When I returned to campus, I had become infamous overnight.

"That's Claire, the slut kept by a married man. So shameless!"


"Claire Jenkins is a homewrecker who seduces married men. Absolutely disgusting."

Everywhere I walked, people pointed and whispered.

I felt nothing. Or at least, I told myself I felt nothing as I walked with my head high, ignoring the stares and whispers.


In the classroom, my desk had been dragged outside, covered with footprints and vicious graffiti, large red X's, and insults.

It was stuffed with trash, my books torn and covered in spit.


"Claire Jenkins, the dean wants to see you in his office."

The class rep announced smugly from the podium, giving me a disdainful look.

I suddenly remembered what I'd said to Richard before leaving: "Mr. Collins, I'm tired of sleeping with you. Don't worry, I'll curse you every night from now on."

Richard had merely smiled coldly, shrugging with complete unconcern: "Claire, you'll come back to me."

He said it with such certainty, as if he had already orchestrated everything I would now face.

There had been rumors before.

But no one had ever dared to touch me.

I knew Richard was showing me the consequences of defying him.

I had arrogantly tried to take revenge on him, but he remained untouched while I fell into hell.

"Miss Jenkins, your behavior is extremely inappropriate. The school cannot ignore this. After discussion among the faculty, we've prepared this disciplinary measure for you."

He slid a document across the desk. A leave of absence certificate.

"You want me to drop out?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.

The dean cleared his throat again. "Claire, your current situation is not conducive to learning. Take a year off to reflect."

I took the paper and ripped it in half.

"No need. I quit."

Leaving his office, I immediately ran into Thomas, who was laughing and talking with another girl—a pretty blonde with perfect teeth and a designer handbag..

They looked good together. That girl clearly had a thing for him, leaning in too close, touching his arm as she laughed at something he said.

"Claire Jenkins."

As I passed by with my head down, he suddenly called out to me.

I didn't turn around, quietly waiting for him to continue.

"I heard my father dumped you. If you're looking for your next target, I can make some recommendations."

I clenched my fists, my heart shattering. Despite the humiliation and heartbreak, I still turned around.

Because I feared I might never see him again.

I forced a smile, my eyes crinkling. "Sure, I'm very affordable."

Thomas snorted coldly, his face twisted with disgust.

As if saying: Claire Jenkins, how can you be so pathetic!

Apart from Thomas, I thought I no longer feared anything, but I never expected Derek—the one who had almost raped me—to appear.

He cornered me on a deserted street near campus, his lips curling into a predatory smile.

He grabbed my breast roughly, his tongue sliding across my cheek. "Well, well, I heard you've been fucking a rich man. You've really moved up in the world!"

I shoved him away and slapped him hard. "Get lost!"

He backhanded me across the face, making my left cheek swell immediately.

He forced his knee between my legs, pinning me against the wall. "Stop pretending. Aren't you just a whore? Don't worry, I won't take it for free. I have money."

I felt like someone trapped in a nightmare, terror spreading through my body like ice water. Those hands that had violated me in the darkness were back.

I stood frozen, opening my mouth to scream, only to realize I had no right to ask for rescue.

He was right—what dignity did a whore have left to protect?

After all, I could sleep with anyone who paid.