Smashed Dreams: Ruining My Arrogant Ex with His Ultimate Rival

On the night before my final thesis defense, Ethan Carter smashed my 3D architectural design model into pieces. All because Lily Gray, the newly admitted scholarship girl, said she wanted to see what the structure looked like inside. "It was just a slip of the hand. Do you really have to look at me with that dead, emotionless face?" Ethan carelessly brushed the dust off his hands. "Sera, you’re the campus goddess. You can easily build another one with a snap of your fingers. Lily has never seen anything of this scale. Just consider this as opening her eyes to the real world." I stared at the shattered pieces of the architectural model on the floor. It had taken me three grueling months of sweat and sleepless nights to build. Now, it was nothing but trash. I didn’t scream or throw a tantrum like I used to. Instead, I calmly pulled out my phone and tapped the cancel button on my thesis defense application. Suddenly, a bright, glowing wall of chat comments flashed before my eyes: [Nooo! Seraphina, don't do anything reckless! Ethan is just trying to show off in front of his little mentee. You’re the one he truly loves!] [Exactly! Sure, the model was expensive, but didn't Ethan buy you a Hermes Birkin to make up for it? He knows he messed up. If you break off a ten-year relationship over some stupid plastic model, you’re throwing away your entire youth!] [Look at his hands! He's shaking because he regrets it already. He’s just too proud to admit it. Give him a way out, and he’ll spoil you rotten again!] [Why is the female lead being so dramatic? Lily is so poor and pitiful. What's wrong with her taking a look? You're a billionaire heiress, why do you even care about this?] I let out a soft, mocking laugh. Once upon a time, for the sake of Ethan, I had rejected my acceptance letter from the world's top architecture school in London, choosing to stay at this mediocre state college instead. I did it for what I thought was love. But now, I was done. It wasn't just my thesis model that was shattered. Ethan, I am officially opting out of your life. 1 I grabbed the unopened Hermes box from the table and tossed it directly into the trash can. "Ethan, let's break up." Ethan froze for a second, then let out a sharp sneer. He casually wrapped his arm around the innocent-looking Lily, who was standing beside him. "Seraphina, are you out of your mind?" "You're breaking up with me over this minor accident? Fine. Don't regret it." "The moment you walk out that door, even if you beg me on your knees, I won't give you a second glance." I ignored him, turned around, and walked straight out of the studio. Behind me, Lily's timid, trembling voice echoed: "Ethan... did I do something wrong? Seraphina looks really mad..." "Don't worry about her. She's just spoiled and throwing a tantrum." Ethan's voice was cold as ice. "Within three days, she’ll definitely come crawling back to me in tears." Well, I’m afraid you’re going to be disappointed this time. Those three days will be used to pack my bags. And to completely erase you from my life. Outside, the rain was pouring. I walked into the storm without an umbrella, letting the cold water wash away ten years of absolute absurdity. From fourteen to twenty-four. I had treated Ethan like my entire world. Yet, he treated me like a stepping stone to boost Lily's ego. Disgusting. After blocking Ethan on Snapchat, Instagram, and every other platform, I contacted the London professor who had offered me a spot years ago. "Professor, I’m ready to accept your offer now." By the time I finished packing and sorting out the details, it was already past midnight. I dragged my suitcase into the lobby of the luxury high-rise apartment near campus. My dad had bought this place for me so I wouldn’t have to commute, but I had left it empty just to share a cramped off-campus apartment with Ethan. As the elevator doors slid open, I noticed a man leaning against the wall of the hallway. He was dressed in all black, casually smoking a cigarette. The tiny, glowing ember illuminated his strikingly handsome, rebellious face. Xavier Thorne. He was the notorious bad boy of Easton University, and Ethan’s ultimate rival. The chat pop-ups in my mind went absolutely wild: [Oh my god! Why is HE here? Run, Seraphina! This guy is extremely dangerous!] [Sera, don't be stupid! He’s a literal psycho. Ethan might be a jerk, but he would never actually hurt you. This guy is on another level!] [It's over, it's over! Quick, call Ethan for help!] [I heard Xavier's family has deep ties with the underground mafia. You can't mess with him. Run!] I ignored the screaming chat boxes. Mainly because my smart lock was acting up. The fingerprint scanner was dead, and the keypad kept showing an error. Just as I was about to call a 24-hour locksmith, Xavier pinched out his cigarette. He took a few slow steps toward me, bringing with him the subtle scent of rich tobacco and fresh mint. "Well, if it isn't the campus goddess. Did you get kicked out of your house?" His voice was deep, laced with a teasing smirk. I was in no mood for his games. "Let me borrow your phone. Mine is dead." Xavier raised an eyebrow. Instead of reaching for his phone, he stepped closer, leaned past me, and tapped a few numbers on my lock keypad. With a soft beep, the lock clicked open. I froze. Xavier leaned casually against the doorframe, his smile dangerously charming. "I bought this entire penthouse floor. Of course I know the master backup