Chapter 292
Tessa might have forgotten Lester, but she would never forget Stephen.
Lester and Tessa were classmates in the same year. When Lester was a freshman, Stephen was already a first-year graduate student.
Logically, since Lester was several years younger and attended a different university, the two men’s paths shouldn’t have crossed.
Both were campus heartthrobs. Stephen was the most handsome man in Rivertown University’s history, while Lester was the most attractive man at the University of Political Science and Law in the past decade. Because of their striking looks, they were often compared.
That didn’t bother Stephen, though. He had no interest in such things. What made him remember Lester was that confession.
Lester’s confession to Tessa, to be specific.
Stephen recalled it vividly. It happened in December of Tessa’s freshman year- on Christmas Eve, a night perfect for confessions, no less. Lester had gone all out, arranging rose petals in the shape of a heart on Rivertown University’s track field.
Dressed as flamboyantly as a peacock on full display, he strummed a worn guitar, singing a love song.
At the time, Stephen was pursuing his master’s degree at Rivertown University. He had a habit of running at night. That evening, he headed to the track as usual. But the noise from the field’s center was louder than normal.
“Hey, did you hear? The heartthrob from the neighboring university is confessing to someone here!” Someone’s excited voice drifted into Stephen’s ears as he jogged past. Still, he paid it no mind.
Campus confessions like this happened all the time. Nothing unusual. Needless to say, he wasn’t interested.
He picked up his pace and continued his run.
Yet bits and pieces of gossip from the crowd still reached him.
“Wait-that hunk from University of Political Science and Law? You mean Lester Cooper?”
“Yeah! I just saw him holding a guitar in the middle of the field with a heart made of rose petals around him. He’s worthy of the title. His looks are top-tier. Seriously, he’s so handsome!”
“No way! The school idol from another university came here to confess? I’ve got to see this!”
“Wait for me. I’m coming too!”
“Oh my God! Does this mean Lester actually likes someone? How many girls are going to have their hearts broken tonight?”
“I just saw him up close! He looks even better in person than in photos. He’s totally worthy of being their school’s heartthrob!”
Some students were so heartbroken that they started crying, realizing Lester was about to confess.
The dim track lights that evening made it hard to notice that the heartthrob from Rivertown University, Stephen, was also running laps.
Still, a few girls who admired Stephen knew he usually ran at this hour. Occasionally, some would even offer him water bottles, though he never accepted
any.
Stephen had zero interest in the whole spectacle until he heard a familiar name.
It happened around his second lap. Amid the chatter of onlookers, someone called out, “Tessa.”
His steps slowed. The voices of the crowd became clearer.
“Lester’s into the most popular girl in our school, Tessa? Well, guess it’s time to give up. Losing to the campus belle doesn’t feel so bad.”
“Honestly, Lester and Tessa would make a perfect couple-a heartthrob and a campus belle. They look so good together. I approve of this match!”
“But I really, really like Lester… Can’t Tessa just turn him down?”
Stephen changed direction and headed toward the center of the field.
There, Lester Stood surrounded by the crowd. He wore a light khaki overcoat layered over a white turtleneck sweater, exuding warmth and elegance. His eyes brimmed with laughter. He looked so gentle that one couldn’t help but be drawn in.
His fingers plucked the guitar strings as he sang.
He was performing a love song that was wildly popular at the time. His voice was deep and mellow, each note perfectly on pitch. The warmth in his tone melted the hearts of countless girls.
When the song ended, someone from the crowd ushered Tessa toward Lester. Stephen stood among the spectators and watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression.
Lester extended the rose bouquet he held to the girl before him. His gentle voice carried through the crisp air. “Tessa, I like you. Will you go out with me?”
The crowd erupted in cheers-then fell silent, anticipation thick in the air.
Everyone waited for Tessa’s answer.
Snowflakes, drifted down from the winter sky-soft, delicate, and mesmerizing-adding an ethereal touch to the moment. It was as if even the heavens were rooting for this soon-to-be couple.
Standing tall at the heart of the crowd, Lester looked as radiant as freshly fallen snow. He captured everyone’s gaze with his striking good looks and noble demeanor.
Yet it wasn’t just his looks. He had
the whole package-intelligence, talent, and wealth. As the sole heir of Rivertown’s prestigious Cooper family, his future was as dazzling as his appearance.
The heartthrob and the campus belle were a perfect match.