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.

"You're hurting me! Let go!" Valarie cried.

Hearing that, Brandon immediately loosened his hold.

Valarie seized the opportunity to push him away, letting out a cold laugh. "How is this any different from stalking?

"Brandon, I don't need you controlling who I see or what I do. If you keep following me, our one-month deal is off. I won't give you another chance."

"Valarie, I can't stand seeing you smile at another man. I can't bear the thought of you falling in love with someone else. That would be too cruel for me... Just give me a month, okay? After that, let's give ourselves another chance," Brandon pleaded.

Looking at his bloodshot eyes, Valarie clenched the strap of her purse and turned her head away. "You have no right to make demands of me, and I have no obligation to wait for you."

To her, there was no way Brandon could go an entire month without seeing Michelle.

He had made promises before, yet still met with Michelle behind her back.