Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
“Really?” Jacqueline ruffled Cameron’s hair affectionately.
Cameron frowned, then forced herself to relax.
Helen smiled, “You two are classmates. Of course, you’d have a lot in common.”
Austin chuckled, “Helen, we’re alumni, too.”
Helen’s smile widened. “Yeah, we are.”
For the rest of the day, the four of them stayed together the whole time. Every time Austin tried to catch Cameron alone, she deliberately shut him out.
By evening, Jacqueline had warmly extended dinner invitations to both Helen and Austin.
Levi looked at Cameron with loving eyes. “Did you enjoy your afternoon, sweetheart?”
Cameron nodded. “Very much, Dad.” As long as her mom was there, it was perfect.
Gavin looked guilty. “Sorry, Cam. i’ve been too busy lately. I couldn’t join you.”
Cameron smiled gently, “I’m not a kid needing constant entertainment. As long as Mom was with me, that’s enough.”
Austin sighed dramatically, “Cameron, our family so warm. I’m jealous.”
Cameron glanced at him and gave a faint smile, without saying a single word.
Helen, trying not to let the moment grow awkward, smiled, “Yeah, our family has always been loving.”
Austin’s gaze dropped. “I wish 1 had that.”
Seeing Austin’s sad look, Helen wasn’t sure what to say to comfort him.
Jacqueline smiled, “You’re Helen’s friend. If you’d like, feel free to come visit anytime.”
Austin’s head snapped up, eyes shining. “Really? Mrs. Yates. But… won’t that be too much of a bother?”
Jacqueline shook her head. “Not at all.”
Levi stayed silent. If Austin were Helen’s potential boyfriend, occasional visits wouldn’t be an issue either.
As for Gavin, his attention had never left Cameron the entire dinner.
After dinner, while others lingered over chat, Cameron went outside and gazed silently at the night sky.
Less than a minute later, she heard footsteps approaching. She turned around and saw Austin standing behind her.
Cameron looked at him with a faint smile and whispered, “Planning to come to my home often?”
The smile on Cameron’s face was something Austin hadn’t seen in a long time. He was excited, nodding eagerly. “Of course. Is that okay? Cameron, have you forgiven me?”
“What?” Cameron suddenly raised her voice, shocking everyone. “You like me? But Helen brought you here. Are you two-timing her?”
Austin’s eyes widened in shock. He had no idea why she would say something like that out of nowhere.
Cameron’s voice immediately drew the attention of Levi and the others inside.
Before Austin could react, Gavin was already sprinting over. He shoved Austin back, shielding Cameron with his body. “You dare covet my sister!”
Cameron peeked out from behind Gavin, clutching his sleeve with faux innocence. “Gavin, I don’t want to date anyone.”
Her cautious expression and the way her voice trembled sent Gavin into overdrive. “No one’s forcing you, Cam.” Then, he kicked Austin hard, sending him crashing to the ground.
“Security, get him out of here,” Gavin ordered.
Austin hit the ground hard, wheezing.
“Austin!” The whole thing happened so fast that Helen was completely stunned. She finally snapped out of her daze and rushed to help him up.
Austin winced in pain from the kick to his ribs but forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
Levi stormed over with a sullen face. “Helen, take your friend and leave. Now.”
He thought, ‘Who does this punk think he is, coveting my daughter? Humph!’
Helen hesitated.
Austin froze. He never expected that Cameron’s words would cause Gavin and Levi to turn on him like this.
These were Cameron’s father and brother. Austin couldn’t afford to offend them. He hurried to explain, “Mr. Yates, Gavin, it’s not what you-“
“Not what?” Cameron cut in coldly. “You don’t like me?”
Austin hesitated. He liked her, and that was why he had gone through all the trouble of chasing her all the way to the island.
Jacqueline’s expression darkened. “Austin, what you did was way out of line.”
Cornered, Austin had no choice but to come clean. “Mr. Yates, Mrs. Yates, please let me explain. My feelings for Cameron aren’t new. I’ve loved her since high school.
“We had a disagreement recently, and she stopped speaking to me. That’s why I asked Helen to bring me here. I want to apologize properly.”
Cameron’s voice dripped ice. “So you used my cousin?”
Austin didn’t answer right away.
Helen understood. She had noticed Austin’s lingering glances at Cameron earlier but chalked it up to Cameron’s striking beauty. Now the truth hit her like a slap. She had been nothing more than a pawn in his game.
Jacqueline frowned, “I never took you for the manipulative type.”
Helen really was too innocent to have fallen for that.
Levi’s gaze was sharp as he stared at Austin. “So you’ve been harassing my daughter?”
“Dad, why are we even debating this?” Gavin clenched his fists. “Throw him out.”
Facing Levi and Gavin’s anger, Austin still refused to back down. “Mr. Yates, I’m not harassing Cameron. I’m courting her. All I’m asking for is a fair chance.”
Levi’s face darkened further. “Showing up at our home uninvited isn’t harassment? And you dare ask for a fair chance?”
Austin tried to defend himself. “Mr. Yates, I had no choice. Cameron blocked all my contact information. This was my last resort.”
“So now it’s my fault?” Cameron gave him a cold, half-smile.
Austin shook his head. “No. It’s my fault.” He had just cared too much. He didn’t want her to spend time alone with Bradley, and jealousy drove him to sabotage her relationship with Bradley. That was in the past, and he thought it was over.
“Enough,” Gavin snapped. “Security, throw him out!”
The guards moved instantly.
Helen didn’t want the situation to escalate further. She stepped between them, her voice strained. “Austin, just go.” She reached for his arm, signaling the guards to stand down, only to be shoved away by Austin.
Helen stumbled back a few steps, frowning slightly.
Stumbling back, Helen frowned. Jacqueline steadied her and stared at Austin.
Austin’s gaze remained locked on Cameron. “You’d really cut me off over something so trivial?”
Cameron stared at him coldly. “Get out.”
“Huh.” Austin lowered his gaze, letting out a bitter laugh. There was nothing but sorrow behind that sound.
He thought, ‘She’s driving me away? Doesn’t she realize she’s the only light I’ve ever known? She pulled me from darkness, but now, she is pushing me back in?’
Jacqueline studied Austin with growing unease. Something was unsettling about his melancholy.
She finally spoke, “Helen, take him away.”
Helen nodded.
This time, Austin didn’t resist as Helen led him off.
Gavin ruffled Cameron’s hair protectively. “It’s okay, Cam. You’ve got us.
Cameron smiled up at him. “Thanks, Gavin.”
Levi’s voice was gruff with concern. “Sweetheart, if anyone bothers you again, tell me immediately. You shouldn’t handle this alone.”
Levi had still shown some mercy because of Helen. Otherwise, Austin wouldn’t have left so easily.
Jacqueline squeezed Cameron’s hand. “We’re your family, Cam. We share your burdens.”
