My Roommate, Chloe, and I had the Same Taste. She Liked Every guy who Showed Interest in me…

My roommate Khloe and I shared similar tastes. She seemed interested in every guy who showed interest in me. She often said I was too naive, that I couldn’t recognize bad intentions, and she would offer to check them out for me. So, she would approach them acting like she was just looking out for me.

And every time after getting their attention, she would return acting like she had achieved something. She would say, “I told you you don’t know how to choose. These guys aren’t genuine. If it wasn’t for me, you would have gotten hurt. I would get upset, but I never had anything solid to argue. This time, I started a relationship in secret with Ethan, the football star at school.

When Chloe found out, she tried to repeat her usual behavior, but she didn’t realize that this time, he wasn’t just another random guy. Few days later, she was already showing off, holding up her phone with a picture of her and my ex, Ryan, smiling as if she had proven a point. When he was chasing you, he said you were his priority, she said.

Now all I had to do was make one move and he came straight to me. Good thing I’m here so you can see reality. I clenched my fists. Are you really proud of betraying my trust? I asked. Don’t you have any loyalty? She immediately acted offended. “I’m just trying to keep you from getting hurt,” she said.

“Why can’t you be grateful?” Ashley stepped in. “You take relationships way too seriously,” she said. “Fighting with a friend over a guy isn’t worth it.” “Exactly,” Megan added. “Chloe just pushes out people who aren’t good for you. You should thank them.” I didn’t know what to say. My exes weren’t good people, but Chloe wasn’t any better.

Before I broke up with them, I had seen their messages. She sent them suggestive pictures wearing revealing sleepwear and asked inappropriate questions about their body. It was honestly embarrassing. Chloe walked closer to me, looking satisfied. You’re not mad, right? She asked. It’s not my fault they noticed me while talking to you. Ashley laughed. Of course not.

That’s just your charm, she said. Not like some people who think good grades make them special. They both smiled. I ignored them and looked down at my phone. The room went quiet. Suddenly, Ashley shouted, “Look who’s outside. It’s Ethan. What is he doing in front of our building?” Megan and Kloe ran to the balcony. “It’s really him.

Is he waiting for someone? Whoever it is is so lucky. He’s the most admired guy on campus.” Ashley looked at Chloe. “Weren’t you close to him? Does he have a girlfriend now?” Chloe didn’t answer. He had been trying to get his attention for months. He never even accepted her online. I put on some lipstick and headed for the door. Chloe grabbed my arm.

“Are you still going to see Ryan?” she asked. I pulled my arm away. I broke up with him a long time ago. “If you want him that much, you can have him.” My phone rang. A calm voice spoke. “Are you ready? I’m downstairs. I’m coming,” I said. Before I could move, Chloe snatched my phone. No wonder you don’t care about Ryan anymore. You already have someone else.

She spoke into the phone in a fake sweet tone. Hi, this is Chloe, Emily’s friend. A short pause followed. Are you her boyfriend? Her smile disappeared. I took my phone back and hung up. Her eyes filled with jealousy. You’re dating Ethan? She asked. That’s impossible, Megan said. He’s very selective. How would he even notice you? Ashley added, “It’s probably someone pretending.

” I didn’t respond. I simply went downstairs. Standing next to his red sports stuff. When he saw me, his expression changed instantly. In that moment, I understood why Chloe had been chasing him for so long. “Did you wait long?” I asked. “I just got here,” he said. “Get in.” He opened the door for me.

As I got in, I looked up. The three of them were on the balcony watching with clear envy. Ethan took me to a private tennis club. It was the kind of place Khloe would love. Exclusive, quiet, expensive. He stood behind me, guiding my hands as he showed me how to hold the racket. Every movement felt controlled, close enough to seem natural, but not too close to raise suspicion.

Then my phone started ringing. Chloe. I already knew why she was calling, but I answered anyway. Emily, are you at the tennis courts? I just want to make sure you’re not being used,” she asked. “He’s not like that. Stop worrying about me.” I hung up before she could continue. Ethan handed me a towel and wiped the sweat from the face.

