Turning Of the Tide by Diana Sander

Chapter 318

Engrossed in their discussion, Ava and Frank unconsciously drew many complex gazes from the students nearby.

Countless looks of envy, jealousy, and disdain were all cast their way..

Not far from the pair, two girls engaged in a relentless whisper, their conversation a tapestry of speculation. Their gazes were anything but discreet as they remained fixated on the man seated across from Ava.

One of the girls held a book in one hand, a pen in the other, and a notebook was placed on her side. This pair was none other than the identical girls who had approached Frank earlier.

There was another girl who was sharing the table with them. Together, the three women instantly formed a gossip group.

The girl majoring in broadcasting scoffed angrily as she said, “What is the big deal? He is just taken. There was no need for him to act all high and mighty just now.”

Her female companion, who was more pragmatic, advised her as she said, “Concentrate on your studies. He might just be reserved. If he responded to your greeting, would that not be disingenuous?”

In any case, this girl felt that the man’s actions were proper. Having a girlfriend while entertaining advances from others was certainly disingenuous behavior. Pursuing one individual at a time was the only fair approach.

The girl, who was sharing the table, briefly glanced toward the couple. In a hushed tone, she asked, “Are you discussing the couple over there?”

The broadcasting major girl remained dissatisfied. It was her first time encountering a man who treated her with such indifference. Annoyed, she pursed her lips and replied, “Yeah, do you know that guy?”

She had heard of Ava’s name before, as Ava was renowned for her beauty and amiability. Besides, Ava also had many admirers. It was said that the pursuits of others did not easily sway Ava. However, she had never met or seen this specific guy before. He had even indicated he was not from their institution, implying his association with another. His handsomeness would have garnered him fame if he were from Sapphire City University.

The girl at their table retrieved her phone and shared an online forum post with the pair. The post featured a picture of Ava and the other person, Frank. The image portrayed Ava clutching a mask while the individual gently wiped her tears. The man’s gaze seemed tender, and it was laced with a trace of indulgence and anguish.

“They are a couple. There’s no doubt after seeing them together,” the broadcasting major girl asserted, preempting the need to see the photo for confirmation.

The girl at their table divulged information in a low voice, saying, “No, they are not. A student of the computer science department told me that Ava initially pursued the man but was subsequently rejected. She feigned distress, and then the man had initiated pursuit here.”

This was the nature of gossip. With each recount, the information morphed from one iteration to the next to a point where the truth became murky.

Different versions circulated among social groups, and the emotional consequences of these tales were often disregarded.

“So, she pursued them first. That explains it” the broadcasting major girl responded with a blend of scorn and disdain.

was plastered

them. One of them inquired curiously, “Are you guys

share information with one another,” Alex responded. Her expression indicated she was present to revel in the

undoubtedly oblige. The girls at

an impression of gender ambiguity. After hearing the gossip tale, Alex corrected the group, saying, “You have all the facts wrong. Where did you pick up this misinformation? It’s entirely off the mark. Let me correct this for you. The man did not reject Ava. This person noticed her

present Ava with 11 roses. Eleven roses, you grasp the

Alex had delivered her account with such

down to slightly enhanced looks, tinged with innocence and sweetness. She, too,

Ava was genuine. The episode involving the II roses was also accurate. Alex had not fabricated these details. She had

a city beyond Sapphire City’s borders. Curiosity spurred her to address

mask. Alex’s countenance registered

the broadcasting major girl

certain about the name?” Alex questioned. She found herself increasingly puzzled. The moniker sounded

broadcasting major girl nodded affirmatively, and Alex stifled a grin. Standing up. Alex said, “Well, that could be a well-known institution over there. Anyway, focus on your studies. I’m heading out. Oh, and keep this information to yourself. These are insider information.

They pondered why such

library. Curiosity piqued, she messaged Ava, asking

phone on the desk disrupted her focus. She sneakily stole a glance at the device,

ahead and check it,” Frank gently said as

motion and expression of Ava was perceptible to Frank. Nothing eluded his attention,

responded as she openly picked up her phone, a

message, Ava’s brows knitted in confusion as she thought, “What is this university? Should I approach Frank to clarify this?” Yet something about the message felt peculiar.

gently, and her gaze flowed tenderly as she asked, “Mr. Roberts, what is Homeschooled

to momentarily pause his lecture, a fleeting grin curving his lips. He sent the correct name to Ava via text. [Home-Schooled University

faint buzz urged Ava to inspect her phone. Confronted with the words on the screen, she could no longer suppress her reaction. She placed her hand on

unreservedly, Frank rested his phone on the desk. He folded his arms across his chest and reclined against the chair. Resuming the lecture could

in unrestrained laughter, he

inquired, “Is it

yearned to applaud him, and she pondered, “How did he think of this? So inventive.” Despite the lingering smile, her breathing remained uneven as she supported herself on her elbows, trained her gaze on the impassive Frank,

With an air of tranquility, he replied, “Yes.”

Ava’s direct, inquisitive stare, Frank preempted her question, replying, “I’m at home every day. Isn’t that akin to attending