Chapter 1My Boyfriend’s ‘Temporary Dating Agreement’ With My Bestie

Sophie Jordan and her boyfriend, Carter Jennings, had been in a long-distance relationship for four years while studying at different universities. During the semester break, Sophie took an eight-hour train ride to North Capital University to see Carter, but he was not around.

The resident advisor looked her up and down with a smile. "Are you here for Carter Jennings? He isn't here for the semester break. He won't be back for a few days."

Sophie's grip on her luggage tightened. "Is there some kind of mistake? He just told me that he's in his dorm."

Sophie had texted Carter just minutes ago, and he told her he was tired and wanted to take a nap in his dormitory.

"I have no reason to lie. Look, he wrote a note about it." The resident advisor showed her the note.

"He left for Southern University to see his girlfriend. He always visits her during the holidays, rain or shine.

"Carter Jennings loves his girlfriend a lot. Every guy in his dorm knows that! Look, his roommates are right there."

His roommates were speaking about him.

"Too bad Carter isn't around this long holiday. If he were here, we could’ve formed a team for that big competition!"

"All he thinks about is his girlfriend. He's always with her during the holidays."

"It takes five hours to travel to Southern University from here, but he doesn't find it tiring at all. When I asked him why his girlfriend doesn't come here to visit him instead, he said he didn't want to exhaust her with all the travelling. Dang, he must really love her!"

The boys laughed as they walked past Sophie, and she heard everything they said.

Her grip tightened gradually on her luggage as her excitement turned to fear.

Southern University? She was not studying there.

Who had her boyfriend been meeting without fail every semester break?

* * *

Carter Jennings ended up at North Capital University, while Sophie Jordan had to head to the far South to Streamston University.

Never once did Carter come to see her in the four years they were at university, not even during the eleven federal holidays.

Every time she asked Carter to visit her, he gave the excuse that it was too far and that the journey would take eight hours, which he could put to better use by conducting several experiments during that time.

When Sophie offered to visit him instead, Carter would say they were too young to be wasting their time on dating. He told her that they should focus on their studies for these four years, and after that, they could be together forever.

If Carter had pushed her away, who had he been seeing during those holidays over the past four years?

Sophie immediately thought of Ruby Wrenly, her best friend who was studying at Southern University, but that was impossible. Sophie had been with Carter since high school, and they were deeply in love. Carter would never choose to visit Ruby instead of her.

She lowered her head, dragging her luggage behind her as she left North Capital University. Sophie decided to find out the truth, and she bought a train ticket to Southern University. Before she left, she texted Carter.

Sophie: [What are you doing now, Carter?]

Carter: [I'm exhausted. I'm pretty tired, so I'm going to head to bed. I'll chat to you later.]

Sophie texted Ruby next.

Sophie: [What are you doing right now, Ruby?]

Ruby: [A friend came to visit me. I'm taking him out to go sightseeing and have dinner.]

Sophie: [Him?]

Sophie: [It's a boy? Are you dating someone now?]

Ruby: [Guess!]

Ruby's reply was short, but it was enough to make Sophie's hand tremble. She was afraid that Ruby's boyfriend would turn out to be her boyfriend, Carter.

When Sophie arrived at Southern University, the sky was already dark. She arrived at the building where Ruby's dormitory was and was about to call her when she saw a familiar figure dash to jump into the arms of a man nearby.

"Have you waited long? I've told my roommates that I won't be going back tonight."

The boy took a mini electric fan out of his bag and pointed it at the girl. "I've booked a hotel for tonight. Do you feel hot?

“I got you an iced coffee. It’s your favorite macchiato. I bought it just for you!"

She hugged his arm and said coquettishly, "You're the best, Carter! I love macchiatos. I'll make sure to reward you tonight!"

"And how do you plan to reward me?"

"I'll give you a kiss."

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss the side of his lips, but it was not enough for him, as he suddenly grabbed her by the waist to kiss her deeply.

Sophie watched all of this clearly from under the street light. It really was Carter with Ruby, and the electric fan he was using on her was a graduation gift Sophie had gotten him. A cute sticker Sophie had specially chosen was still on it.

Now, Carter was using her gift to make another girl happy.

Sophie was overcome with emotion as she stared at Carter and Ruby. Tears started brimming in her eyes, and she felt so horrible that she lost the strength to hold onto her luggage.

Bam!

The luggage fell over on the ground, and Carter and Ruby looked in her direction. Their faces turned pale when they saw her.

Carter frowned and asked in a trembling voice, "What are you doing here, Sophie?"