HE LOVED ME LAST

Chapter 63

Alice pov

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The acceptance email came just before noon.

I sat frozen in my tiny living room, laptop balanced on my knees, blinking at the screen like I wasn’t sure if it was real.

*“Congratulations, Alice Harper. You have been awarded a full academic scholarship to Moonlight University.”*

Moonlight University.

One of the most prestigious private universities in the country. The one I applied to quietly, not telling anyone—not even Noah. I didn’t want to deal with the pressure, or the assumptions.

And yet, here it was.

Full scholarship.

I gasped, hand flying to my mouth. “Dad!” I called, leaping up. “Dad!”

He came out slowly, still in his old cardigan, looking tired but smiling when he saw my expression.

“You got in?”

“Full ride!” I said, almost laughing. “Dad, they said my essay and results were top in the entire applicant pool. I’m going.”

He hugged me tight, and for a moment I forgot everything—every hard day, every time I was mocked or teased, every rivalry, every rumor.

This… this was mine.

Later that evening, I sat in my room, staring at the welcome packet on my screen. Orientation date, student portal, course listings.

Noah had messaged me earlier about applying to another state university. I hadn’t told him about Moonlight. Not yet.

And Lucas?

I didn’t even know where he was going. He hadn’t spoken to me since graduation day. Just that photo.

But that was okay. We weren’t… anything.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

I glanced again at the framed graduation photo. Me and Lucas. The only one I printed.

I smiled faintly. “Goodbye, Lucas Stone.”

And with that, I clicked *accept offer*.

Moonlight University, here I come.