Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
They remembered how cold they’d been to Cameron over the marriage situation with Amelia, and now they felt pretty ashamed about it.
The fact that Cameron had actually shown up to Kate’s birthday party meant the world to Kate,
Kate said, “Cam, welcome! You’re incredible these days. That leukemia drug you developed is going to save so many lives. You look stunning tonights
Cameron exchanged a few pleasantries with them, then made her way inside.
Amelia was probably swamped with hostess duties tonight, so Cameron found herself a quiet corner to settle into.
At the same time, a black Maybach slowly pulled up to the gates of Chapman Manor. A bodyguard opened the door, and Xander’s black leather shoes touched the ground.
Xander wore a black shirt and suit; his presence radiated calm professionalism. The icy expression on his handsome face seemed oddly out of place against the celebration’s festive atmosphere.
“Xander, you made it. Oh my, you’ve changed so much.” Kate rushed over, her voice filled
Xander’s gaze flicked to his assistant behind him. Xander’s assistant immediately stepped forward. “Mrs. Chapman, this is a birthday gift Mr. Murphy prepared for you. Happy birthday.”
Kate accepted the gift graciously. “Thank you so much. Xander, please come in.”
The current Xander had become much more composed and mature.
Kate looked at him with complete satisfaction-if the Murphy and Chapman families could unite through marriage, it would be a perfect match to strengthen both sides.
Matthew looked at Xander with newfound respect. “Xander, come on, let me show you in.”
Xander’s tone remained cool. “Mr. Chapman, I used to play here all the time as a kid. I know my way around. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Matthew let out a hearty laugh. “Ha! Right, right! You and Amy were always thick as thieves back then.”
Xander gave a brief nod and headed inside.
Matthew turned to Kate. “That kid’s completely transformed. The Murphy family had handed everything
Kate smiled, “I wonder if he and Amy might hit it off.”
“Why wouldn’t they? They were inseparable as kids,” Matthew replied.
Kate’s expression warmed with hope. “If Amy and Xander got together, that would be wonderful.”
Matthew nodded in agreement. “They’d make a perfect match.” over to him now. He’s going places.”
As Xander stepped into Chapman Manor’s garden, people immediately swarmed him with business cards.
But his sharp-eyed assistant blocked them all. “Sorry, this is Mr. Murphy’s private time. Please understand.”
The networking hopefuls slunk away, embarrassed.
They’d been dying to meet Xander. They usually wouldn’t even qualify for a meeting with him. But they knew better than to push their luck and risk ticking him off, so they reluctantly backed down.
Xander slipped one hand into his pocket, his eyes scanning the crowd for Cameron from the moment he’d walked in.
He’d been back for over a month now, but he hadn’t made any move to contact Cameron. He couldn’t think of a good ezruse to ask her out.
Kate’s birthday invitation had been sitting on his desk for weeks. Originally, Xander hadn’t planned on coming, but he rushed over when he accidentally found out Cameron would be here..
They hadn’t seen each other in seven whole years. Xander wondered, ‘Will she still think I’m immature, shallow, and hot-tempered when we meet again?
After searching for a while, he spotted Cameron behind a pine tree, playing with a cat. It was a ragdoll cat that belonged to Amelia.
Cameron was teasing it playfully; surprisingly, the cat didn’t seem shy around her.
Xander walked over slowly, his breathing becoming lighter with each step. Finally, he stopped about three feet away from Cameron.
Seven years apart, and Cameron looked wonderful tonight. She was so beautiful that his heart raced just like it had seven years ago.
Whenever Cameron dressed up, she could effortlessly stir his calm waters-whether it was seven years ago or now.
But Xander’s face revealed nothing. He’d learned to keep his emotions completely in check.
Cameron sensed someone watching her. She turned around and saw Xander standing nearby.
“Xander.” The name slipped out before she could stop herself. She straightened up, and the ragdoll cat immediately scampered away.
Xander’s eyes met Cameron’s. “It’s me. Long time no see.”
By now, darkness had settled over the evening, but the garden lights blazed bright as daylight. Cameron studied the cool expression on Xander’s face and couldn’t help thinking he’d definitely matured a lot-his whole frame had filled out considerably, too.
Back in high school, he’d worked out religiously and already had that strong, lean build, but now, seven years later, it was even more pronounced.
Even through his black shirt, she could make out the defined lines of his chest muscles. Those broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist gave him that protective, reassuring presence.
“Long time no see,” Cameron replied casually, like she was chatting with any old classmate. “You here for Mrs. Chapman’s birthday party too?”
Xander nodded. “Yeah, our families go way back.”
Cameron gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Xander slipped one hand into his pocket and studied Cameron quietly, his gaze sweeping the area behind her. “Where’s Brad?”
Seven years ago, Cameron and Bradley had been together. Xander figured that after all this time, they should be married with kids by now.
After returning to the country, Xander had considered looking into Cameron’s current situation. Still, in the end, he’d decided against it.
“Xander!” Amelia called out.
Cameron was about to speak when Amelia clicked over in her heels. Amelia looked at Xander with surprise. “My mom said you’d matured a lot, but! didn’t expect it to be true. You look so much more handsome now.”
Xander nodded slightly. “Thanks.”
Amelia turned to Cameron. “Cam, you look gorgeous tonight, too. Wait, you’re both wearing black. Are those couple outfits?”
Xander frowned. “Amelia, don’t talk nonsense.”
Amelia looked at him with surprise. “What, do you have a girlfriend now?”
Xander shook his head. “I’m single.” As he spoke, his eyes lingered on Cameron’s face for several seconds.
Cameron was the one who wasn’t available. So they shouldn’t be making jokes like that.
Amelia laughed, “What a coincidence. I’m single, Cam’s single too. Looks like we’ve all become warriors in the single lits hatte
Xander’s gaze snapped to Cameron, intensity flashing in his eyes. “You’re single? You and Brad broke up?”
Cameron stayed silent.
Amelia immediately jumped in. “What are you talking about? Cam was never with Bradley in the first place. How could you break up if you were never together?”
Xander looked stunned. ‘Cameron was never with Bradley? Then what was that Instagram post Austin made seven years ago all about?”
Whatever happened seven years ago didn’t matter. What mattered was right now. ‘Cameron’s still single. Do I still have a chance?’ he thought to himself.
Xander’s expression grew complicated as he glanced at Cameron, but his face returned to its usual neutral mask within moments. He’d long since mastered the art of keeping his emotions hidden.
Amelia looked between Cameron and Xander. “You’re both single-why don’t you two give it a shot?”
Xander slowly turned toward Cameron, a hint of amusement creeping into his eyes.
Cameron finally spoke up, “Thanks a lot, Amelia. Are you really that bored? Since when did you become a matchmaker?”
Amelia grinned, “Starting right now.”
Cameron rolled her eyes.
“Well, I’ll let you two catch up. Don’t want to interrupt anything.” Amelia read the room perfectly and made her exit.
She wanted to give Cameron and Xander some alone time. Xander was a decent guy, and Amelia thought they’d make a good match if Cameron gave him a chance.
Xander stared at Cameron quietly, his heart beating a little faster. “Are you single?”
Cameron shook her head. “Not for much longer.”
Xander looked at her with confusion written all over his face.
“Someone’s been pursuing me, and I’m planning to say yes,” Cameron explained.
Xander’s expression fell. ‘So I came back too late?’
Cameron gave him a slight nod, then turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor.
