Chapter 2
The next day, Violet went to work at the nail salon as usual.[]
Back then, she’d chosen this location near Adrian’s university just to catch glimpses of him.[]
Later, when he had money, he’d suggested several times that she quit and rest at home, but she’d refused.]
He was always busy at school–if she gave up this job too, she’d see him even less.[]
Today she was supposed to quit, but the manager grabbed her hands: “Violet, help me out for a few more days until I find someone new?“]
Looking at her earnest expression, remembering all the care she’d shown over the years, Violet finally nodded.[]
AURICIN
Soon after, she got a house call to Yale’s women’s dorms.]]
The moment she walked through the door, she spotted a framed photo on the desk–Adrian and Seraphina together.[]
He wore a white shirt, his expression still cool but with the hint of a relaxed smile she rarely saw. Seraphina leaned against his shoulder, her smile as bright as sunshine.
“You think they make a cute couple too, right?” A girl followed her gaze, voice excited. “They’re like our school’s famous ship! The cold professor and the bubbly campus queen–everyone’s totally obsessed!“[]
She looked down, opening her nail kit, and asked quietly: “Are they… close?”
“Totally!” Several girls immediately crowded around, chattering about how special Adrian was to Seraphina.[]
“Professor Montgomery is usually so unapproachable, but he’s super patient with Seraphina!“[]
“Last time she fell asleep in the lab, he even gave her his jacket!“]
“I heard he carries that pen she gave him everywhere!“[]
Violet listened to their words, her fingers trembling slightly, nearly dropping her nail file.[]
These things–Adrian had never done any of them for her.[]
They’re perfect for each other!” One girl suddenly sighed. “The only problem is Professor Montgomery’s background, and apparently there’s some woman he feels obligated to…”
1
“Oh, you mean HER?” Another girl wrinkled her nose. “I heard she never even went to college, doesn’t have a real job, just does odd jobs. She’s totally not on his level]
“Right Clinging to him shamelessly–so embarrassing!”
“We actually asked Professor Montgomery about it once, suggested he just pay her off to go away instead of ruining his happiness…“]
Violers heart felt like it was being squeezed tight, making it hard to breathe.[]
“Why are your hands shaking? A girl suddenly looked at her. “You okay?”
she forced a suule: “I’m fine, just think… you’re all right.“{}
After finishing the manicures, she hurried out of the dorm, but stopped dead at the campus gates.[]
Adrian and Seraphins were walking toward her side by side!)
Seraphina was wearing a red scarf, and as they talked, she suddenly took it off and stood on tiptoe to wrap it around Adrian’s neck.[]
She held her breath, watching Adrian who was usually such a germaphobe–actually let her do 46]
“Last night’s meteor shower was amazing.” Seraphina said with a smile ()
Adrian nodded. “Yeah, we can go watch again next time
Students walking by all turned to stare, someone whispering: “OMG, they’re so cuter[]
They chatted about experiments, coursework, academic conferences things she couldn’t understanit
Chapter 2
Standing in the corner, she suddenly realized there had always been an unbridgeable gap between her and Adrian.[]
When she got home, Adrian was in the kitchen getting water.[]
He opened the fridge and saw the leftover cake, pausing: “Yesterday was
She nodded silently.[]
your birthday?“[
“I’ve been so busy lately, I forgot.” He rubbed his temples. “I’ll get you a present in
“Don’t worry about it.” She said quietly. “You’re busy with important things-
He glanced at her but didn’t insist, just asked: “What did you wish for?“]
She was about to answer when his phone rang.
Seraphina again.[]
a few days.”
-no need to worry about stuff like this.“[]
“Adrian, I twisted my ankle…” Her voice came through the phone with a sob.[]
Adrian immediately stood up: “Send me your location, I’ll be right there.“[]
then he left in a hurry, not even glancing back at her.[]
She sat at the dining table and finished the rest of the cake alone.[]
The cream had gone cold, sickeningly sweet.[]