“Your roommates bother you a lot?” “They’re just jealous. That part wasn’t even a lie.” A few minutes later, a tennis ball hit Ethan in the back hard enough to get our attention. We both turned. Chloe was walking towards us, holding a racket. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.” She stepped closer, bending slightly in a way that didn’t seem accidental.

Ethan barely looked at her. “It’s fine,” he said, then placed his hand on my waist. “Nana, let’s go,” he said casually. “I’ll buy you something nice, so you forget this.” I smiled. Chloe didn’t. Her face went pale for a moment. She clearly thought this would go like all the other times, but Ethan wasn’t reacting the way others usually did.

At least that’s what I believed. Then a few days later, reality became clear. We were at rehearsal. I walked in and I saw them together sharing a drink from the same straw without hesitation. My chest tightened instantly. She wasn’t feeling well, Ethan said when he noticed me. I was just hoping things faster. took another smiling with that same expression she always had when she thought she was winning.

Your boyfriend is a little harder to get, she said. But don’t worry, I’ll get there. Then she walked away like nothing had happened. I stood there frozen. I knew that look. I had seen it too many times before. Ethan tried to calm me down. Don’t overthink it, he said. She’s just helping with the play. She always does this, I said quietly.

She always tries to take the guys I’m with. I only want you, he said. But before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He checked it and left immediately. I didn’t need to ask. I already knew who it was. Later that night, I saw it. He had added her online just like all the others. And just like that, the same pattern began again. A few days later, he invited me to a yacht.

He said he wanted to make things right. His friends were there and everything looked perfect on the surface. Then something came up. A problem related to a medical project was working. We needed someone specific. Dr. Carter, he said, we can’t move forward without him. Before I could say anything, Chloe appeared. I can help with that, she said.

She had just arrived as you did at the exact right moment. My aunt worked with him, she added casually. Ethan’s interest was immediate. While they were talking, I quietly sent a message. The target is ready. Move now. After that, everything started shifting. Ethan started seeing her more often alone. Chloe started showing up with expensive gifts, designer bags, jewelry, all from him.

Back in our room, she made sure I saw everything. “Looks like your perfect guy found someone better,” she said with a smirk. I stayed calm because this time everything was exactly where it needed to be. On my birthday, Ethan came to see me looking genuinely excited. “The project worked,” he said. “It was a success because of Chloe.

” I forced a small smile. “Really?” “Yes,” he continued. “He helped more than I expected. He took me to a luxury jewelry store, the kind of place where everything feels too expensive to touch. He asked me to choose something. I hesitated, but he selected one himself. Me, elegant, meaningful. Do you like it? He asked. It’s beautiful, I said.

It shows how much you’re worth. For a moment, I almost believed him. Then he said it. Emily, give it to Chloe for me. I froze. What? As a thank you, he said. For a second, I couldn’t speak. It felt like everything inside me stopped. We went to find her. And when we did, she wasn’t alone.

She was arguing with Ryan, my ex. He was practically begging her, offering things, trying to convince her to be with him. It was pathetic. Before I could react, Ethan stepped in. Things escalated quickly. They started fighting right there over her. Watching my ex and my current boyfriend fight over the same person should have hurt more.

But instead, it felt almost didn’t even look at me. She went straight to Ethan, holding on to him as if she needed him. And just like that, they left without saying a word to me. I turned to leave. I didn’t want to stay there any longer. But before I could walk away, someone pulled me into a dark hallway. Then a kiss.

Strong, sudden, familiar. Did you enjoy it? He whispered. Was I a good actor? I let out a quiet breath. Every time Khloe touched him, I had to force myself to stay calm. The hallway smelled of wood and his cologne. Did I look surprised when you gave her the necklace? I asked. Just enough, he said. Are you okay? I am, I replied, then hesitated.

