That Killed Us 12

Chapter12 

The Liberal Arts check–in desk at Northbridge University was swamped. Chase Rylan elbowed his way forward, scanning every face- again and again–but Lydia Rivers never appeared. 

He headed for the dorm they had picked together and asked the hall supervisor, Mrs. Whitmore. Her answer hit like a slap. There was no “Lydia Rivers” on the housing list at all. 

The unease he had been swallowing surged back, meaner than before. 

Chase pulled out his phone and tried Lydia’s number one more time. The same result–blocked. He dialed her parents next. No connection. 

“How–how is this possible…” His voice thinned. Had she really given up on him? Really left? 

He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing himself 

replay the last weeks. 

The alley–thirty–three missed calls while she was trapped in the alley, he was busy tending to Sienna Quinn’s so–called condition. Crown Arena–she was trampled, and he stood there in the dark because Sienna begged, kissing her in the shadows. 

At the Rivers Estate–peanut shards in the stew, Lydia collapsing, and he had still let Sienna press him into her parents‘ bedroom. 

Eclipse Lounge–Lydia begged him for help while Brent Doyle and his goons cornered her; he hung up because of Sienna’s father. 

AN 

The Merriton River–he swam for Sienna first and left Lydia to drown. 

One scene after another flickered like a film reel. A bolt of clarity split him clean open. 

He had been colder, crueler than he had ever let himself admit. 

But he had reasons. 

Sienna had returned his grandma’s locket tin from the fire. 

Sienna’s so–called craving for touch, something only he could supposedly soothe. 

Lydia loved him. She was the understanding one. She should have forgiven him… right? 

“Chase, stop spacing out. We still need to check me in.” Sienna tugged on his sleeve. “Maybe Lydia’s hiding on purpose. Once we finish and settle my stuff, she’ll show.” 

He frowned, mind still shagged on Lydia. But Sienna wasn’t wrong–they couldn’t just stand there. 

Fine. Help Sienna first. Then I’ll 

go 

find Lydia. 

She loves me. She won’t really ice me out. 

“Let’s go,” he said. 

The paperwork went quickly. Sienna received a key and led him up to the third floor. He hauled her suitcase behind her. 

Two roommates were already there. Their eyes widened when they recognized Chase. Sienna beamed. 

“This is my friend, Chase. He came to help me set up,” 

Chase managed a polite smile and started unpacking. Shirts on hangers. Books on the shelf. Every movement felt mechanical, hollow. 

No matter what he did, his mind drifted to Lydia. 

He remembered helping her pack before–how she would loop her arms around him from behind and chatter about school gossip until he laughed. 

He remembered them arranging furniture in a tiny rental, her dimples bright as she called it their “little place.” 

Chapter 12 

Dreame–Read Romance Sterl 

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He remembered her excitement after exams, tugging his hand and promising to make their college dorm cozy and perfect–together. 

“Chase, where should this go?” Sienna’s voice cut through, sugary–sweet. She held up a plush rabbit. 

He blinked and focused, dazed. 

He shouldn’t have been here. He should have been with Lydia, setting up her room. 

“Anywhere,” he said, distracted, and went back to folding. But the unease only grew, clawing up his spine. 

Lydia, where are you? 

Are you really… not coming back? 

He couldn’t bear to follow the thought to its end. He bent his head over the suitcase and kept moving his hands–while her face burned, indelible, behind his eyes. 

Chapter12