Chapter 4Reborn as the Villainess

On the main path of the campus, a young Ava Mills walked right into my line of sight, as if summoned.

I calmly sent Joseph away on an errand.

Then, I walked toward her.

This time, I didn't raise my hand to slap her.

Instead, I bumped her shoulder.

And then, I stumbled, falling dramatically to the ground. My phone flew from my hand, crashing onto the pavement with a sickening crack.

The screen spiderwebbed into a thousand pieces.

Ava’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh my god, I am so sorry! I was just talking to my friend, I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you okay? I’ll pay for the phone, I’m so, so sorry!”

She frantically took all the blame, her panic genuine.

Perhaps it was that almost foolish brand of kindness that made Joseph fall for her so completely.

A moment later, Joseph was there, his hand enclosing mine. “How could you be so careless?”

I watched him like a spectator at a play, my gaze cool and detached. His attention was entirely on me; he hadn't spared Ava a single glance.

But Ava was staring, her eyes fixed on the way he was helping me up.

“Who… who are you to her?” she asked abruptly.

It was an absurd question. We were wearing matching couple’s watches on our intertwined wrists. But she had to ask, as if she couldn't accept the obvious answer, clinging to a sliver of hope that she might hear a denial.

Joseph, completely focused on me, brushed the dust from my clothes. He replied to her politely, “I’m her fiancé.”

A sudden laugh escaped me. “We’re not married yet,” I said, my voice light. Then I turned to the girl. “Sweetheart, if you like him… feel free to shoot your shot.”

Ava’s eyes instantly turned red. I couldn’t tell if it was because of Joseph’s answer or my mocking words. She looked down, stammering, “Ma’am, your phone is broken… I just wanted to get his contact info so I can pay you back. Please… don’t get the wrong idea.”

Joseph’s brow furrowed. “Clara, what are you talking about? She’s just a kid. It was an accident, and she’s already apologized. How could you say something so flippant and embarrass her?”

So soon. The protectiveness was already showing.

I raised an eyebrow at him and smiled. “It was just a joke.”

He was still displeased. “It was disrespectful. She’s a student. Forget about the payment. I’ll buy you a new phone. Don’t give her a hard time.”

I looked down at the tips of my shoes, my voice soft but firm. “Add her, Joseph. Don’t fight destiny.”

Ava eagerly held out her phone. “Mr. Merton, I can afford to pay. Just because I’m a student doesn’t mean you should have to cover my mistakes. That would be… bad for my values.”

Joseph was silent for a moment. Finally, with the crisp chime of a notification, he added her as a contact.