That was the first moment I almost believed it. Which part? He asked. that you were actually giving it to her. He paused. That necklace was always yours. What she has just looks expensive. I smiled slightly in the dark. We should go back. 3 minutes. Same as you can. We returned separately from different directions.

No one noticed. They never do when they’re focused on something else. Chloe was on the main deck, wearing the necklace and showing it off to Ashley and Megan as if she needed their approval to confirm it was you. Ashley was taking pictures. Megan was nodding along, both of them completely on her side as always. I walked over with a drink in my hand.

It looks good on you, I said. Khloe looked at me, expecting something else. Anger, jealousy, anything but calm. You don’t have anything else to say? She asked. It looks good, I repeated. >> She looked like she didn’t know how to respond. Ashley stepped in. Maybe you should learn from this, she said. That’s how you act when someone does better than you.

Totally, I replied, taking a sip of my drink. That night, back in the room, Chloe sat in front of the mirror, still wearing the necklace, staring at her reflection for a long time. Ashley and Megan stayed on the yacht. It was just anything to say to me. About what? I said, “About Ethan? About the necklace? About everything?” “No,” she turned to face me.

“You’re not even mad.” “A little, I guess,” I said with “but I already understand how you work.” She frowned. “What does that mean? You like guys who belong to someone else first.” I said calmly. But once you get them, they stop being interesting. She turned fully toward me. Ethan is different.

You said the same thing about Ryan and about Marcus and about Daniel. She stayed silent. This one has a future, a family, something real. Maybe, I said, lying back on my bed. Good night, Chloe. She didn’t understand that conversation yet, but I knew she would soon. The next morning, Chloe asked me twice if I was really okay. Her voice sounded soft, too soft, almost artificial.

She needed me to be upset because didn’t feel like she didn’t give. A few days later, Ethan invited her to see the progress of the medical project with his family. Chloe returned to the room holding a new bag. I recognized it immediately because I had already seen the receipt. $140. Ethan had shown it to me earlier. It looked expensive, but it wasn’t.

She placed it on the bed slowly, running her hand over it as if presenting it. This is from him, she said. “That’s nice,” I replied without looking up. She paused. “That’s all you’re going to say.” “What do you want me to say?” She sat at the edge of my bed. “I don’t understand you,” she said.

“Anyone else would be upset right now. Maybe I’m not like anyone else,” I replied. She stared at me for a few seconds, then asked something she had never asked before. “Do you know something I don’t?” That was the first time I saw uncertainty on her face, and that confirmed everything was working. “Go to sleep, Chloe,” I said.

“Not 3 days later, medical conference reached the public presentation stage. Ethan’s family organized a formal reception on campus. important guests, sponsors, everything structured and professional. Chloe arrived early wearing a new dress, the kind you don’t buy unless you want attention.

I knew exactly how she paid for it. I had seen the money disappearing little by little. I arrived 20 minutes later with my aunt, Dr. Wilson, head of the university’s research department, and the person who had been quietly coordinating the project for the past 3 months. Ethan saw us immediately and walked straight towards us. Dr.

Wilson, thank you for coming and thank you for everything. My pleasure, my aunt replied calmly. Emily has good judgment when it comes to people. Across the room, Chloe was watching. I saw the exact moment everything changed for her. The moment things stopped making sense, Ethan speaking to my aunt and my aunt interacting with his family as if they already knew each other, because they did.

walked up beside me and said something. Chloe didn’t respond. Ethan returned to me with a drink. “Your aunt is impressive,” he said. “She usually has that effect.” He looked at me, this time not acting. “Are you going to tell me the full band now?” “Not yet,” he said. “There’s still one part left.” The reception ended around 10:00.

The project was officially funded with two new sponsors, both connections from my aunt. Khloe left early without saying goodbye. Ashley and Megan followed her, clearly trying to understand what had just happened. I stayed a little longer, helping my aunt organize a few things. On the way back to the building, Ethan walked beside me.

