Chapter 48

Jack helped Bella to a nearby bench and asked, "Can you still walk?"

"What do you think?" Bella shot him an annoyed glare. How could someone be so oblivious? Couldn't he say something comforting at a time like this?

But as Jack knelt down and gently massaged her sprained ankle, a soothing warmth spread through Bella's body. She sneaked a glance at his focused profile, and a sweet feeling bubbled up inside her.

Being cared for by Jack like this felt nice.

"Does it still hurt?" Jack asked, looking up at her.

"It's much better now," Bella murmured, a little embarrassed as she averted her gaze. "Let's head back."

"Okay."

As they strolled slowly together, Bella leaned her head against Jack's shoulder. Before long, half her body was pressed against his, as if she were hoping for a comforting hug.

Jack's heart raced at the soft sensation of her skin against his. He quickly turned his head, trying to calm his thoughts.

When they reached the parking lot, Bella didn't immediately pull away. Instead, she gazed at Jack with her bright eyes and asked, "Big Bun, can you drive?"

Jack nodded.

To his surprise, Bella suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and said softly, "Then, hold me while you drive. I don't want to let go."

She seemed to revel in the security of Jack's embrace. Memories of their first kiss, with its mix of shyness and sweetness, came flooding back to her. That fleeting moment of intimacy had left her heart fluttering.

But Bella quickly reminded herself of her plan. She was supposed to make Jack fall for her, humiliate him, and then discard him. She couldn't let herself get too attached. Yet, her cheeks flushed red at the thought.

Jack, for the most part, was struggling to keep his composure. Fighting the urge to give in, he said firmly, "That's not safe."

Though she was disappointed, Bella didn't insist. Instead, her mood shifted abruptly. She pushed Jack away, pouting as she climbed into the passenger seat. Caught off guard, Jack asked, "Why did you push me all of a sudden?"

Bella shot him a glare. "What's it to you? I like pushing you. You're such an idiot! I can't stand you. Don't talk to me. We have nothing in common."

True to her word, Bella ignored Jack for the rest of the drive, her arms crossed as she fumed silently.

When they arrived at the campus gates, she told Jack to get out, her expression still stormy. Without waiting for a response, she drove off.

Feeling bewildered, Jack returned to the dorm, only to find it bustling with activity.

Isaac, Joshua, Ronnie, and several girls from their shared dorm room were gathered there, chatting and laughing. The atmosphere was lively.

Luca was notably absent, as he was busy preparing for the upcoming Youth Vocal Showcase finals in the Calisota region.

Samuel, who was eager to make a good impression, was running around serving drinks and snacks, even though Jenna wasn't there. He hoped to win some favor through her friends. Discover more novels at FιndＮovel.net

The main guest of the day, however, was a middle-aged man.

Isaac introduced him to Jack, "This is Coach Jordan Huntington. Coach, this is Jack Holland, the one with great basketball potential. I think he'd be a great addition to our team."

Jordan, however, was skeptical. "Isaac, can he shoot? What's his sprint time? Can he dunk? Or is he just good at warming the bench? We're not taking just anyone."

Laughter broke out around the room, with others casting amused and skeptical glances at Jack, as if he were a sideshow act.