Chapter 1676
Skyler was taken aback when something brushed past her head, instinctively ducking down, but then, a moment later, a plastic water bottle-thankfully empty-bounced off her shoulder.
Skylerâs gaze snapped up, locking eyes with Zavierâs piercing stare. His lips twitched, as if to say, âChin up, donât be a chicken.â
Straightening up, Skyler sat tall and proud, refusing to show any signs of weakness.
Just then, Amanda came trudging back, arms wrapped around a pack of bottled water sheâd failed to distribute.
Zavierâs attention drifted away, gaze wandering off to some distant point in the stands.
Amanda caught the tail end of his diverted attention and looked at Skyler with widened eyes. âOh my gosh, Skyler, was Zavier just checking you out?â
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Skyler dismissed it with a wave of her hand. âNo, donât be ridiculous.âe2
Amanda let out a dramatic sigh. âSuch a shame.â
The halftime break was fleeting. Some players were benched, but Zavier was still in the game, shining like a star. He played as if fatigue was a foreign concept to him, racking up more points than anyone else and stealing the spotlight with every move.
The crowd roared his name, their cheers a thunderous wave of admiration. By the end of the game, Zavier had amassed a small army of adoring fans.
Good times always passed quickly, and the game ended without anyone noticing.
Skylerâs friends dashed off, eager to hand out their water bottles to the players, only to return, spirits deflated. Out of the three, only Emma managed to give hers away.
Amanda slumped, crushed by the weight of her disappointment. âThis is the pits. I didnât catch the eye of the first guy I liked in college. Does this mean Iâm destined to be single for the next four years?â
Vivian tried to console her. âYouâve got me, so itâs not all bad.â
Emma, barely able to contain her glee, quickly steered the conversation away from her success. âSkyler, didnât you fancy anyone?â
Skyler shook her head. âIâm more into making money.â
As if on cue, a sweaty player in a jersey approached Skyler. âHey, Skyler!â
Her speech during the opening ceremony had made her somewhat of a campus celebrity. All eyes suddenly turned from the court to
her.
Caught off guard, she stammered, âCan I help you?â
The player extended a basketball toward her. âThis is for you. I hope you like it.â
Skyler was taken aback. âI canât accept this. It wouldnât be right.â
But he was adamant. âThis is my favorite basketball, and Iâm giving it to you because I like you. I want you to be my girlfriend.â The irony of the situation was not lost on her. Here she was, receiving a public confession, while her so-called fiancé was still on the court, oblivious to the drama unfolding.
Skyler glanced at Zavier, but he didnât even spare her a look, simply grabbing his stuff and walking away.
Relieved, she turned back to the guy. âIâm sorry, but Iâm not interested in dating anyone right now.â
The guyâs face flushed with embarrassment. He had turned down numerous girls who had approached him with water bottles because he had his sights set on Skyler. He thought his chances were good, but Skylerâs rejection was swift and final, leaving no room for doubt.
Determined, he pushed the basketball toward her again. âPlease, at least take the ball. Think it over and get back to me.â
Skyler stood her ground. âThereâs no need to think it over. I know what I want, and itâs not to be in a relationship. Please, donât waste your time on me.â