Since the creation of the universe
Everything was destined

Ruby pov

After yesterday's events, your eyes were still red the following day. The editors call, and Greg returns. The idea of your life being ruined and your world being changed is too much for you to handle. The reaction of all your girlfriends, your floor eight roommates, and the college community seems unfathomable. Jimin's fans will scrutinize you, and your privacy will be compromised. Whenever you go outside, you will be followed by eyes, making you feel threatened even in your skin.

The whole thing is your fault for not taking better precautions with Jimins' identity. How were the paparazzi tipped off? And where did they hide?

You got a migraine from all these mental conversations. Your heart is racing so fast that you are almost unable to breathe as you jump out of bed and run to your shared bathroom. As Samantha watched you from the bathroom door, her eyes were filled with concern.

"Ruby, you've been looking pale as a ghost. Your freckles have even become more visible. What happened? Did that wombat (fool) get a way to reach you? Why wasn't your door open yesterday? I thought you'd hit the sack (gone to bed)." Samatha asked with a bit of fury...

"Oh yeah, I worked on a bunch of stuff... the game reviews, and I've sent it in. A few assignments Janice emailed to me... I've sent out more applications for ...um internships overseas, but Greg didn't contact me, only you, my oldtimer, the gals, and lectures got my number." You spoke but avoided her eyes.

"Good for ya (Good for you). I'm relieved that fool missed you. He caged me yesterday demanding your number, and I told him to forget about you and get lost. The wombat said you'd never get over him because your love for him was way too deep. He said he knows you've never dated anyone for two years. That's the proof. Oh gosh, I wanted to strangle that...that son of a skunk!!" she rants on.

"Er... okay, Sam!" You stop her from ranting by lifting your hand. Even though Samantha doesn't talk potty, you can tell that she is beyond furious at Greg's return.

"As much as I apologize, I'm sorry you hate unwholesome words right now. He has disturbed your world. Look at how unsettled you are. Your eyes are red-rimmed. Holy Dooley, I despise that wombat. I think we should have transferred to another university. Yesterday our frenemies were talking about you. Telling everyone you're begging him to return to you. Oh..." She rants. You smirk at her irritation.

No matter what those bullies are thinking or doing, you do not care. They have always been jealous of you and Samatha since high school. It is the fact that you have been dating a boy studying at one of the most prestigious private schools and dating him for almost five years without breaking up - until he has fallen in love with someone else.

With Samatha by your side, you walk into your little lounge and sit down on the sofa. Samantha looks as if steam is coming from her ears and nose. Snorting, you recalled an animation with a fiery bull spewing smoke from his nostrils.

"Don't worry, Sam, they aren't my concern. Just ignore them because I miss them. And I have only a few months left due to my credits so, no big deal. I'm graduating in August, so they'll be left with nothing. No more Greg and witches. If I get an internship overseas, I can then attempt to find other jobs overseas. "You smiled at her shaking your head. Thank God for all the credits you earned from your undergraduate degree. Despite your two majors, you earned many credits. It was a great decision.

Five more agonizing months, and you're done with Sydney. You're considering emigrating. Go back to America and be close to your other model pal. You haven't even called her this week while all this was going on. You'll call her tonight and tell her about Greg's problem, and she'll be even more upset than Sam.

"Ok, then Brendon and I still have one year until we can move. I will miss you. Oh yeah, Melissa sent you these cool links to check out. Do check it out. You'll have a game design class together or something, but the lecture won't be there. Feeling under the weather or seminar. You must bring a USB stick and all the details of your application. Together, you will work on it in the library or wherever you like." A red USB stick was handed to you, and you placed it in your bag for college.

Samantha entered her room to change since she had already showered.

"Oh, there's coffee in the machine. Just pour yourself a cuppa. I'll see you now." She darts into her room to change.

"Ta," you replied before returning to the bathroom for a quick shower. Getting dressed, you put on a cute floral printed top and dark blue skinny jeans, and black flats. You couldn't bear to hide Jimin's rings, so you wore them. While you wait for Samantha, you pour yourself a cup of coffee into one of your silver travel mugs. You and Samantha head out to your first block. Students are in a rush to get to their classes...

Samantha explained excitedly that tonite would be the final round of Miss Freshette's elimination and Floor 8's four first years are well-trained to win the contest again.

The seniors on Floor 6 and Floor 10 are still hoping to win this year. Right now, you are so busy with your life that you do not pay much attention to what is going on around you. Maybe you should go into hibernation.

