Tainted Love

Chapter 3

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Cecilia followed Vivian’s gaze and, as expected, found her eyes fixed on Victor, who sat at the far end of the classroom, completely absorbed in his phone. He didn’t even pretend to listen to what their Dean was saying. Rolling her eyes in disgust, Cecilia muttered, “Typical.”

Mrs. Viza Victoria, the poised and ever-dignified Dean of Business Administration, stood confidently at the front of the classroom. “So, these are the students who are—” She paused, catching herself. “—permitted to walk the stage and receive their certificates during the graduation ceremony. Of course, everyone is welcome to attend, but only those named will be formally acknowledged on stage.”

She smiled graciously and concluded, “Congratulations to you all on your success.” A polite round of applause followed as she turned to leave.

Suddenly, Victor’s voice sliced through the classroom like a blade.

“And why didn’t I hear my name?” he shouted, standing abruptly and directing his question at the retreating Dean.

Mrs. Victoria turned, her expression unmoved. “Mr. Larry, your name isn’t on the list. You can verify this on your student portal. If it’s a technical issue, you may report it—but do understand that this list has been reviewed multiple times. Errors are highly unlikely.” With that, she exited the room with graceful finality.

Victor muttered a string of curses under his breath and stormed out of the class, his pride bruised and his future uncertain.

Vivian immediately grabbed her bag and hurried after him, her heart thudding in her chest.

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“Victor! Wait—please, just stop for a second,” Vivian called, gasping for air as she struggled to keep up with him.

He finally stopped, spinning around with fire in his eyes. “What?!”

“Calm down, baby,” she said gently, trying to soothe him. “This isn’t the end. You can try again next year. It’s not too late—”

“What the hell makes you think I need your pity?” he barked. “Do you think I need your pathetic words of encouragement? Do me a favor and shut up!”

Vivian flinched. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it like that,” she said in a trembling voice, her eyes beginning to tear up.

Victor exhaled sharply, his anger momentarily softening. “Fine. I forgive you.”

Vivian’s face lit up like the sun peeking through dark clouds. She reached for his hand, but he pulled back.

“Now,” he said, voice cold again, “Where’s the money you promised?”

“Victor… relax. I’ve already sent you some. After graduation, my dad will give me more. You just have to be patient.”

He scoffed, stepping away from her. “Don’t tell me what to do. If you don’t have the money, just say it. Don’t try to feed me empty promises. When you have it, you talk to me. Until then, leave me alone.”

And with that, he walked off, leaving Vivian staring at his back, devastated.

She stood frozen for a long moment until a familiar voice stirred her from her daze.

“I thought you’d gone already,” Cecilia said, adjusting the strap of her handbag.

Vivian turned, flustered. “Uh—yeah, I was just waiting for you,” she lied with a forced smile.

Cecilia raised an eyebrow. “Waiting for me? Since when? Don’t lie to me, Vivian.”

“Come on, Ceci. Don’t make this into a thing.”

“I’m not,” Cecilia replied coolly. “Besides, I’m heading to pick up my graduation outfit. Mom said everything’s ready.”

“Wait, let’s go together,” Vivian suggested. “I want to greet your mom—it’s been ages.”

“No need,” Cecilia replied. “I’ll send your regards. You’ll see her at the ceremony.”

Vivian frowned. “Since when did you start extending greetings on my behalf? Are you avoiding me?”

Cecilia stopped walking and faced her directly. “Fine. You want honesty? I don’t want to be known as the friend of a girl who’s blindly in love with a guy like Victor. It’s embarrassing, Vivian. People think I’ve lost all sense if I can't talk sense into my best friend.”

Vivian’s voice cracked. “But you always told me not to care what people say. Now suddenly you do?”

Cecilia hesitated, her voice softening but firm. “I did say that. But this… this is too much.”

She turned and walked to her car, unlocking it without a second glance. Vivian quickly moved to stand in front of the vehicle, blocking her path.

“Run me over then,” Vivian said dramatically. “Either you go with me, or you run me down.”

Cecilia shook her head with a half-smile. She opened her car door, tossed her bag inside, and with a clever maneuver, swerved around Vivian, leaving her behind. But Vivian wasn’t done. She pulled out her phone, activated the location tracker she had on Cecilia, and followed.

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Back at the Dary residence, Mr. Dary sat on the patio with his wife, watching the sky dim with the coming evening.

“Our daughter’s all grown up,” he said proudly. “Just yesterday she was in crèche, now she’s graduating from the university.”

Mrs. Dary’s eyes glistened. “It happened so fast,” she said. “I still remember when she said ‘Mama’ for the first time.”

“She’s going to get married soon. That’s my biggest fear—her leaving us.” Mr. Dary chuckled, though it was tinged with sorrow.

Mrs. Dary looked at him thoughtfully. “Do you have someone in mind for her? Or will she choose on her own?”

He frowned. “Absolutely not. She’s not picking for herself. Today’s generation makes reckless decisions. She’ll only end up with a man who’ll hurt her.”

Mrs. Dary’s heart sank. She knew he was unknowingly describing the exact path their daughter was dangerously close to following.

“What kind of mistake are you afraid of?” she asked gently.

“The kind that haunts you for life,” he replied, shaking his head.

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Inside the house, Vivian admired Cecilia’s graduation gown with childlike awe.

“This is so beautiful. It’s a masterpiece,” she said.

“I can sew one for you if you like,” Regina, Cecilia’s mom, offered with a warm smile.

Vivian blushed. “Thanks, Mom Regina, but I think I’ll just get a ready-made one. It’s less stressful.”

Regina nodded. “Alright, dear. And congratulations to both of you. I’m very proud.”

“Thanks, Mom Regina,” both girls said in unison, exchanging a hug that felt heavy with unspoken truths.

In that moment, the warmth of family, the weight of choices, and the sting of heartbreak all blended into one unforgettable memory.