Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)
Chapter 61

Sylvia turned her gaze to the last of her roommates, a wave of panic washing over the latter, "I-Is there something wrong with me too?" Sylvia's head felt like it was spinning, "You're fine." With a careless move, she thudded her forehead against the table, succumbing to the alcohol. Her roommates couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"I never realized Sylvia wasn't just a looker but pretty adorable too."

"If it weren't for Freya's big mouth behind her back, how could Bridget ever be the campus belle?"

"Hey, it's half past eight already, we better head back to the dorm."

The trio helped Sylvia up, all smiles and laughter as they made their way back.

Leaning on her roommates, Sylvia surprisingly felt a sense of security, not completely knocked out by the alcohol.

Their drunken chatter filled the air, even the autumn breeze seemed to carry a hint of warmth. Suddenly, one of the roommates looked up and exclaimed, "Wow, what a beautiful starry night."

The others followed her gaze, mesmerized by the clear sky and the bright moonlight, with stars twinkling through the intertwining branches, resembling decorations hung upon the trees.

With a pair of sparkling eyes and a moon-like mouth, the branches much like human's hair, the image utterly resembled her Stella's smiling.

"Mom, Mom...If there's a next life, don't give up on your dreams for my sake, I want you to be good."

As leaves fluttered down, some landing on Sylvia's face, masking the tears that spoke of her longing.

But then, she smiled, a smile so radiant it seemed to outshine the stars themselves. She wouldn't let Stella down.

Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she sobered up instantly, staring intently at the sky above. Her roommates, curious, stood beside her, tilting their heads.

"What are you looking at?"

"No idea."

"My neck's gonna start hurting at this rate."

Sylvia couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Eventually, all four of them were laughing together, necks tilted. This was college life - filled with moments of foolishness, but also companionship.

Although Sylvia only realized this towards the end, she was truly grateful for such a beautiful conclusion.

Unbeknownst to her, her laughter, her beauty, had caught the attention of someone across the street, who was sitting in a car.

Orson turned to his companion, "Mr. Garcia, do you want me to bring Ms. Lloyd over?"

Rupert watched Sylvia, her face alight with laughter, and felt a pang of nostalgia. It had been so long since he'd seen her smile like that.

He nearly forgot the sixteen-year-old girl who used to smile shyly at him from under a tree, her equivalent innocence and joy.

"Let's head back."

...

As they reached the dorm, still jesting among themselves, a figure stood at the entrance.

Freya.

She seemed taken aback by their playful moods, and then looked pitifully at Sylvia before casting a timid glance at the others, as if she had been wronged.

"Sylvia, I've been waiting for you for over an hour. I was really worried."

The roommates were about to retort, but Sylvia held them back, signaling them to go inside first.

Once the door was shut, Freya grabbed Sylvia's arm, whispering, "They didn't say anything, did they?"

"Say what?" Sylvia massaged her temple, asking instead of offering a reply.

Freya hinted, "They often badmouth you behind your back. I've always defended you, but it's hard when it's everyone against one. You should keep your distance from them." Sylvia, tired of the charade, simply nodded, "But didn't you also badmouth me online to that reporter, Vincent? Freya, I can't understand you right now."

The accusation was deliberate.

Freya's face fell, and when she looked up again, her eyes were brimming with tears.

"I'm sorry, Sylvia. I was just desperate for money, and Vincent tricked me. Please, considering how I've helped you before, can you forgive me?"