pain in her heart. She wanted to explain the truth, but Rowan's hateful gaze instantly silenced her. She realized Rowan had misunderstood. But how could she explain if she wasn't given the chance?
"Rowan, you don't understand. I even–"
"I what, Huh?!" Rowan cut off Adeline's words again while shouting near her ear, making Adeline scared. Her tears had been falling since earlier. Rowan laughed cynically. "From the beginning you intended to destroy me. I don't need any explanation from you. All I want to do to you now is revenge."
Adeline looked down, tears still flowing on her cheeks. However, Rowan showed not the slightest mercy. For him, Adeline's tears were nothing compared to his broken heart.
"Don't cry, Adeline. Your tears mean nothing to me now. They only add proof to how fake you are," Rowan said coldly.
Rowan moved closer to Adeline. His right hand moved quickly, going under Adeline's skirt, making the girl gasp.
"Rowan, please. Don't be like this," Adeline pleaded.
"Why? You don't like my touch and prefer your lover's touch, Hmm?" Rowan asked.
Adeline kept restraining herself while closing her eyes tightly. She knew Rowan wanted to degrade her and make her look like a cheap woman, by begging Rowan to continue his actions.
Seeing Adeline's determination, Rowan became annoyed. He pulled back his hand, then licked his finger which had white spots from having entered Adeline's intimate area.
That hand then gripped Adeline's chin hard. "I will make you kneel, crawl while begging for my forgiveness."
After saying that, Rowan released Adeline's chin and turned to leave her. Without looking back, he said, "Tomorrow, don't be late to my class again. I don't like undisciplined students."
Without waiting for an answer, Rowan turned and walked out of the classroom. The door was closed with a loud echoing sound, leaving Adeline alone in silence.
Adeline again shed her tears at Rowan's cruel attitude and his refusal to hear her explanation.
It seemed from today on, her life would be chaotic. Rowan would never let her go before he felt satisfied avenging his heartbreak due to the cruel slander of Mr. Leonard Nightshade and his wife.
In the corridor, Rowan stopped briefly to catch his breath. His hand was tightly clenched. The anger in his chest was burning.
When the classroom door opened, Rowan caught a glimpse through the corner of his eye as Adeline left the class with slow steps. Her face still showed sadness she couldn't hide.
Then, a man Adeline's age approached her. The man smiled kindly, but that smile turned to concern when he saw Adeline looking distraught.
Seeing this scene, Rowan's blood boiled.
"So that's the man who made Adeline leave me?" Rowan asked himself with a tone full of hatred. "He still dares to approach her?"
Rowan stared sharply, his jaw hardening as he imagined this man having fun with Adeline for these 2 years.
"Adeline! I swear you'll regret destroying me for that man!"