I Married My Husband’s Rival

The day I received the invitation to the centennial reunion, I ran into Travis Jordan, my first love. After delivering his speech as the alumni representative, he took everyone by surprise by pulling out a diamond ring.

"You once said you'd make me a wedding ring from thorny roses. Now it's my turn to propose.

"Lucia, will you marry me?"

The auditorium went wild. Everyone expected me to tearfully nod in agreement. After all, back then I had pursued him so eagerly, it shocked the entire campus.

But everyone seemed to have forgotten.

My graduation project was accused of copying Sarahi Medina's work. Travis Jordan knew the truth but branded me as the plagiarist. At the press conference, as the brand ambassador, he announced the severance of our collaboration and led an industry-wide boycott against me.

On the day my reputation was shattered, I left town.

Now, as I return, his friends urge me:

"Travis has waited for you all these years, despite how you embarrassed him back then. You're still the one in his heart. He even stormed the dean's office to get your diploma. Lucia, he really loves you."

...

"Stop checking your phone and give me a response!"

Noticing that I was ignoring his words, Cade Moore looked annoyed. Calmly setting down my phone, I faced him with indifference.

"Travis may come from a wealthy background, but he hates it when people cozy up to him because of his status. Even though his father is on the board, he’s never used that to gain favor. Yet, he went to great lengths with the dean for your diploma, nearly getting in serious trouble for it!"

"Lucia Rivera, do you even have a heart? Don’t you feel anything?"

Cade rattled off the past events like my lack of emotion was some sort of crime. I surveyed the room, slightly furrowing my brow.

The curious alumni watching the scene quickly averted their eyes, pretending not to notice, though they were clearly eavesdropping.

The plagiarism scandal years ago caused quite the stir. Even now, seven years later, I can still recognize disdain and judgment on their faces.

Today is no different. I was simply heading backstage to get ready for the reunion when Cade intercepted me to relay this barrage of words.

I couldn't discern whether he acted out of loyalty to his friend, resented my abrupt departure seven years ago, or was simply sent to pass on the message upon hearing I’d be here.

But for me, none of it mattered anymore.

I sighed. "What am I supposed to feel? It's all ancient history."

Perhaps my response wasn’t what Cade had expected. His brow furrowed, looking at me with bewilderment.

I understood his confusion. After all, during my freshman year, I had pursued Travis Jordan for three unforgettable months, astounding the entire campus.

Upon discovering Travis's passion for astronomy at the observatory, I went to great lengths to find meteorite fragments and crafted a star necklace for him.

Just to