code." "No need to thank me, neighbor." With that, he turned and strolled into the apartment directly opposite mine. Leaving me standing there in utter disbelief. Once inside, I plugged my phone into the charger. The second the screen lit up, dozens of angry voice messages from Ethan flooded my Snapchat. "Seraphina, you’ve got some nerve blocking me, huh?" "Let me tell you right now, if you don't publicly apologize to Lily tomorrow, we are done!" "Your stupid model was garbage anyway. I did you a favor by smashing it so you wouldn't embarrass yourself at the defense!" The last message was a photo. Ethan had taken Lily to the exclusive lounge we always frequented, throwing a massive party. His caption read: "Celebrating being single. All drinks on me tonight." In the corner of the photo, Lily was wearing the limited-edition designer dress Ethan had ordered for me last week, laughing like a clown. [Aww, look! He's just trying to make you jealous! He's literally waiting by his phone for you to call!] [Sera, just swallow your pride. That dress looks so cheap on Lily anyway. Ethan is definitely thinking about you!] [If you go there right now and give him a kiss in front of everyone, this whole thing will be over!] I let out a cold sneer. Over? Sure. Let's make it official. I screenshotted the photo and forwarded it straight into my family's WhatsApp group. My caption: "We broke up. From now on, the Vance family cuts all ties with the Carters." Less than a minute later, my dad replied: "Understood." Ethan, your golden days are officially over. 2 The next morning, I went to the dean's office to file my withdrawal papers. As I walked out, Ethan and Lily blocked my path. Lily’s eyes were puffy and red, looking like she had been crying for hours. "Seraphina, please don't drop out of school. It’s all my fault. I shouldn't have touched your model..." "At least you're self-aware," I interrupted her performance. Lily choked on her words, her tears threatening to spill. Ethan immediately lost his temper. "Seraphina! How long are you going to keep up this pathetic act? Does forcing Lily to apologize make you feel powerful?" "Dropping out? Who are you trying to scare? With your spoiled, fragile personality, what can you even do without Easton University? Without me?" "Apologize to Lily right now, withdraw your paperwork, and don't make me slap some sense into you." A crowd of students had gathered around, whispering and pointing fingers at me. To them, I was the spoiled, rich bully tormenting an innocent scholarship girl. The chat boxes started spamming again: [Sera, stop being so stubborn! He’s giving you a chance to save face! If you don't drop out, you'll still be the future Mrs. Carter!] [Exactly! Don't ruin your own future over some green tea drama! Ethan still cares about you, he's just acting tough!] [Take your mom's advice, hug him, cry, and apologize! It's not too late!] I looked at Ethan's arrogant face and realized just how blind I had been. "Ethan, did you seem to forget something?" I slapped my approved withdrawal form hard against his chest. "My family built the library at this university. We funded the entire science wing." "Even if I decided to burn this place to the ground, nobody would dare say a single word to me." "As for you..." I swept my eyes over him with pure disgust. "Without the Vance family backing you, what are you even worth?" The hallway fell into dead silence. Ethan's face turned a violent shade of purple. He raised his hand, aiming a hard slap right at my face. "Seraphina, you're asking for it!" But before his hand could reach me, it was caught mid-air. "Crack." The sound of fracturing bone echoed clearly through the corridor. Xavier had appeared out of nowhere. He held Ethan’s wrist with a single hand, his grip vice-like, his smile deadly. "Hitting a woman, Ethan?" "Are you tired of having hands?" Ethan broke out into a cold sweat from the pain, but he still tried to yell, "Xavier! This is a private matter between me and Seraphina! None of your business!" Xavier tightened his grip, making Ethan scream in agony. "A private matter?" Xavier reached out with his other hand, lazily twirling a strand of my hair around his finger. "How come Seraphina didn't mention you when she spent the night at my place last night?" Instantly, the crowd erupted into chaotic whispers. Even I was stunned. Since when did this guy become such a liar? 3 Xavier’s words were like a bomb dropping on the crowd. Ignoring the agonizing pain in his wrist, Ethan stared at me, his eyes bloodshot with rage. "Seraphina, is he telling the truth?" "Are you really that cheap? You jump into another man's bed the exact same night we break up?" Beside him, Lily gasped, covering her mouth in mock horror. "Seraphina, how could you... Ethan has a bad temper, but he was always loyal to you..." I opened my mouth to deny it, but suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against a hard chest. Xavier leaned down, his warm breath brushing against my ear. "What's wrong? Shy to admit it?" "Who was the one begging me to go easier on them last night?" His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone in the hallway to hear. My entire body went rigid. Is this guy a natural-born actor or what? Just as I was about to stomp on his foot, I caught his eyes. They were dark, deep, and filled with an intensity I couldn't quite read. The chat went completely insane: [Noooo! Seraphina is ruined! How could she sleep with the villain? My ship has sunk!] [Even though