Chapter 2The Girl in the Photo

My heart hammered against my ribs, but I pushed down the rising panic.

I kept my voice steady: "Who's your boyfriend? Do we know him?"

Bella lifted her chin. "You know Sterling Real Estate? He's from that family!"

She pulled a boastful smile. "Last month he sent me a bracelet worth over a grand, and he said he'd take me to meet his parents after graduation."

My roommate snorted with laughter. "A rich kid? He must have... unique tastes."

The smugness on Bella's face instantly solidified, then her face flushed red. "What do you mean? He loves my soul!"

Her voice was shrill, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "He says I'm interesting, I understand him! I get him! What do you guys know!"

The dorm fell silent, the atmosphere awkward.

That Reddit thread was still updating.

The OP asked: [I want to surprise her. What kind of guys do girls like this go for?]

I looked up.

Looking at Bella's red nose. "Have you guys met in person? Is this an online relationship?"

The other two roommates looked at her simultaneously, waiting for an answer. "Bella, don't tell me you've never met?" "Yeah, don't tell me you're catfishing him."

It was meant as a joke, but the blood drained from Bella's face rapidly.

Her lips pressed tightly together.

A moment later, she hastily dropped a "My advisor is looking for me" and grabbed her coat, rushing out the door.