Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
The others chimed in excitedly, “He’s so handsome. That golden blonde hair is so cool!”
“Gorgeous and plays piano-I’m absolutely in love.”
Cameron couldn’t help but glance up when she heard the young women chattering.
The anchor said, “Recently, renowned pianist Austin is set to return home for his first solo concert in the country. The tour’s opening show will take place in Austin’s hometown of Viremont.
“Austin graduated from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and is extraordinarily talented. Having the opportunity to attend one of his exclusive performances domestically is truly an honor.”
Cameron watched the news anchor’s enthusiastic, report with a calm expression.
“Austin’s coming back?’ she wondered. She only looked up briefly before lowering her gaze back to her breakfast.
The friction between her and Austin had happened seven years ago. After all this time, Cameron had moved on completely. Hearing news about Austin felt no different than hearing about an old classmate.
Cameron’s daily routine was simple. She spent her time in the l?b, continuing her drug research work.
Even though her schedule was pretty predictable, Cameron never found it boring. When she was doing something she was passionate about, it never felt dull.
Around mid-morning, the receptionist knocked on the lab’s glass door. “Ms. Yates, you have, a delivery.”
Cameron peeled off her sterile lab coat, washed her hands, and left the lab for her office. She had her own private office space.
Walking in, she spotted an adorable delivery bag sitting on her desk. Cameron looked puzzled as she opened it-inside was a milkshake. cake.
“Who sent this?” she murmured to herself.
She picked up her phone, and as soon as it unlocked with face recognition, she saw a WhatsApp message from Bradley. nall
Bradley: [Cam, Eddie told me you have a sweet tooth. I ordered you a milkshake and a little cake. When you’re tired from work, take a break and enjoy the lemonade.]
A hint of amusement flickered in Cameron’s beautiful eyes,
Cameron: [Brad, thanks, but our company provides free milkshakes and pastries. You don’t need to send stuff anymore.]
Bradley’s reply came quickly. (Cam, what your company gives you is a work perk. What I send you comes from the heart.]
Cameron opened the small cake, took a bite, and then sent Bradley a WhatsApp message. [The cake tastes great.
Bradley replied: [I’ll order you another one tomorrow.]
Cameron sat in her swivel chair, holding the small cake and feeding herself spoonfuls while reading Bradley’s message. The cake was too sweet, and a slight smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
Seven years ago, it had been just like this. Bradley knew she loved milkshakes and would occasionally buy it for her. He’d always been gentle and thoughtful, and Cameron enjoyed spending time with him.
But after she rejected him, Bradley immediately changed into a completely different person. It was what Cameron found so confusing. She wasn’t sure if Bradley would slip back into old patterns again, so she didn’t want to take that step for now.
Still, if she had to date someone, it would be him.
While Cameron was lost in her thoughts, Bradley sent another message: [Cam, you’ll be getting home late tonight after your friend’s mom’s birthday party. Can I give you a ride home? It’s unsafe for a girl to be alone so late.]
Cameron had already finished her little cake and started on her milkshake, texting Bradley back with one hand: [Okay.]
Bradley: [Can I come with you on the boat?]
Cameron: [The boat’s perfectly safe.]
Bradley: [With all those people on board, it’s unsafe.]
Cameron: [Fine.]
Bradley: [Send me your friend’s address. I’ll wait for you there.]
Cameron sent over the address. [Sounds good. Come around nine.]
Cameron hadn’t even left work yet when Amelia called, “Cam, you absolutely have to dress to kill tonight and find yourself a boyfriend while you’re at it.” Amelia was getting her hair done.
Cameron stepped out of the lab to take the call, leaning against the wall in her sterile lab coat. Through the reflective surface, she caught a glimpse of herself and laughed. “I’m not that desperate, am I?”
“Look, just trust me on this-you can never go wrong looking gorgeous,” Amelia insisted.
“Don’t worry. I won’t embarrass you,” Cameron assured her.
For tonight’s event, Cameron would naturally wear a formal dress. She’d already prepared everything, including her makeup-it was all part of the plan.
“I’m getting a facial later. Want to come with me?” Amelia asked.
“No thanks, I’ve still got work to finish up. You go ahead,” Cameron replied.
“How about I pick you up then?”
“Will you have enough time?”
Amelia grinned, “It’ll be a tiny bit tight.”
“Then don’t worry about me. Your mom’s the star of the show tonight. I can get there myself.”
“Alright then, Cam baby, see you tonight.”
Cameron laughed, “You’re so cheesy.”
“Just wait until you’re being cheesy with your future husband.”
Cameron was speechless.
Cameron slipped into her dress and applied light makeup that evening before driving to Chapman Manor.
Tonight was Kate’s birthday dinner, but it was all about finding Amelia a future husband. Pretty much every elite in Viremont had been invited.
The crowd was massive. The Chapman Manor parking lot was already packed. When Cameron arrived, security directed her to park on the street outside,
She grabbed her gift box, stepped out in her heels, and started walking toward the manor when something caught her eye. The car in front of hers looked familiar. hapter
Cameron stopped in her tracks. Looking closer, she realized Bradley’s car was parked right in front of hers.
It was barely past six. The sun hadn’t set yet, and most guests hadn’t arrived.
She wondered, ‘Bradley’s here? Is he here for Kate’s birthday party, or is he waiting for me? This is way too early!
Cameron bent down and peered through the car window. Sure enough, Bradley was sitting in the driver’s seat. She knocked on the glass.
Bradley turned his head and saw Cameron. A gentle smile immediately spread across his handsome face.
Bradley quickly unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car. His eyes locked on Cameron, and amazement flickered across his face, “Cam, you look absolutely stunning tonight.”
Cameron hadn’t gone overboard with her look tonight. She just wore some light makeup out of courtesy and a simple black dress that kept things understated.
But her tall, graceful figure made even the most basic black dress look incredible. Her legs were straight and gorgeous-the kind that made people stop and stare.
Cameron smiled, “Thanks. Brad, are you here for Mrs. Chapman’s birthday party too?”
“Me?” Bradley shook his head. “Mrs. Chapman and I aren’t close.” If anyone from his family was going, it would be his parents.
Cameron looked surprised. “So you came here to wait for me?”
Bradley nodded with a smile. “I told you I’d drive you home.”
Cameron looked at him helplessly. “But it’s only a little after six. The party won’t end for hours.”
“That’s fine. I’m not busy. I’ll wait for you,” Bradley said. Of course, saying he wasn’t busy was a complete lie. Bradley just wanted to come early. Even being near Cameron for a little longer felt worth it.
Cameron could tell he was lying. “Your law firm just opened. How could you not be swamped?”
“Work’s never really done anyway. I can handle it tomorrow just as well,” Bradley replied.
Cameron was speechless. “Brad, here’s what we’ll do,” she said gently. “Drive somewhere and find a coffee shop to hang out in. I’ll text you when the party’s winding down.”
He couldn’t just sit around waiting for hours. At least grabbing coffee would give him something to do.
Bradley caught the concern in her eyes and smiled, “Alright, you go ahead inside. I’ll drive off right now.”
“Okay then.” Cameron kept glancing back as she walked into Chapman Manor.
But Bradley didn’t drive away. He settled back into his car instead, deciding to wait for Cameron. This way, he’d be the first person she’d see when she came out.
Cameron clicked across the marble floor of Chapman Manor in her heels and handed her gift to the butler Edwin.
Matthew and Kate were dressed to the nines, working the room and greeting their guests. When they spotted Cameron, both of them froze for a moment.
