My Roommate Stole My Boyfriend

My roommate fell for my boyfriend. He ignored every attempt she made to attract him, so I never considered her a threat.

She would talk loudly about her figure while I was on the phone with him and crash our dates in revealing outfits, but he would not even give her a second glance.

Then another man made a spectacular public confession to her.

The next day, my boyfriend peeled shrimp for me and said gently, “Let’s take your roommates to dinner tomorrow night.” Chapter 1 My hand stopped halfway to my mouth. “Why do you suddenly want to take my roommates to dinner?” Nathan Cole smiled and placed the peeled shrimp in my bowl, his eyes tender. “The semester is almost over.

Didn’t you say they usually look after you? I should thank them.” “We look after one another. You really don’t have to.” “You silly girl.

College is a miniature version of the real world. Social obligations still matter.” I lowered my eyes and said nothing. “Let’s do tomorrow night,” he continued. “It’s the weekend.

I’ll make a reservation, and you can invite all of them.” “All right.” I nodded, though unease stirred inside me. Nathan was aloof and proud.

He treated most people coldly and never organized social dinners. When I returned to the dorm, only Zoe Carter was there, so I told her first.

She laughed. “Who would turn down dinner with the campus genius? Opportunities like this never happen. I’m ordering everything tomorrow, Maya.

Don’t you dare feel sorry for his wallet.” I laughed along. The door opened, and Sienna Langford walked in. “What are you talking about?

I heard you laughing from the stairwell.” “Maya’s boyfriend is taking us to dinner tomorrow night.” “Really?” Sienna blinked. “What a shame.

I already have plans.” “That’s fine,” I said, turning toward her. “It isn’t anything important.

Keep your plans.” She bit her lip, tapped quickly on her phone, and grabbed my arm. “Taken care of. Men aren’t as important as my girls.

I’ll be there to support you tomorrow.” I quietly slipped my arm free. “Thanks.” The entire campus knew what had happened the day before.

A boy had confessed to Sienna with roses, a helicopter, and a violinist. Surrounded by a crowd, she had looked like a proud princess.

His confession had been moving, but she had not accepted. She had said they could start as friends. She had already agreed to play a murdermystery game with him tomorrow night.

That very morning, she had invited Zoe along, but Zoe had refused to be the third wheel. Now Sienna discarded that promise without hesitation.

If she had done it out of friendship with me, I would have been happy. But Sienna and I were barely friends. I had known for a long time that she liked Nathan.

I also knew that the boy who confessed to her was Nathan’s roommate. Nathan must have known about her plans. Otherwise, he would never have chosen tomorrow night for the dinner.

He was testing where he stood in Sienna’s heart. And I had become a piece in their game.

Nathan was one of the university’s brightest students—tall, handsome, and near the top of his program. Plenty of women liked him.

Chapter 2 Even the most beautiful woman at a nearby university had once sent him a love letter. I, by contrast, was completely ordinary. Maybe proximity had worked in my favor.

Nathan and I had grown up together. After our final highschool results came out, he confessed to me, and becoming a couple felt natural.

Once Sienna learned that Nathan was my boyfriend, the way she looked at me grew increasingly hostile.

Whenever Nathan called, she would sit nearby and speak loudly. “Ugh, my chest got bigger again.” “Why is my leg bruised? Pale skin is such a problem.

The slightest touch leaves a mark.” “I need to gain weight. My waist is so thin that even a little work makes it ache.” At first, I thought it might be coincidence.

Perhaps she had not noticed that I was on the phone. But she managed to say something suggestive during every call, and eventually I understood. Sienna was playing games.

Whenever Nathan and I ate at the dining hall, we also happened to run into her.

She wore daring clothes and flawless makeup, even though she usually asked her roommates to bring meals back for her. Her intentions were obvious.

Fortunately, Nathan always treated her coldly. No matter how warmly she greeted him, he merely nodded and asked what I wanted to eat. I believed I had found a good man.

I did not know his heart had already changed. On Saturday afternoon, Sienna spent two hours on her makeup.

Choosing an outfit kept her just as busy. “It isn’t your date,” Zoe teased. “Why are you making such a production of it?” “I don’t want to embarrass Maya.

It’s the first time the university’s star student has treated us to dinner. I should look presentable.” Sienna laughed and dusted more powder over her face. “All right, gorgeous.

Let’s go. Do you know how long we’ve been waiting?” Sienna stood and changed into a white dress. “I know.

I’m almost ready.” I sat in my chair, staring at the photo of Nathan and me on my lock screen, and smiled bitterly. All the way there, Sienna made no effort to hide her happiness.

Her eyes shone whenever she spoke. Nathan had reserved a table at an expensive restaurant.

