As I was eating at the cafeteria for lunch, I overheard a few unfamiliar girls behind me whispering and pointing.

"She's such a broke loser, yet here she is pretending to be someone she's not. What a joke."

"Pretending to be rich and glamorous when she's clearly not. Now that the truth is out, let's see how she keeps up the charade."

At that moment, a few guys chimed in/

"Not necessarily. She might have some rich sugar daddy or something. That way, she can still pull off the rich girl image. Too bad for those clueless people who thought they were mingling with some high-class second-generation rich kid when she's just a broke nobody."

I calmly finished my meal and then went to the campus security office to review the cafeteria's surveillance footage.

If these people kept talking behind my back, I wouldn't mind having the cops invite them to the station for a little chat.

I was not one to stir up trouble, but I was also not afraid to handle it when it came my way.

Plus, sometimes, proving oneself wasn't the best way to deal with issues.

If I had to constantly clear my name whenever someone slandered me, I'd be exhausted.

After saving the surveillance footage, I went to pick up a few packages.

Just as I finished collecting them, I spotted Lawson standing outside the package station.

As soon as I saw him, I turned to leave, but of course, he stopped me.

It made sense. I had always been the one chasing after him.

He probably thought that after he blew up at me, I would be begging for his forgiveness. He never expected me to end things.

Realizing I couldn't escape, I rolled my eyes and said, "Lawson, what do you want now? Looking for me to return the handmade gift you gave me for my birthday? Don't worry, I'll dig it out and send it over with a courier."

It seemed like my words only fueled his anger further. "Lillian, you're such a bitch! You're still trying to act all high and mighty. Just wait, you'll be on your knees begging me to get back together. You..."

Before he could finish, I gave him a dismissive eye roll and slipped out the door of the package station.

It wasn't that I couldn't argue with him; I just couldn't be bothered. I'd much rather open my packages than waste my time with him.

Yet Lawson wasn't done. He continued to shout hysterically behind me. The person he was now was a far cry from the Lawson I met six months ago.

Maybe this was his true self after all.

When I got back to the dorm, I found my roommate Jennifer and Lyla Monroe chatting excitedly about the Osborne fan meet-and-greet event.

Osborne had just launched his own streetwear brand, and his online store sold out in a flash.

Many fans were heartbroken over missing out, so Osborne decided to hold a fan event to make it up to them and promote his brand. The event would be held in our school's music hall.

As I walked in, I caught Jennifer gazing dreamily at a photo of Osborne.

"I can't believe I'm finally going to see my idol in person! I'm so excited I might not sleep tonight!"

Lyla sighed beside her, "Even though the meet-and-greet is at our school, we don't have tickets. The most frustrating thing is being just a hundred feet away from my idol and not being able to see him."

When Jennifer saw me carrying my packages, her adoration instantly turned into disdain.

"I wish I could get my hands on some of those clothes from his brand instead of having to deal with fake stuff, like some people who pretend their clothes are signed by him. What a load of nonsense!"

Before Osborne's brand even launched, he had given me a few sample items, complete with his autograph.

He claimed they were priceless, but I teased him about it for a while.

People saw Osborne as a god-like figure, but he was actually a bit of a softie when it came to his daughter.

To protect me and my mom, he only let the public know that he was married but didn't expose our existence.

Osborne always treated me like I was the most precious thing in his life.

I was proud to have such a dad. Although I joked about his idol persona, he truly was the best father in my eyes.

One day, after showering, I decided to wear one of the sample outfits he had given me.

Jennifer spotted it and got all worked up. "Lillian, is that one of the clothes from my idol's brand? And it's the signed version! It's not fake, is it?"

I chuckled at her excitement. I hadn't expected to find a fan of my dad in the dorm.

I rummaged through my suitcase and pulled out another piece of the collection, handing it to her. "Of course, it's not fake. I have an extra one that's never been worn, so you can have it."

Jennifer squealed with joy, hugging me and thanking me repeatedly.

But now, she'd tossed that same piece of clothing in the trash, claiming it was fake and the signature was just a joke.

It seemed human nature really couldn't handle the scrutiny.

Like a balloon, it popped completely with the slightest prick.

Shaking my head in resignation, I ignored her snide comments and reached into my packages to retrieve a beautifully wrapped envelope.

Inside was a ticket to the fan event.

I wasn't originally planning to attend, but Osborne insisted. He rarely got to see me.

Since he was coming to our school for work, I couldn't pass up the chance.

So, thanks to Osborne's persistence, his manager, Amy Dent, had sent me a front-row ticket.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Osborne.

"Hey, sweetheart, did you get the ticket? I made sure Amy saved the best seat for you. You've got to come!"

Looking at the ticket, I smiled and playfully replied, "Don't worry, Dad. I'll definitely be there."

Jennifer, with her ears perked up, overheard my phone call and saw the ticket in my hand. A hint of envy flashed in her eyes, and she started to speak sarcastically.

"Oh, look at you, with a sugar daddy who can get you tickets so easily. Must be nice, huh? Unlike us, even if we adore our idol, we can only love him from afar."

She continued, her tone dripping with disdain, "But you know, someone as outstanding as our idol probably wants his fans to come see him through legitimate means, paying their own way, rather than using some sugar daddy's money."

Lyla chimed in, adding to the negativity, "Yeah, exactly. Acting like she's so high and mighty, even though they're broke. She's just trying to maintain a rich-girl image by finding a sugar daddy. Pathetic, really."

The conversation between Jennifer and Lyla was carried over the phone line to Osborne. I could hear the irritation in his voice as he responded.

"Lillian, are your roommates talking about you?

"How dare they slander you like that? I was thinking of having you bring them along, but clearly, that's not necessary anymore.

"You need to tell me exactly what they said. My daughter isn't going to be the target of these petty, rumor-spreading brats."

I quickly made my way to the balcony, holding the phone and trying to sound as sweet as possible.

"Oh, Dad, didn't you always tell me not to waste my time with foolish people?"

Why should I bother wasting my energy on a bunch of neurotics?

But my doting father wasn't about to let me stay there without his watchful eye.

"So, Lillian," he said with fatherly concern, "summer break is just around the corner, and I'm not too busy myself. How about I come pick you up and we visit the hot spring village we're planning to sign with at the company? Your mom mentioned that the village has hot springs known for their beauty benefits. It might be a good chance for you to relax and clear your head."

Even though Osborne claimed he wasn't busy, I didn't quite buy it.

Still, I could tell he was genuinely worried, so I decided to go along with his plan.

Besides, My mother had recently shown interest in a plot of land there, saying it would be ideal for a wellness resort investment. I was eager to check it out myself.

So, I cheerfully accepted his offer.

"Thanks, Dad, you always know what's best for me. Love you lots!"

As I spoke, I glanced through the window and saw Jennifer making a disgusted face as if she were about to vomit.

"Ugh, who's she smooching up to now?"

Lyla shot a disdainful look toward the balcony.

"Who else could it be? Obviously, it's another sugar daddy footing her bills. It's just gross."