"Who do you think will make it into the top 10 out of the 40 first-year girls?" Samantha looks at you with curious eyes.

"It seems we have a great chance with that blue-eyed beauty. She might be a little introverted, but she is beautiful. I heard a senior asked her out, and they are dating," You told her, and Samantha was shocked. First-year student girls were out playing the field...

She still looked concerned into your tired eyes as she asked, "Ruby tell me honestly ... are you able to face the day, after all, you've been through?".

You grimace, but your eyes say the rest. "Yeah... reckon I'll be alright... as long as Greg keeps his distance." The memories of the past still eat away at you.

As Samantha furrows her brow, she asks, "Ruby, after all these years, have you ever thought about Nick? How long's it been since you lost him? Has he ever got in touch?"

You cleared your throat as your eyes moistened. "Almost every time I see or go to places, it reminds me of...how I fell in love with him, but I told myself that I wouldn't disrupt his life. Certain things cannot be revealed."

Samanthas widened his eyes." He was your very first lover in that sense. How curious are you about his whereabouts? That he might have misled you and given you the wrong number. I'll be mad as hell. Your mother hated him for it."

You scoff," I know, but honestly, Sam, he wanted a relationship, but I said no! Sam, he had a Whisperer mark. His choice would've been made upon first meeting her. That's how I don't believe in everlasting love for a tarnished person like me. The steadfast love I desire will always stay out of reach for me," you whispered as you wiped the wetness from your eyes. It was a good thing you had your sunshade on.

Samantha throws her arm around your shoulder to comfort you and says, "I think you'll get a whisperer mark. Maybe Nick is your soulmate since the moral code watches didn't reach you."

Then you frown, "Maybe I'm not so lucky after all. Fate sacrifices the "baby" as punishment. Others lose half of their wealth or never conceive or father a child. It would be painful for his real soulmate to learn he has a child with another woman. It would be better to lose the baby than spend two months in prison for that. "

Some of your classmates wave to you as you pass by. They are curious because they know that Greg is back and realize it won't be long before one of the campus' best ex-couples gets back together. But that will never happen.

You arrive just in time for your coding class. At a table, Melissa and Janice converse face-to-face. In your group, there are four Mac laptops.

"Good day, lovely Shiela's", Samantha greets jovially. Their faces lit up as they looked up at you, and they jumped up to come and hug you.

Melissa

"Wow! You were so cute today!" Janice excitedly said, "G'day, guys. We missed you." Janice was always excited to see you.

You and Sam greeted them while Melissa had you still tightly embraced and said, "G'day to you two.".

Mel, you squished me too tightly." You croak and chuckle as she releases you. She combs your hair backward. As you sit down, you turn on your laptop.

Melissa looks you straight in the eyes and says, "Don't worry, we have your back."

You grin and say, "Ok," you love your friends.

Janice smiled, "Did Sam give you the stick? Our coding lecturer is in Perth, so we can quickly send our applications in."

Samantha asks, "To which companies are we sending this? I've applied to six already, and they all said I'm too late. How could you be late if you send it on the same day it's posted on the company website?" she complains. The coffee shop will be her job this coming break.

Melissa grinned, "Well, this is an international firm with a branch in Melbourne, not Sydney".

With new interest and relief, you asked, "Is it an American company?" The revelation greatly piqued your interest.

Sam sat in the chair next to Janice. Melissa sat next to you.

"It's not being announced on their website yet or advertised here in Australia," Melissa grins. Janice's uncle heard it at work when they talked about the millions of dollars these gaming companies made, and that's where he heard it from their CEO's mouth. He got the email from the executive secretary, and voila, we have it. Favor isn't fair."

The excited Janice yelled, "This is our last chance to get it in. It's now or never. And you get paid well for it.".

Samantha chuckled at the frantic girls as they hurried onto the internet. Ruby got all her information from the stick.

With anime characters decorating the page, the website is superb. It appears that all of your information is accurate, and it includes your undergraduate courses and your current classes.

Do you plan on relocating after you are placed in an internship?

Definitely! You won't mind starting a new life abroad.

What is your preferred destination?

OK, you saw some blocks with destinations.

