Chapter 571

Jack answered truthfully, "Maybe we did break up. But I don't really know."

Though they'd never formally ended things, Bella's farewell letter had sketched out a reunion ten or twenty years in the future. But what would be the point of meeting again by then?

Phoebe tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and pressed further. "Why did you break up?"

Jack clasped his hands behind his head, sighing. "Hell if I know."

It was perhaps the most baffling breakup of the century. He didn't even

understand why he'd been dumped. And even if he did, what difference would it make? Nothing would change.

Clarice had likely orchestrated it all.

Phoebe's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait. Bella broke up with you?"

Jack laughed bitterly. "Weird, right? I can't figure it out either. Why would she ever want to leave me? It makes no sense!"

Phoebe laughed heartily and did something unusual. She rolled her eyes and said, "Narcissist."

The sight of her smile sent Jack's pulse racing. It was like watching a hundred flowers bloom at once.

Then, she said softly, "You know, I've always envied people who dated in college. I used to wonder—what's it really like? Does it actually feel as magical as they say?"

Phoebe's tone carried a longing for love. Jack hadn't expected her to say that. The fact that she'd even broach the topic with him meant she trusted him deeply -maybe even saw him as a confidant.

Suppressing the thoughts in his head, Jack stroked his chin, playing the faux philosopher.

"Too bad I'm no love expert. But from a guy's perspective? It's mostly about stolen kisses and sweet nothings."

They both knew the clichés. Asking him was pointless anyway-strictly speaking, Jack was a failure at romance. By Phoebe's count, he'd been dumped at least three times!

Phoebe changed the topic. "Do you remember our trip to Orthawt? Thank you for saving me again. Sometimes, I wonder if you're the guardian angel I've been waiting for all along."

Jack responded, "We were literally fighting for survival together. If I didn't save you, who would?"

Phoebe studied him with an intense gaze before saying, "I'm not actually that eager to study abroad. It's too far away. But the problem is..."

Her eyes locked onto his as she continued, "I still haven't found a good enough reason to stay."

Her gaze held an unreadable depth, like untold secrets beneath its calm surface.

Jack sensed something hidden in her words, but the meaning slipped through his fingers when he tried to grasp it.

What reason could she possibly need? Should he muster the courage to confess? For more chapters visit find⸺novel.net

The words nearly tumbled out, but he held back.

In the end, he just looked at Phoebe silently.