Zoe held my arm and looked around cautiously. “Maya, I’ve never been anywhere this fancy.” My fingers curled inside my sleeves.

Neither had I. “Maya, over here.” Nathan rose and walked toward us. “Hello. I’m Maya’s boyfriend, Nathan.

Thank you for looking after her.” Sienna answered first. “You really shouldn’t have spent so much. But we won’t go easy on you tonight.” Nathan smiled. “Order whatever you like.

It’s my pleasure.” He took my hand and pulled out my chair with practiced tenderness. Sienna sighed. “You treat Maya so well.

I wonder when I’ll find a boyfriend as gentle and considerate as you.” Zoe nudged her. “What about Julian Park? He put so much effort into that confession.

Doesn’t that prove he’s sincere?” Nathan’s face darkened. “But I don’t like him.” Sienna bit her lip, an aggrieved look in her eyes. “Then what kind of man do you like?” Chapter 3 “Naturally, I like someone like you, Nathan.” She looked up with a playful smile.

Zoe was so straightforward that she did not notice Sienna’s intentions at all. She pouted. “Then you’re in trouble.

Men like Nathan aren’t easy to find.” Nathan broke into a smile. “Enough talking. See what you’d like to order.” The dishes arrived one after another.

As always, Nathan peeled shrimp for me. “Ow! That hurts.” Sienna suddenly cried out.

A piece of shell seemed to have cut her finger. “Are you all right?” Nathan and I spoke at the same time. The concern in his eyes was unmistakable. My heart slowly sank. “I’m fine.

Thank you for worrying, Nathan. It’s only a tiny cut.” She lowered her head with a coy smile.

Nathan seemed to realize that he had revealed too much and hurried to explain. “If one of you got hurt at a dinner I hosted, Maya would never forgive me.” I watched the guilt flicker through his eyes.

Then I stood and fled with an excuse about needing the restroom. At the bottom of the stairwell, I failed to hold back my tears.

Nathan and I had dated for only a year, but I had given that relationship everything I had. I loved him. More than once, I had imagined our future and our wedding.

Now all of it had dissolved into an illusion.

I gradually calmed myself and was about to go upstairs and leave when the stairwell door opened again. “Why were you peeling shrimp for her?” Sienna’s soft voice floated down. “Who else would I peel them for?

You? She’s my girlfriend.” Nathan’s tone remained cold. “And what am I? You were worried about me just now.” Sienna pressed herself against him. “Get off me. We’re in public.” “No.

There’s no one here. Nathan, you deliberately chose tonight for this dinner because you wanted to know how I felt, didn’t you? You understand now.

I’ll never fall for anyone but you.” “What are you talking about?” “If you still don’t understand, then I might as well accept Julian’s confession.” “Don’t you dare.” Nathan seized her waist and pulled her tight. “Why shouldn’t I?

You won’t—” Nathan silenced her with a kiss. Their ragged breathing echoed through the stairwell. One flight below them, I stood like a ridiculous clown.

After they left, I remained there for another moment before returning to the table. My gaze drifted beneath it. Sienna’s high heel was sliding slowly up Nathan’s leg.

Nausea rose in me. Nathan looked up and saw me. “Maya, what took you so long?

Is your stomach bothering you?” He must have thought I could not see beneath the table, because he did not move his leg away. I walked quickly back to my seat. “I’m fine.

Maybe the shrimp isn’t fresh.” “Oh. Then we’ll order something else.” Sienna lowered her head to drink her soup, delight gleaming in her eyes.

She set down her bowl and looked up. “Nathan, could I borrow the hair tie on your wrist? My hair is getting in the way.” His reply was cold. “No.

That’s Maya’s.” She laughed lightly, her words edged with mockery. “You’re certainly a man of principle.” Zoe handed over the hair tie on her own wrist. “Use mine.

Honestly, learn to read the room. The hair tie a guy wears belongs to his girlfriend. Got it?” Chapter 4 “Oh. I guess I was being naïve,” Sienna said.

Nathan filled a bowl with soup and handed it to me. “Maya, drink this. It’ll settle your stomach.” He was still attentive to me even though his heart already belonged elsewhere.

I took the bowl, rose, and poured the hot soup over his head. “What the hell are you doing, Maya?” Sienna jumped up and frantically wiped Nathan’s face with napkins.

I gave a cold laugh. “What business is it of yours? Why are you so worried? What is he to you?” Nathan reached for my hand, but I stepped back.

Everyone in the restaurant was staring. His face burned with humiliation. “Maya, what’s wrong? Did I do something to upset you?

Can we go somewhere private and talk this through?” “We’ll talk right here. Nathan, we’re done.

