Chapter 24. Partners

Calista’s POV

As I go through the polished corridors of St. Aldrich University of Global Excellence. The grandeur of the entrance hall greeted me daily, its lofty ceilings adorned with chandeliers. It was in this impressive setting that my encounter with Evangeline unfolded.

“Calista!” Her voice rang out like a melodious chime, cutting through the ambient hum of conversations. Her eyes lit up with genuine delight upon spotting me, and without hesitation, I returned her infectious smile.

“Hey, Eva!” I replied, matching her enthusiasm. Our hands met briefly in a spontaneous gesture.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Eva chuckled, her laughter bubbling up like a spring on a sunny day. “You know, I expected an exchange student to be more… different,” she teased playfully, her words hanging in the air with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. I couldn’t help but join in her laughter, the sound echoing in the hallways of St. Aldrich.

“Well, I don’t know