Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Cameron chuckled, “Just do your work. Don’t mind me.”
Gavin grinned. “I’m not busy.” He immediately fetched pastries, fruit, and drinks for her.
Helen hadn’t expected Cameron to be so indifferent toward Austin. Then again, Cameron had been equally aloof during their first meeting.
Helen smiled, trying to smooth things over, “Don’t take it personally, Austin. Cam is just not much of a talker.”
Austin gave a smile. “No problem at all.”
Gavin and his parents’ attention remained laser-focused on Cameron.
As Austin chatted with Helen, his gaze kept drifting toward Cameron. The way her family doted on her was undeniable. He watched this scene and smiled.
Cameron sensed his stare and turned to meet his eyes. Austin immediately offered another tentative smile.
Cameron simply looked away, expression unchanged.
Austin was mused, thinking, ‘Girls really know how to nurse a grievance. It was just a tiny misstep, and she is still treating me coldly. Guess I’ll have to be extra careful not to anger her.’
Still, his smile lingered. He thought, ‘But now, as Helen’s junior, I’ve got a reason to be here. And that means more chances to come to see her.’
At this thought, Austin couldn’t help but smile.
Helen noticed Austin’s lingering gaze on Cameron, and for some reason, a quiet sense of disappointment settled in her chest.
The first time Helen had seen Austin by the artificial lake on campus. His stunning appearance had taken her breath away. With his classical elegance and aristocratic charm, he was ridiculously attractive. And he had been the one to approach her.
At the time, Helen had been talking to her friend about her newfound sister when Austin struck up a conversation.
Hearing she lived on a private island, Austin had wistfully mentioned he had never visited one. Helen couldn’t resist inviting him.
By lunchtime, Austin, as Helen’s guest, naturally joined the family meal.
Levi, Jacqueline, and Gavin focused on Cameron, not paying attention to Austin. Seeing Austin, Cameron shot him another icy glare.
Austin pretended not to notice, his smile unshaken.
Jacqueline ruffled Cameron’s hair. “Sweetheart, we made all your favorites. Try the fish.”
Only after piling Cameron’s plate did she remember Austin. “Austin, help yourself. Make yourself at home.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Yates.” Austin’s manners were impeccable.
Cameron’s eyes narrowed, but Austin’s grin didn’t falter ?t all.
The Yates family’s attention remained fixated on Cameron, though she clearly needed no coddling.
As Helen’s guest, Austin became her responsibility. When he flashed Helen a dazzling smile, her heart stuttered.
After lunch, Jacqueline led Cameron upstairs to her walk-in closet. “Cam, I bought the perfect dress last week. It’ll look divine on you. Try it.”
Cameron stood before the floor-length mirror.
The dress was soft ivory, its intricate embroidery hand-stitched with delicate precision, elegant yet understated.
Though slender, Cameron’s good frame filled out the dress perfectly. Paired with her short hair, the look was striking.
Jacqueline beamed at her reflection. “Stunning. Sweetheart, you’re even prettier than I was at your age.”
Cameron draped an arm around Jacqueline’s shoulders. “Thanks, Mom. I love it.”
Jacqueline then handed her a pair of white heels.
As Cameron slipped them on, Jacqueline nodded approvingly. “Perfect.”
A rare, tender smile touched Cameron’s lips. This was what family love felt like.
“Helen wants to take her junior sightseeing,” Jacqueline said. “October is the best time to see the island. Come with us, Cam?”
Cameron hesitated but finally agreed.
The island in autumn was breathtaking. Golden leaves shimmered along the coastal road, rustling in the sea breeze. Flocks of seagulls soared against the azure sky.
They boarded an open-top tour vehicle. Cameron and Jacqueline took the front seats. Helen and Austin settled behind them.
Helen gestured proudly at the vista. “See, Austin? I told you it was beautiful.”
Austin smiled, “Yeah. Beautiful.” His gaze lingered on Cameron’s profile. She was even more breathtaking in that dress.
This was his first time seeing her in feminine attire, and the transformation left him spellbound. But he forced himself to look away, stealing only occasional glances.
Cameron rolled her eyes. She didn’t need to turn around to feel his stare.
The vehicle stopped by the beach. All four stepped out.
Cameron slipped off her heels, letting the warm sand press between her bare toes as she walked ahead.
Jacqueline settled into a lounge chair with a contented sigh.
Austin turned to Helen with an apologetic smile. “Mind if I walk alone for a bit?”
Helen’s grin faltered for just a second before she nodded. “Of course.” She joined Jacqueline on the loungers.
Austin quickened his pace to catch up with Cameron.
“Cameron.” He called out once they were out of earshot.
Cameron stopped, the sea breeze tousling her short hair as she turned with an icy expression.
Austin closed the distance with a smile. “What a coincidence. Helen is actually your cousin.”
Cameron gave him a sharp, icy look. “When exactly did you decide I’m an idiot?”
Austin froze.
“What’s your game, Austin?” Cameron’s tone was cold.
His smile didn’t waver. “No game. Just serendipity.”
“Hmph,” Cameron scoffed, clearly not buying it for a second.
His gaze softened as he took her in. “You look incredible today, Cam.”
Cameron snorted, “That concerns you?”
Austin sighed, “Do we really have to talk like this? Can’t we just get along like we used to?”
“You think that’s possible?” Cameron stared at him. “Do you believe we can go back to how things were?”
Even Austin’s patience had its limits. After repeated rejections, his smile vanished. “I’ve apologized a dozen times!” he snapped.
“So?” Cameron snorted. “That means I owe you forgiveness?”
Austin said, “Enough with the grudge, Cameron.”
Cameron’s eyes turned icy. “Last warning, Austin. Stop harassing me, or you’ll regret it.”
Austin shrugged. “Do your worst. You saved my life. You might as well take it back.”
Cameron almost lost her temper.
“Cam.” Just then, Jacqueline and Helen’s approaching footsteps crunched over the sand.
Cameron thought Austin was hopeless. She couldn’t even stand to look at him any longer.
Then, she schooled her features into serenity. As she brushed past him, she warned him in a low voice. “Don’t bother me again.”
Austin didn’t respond.
Cameron beamed at Jacqueline. “Mom.”
“Having a nice chat?” Jacqueline asked warmly.
Cameron linked arms with her. “Just catching up.”
Helen glanced between Cameron’s practiced smile and Austin’s rigid posture, brow furrowing.
By the time Austin turned around, his mask was flawless again. “Mrs. Yates,” he said softly. “Cameron and I have so much in common.”
