Ch. Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 73 Mr.chatterbox for her, Mr.Icebox for me? Ice melts and so did my love. 73

Chapter 5 

Evan didn’t fly home. 

He rented an apartment nearby. 

Showed up outside the school gates every single day. Didn’t make a scene. Just… stood there. 

People started whispering. 

I ignored him and threw myself into the program-shadowed French teachers, attended pedagogy workshops, swapped lesson plans with educators from six countries. 

Stayed busy. Stayed focused. 

Then Gina’s Instagram story popped up. 

Photo of Evan cooking. Apron on. Soft smile. 

Caption: “Thank u Evan for bringing me a taste of home all the way in Paris ?? You make me feel so safe.” 

I remembered the half-assed mac and cheese he used to microwave for me. 

Didn’t even flinch. Scrolled past. 

Then she sent me a friend request. New account with the message: “Ms. Harper, can we talk?” 

My thumb hovered. Then I accepted. 

Immediately, she texted: 

“I’m so sorry. I know I shouldn’t have gotten between you two. But I can’t help how I feel. He’s so good to me.” 

“And… Evan told me he only dated you because you chased him for four years and he felt bad saying no. He said the person he actually loves… is me.” 

I stared at the screen. 

Didn’t feel anger. Just… amusement. 

I typed back: 

Chapter 5 

“If you like him, go for it. You don’t need to rub it in my face. And trust me-you’ll figure out what kind of guy he is 

soon enough.” 

Blocked her. 

Thought that’d be the end of it. 

It wasn’t. 

She started posting more cozy photos with Evan, then sent them to other teachers in the program, claiming I fled to France out of jealousy. 

At the next faculty mixer, she showed up. 

With Evan. 

White sundress. Arm looped through his. Walked straight up to me. 

“Ms. Harper! What a coincidence! Evan came all this way just to support me.” 

Evan looked at me. Guilt flickered in his eyes. 

But he didn’t pull away. 

I turned and walked toward a group of German teachers. 

Gina followed. 

Then “accidentally” knocked her coffee all over my blouse. 

“Oh my GOD, I’m so sorry! Are you okay??” 

Everyone stared. 

Evan frowned. Opened his mouth. 

Gina grabbed his arm. Shook her head slightly. 

I pulled out a napkin and blotted the stain. Kept my voice level. 

“No worries. Just maybe watch where you’re going next time, Gina. Wouldn’t want you to spill your reputation too.” 

Her face went crimson. 

Then the program director walked over holding a folder. Face stern. 

Chapter 5 

“Mr. Anderson. We have reason to believe you forged an invitation to access this campus. You’ll need to come with 

me.” 

Evan froze. 

“I didn’t forge anything. Gina gave it to me.” 

Gina went pale. 

“I-no! Evan, I just ASKED someone about it! I didn’t know it was fake!” 

They started pointing fingers. Voices rising. Faces twisted. 

I couldn’t help it. 

I smiled. 

I’d tipped off the director days ago and asked him to verify Evan’s credentials. 

Figured Gina would try something stupid. 

Turns out I was right. 

Security escorted Evan off campus. He’d be dealing with local authorities now. 

Gina got formally reprimanded. Her internship? Revoked on the spot. 

I watched them leave. Shoulders finally loose. 

This was just the beginning. 

Everything they owed me? 

I was taking it back. 

One piece at a time. 

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