-Australia, Melbourne...hell no! You want to spread your wings and fly. Not drive.
-Canada, Quebec .... no too cold
-New Zealand ...definitely not your cup of tea
-UK, London...too expensive
-United States of America LA...oh yeah, baby. Your dream
-South Korea, Seoul...well, Jimin is there, and they might recognize you due to that tabloid and the coming Esquire magazine, so 1000 no's.
- China...
-Japan...
-Taiwan...
-Philippines...maybe
-New Zealand .... not your cup of tea

As you were about to select your destination in the USA with your finger, Janice asked you a question.

Melissa, quickly move your hand and click your mouse to your destination.

"Melissa, I'm not done yet." You shriek when you see it moved to the next question."

Melissa said slyly, "You wanted to go to the USA, so I pressed it for you. But did you forget you have less than 30 minutes to complete the online form...The online traffic will be heavy after 30 minutes. So, move along."

You shook your head and answered the rest of the questions. Hopefully, you'll be offered an internship in America. Two months will be fantastic, and you may be delivered the position. Your training will take place after you graduate early.

The application process took less than 20 minutes.

"Did you understand that question about simulation games and how will you improve them? It's almost like the Sims stories." Melissa sighed in relief.

"Oh, that's the one they want you to develop a cute storyline for John, Jim, and Noah?" Janice squealed with delight. Storylines are her favorite thing to create.

"Yeah, I chose a storyline for Jim. He is an art high school student with blonde hair and brown eyes," you say. You love Sims, so you know how it works.

Melissa grinned widely, "Oh, that's weird. They are the developers, we are just new programmers. So, which location placement did you choose, Janice and Sam?"

"It's not a good feeling being rejected by almost ten companies. I chose Melbourne because my aunt lives there, and Brendon has extra classes, and I need to be here for my soul bonding." She shrugged.

Janice smiled, "I didn't have all the money, but I chose Japan because coding is my passion."

A bright smile spread across Melissa's face as she said, "Well, if we are successful, we will get an all-expenses paid trip, accommodations, spending money, and a chance to get the job. I chose South Korea. BTS land and I can't wait to attend their "Love Yourself" concert in Seoul. Maybe I'll stay there forever."

Janice's eyes looked shocked. "Oh my gosh! Was Korea an option? I overlooked that block. Oh no! And now I can't log in. I was applicant no. 199 for Japan...I might lose a slot," she whined sadly to herself. You all laughed at her antics.

Melissa rubbed her shoulders and Janice on the verge of tears, 'I was the 650th applicant in Seoul, and you never know, you might get accepted! I might not get it. Japan had 200 applicants, and ...you Ruby?"

You smile happily, "I chose LA, USA. I hope I'm lucky. I' was applicant no. 65.".

You chose America because you wanted to work near your best friend, though she's a very famous model now, at least you'll be close to your best friend. You saw Seoul but did not choose it. Staying away from his country will be good for your emotional well-being. You couldn't help yourself and selected the simulation character Jim. Reminding you of him.

Samantha smiles, "You'll be near our friend. I hope you'll enjoy it. Guys, it's almost game time. We'll spend the time playing the simulation games, and I still need to see my soulmate."

All four of you sprint to your favorite programming class.

Classes for the first part of the day flew by. Three times you spotted Greg and entirely hid from him. All his previous loud friends, whom you dumped after your breakup, were with him. You wish he could move on to another prettier girl.

Brendon and Sam spent some time together. He told her he would take her to the mall for lunch because she didn't have a class today. You're so glad you'll be able to reflect on everything that happened. Taking a nap might be a good idea because Greg will be in the elimination round.

The two of you used to go together for dessert, and afterward, he would take you to the harbor boardwalk. It's fun to talk about the future and make out in his car, but you never let him trigger an intimacy ritual.

There will be times when you will stop him if he wants to go too far. There were some days he was so furious because he considered you an ice princess. However, you remained strong and stood your ground.

You were even told once that this relationship was doomed. There were times when he sulked so much and didn't speak to you for a week. When you thought he had dumped you, he made you apologize for treating him like a boy rather than a man. But that was before the life-changing summer break in Hawaii.

After your actual breakup, you decided to stop caring. You were hurt after the sudden split, but you moved on regardless of the scars left behind. It was then that Jimin entered the picture. The boy who swept you off your feet, who opened the doors to your heart. He loved you, and you fell hopelessly in love with him. The moment you locked eyes with him, you were in love. Although he was the love of your life, you are not his because he has not yet found his soulmate.

When suddenly you felt discomfort in your pinky finger, you rubbed it. You didn't care what it was.