“What’s the last part?” he asked. “Tomorrow at rehearsal.” “Do I need to do anything?” “Just be yourself,” he smiled. “That I can do.” When I got back to the room, Chloe was sitting on her bed, h phone in hand, the $140 bag on the floor. I didn’t say anything. I just got ready for bed the past few days, giving him nothing to react, but this time she spoke first.

How long have you been working with your aunt on his family’s project? About 3 months, I said. Silence. And Ethan knew from the beginning. He was the one who suggested You needed a contact. I had one. I got into bed. That’s how we started talking. It took her a moment to process it. All this time. Good night, Chloe.

She didn’t say anything else. I turned off the lights and I could hear it. She stayed completely still for a long time, thinking, trying to connect everything and failing. The next day, the final rehearsal took place in the main auditorium at 400 p.m. Chloe. Usually that makes things more complicated or better, she replied.

We changed the subject after that. That afternoon, Chloe found me in the library on the third floor in one of the study cubicles where no one usually bothered me. The fact that she knew I was there, which suggested Ashley or Megan were still giving her information useful. She sat across from me without asking. “The video is everywhere,” she said.

“I saw it.” I closed my laptop slowly. “Ethan did that on purpose,” she added. “Probably,” I said. She leaned forward slightly. “Did you tell him to do that?” “I already answered that yesterday,” I said. I didn’t tell him anything. She placed both hands on the table, tense. What do you want from me? She asked.

Do you want me to apologize? I can do that if that’s what it takes to end this. I looked at her for a moment. For which one? I asked. She hesitated. For Ryan, she said, “And Marcus, I guess.” “And Daniel?” I asked. Silence. “And Daniel,” she admitted. and convincing Ashley and mother that I was you. She looked down at the table.

“I thought it was true,” she said quietly. “I thought I was helping you.” That was the most honest thing she had said in 2 years, and still not entirely accurate. “I don’t want an apology,” I said. She looked up again. “Then what do you want?” I closed my laptop completely. I want you to ask yourself something. When you saw Ethan standing on that stage and he looked at my seat instead of at you, I paused.

I want you to have an honest answer for why. Not for me, for you. She didn’t respond right away. Because you knew him first, she said after a moment. I shook my head slightly. Because I never tried to make him choose me. He chose on his own. I stood up and gathered my things. That’s it, Chloe. I walked out. This time, she didn’t follow.

That night, Ethan called down for a few minutes. I went. He was leaning against his car just like the first day. “Did she talk to you?” he asked. “This afternoon at the library, and she got as far as she could,” he nodded slightly. He texted me this morning. She said she understood I made my choice and that she wouldn’t interfere anymore.

I leaned against the car next to him. “That sounds like a lot,” I said. “For her it is,” he replied. “There was a short pause.” “When are you going to tell me the full plan?” he asked. “Do you need to know?” I said, “I’d like to,” he answered. I thought for a moment. “It was simple,” I said. You were the only one she wanted and couldn’t get. He didn’t interrupt.

So when we started seeing each other, I already knew she would try. I looked at him. I just let her try. A controlled silence followed. The project was real. She got everything she wanted to feel useful, to get attention, to receive gifts, to be close to you, except for one thing. The necklace wasn’t real.

He smiled slightly. And every time she got closer, I continued, you already knew what was happening. So I could respond without overreacting? He asked. He looked at me carefully. And the hallway on the yacht? That part was yours, I said. I didn’t plan that. And the rehearsal, that was yours, too. He exhaled lightly.

I knew where you’d be sitting. We always know something ahead of time, I replied. What matters is what we do with it. We stood there in silence for a moment. Up on the third floor, a figure moved behind the balcony. I didn’t look directly. I didn’t need to. She was watching and this time she finally understood. Final exams week changed everything.

It always does. No one focused on any open. Everyone looked the same. Tired, stressed, running on coffee and very little sleep. Chloe stopped talking, not just to me, but to everyone. Ashley and Megan kept their distance, too. Not completely, but enough to make it clear.