Done Hiding as Your Backup Plaything I'm Shining Golden as a Queen - Chapter 134: Chapter 134

The health center was stifling in the early fall heat. I carefully dabbed antiseptic on Tanner's cuts, trying to focus on the task at hand.
Up close, his face was almost unfairly handsome. Those deep-set eyes were watching my every move with an intensity that made my pulse skip.
My heart was hammering so loud I was sure he could hear it. I looked down, flustered. "Stop staring or I'm leaving."
His long fingers wrapped gently around my wrist. "Don't go."
I wasn't stupid. These past few weeks, his constant care and attention had made his feelings crystal clear.
Tanner Lockhart liked me.
I'd overheard classmates talking about how the notoriously aloof business honors student had bought bubble tea and dinner for our entire class just to help me fit in better.
And the whole Camila situation—he'd orchestrated her downfall from behind the scenes.
He did everything quietly, never wanting me to feel burdened or guilty about the trouble he went to for me.
When I needed him, he was always there—no waiting, no excuses. Unlike Travis, who made me beg for scraps of his attention.
When I had dreams or goals, he encouraged and supported me. Unlike Travis, who left me to struggle alone.
He knew I was scared to trust again, so neither of us had acknowledged what was building between us.
My heartbeat quickened as I worried he might choose this moment to confess.
The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words. I heard him let out the softest sigh.
Then his warm hand was ruffling my hair with gentle affection.
"I'm not going to eat you alive. Relax."
Something reckless surged through me. Before I could think twice, I leaned forward and kissed him.
The early autumn breeze swept away the tension in the small room, leaving Tanner completely stunned.
After a long moment, he covered his eyes with his hand and whispered, "Well, I'm completely fucked now—"
His lips curved into an unstoppable smile, his ears burning red.
That evening, Travis cornered me outside my dorm.
I knew this conversation was inevitable if I wanted him to leave me alone for good.
We ended up at a nearby café. He automatically ordered my drink—some elaborate tea concoction—and set it in front of me with desperate hope in his eyes.
This time he was calmer, more controlled.
"Gabby, you're really going to throw away everything we have just because I helped Camila move in?"
I nodded quietly.
He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "I've told you a million times—there's nothing between us! I felt sorry for her, that's all. I was just being nice! Why won't you believe me? I don't like her! I only want you! I dream about marrying you!"
His grip on my hands was almost painful. "You have to trust me! We've been together for over ten years!"
I slowly, deliberately pulled my hands free. "Trust you? How exactly should I do that?"
"Should I trust you after all the fights we had because of her?"
"Should I trust you after you left me stranded at the train station for hours?"
"Should I trust you after you stood by her side and accused me of faking an allergic reaction that nearly killed me?"
"Should I trust you after you gave my mother's dress—her final gift to me—to another girl so you could perform together?"
"Or should I trust you after you sent her to bring me up that mountain, then abandoned me there to die?"
Each question hit him like a physical blow. "What are you talking about?"
I didn't explain. My voice stayed level, detached.
"You were so sure I was obsessed with you, that I'd never leave. You got to enjoy my devotion while also basking in her worship. Having your cake and eating it too."
"But people change, Travis. Love fades when it's taken for granted over and over again."
"So I'm telling you now—I don't love you anymore."
His hands shook as he clenched them into fists, then suddenly his head dropped.
"But I still love you!"
Tears hit the table between us. "Gabby, I know I screwed up. I'll cut all contact with her, I swear. Please forgive me just this once. We can start over, can't we?"
Watching him break down, his pride finally shattered, I felt... nothing. Just calm.
I was completely free.
My phone buzzed with a text. I glanced down and couldn't help smiling.
I stood up and pushed the untouched drink toward him.
"Travis."
"Camila's the one who likes this fancy tea stuff. Not me."
"And I already have started over."
His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "With that guy from today?"
I thought about the kiss, heat rising to my cheeks.
"Obviously."