You, Melissa, and Janice went to the coffee shop and ordered a light lunch. Brendan took Sam to lunch off campus.

You and your friends had fun discussing your prospective internship. Melissa paid the bill after lunch, so you decided to leave. You have a theory class, after all. As you walk out, you bump into Greg and his four friends. Your heart sinks. You must be kidding me.

As Greg's eyes locked on yours, you shook your head and continued on your way. He doesn't have that. To keep you still, he grabs your forearm. Melissa and Janice tried to pull you away from him, but his four friends grabbed them by their arms even as they were screaming and kicking, hurling profanity at the guys.

Melissa yelled, "Leave her alone, Greg. She is not yours."

Greg ignored them but instead dragged you away, and Greg was too strong for you to free yourself.

Despite your protests, he was determined to talk to you.

"Leaving me alone Greg... you're hurting my arms, you know how easily I bruise," you said, pushing you against the tree, which made you wince as the roughness pressed against your back. You stared at him with fury in your eyes, and you were rubbing your arms.

Greg couldn't take his eyes off you. You've transformed. You've got long glossy hair, a slimmer body, and your curves are defined. You look gorgeous, and he was enchanted. 

He softly asked, "Can we talk?". You exhaled loudly and grimaced. You almost felt like melting when he looked at you with those puppy eyes. He is a selfish guy, and he is one selfish hot guy.

"Honestly, Greg, you're two years late. I know you just got dumped by your blonde princess, but do you have to bother me? "you sneered your answer.

Greg licked his lips nervously." Ruby, I have never apologized to you for hurting you. I know you hate me, and I made a terrible mistake by leaving you."

"Yeah, right." You scoffed. "You told me the truth right in front of me. You said you hadn't truly known love until you met Willow. Willow is the connection you've never felt. You broke my heart knowing I've loved you for almost five years..." Your eyes welled up with tears, thinking about how heartbroken you were. "I cannot stand being around you Greg...you broke my heart in pieces..."

Greg's face was filled with regret. "I know, I'm so sorry. Willow was a temptation and a welcome distraction. I never stopped loving you ...but when I heard from Kurt about the online bullying you experienced, I was so angry that I left you for her.".He cupped your face tenderly in his hands, but you just pressed your eyes, trying not to cry.

"The reason I went through all that was because of you, Greg. You didn't even try to explain why you broke up with me. Is it because I wasn't ready to sleep with you at the time? Greg! As far as I know, neither of us had our soul marks. I couldn't risk it...but...but you took the next available bimbo. The truth is, I have moved on. As for you, you have to move on, too." You strangled it out with your hoarse voice. You can't go back. You love someone else.

Although Greg inhaled, he still had you pinned between his muscular arms. While you stared at each other for a moment, Greg felt his heart racing, Holey Dooley...his girl grew up! He wanted her back.

"Baby...Please let me have another chance. I've made a mistake, and I want your trust back. I'll do whatever is necessary to earn your trust again...please!" He looked so desperate, and he realized he had traded real gold for fake gold. 

Suddenly, you sigh deeply and shake your head as you push him away. "Greg," you say, "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer in love with you. I moved on with my life. My goal in life is to be free and single...so leave me alone and start dating other blondes... they've been waiting for you for years...so go after them again...but I'm unavailable forever." You rush away, not caring about the shocked expression on his face. You're done. The door is closed, and the key is thrown into the ocean. 

The young man followed you with narrowing eyes, clenched his jaws, and with a determined look, scoffs, "You're mine, Ruby. I know what makes you tick, baby."

The two girls were hitting Greg's friends, and as they saw you coming, they rushed you. Looking around to make sure you weren't hurt. Then you grin and link your arms with them and go for your last class. You're done for the day.

You all go back to your dorms after class. Greg's confrontation with you left you feeling weightless. Although Greg became hotter, you aren't attracted to him anymore. Your eyes sparkle with happiness. 

There is only one shadow in your sunlight: that dreaded magazine article...

My Mochi stans get another update. I appreciate all your support—a special welcome to our new readers. I hope you have enjoyed the journey so far.

If you enjoyed this chapter, please keep voting and commenting. 

Shout out to @shimla1210 @Hilton79 @Ditzy14 @liyalydua @Aliana560

Question 1:  Will Greg leave you alone when he hears that you don't love him anymore?

Question 2: Will you receive the internship where you need it to be?

Question 3: Have you moved on from Greg and Jimin?