Trading My Ex for His Uncle (Nyla and Damon) novel Chapter 1322

Then, Stefan was enveloped by the fragrance.

When Valarie's arms wrapped around his waist, his body stiffened as though he had been struck by an electric jolt.

Before he could respond, she had already released him.

Smiling, she said, "Thanks for dinner and for showing me around campus tonight. Goodnight."

"G-Goodnight..." Stefan stammered.

As Valarie walked away, the faint scent of gardenias lingered for a moment before fading, leaving Stefan with an inexplicable sense of loss.

He stood there, watching her car until it disappeared from view. Only then did he snap back to reality and head toward his dorm.

Just as he reached the building, his phone rang. Seeing the name "Michelle" on the screen, he hesitated before stepping aside to answer.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"Nothing much. Just wondering how things are going with Valarie," Michelle replied.

"It's whatever. If that's all, I'm hanging up," Stefan said.

A cold laugh echoed from the other end of the line. "Stefan, if you still want me to cover your mother's medical bills, you'd better do exactly what I say. Otherwise, you might want to start preparing for her funeral."

Stefan's grip on his phone tightened. He stood there, silent for more than ten seconds, forcing down the rage and helplessness threatening to surface. "I got it. I'll do as you say."

"I expect you and Valarie to be together within a month," Michelle demanded.

Without waiting for him to respond, she ended the call.

Stefan's hand slowly dropped to his side.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he turned toward the dorm and disappeared into the shadows.