Sean was a year ahead of me and now a Ph.D. candidate. He was strikingly good-looking, with sharp features and an inherent air of cool detachment. Despite being in the same lab, we rarely spoke.

I never expected him to publicly stand up for me. The real shocker? I didn’t know Sean had over ten million followers online. How had I missed this? Was I living under a rock?

The video I posted gained traction quickly, with a mix of supportive and critical comments:

"So what happened to the sheep? Steamed or braised? This girl is bold!"

"The sheep: 'Why me? I’m innocent!'"

"Am I the only one who thinks she’s prettier than Miss Paris? Just saying."

The last comment had a surprising number of likes. It was oddly comforting to know that my simple appearance had earned me some recognition.

"That guy has no integrity. Cheating while still in a relationship? He’s the worst."

The positive comments lifted my spirits slightly.

Meanwhile, my roommates devoured almost all the watermelons I’d grown, leaving me with just one.

Clutching the last watermelon like it was treasure, I said, “This one’s mine. I need it for the lab.”

But I couldn’t fend them off forever. They ate it too—leaving me one slice out of pity.

I took the remaining slice to the lab for analysis.

Immersed in work, I completely forgot Sean was in the lab.

“How’s the analysis coming along? Any results yet?”

I shook my head.

Wait—did I hear that right? Sean was talking to me?

I couldn’t help but be drawn again to his striking features.

“Keep at it. You’ll succeed,” he encouraged.

I resolved to double down on my efforts to become an excellent seed specialist.

Looking at Sean, it hit me: Lucas only caught my attention because of his superficial resemblance to Sean. Otherwise, I never would’ve wasted seven months of my life on him.

“Thank you, Sean. I mean it—thank you for everything.”

He glanced at me and asked, “Sophia, are you okay?”

I must’ve looked exhausted. With my oversized black-rimmed glasses and slouched posture, I didn’t exactly scream “energy.”

Could anyone blame me? I’d spent three days straight in the experimental fields, only to return to campus, deal with a cheating ex, and fight off online trolls.

Sean, in his lab coat, looked like a picture of divine serenity—untouchable, almost holy. His presence alone dispelled the clouds hanging over me.

Reinvigorated, I dove back into analyzing and organizing data.

When I finally finished and changed out of my lab coat, it was already 9 p.m. My phone showed countless missed calls—some from familiar numbers, others unknown.

I ignored them all.

“Sean hasn’t left yet?” I asked, surprised.

“I’ve still got some data to finish,” he replied.

Gathering my things, I headed out.

But as I walked out of the lab building, I spotted Lucas waiting at the entrance.

So, he had the audacity to come to me.

He stood there, dressed to impress, with a flashy sports car parked nearby.

I rolled up my sleeves and marched up to him.

“Lucas, you jerk! How dare you show your face here, you scumbag!”

Grabbing a broom from the building’s janitor closet, I swung it at him.

Lucas ducked and dodged, looking utterly ridiculous.

“Lucas, you disgust me. You used me to do your experiments, and now you’re with her for her money. Pathetic!”

My broom landed squarely on his back.

Lucas hung his head, avoiding my gaze. “Fine. We’re even. I lost my graduation project anyway.”

Even? Seven months of my life wasted—what a joke!

Only then did I notice he wasn’t alone.

Out of the car stepped none other than Miss Paris, dressed in designer brands from head to toe. She wore a baseball cap and sunglasses, even though it was night.

Up close, I had to admit she was stunning—flawless curves and impeccable style.

Removing her sunglasses, she sized me up for a minute before pulling out a check.

“Here’s $300,000. Take it, leave Lucas, and delete the videos.”

Dream on! I was the victim here.

$300,000? Did they think I was some naive country bumpkin?

Lucas chimed in, “Sophia, I know your family’s situation. $300,000 is enough for your family to live comfortably for ten years. Your parents sell seeds—they’d never make that much in a decade.”

I laughed bitterly.

Lucas thought I came from a small-time seed shop because I once mentioned my family’s business.

In reality, my family runs one of the largest seed companies in the Western hemisphere, with monthly revenues in the billions.

“The videos stay. They’re the truth.”

For the first time, I saw Lucas clearly for who he was.

I turned to Miss Paris. “Just a heads-up: he might only be with you for your money.”

She scoffed. “I don’t care. I’m rich enough to handle it. I trust him.”

“Careful he doesn’t harm you for it. He stayed with me for seven months just for a graduation project.”

With a final, firm tone, I said, “The videos stay. You can’t buy me off.”

Lucas and Paris left in a huff, their car speeding away.

I sat on the steps of the lab building, refusing to let a single tear fall.

“Sean, how long are you planning to stand there?” I asked without turning around.

He emerged from the shadows. “Sorry, I finished my analysis and happened to see the whole thing. You haven’t eaten yet, right? Let me treat you.”

It was a rare chance to spend time with Sean.

“Okay. At this hour, it’ll have to be barbecue.”

Sean brought me to a barbecue stall near campus.

“What do you want to eat?”

I ordered everything I liked, including beer.

“Thanks, Sean.” I raised my glass.

“To hell with those seven months!”

Sean smiled. “Let it out. Don’t bottle it up.”

Tears welled up as I sipped my drink, emotions spilling over.

“Sean, it’s not even about him cheating. It’s about me being blind enough to fall for him. I’m so mad at myself!”

I cried, sobbed, and eventually calmed down.

Sean said softly, “You’ll see clearly next time. He never deserved you.”

I raised my glass again. “Cheers, Sean!”

I drank a lot and felt a little tipsy. Sean, normally reserved, was unusually gentle that night.

When I stumbled, he politely reached out to steady me.

“I’m fine, Sean. I’m not drunk—just a bit tipsy.”

As I swayed down the street, Sean followed closely behind.

“Ouch!” I nearly tripped on a rock.

Kicking it, I muttered, “Even rocks are against me today.”

Passersby chuckled.

“Hey, kid, take care of your girlfriend!” one of them teased.

I waved my hands. “No, no, he’s not—”

But Sean grabbed my hand, guiding me across the street.

Hand-holding?!

What was happening?

This was the man I’d quietly admired since joining the lab, someone I’d thought was forever out of reach.

At the other side of the street, he let go.

“Sorry about that,” he said.

“It’s fine,” I replied, trying to sound casual.

He walked me to my dorm.

“Rest well tomorrow. Keep at your research—you’ll make it.”

“I will!” I said firmly.