Ethan is a jerk, he never touched another girl! Sera, I am so disappointed in you!] [It's over, there's no going back now. Is she just throwing her life away?] [Xavier is definitely using her! He just wants to get back at Ethan! Wake up, Seraphina!] I took a deep breath. If Ethan wanted to believe I cheated, then so be it. Either way, I wanted nothing to do with him anymore. I leaned back into Xavier's embrace, flashing Ethan a dazzling, mock-sweet smile. "Yes, it’s true." "And honestly, Xavier is a million times better than you." "At least he doesn't smash my hard work just to impress some cheap girl." Ethan trembled with pure rage. "Fine! Fine! Fine!" He snarled, his eyes dark with malice. "Seraphina, you will regret this!" "I will make sure you realize just how miserable your life will be without me!" With that, he grabbed Lily and stormed off, completely humiliated. As the crowd dispersed, I immediately pushed Xavier away. "Done acting?" Xavier didn't seem bothered. He casually slid his hands into his pockets. "Throwing me away the second I’m no longer useful? How heartless, Seraphina." He stepped closer, his gaze turning serious. "But just so you know, one thing I said was absolutely true." "I really am a million times better than him." I rolled my eyes and walked away. Behind me, his low, amused chuckle followed me down the hall. Back at my apartment, my phone rang. It was my mother. "Sera, what is wrong with that Carter boy? I heard he destroyed your thesis project?" "Mom, I want to transfer to London." There was a brief silence on the other end. "Go ahead, sweetheart. Your father and I support you. As for Ethan, the Vance family will make sure he pays for what he did." After hanging up, I stared out at the city skyline. For the first time in years, my mind felt incredibly peaceful. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number. "Velvet Lounge, 8 PM tonight. If you don't show up, you'll regret it." Attached was a photo of Xavier, beaten up and covered in blood. My heart stopped. 4 By the time I rushed into Velvet Lounge, the private VIP room was in complete ruins. Ethan was sitting in the middle of the couch, his designer shoe stepping heavily on Xavier's face. Lily was curled up next to him, feeding him grapes. Xavier was covered in cuts and bruises, yet he was still laughing—a completely mocking, arrogant laugh. "Is this all you got, Ethan?" "Bringing ten guys to jump me? You're a pathetic clown." Ethan ground his heel harder into Xavier's cheek. "Shut up. Right now, you're nothing but a dog at my feet." Seeing me enter, Ethan's eyes lit up. He lifted his foot, looking like a little boy waiting for a prize. "Sera, you came." "I knew you couldn't stay away from me." "Apologize to Lily on your knees right now, swear you’ll never see this street trash again, and I’ll forgive you." Staring at Xavier, who was bleeding on the floor, a fierce, burning anger roared inside me. The chat comments were still desperately trying to persuade me: [Sera, just kneel! Ethan is just incredibly jealous! He only beat up Xavier because he loves you so much!] [If you just submit to him, Ethan will take Xavier to the hospital! Look how much he cares about your reaction!] [Xavier is just a street thug anyway, he deserved it! Don't ruin things with Ethan over him!] I marched forward. Before anyone could react, I grabbed a heavy bottle of red wine from the table and slammed it directly over Ethan's head. "Smash!" The glass shattered into a million pieces. Crimson wine mixed with blood poured down Ethan's face. Screams echoed through the room. Lily shrieked and fell off the sofa in terror. Ethan clutched his bleeding head, staring at me in absolute shock. "Seraphina! You hit me? For this street trash?" I tossed the broken neck of the bottle onto the floor, looking down at him coldly. "Ethan, that bottle was for my destroyed architectural model." Then, I pointed at Xavier. "As for him..." "Whoever touched him tonight, I want their hand." I pulled out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in a very long time. "Uncle Marcus." "Bring your men to Velvet Lounge. Someone is laying hands on your niece's people." A dark chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Give me three minutes, sweetheart." Ethan's face drained of all color. He knew exactly who Uncle Marcus was. Marcus Vance—the undisputed king of the city's private security and underground syndicates. Even Ethan’s father had to bow and call him "sir" in public. "Seraphina, are you insane? Calling your uncle over a stupid fight?" Ethan panicked, his voice shaking. "We were just messing around..." "Messing around?" I knelt down, gently helping Xavier sit up. Seeing the blood on his lips, my heart twinged with an unfamiliar pain. "Does it hurt?" I whispered. Xavier looked at me, a flash of surprise crossing his dark eyes. Then, he smirked weakly. "It hurts like hell." "But a kiss from you might make it better." Even in this state, he was still flirting. I glared at him, taking out my silk handkerchief to gently wipe the blood from his face. At that moment, I could practically hear Ethan's heart shattering. Along with the desperate screams of the system chat: [Oh my god! It's over! The ship has completely burned down! She really fell for the bad boy!] [The plot is totally ruined! Where is the regret arc? Why is the male lead being absolutely destroyed?] [I don't believe it! She must be acting! She still loves Ethan!] Love him? I was blind before. Now, I just wanted to see him rot.