Chapter 23: True Love's Choice

J U L I A

I'm with Chase, and we will be investigating the death of a female student. We are currently at the lobby of the girls' dormitory.

The lobby has a warm, modern interior design. The warm colors and instrumental music, makes this lobby have a calming vibe. There are few sofas and tables in the middle, vending machines at the back, stairs and elevators at the left side, a reception desk in the front, and the entrance in the right side.

Peaking through the magazine I'm reading, I studied Chase's features. He is wearing a maroon polo, paired with black pants and brown rubber shoes. The polo is quite tight, highlighting his muscular chest. His hair was combed up, and some strands were left in his clear forehead. He looks so hot, and I want to scream, but I can't. What a sight.

I was still peaking when his gaze went towards me, and our gazes locked. Those light brown eyes stares right through my green ones. Blood crept to my cheeks at the thought, that he might guess what's going on in my mind.

"Are you done studying my perfect features? I look hot, right?" He said with a teasing smile. Tsk, this jerk.

"Perfect? Where? All I see is a jerk," I replied sarcastically, shifting my gaze away from him. My gaze landed at a guy, who just entered the lobby. Seeing him, made me stand up out of a sudden.

"Matthew?! You're our assistant?" I blurted out, the moment I confirmed his identity. Matthew Collins, my current boyfriend. Soon to be ex?

"Surprise! I missed you. We haven't hanged out for some weeks since you're busy with your work, so I decided to help," he said with a smile, as he scratches the back of his head. Cute. He is also wearing a polo, but dark green in color. He paired it with black pants and brown leather shoes. Another hot guy!

"Look, the slut is with two hot guys. Why do they even like that girl? She is just talented, she doesn't even look that beautiful, tsk."

I heard a student whisper to her friend. There are only some students present, since classes are still ongoing. I'm already used to people judging me, but I can't help but feel insecure.

"I'll go to the bathroom first, wait for me here, okay?" I excused myself and they nodded, but I can see worry in their expressions. I made my way to the comfort room, near the stairs.

Luckily, there are no students inside, so I closed the door as I enter. Staring at my reflection, I felt more insecure. I'm wearing a blue shirt, paired with fitted dark blue pants and gray rubber shoes. Having a dark skin and big forehead, made me feel more insecure than I already am.

I opened the faucet, letting the water run freely. Staring at my reflection intensely, I convinced myself to have confidence in myself for my friend. Splashing water to my face then drying it, I tied my hair into a ponytail, and went out of the comfort room.

"You good?" They both asked at the same time, making me smile.

"Of course. Shall we start the investigation?" They both gave me a small smile and we went to the reception desk.

"With the permission of the president of the student council and the dean, we will check the surveillance camera from the last two weeks in the second floor, near room 218. We would also like to have the record of visitors in the said floor and time frame," Matthew stated professionally. He looks so hot with that mature voice and look.

"I'm sorry, but the surveillance cameras in the said floor isn't working. It will be fixed later. And regarding the records, it was stolen last week. We are still investigating it," the receptionist explained.

"That was our chance to find out who poisoned the victim. It couldn't be one of her roommates since they were in a competition and are coming back today. The culprit planned everything neatly," Chase stated, deep in thought. We are now standing outside the dormitory, thinking of what to do. Naomi would be very disappointed, and knowing her temper, things would be flying in no time.

"Julia? Do you have some time? I really missed you. Can we go on a date since we can't do anything about it?" Matthew asked, looking at me with longing in his eyes and sadness in his tone. It has been three weeks since we last go on a date.

"I'll go back to the headquarters and report our investigation. You can go on a date, I'll handle it," Chase said then left. Is he jealous? How cute.

"Let's go? Is there any place you have in mind?" He asked, giving me that bright smile. God, I love that smile, but that smile might fade away soon.

"I want to go somewhere that is not crowded. Where there is only the two of us," I answered him, as I gaze at the clear sky.

"I know a place," he smiled again as he leaded the way towards his motor. He puts one of the helmet on my head and did the same on his. After he climbed onto the motorbike, I followed, then hugged him to prevent myself from falling.

He started driving out of the campus, towards the forest part of the island. The cold breeze brushes my skin as I close my eyes and enjoyed the ride.

After a couple of minutes, the motor stopped and I opened my eyes, only to be greeted by a breathtaking view. We are near a cliff, overseeing the sea. Walking around the place, the warm wind embraces me as I take in every detail of the scenery.

"Do you like it?" He asked, standing beside me.

"I love it."

"Hey, Julia? Can you look me in the eye?" He asked, sounding as if he is begging. I nodded and turned to look at him, only to see his teary black eyes.

"What's going on? Why are you tearing up?" I asked, my voice was full of worry. My hand made its way to his cheeks, caressing it.

"Julia, I am not your home, am I right?" The way he say my name was very sweet, but as he say the following words, all I can hear was sadness. My hand stopped, and I only stared at him. Did he know?

"I can never fill the void in your heart, right? I'm sorry if I'm not enough." His words broke my heart. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words are coming out.

"I'll set you free, Julia. Let's break up," his tears starts to fall down to my hands. I'm still at loss of words.

"We should go back now. For the last time ride with me, and let me take you to your home." His voice full of sorrow as he wiped his tears.

I then hugged him tightly, and said, "thank you. Thank you for understanding me. If we have some connection, then we would be soulmates. I did love you, but just like what you said earlier, you're not my home. I hope you find your new home." I whispered to his ears, as tears starts to flow out of my eyes. I'm thankful have met you, and to have the chance to date you, Matthew, my dear soulmate.