I heard everything you and Sienna did in the stairwell.” Panic flashed in his eyes. “Maya, let me explain. I can explain.” I picked up my bag. “Don’t bother.

From this moment on, you and I have nothing to do with each other.” Sienna grew agitated. “Who do you think you are, acting so superior? Nathan is free to love whoever he wants.

If you couldn’t keep him, that’s your failure.” I opened my mouth to answer, but Zoe stepped in front of me. “Sienna, so you’re the other woman.” Sienna’s face flushed crimson.

With people staring and whispering all around her, she had nowhere to hide. She lifted her chin and forced out, “What nonsense. The unloved person is the other woman.

Nathan wanted to break up with Maya a long time ago. He only stayed because he pitied her.” Zoe curled her lip. “You’re shameless.

Of all the things your parents could have done with three minutes, they chose to make you.” Sienna could not find a response. Nathan had always cared deeply about appearances.

His face turned dark, and he walked out. Sienna stamped her foot and hurried after him. Zoe took my hand and cursed under her breath. “Cheating bastard.

Scheming bitch.” I blocked Nathan and deleted every way he had of contacting me. Zoe was afraid I would be heartbroken, so she chose every word carefully on the way back.

I smiled and linked my arm through hers. “Thank you for tonight.” “I can’t believe I never saw what Sienna was after,” she said indignantly. “But flies only land where there’s rot.

Nathan looks respectable, but he’s trash too. Don’t do anything foolish, Maya. When one door closes, another opens. I’ll introduce you to my brother.

He’s gorgeous—easily as handsome as Nathan.” I patted her hand. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. It’s been a long night. Go get ready for bed.” She glanced at Sienna’s empty bunk. “No.

I didn’t insult her nearly enough. I’m waiting until she comes back so I can do it properly.” Her furious expression made me laugh. I was supposed to be the angry one.

Sienna did not return all night. She even missed the morning open lecture. At noon, Zoe and I were eating lunch and watching a show in our room when the door slammed open.

Sienna dropped into her chair with a triumphant expression. Love bites stood out clearly on her neck. “Maya, I’m Nathan’s girlfriend now.

As his ex, I suggest you keep your distance from my boyfriend.” Chapter 5 “Well, now I’ve seen what a homewrecker looks like after she wins.” Zoe rolled her eyes. “He’s something Maya threw away, and you’re clutching him like treasure.” “You must be exhausted after last night.

I’ve never seen anyone so eager to be a man’s plaything.” Sienna trembled with rage. “You don’t understand. This is true love.

Maya hasn’t said anything, so why are you so worked up? Are you her attack dog?” “I can’t stand women who knowingly go after someone else’s boyfriend.

Sienna, I used to think you were merely fake. Now I know you’re a calculating snake.

Whenever I meet someone like you, I’ll keep insulting her until she can’t show her face.” Sienna huffed but said nothing more. She turned and climbed into her bunk.

With graduation approaching, our workload became heavier. Before I knew it, another weekend had arrived.

I had planned to sleep in, but Zoe dragged me to an amusement park. “Marcus, this is my good friend Maya. She’s pretty, isn’t she?” The man before me had a straight, prominent nose.

His gaze was at once lazy and intimidating, and his whole presence carried a sharp edge. “Very,” he said, his deep voice low and steady.

My heart sped up despite myself. “Could you try smiling?” Zoe complained. “You’re scaring my friend.” At that, Marcus curled his lips. “Got it.” The three of us were supposed to ride the roller coaster together, but Zoe deserted us at the last minute and ran to the restroom.

I looked up at the twisting track, and my courage faltered. “Scared?” Marcus held out his hand. “You can hold on to me.” “Thanks.

I’m all right.” He lifted an eyebrow and withdrew his hand. After one circuit, my legs were weak when I stepped off. I missed a stair and pitched forward.

I expected to make a spectacle of myself, but Marcus caught me and pulled me against his chest. “Wow.

Moving fast, aren’t you?” Zoe approached cheerfully with two ice creams, her gaze bouncing between us. “Thank you.” Blushing, I steadied myself.

When I looked up, I saw Sienna and Nathan not far away. Zoe noticed my expression and followed my gaze. “What rotten luck.

Why did we have to run into them?” Even as she spoke, they came toward us. “Maya, you work quickly.

Already throwing yourself into another man’s arms?” Sienna laughed sweetly and leaned against Nathan. “What’s it to you?” Zoe handed an ice cream to Marcus and another to me, then planted her hands on her hips. “Maya is single.

She can do whatever she wants.” Anger smoldered in Nathan’s eyes. “Maya, even if you’re trying to get back at me, you don’t have to degrade yourself with an old man.” VIP