"You brought this on yourself. Who told you to be so vicious, going after an innocent girl like that?"
My head snapped up. My voice trembled. "What did you just say?"
He scoffed and walked away.
My skull felt like it split open. I fumbled for my phone and started scrolling.
There it was. A public statement Benjamin had posted.
"I'm sorry to take up everyone's time, but I need to set the record straight. The accusations about me bullying a female student were a misunderstanding. My ex-girlfriend, Maud Fox, hired thugs to harass my student out of jealousy, nearly forcing her into a marriage with that animal."
"I took the blame to protect Maud because I felt sorry for her. But she showed no remorse and only escalated her behavior, so I've decided to reveal the truth."
"I will also take responsibility for my student. I intend to marry her and take care of her for the rest of her life."
Elise had commented underneath:
"With you by my side, I'm not afraid of anything."
Blood rushed to my head. My whole body felt like it had been hit by a freight train.
Below that post, the comments were split between congratulations for the happy couple and a torrent of abuse aimed at me. My photos had been edited into obscene, degrading images. People were calling for someone to doxx me, to find my address and "teach me a lesson."
My phone was flooded with messages. Filthy, vile curses, one after another.
I kept trying to explain. I hadn't done any of it. Benjamin was lying.
But no one believed me.
"Your own boyfriend came out and exposed you! You definitely did it!"
"Do you have any proof you're innocent? Didn't think so! Die, you worthless slut!"
With trembling hands, I forwarded the post to Benjamin.
"Why are you smearing me like this?"
His reply came fast:
"Didn't I tell you yesterday to smooth things over with the university administration for me? You just walked out without a care, and now I've been called in for accountability. This was the only way I could think of to clear things up."
"Besides, everyone was dragging Elise online, calling her a homewrecking tramp. She cried so hard yesterday she nearly passed out. This protects her reputation too."
"What about ME?! I deserve to be the one getting torn apart?"
"Maud, it's just a few nasty comments from strangers. Just don't look at it. Give it some time and people will forget. It'll blow over."