Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
“Why did you reject Austin?” he asked.
Cameron thought for a second and said, “He’s a sneaky man.”
Elijah nodded slightly, then blurted a question that made his heart race. “If Austin hadn’t betrayed you, would you have accepted him?”
Cameron looked at him in confusion. “Accepted him? As his girlfriend?”
Elijah’s heart pounded, but he nodded steadily.
She shook her head. “I never thought about it.”
Making money interested her more than dating. She didn’t want to waste time on relationships.
Elijah fell silent. Her lack of thought meant Austin might still have a chance in theory.
But he quickly dismissed it-there were no what-ifs. Austin’s betrayal was unchangeable.
Once again, he buried his secret. For now, knowing Cameron was a girl was enough. He’d have to plan carefully.
Cameron tapped her cold drink cup. “Lunch together in the cafeteria?”
Elijah nodded.
That afternoon, Elijah wanted to stay with Cameron longer, but her family arrived.
Knowing she’d just reunited with her loved ones, he left considerately. Though reluctant, the trip had been worth it.
Without Austin, he might never have learned Cameron’s secret. In a way, he owed Austin thanks.
Cameron had promised her family to pick up Pearl from Silvermoss Castle and return to Yates Manor that afternoon, telling them only that she needed to fetch her pet.
After seeing Elijah off, she walked toward the House across the school while calling Bradley. She hadn’t contacted him in days.
The phone rang several times before Bradley answered.
“Hey, Brad, busy?” Cameron asked.
He smiled. “Not really.”
Since acknowledging his feelings for Cameron, Bradley had deliberately kept his distance. He needed time to sort his emotions and anticipate how Cameron would react to his feelings. Pursuing her required preparation.
Naturally, he was delighted she’d called first.
Cameron got straight to the point. “Brad, my family and J are picking up Pearl today. Are you free?”
“Today?” Bradley paused as he thought that he might meet Cameron’s family without any preparations if he said yes. “I might not be available.”
Bradley knew his relationship with Cameron was still complicated, so meeting her family wasn’t wise. He decided not to see Cameron today.
Since Bradley was busy, Cameron would pick up Pearl another day. She missed the tiger dearly.
Holding the phone, Bradley heard only Cameron’s breathing. He added, “I am a bit busy this afternoon. You can go get Pearl alone-no need to wait for me.”
“Okay. Thanks for taking care of Pearl, Brad. I’ll treat you to dinner sometime,” she said.
Cameron still owed Bradley a large sum. Though back with the Yates family, she refused to use their money for debt. Once her pharmaceutical company stabilized and The Starry line launched, she’d repay him soon.
“You don’t have to,” Bradley replied.
After hanging up, Cameron joined her family. Lance was abroad, so only Levi, Jacqueline, and Gavin came.
“Cam!” Jacqueline cheered, rushing to hug her. “I’ve missed you so much! Days without you are torture.”
Levi smiled, stepping forward. “Your mom wishes she could go to college with you.”
Jacqueline shot him a look. “Says the one who carries Cam’s photos around all day.”
Levi awkwardly fell silent.
Gavin chimed in, “I’d love to go to college again too.”
Cameron smiled. “I miss you both, Mom and Dad.”
Gavin asked, “Don’t you miss me?”
She smiled at him but stayed silent.
Gavin deflated.
Jacqueline patted his arm. “See the consequence of offending Cam, huh?”
Gavin groaned. “Mom, I regret it so much.” He’d sent her countless gifts, but she hadn’t even glanced at them.
Levi scoffed. “You deserve it.”
Gavin spread his hands helplessly.
Chattering happily, the family drove toward Silvermoss Castle.
The road grew emptier, winding up a mountain. Towering, lush trees lined both sides.
Jacqueline asked curiously, “What pet do you have, Cam? Why keep it so far?”
“Just a small pet,” Cameron smiled..
Gavin said, “Cam’s pet must be adorable.”
Levi rolled his eyes. “That’s for sure.”
Cameron eyed Gavin. “Gavin, if you hug my pet later, we’ll forget our feud. Deal?”
Gavin stared, shocked. “Does that mean you’ll accept me?”
“Only if you dare,” she said.
He nodded wildly. “Of course! What’s hugging a pet if it means you’ll forgive me?”
“You’re overreacting,” Cameron said.
“I’m serious!” He insisted.
“Fine, it’s a deal,” she smiled.
Gavin thrilled. “Mom, Dad, did you hear? Witness this-Cam can’t back out!”
“I keep my word,” she assured.
Gavin beamed. But as he exited the car, his smile froze at the sight of Cameron’s “small pet”-a full-grown tiger.
Sensing strangers, Pearl growled warningly.
“Cam!” Jacqueline nearly fainted at the sight of a full-grown tiger growling at her as she exited the car.
Instinctively, she wanted to hide behind Levi as she always did in the face of danger. But instead of fleeing, she yanked Cameron into her arms, voice trembling as she soothed, “Cam, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
“Shh, it’s okay,” Levi immediately shielded both mother and daughter.
Gavin stood rooted to the spot.
Though Pearl had growled, she made no move to attack.
Realizing this was Cameron’s pet, Gavin froze in shock.
“Dad, Mom, don’t be afraid. This is my pet, Pearl,” Cameron said softly.
Levi and Jacqueline stared in disbelief. Even the worldly Levi was astonished by his daughter keeping a tiger as a pet.
Jacqueline thought she’d misheard. “Cam, what did you say?”
Cameron patted her mother’s back reassuringly, then held out a hand to Pearl. “Pearl, come here.”
Pearl let out a cute whimper and trotted happily toward Cameron, eager to see her after so long.
“Stop,” Cameron called out, fearing the tiger’s leap might startle Jacqueline.
Pearl halted abruptly, letting out a pitiful whimper.
Cameron approached and ruffled its head. “Good boy.”
