Caught In His Web of Manipulation

fications buzzed

r my upcoming finals. 'Make sure you review Chapter 7 thoroughly,' one message read. 'It's crucia

ning relatives after countless failed attempts to learn to read and compute like other kids. My parents, bless their hearts, had always tried to soften the blow. "Don't wo

s," destined for a simple, uncomplicated life. And maybe, just mayb

m the moment I saw him, I was captivated. He moved with a quiet intensity, always reading, always thinking, always solving. I

! The Comments assured me. Genius boys are always a l

ed myself he did like me, that his aloofn

wn into digestible pieces. With him, suddenly, the numbers and letters made sense. It felt like a miracle. I worked tirelessly, fueled by his attention. W

or a while longer, Ila," he'd said

omance! A genius and his muse! It was always meant

dwindled. I' d try to meet him for lunch, only to get a text back: 'Too busy, Ila. Just grabbed something from the cafeteria.' Then, days later, I'

d be a sharp

o collaborate! It' s not romantic, it' s professional!

ou think you spend too much time with

eague. My lab partner. We're working on a groundbreaking project.

ower couple," someone posted on the campus confession page. "Intellectual soulmates." My ro

y? They make a great team for science." My excuses sounded hollow even to my own ears. The comfor