Chapter 4: Expelled

As Benjamin left, Maverick turned to the gathered students with a triumphant grin on his face. "Y'all, thank you for being here. Don't worry, just give me a total headcount, and I'll have some delicious food delivered from our hotel right here for you tonight. Let's make sure you all have a great time."

The crowd erupted into applause, impressed by Maverick's generous offer.

"You're amazing, Maverick!

"Wow, this is so generous of you!"

"I can't believe he's doing this for us. What a guy!"

Maverick basked in the praise, his chest swelling with pride. He turned to Dorothy, his tone filled with confidence. "My car is parked outside. Let's go have the best dish tonight at my dad's top-notch hotel."

Dorothy's eyes sparkled with delight. "Okay, okay."

After Maverick gathered the total number of those he was going to send the food to, he and Dorothy made their exit.

Meanwhile, Benjamin trudged back to his dorm, his face etched with sorrow. Getting inside, he saw no one there including his friends.

He sighed deeply and threw himself onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Memories of shared moments with Dorothy flooded his thoughts—laughter, movie nights, shared meals—and each one felt like a fresh wound.

Fueled by a surge of anger, Benjamin strode over to the corner where his poor-looking phone was charging. He yanked out the plug and opened his gallery, where images of Dorothy and their shared experiences stared back at him.

"You cheat," he muttered bitterly. "I promise you, when I become rich, you'll regret leaving me." His eyes welled with tears, but he quickly wiped them away. With a swipe, he deleted the photos.

Going through his bag, Benjamin ruthlessly destroyed anything that bore a connection to Dorothy. As he did, tears streamed down his face, unchecked by his efforts to hold them back. Although he was trying to hold himself, he still couldn't. His heart was overwhelmed by grief and anger.

Thud!" Benjamin fell on his knees with tears in his eyes.

"Mom, dad, if you both were alive, I'm sure I wouldn't be living this poor life that makes everyone look down on me. If you both were alive, no one would have dared speak ill of me. If you both were alive, a lady whom I loved wouldn't have abandoned me for someone else."

After a while, Benjamin got up on his knees and settled onto the bed. Just then, the door swung open, revealing two figures of similar height to Benjamin, each carrying a pack. They were none other than his close friends and roommates, Austin and Matthew. As soon as they entered, they hurried over to sit beside Benjamin.

Austin was the first to speak, concern etched on his face. "Benjamin, is it true? It's all over the school group chat that Maverick Stone just proposed to Dorothy."

Matthew chimed in, worry evident in his voice. "When we heard it, we rushed back to campus. Are you okay?"

Benjamin let out a sigh, his gaze distant. "She betrayed me. Dorothy's a cheat. She left me, claiming she only agreed to my proposal to get me off her back."

"Damn it!" Austin exclaimed, his frustration evident. "I always had a feeling about her. She's just a lady who wants to empty a guy and then leave. And what about the money she owes you?" He asked

"The $1000," Matthew added.

Benjamin shook his head with resignation. "I've lost that too. She's not going to pay."

Huh!" Confusion filled Matthew's expression. "But if she agreed to Maverick's proposal, why can't they pay the $1000? That isn't a big money for the rich Maverick right? "

Benjamin waved it off, the more he thought about it, the more angrier and sad he became. "Forget it. I don't want to think about this, It'll only give me a headache." He said

Austin slung an arm around Benjamin's neck. "It'll be alright, bro. We brought food for you. Eat and get some rest."

Matthew swiftly handed over a pack to Benjamin, but Benjamin hesitated and said, "I am hungry, but I don't have any money, so..."

Before he could finish, Austin playfully hit his arm. "Hey buddy, who needs money? Just enjoy. We're here to help each other, man."

Benjamin chuckled, a faint smile touching his lips before he shook his head. "Thank you both, but I can't take it, you guys always buy for me, it's really bad."

Matthew hit Benjamin's chest playfully and said, "Come on bro, you have also bought several times for us, moreover this is yous so enjoy and don't annoy me by saying no."

Benjamin hearing this sighed feeling grateful. "Austin and Matthew, you've been great friends since day one, supporting me in every way, thank you both for all this."

Austin ruffled Benjamin's hair. "We're best friends, man."

After finishing his meal, Benjamin retired to his bed, preparing for the classes and work that awaited him the next day. As morning dawned, he awoke to find Austin and Matthew weren't around, but he paid it little mind. Their schedules diverged, and it was common for them to be out after all; they weren't doing the same courses.

In the dorm, a few unfamiliar faces still lay in their beds, indifferent to Benjamin's presence. He swiftly bathed and dressed, noting with alarm that it was already 8:30.

"Damn, classes must've started, this woman will kill me today." He muttered to himself, hurrying out to catch up. Arriving at the entrance of his block, he stepped into the classroom, only to be met with a chilling reprimand from Mrs. Ann. He had anticipated this; she had never shown him any favor, and his tardiness now left no room for mercy.

Clearing his throat, Benjamin greeted her,

"Good morning, Mrs. Ann."

"Good morning?" Mrs. Ann's voice dripped with anger. "How dare you come to my class this late?" She yelled

Before Benjamin could respond, a voice from the back chimed in, "Madam Ann, it seems he's still recovering. He got the shock of his life last night."

The class erupted in laughter. Another voice added, "He actually thought he was dating Dorothy Foster!"

Laughter and mocking comments filled the room. Benjamin's anger boiled, but he held his tongue.

Mrs. Ann's gaze bore into him angrily. "Come here," she commanded. Obeying, Benjamin approached, bracing for what he knew was coming.

"What does the time say?" Madam Ann asked.

Benjamin checked his phone and replied, "It's 8:45 a.m."

Madam Ann nodded looking very furious. "Do you think you're so important that you can waltz into my class whenever you please?" She asked

"I apologize," Benjamin muttered.

"Apologize? My foot," she retorted. "That aside, when will you change out of those filthy rags you are wearing? They stink."

"Stink?" Benjamin frowned slightly. "They don't; I washed it nicely, ironed, and sprayed, so how?" He asked

"Are you calling me a liar?" Madam Ann snapped.

Benjamin sighed. "Madam Ann, I don't have enough money. I'll buy a new one when I can afford it."

A voice from the back taunted, "You claim to have no money, yet you were able to loan a thousand dollars to Dorothy Foster."

As Benjamin stood before Mrs. Ann, a storm of mocking comments and cruel laughter echoed around him.

"Look at his clothes; he probably hasn't changed them in days!"

"Who does he think he's fooling, trying to date Dorothy?"

"Loan a thousand dollars? More like he made it up to feel important!"

Enraged, Benjamin couldn't hold on and shot back. "Shut up, you loudmouth!"

Mrs. Ann's eyes narrowed, seizing the opportunity. "That's enough!" she thundered.

"Benjamin Hayes, your disruptive behavior and constant lateness have pushed my patience to its limits. You are hereby expelled from this class!"