Chapter 11

Nathan Evans finished speaking and immediately got into his car. The engine roared as he sped away.

Sophia Laurent stomped her feet in frustration. "Jerk! Trash! That bastard!"

She grabbed the young man's collar. "If Evelyn takes him back this time, I'm cutting ties with her!"

The young man nodded hastily. "Right, right. Don't be angry..."

But deep down, he knew that man's confident demeanor wasn't so simple.

He stole a glance at the fuming Sophia. If only she could be as devoted as her best friend...

He quickly dismissed the thought.

Not even worth dreaming about.

...

Inside the black Maybach, Nathan's phone rang.

His tone was icy. "Speak."

"Nathan, I found this amazing seafood restaurant. Want to try it tomorrow?" Chloe Valentine's sweet voice came through the receiver.

She had deliberately chosen his favorite seafood and picked a weekend.

From last night until now, Nathan hadn't contacted her, leaving her restless.

Before, he would always initiate their plans, and she'd play hard to get.

But things were different now.

His replies grew shorter, sometimes nonexistent.

When asked, he'd just say he was busy.

"Not interested," Nathan flatly refused.

"What about Sunday—" Chloe's fingers turned white from gripping the phone.

"Goodbye." The call ended mercilessly.

Chloe stared at the darkened screen, her heart pounding as if she couldn't breathe.

No. She had fought too hard to become his official girlfriend. She couldn't lose now...

...

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Adrian Klein and Evelyn Langley bid farewell to Professor Eleanor Roland.

"Leaving so soon?" The elderly woman was reluctant. "Stay for dinner."

Adrian shook his head. "There's lab data to process."

Evelyn said softly, "We'll visit again soon."

"Promise?" The professor turned to Evelyn. "Don't forget the materials and books on the table."

They were her research notes and unfinished thesis from grad school.

Evelyn's eyes grew warm. "Professor..."

"Enough. Go." The old woman feigned sternness. "The lunchbox is washed. Next time, don't leave it secretly at the door."

Evelyn's ears burned. "Understood..."

On the way back, Evelyn tactfully got out at Harvard's entrance.

Adrian nodded. "Stay safe."

...

From a distance, Nathan spotted a figure by his villa's gate, his pulse quickening.

But when he recognized who it was, his heart sank heavily.

"Chloe."

"Nathan!" The girl stood up excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Why are you here?"

"Waiting for you." Chloe spoke timidly. "You said you were busy earlier, so I waited. Am I bothering you?"

Nathan shook his head. "No."

"Great!" Her smile brightened before faltering. "I'm hungry..."

"Let's eat."

Chloe cheered.

At the upscale restaurant, Nathan barely touched his food while Chloe ate happily.

Sensing his mood, she wisely kept quiet.

"Done?"

"Mhm!"

"I'll take you back to campus."

Chloe hesitated before getting out. "Aren't you walking me in?"

After a pause, Nathan replied, "Fine."

The entrance of MIT buzzed with students.

The sight of the campus belle with a distinguished man drew countless stares.

Chloe lifted her chin proudly. "When will you meet my roommates? They're so curious about you."

Now she could finally flaunt her boyfriend openly.

Nathan didn't respond.

Chloe continued smiling. "Every second with you is pure happiness."

Suddenly, she rose onto her toes and kissed him in full view of everyone.

Gasps erupted around them.

"The campus belle really has a boyfriend!"

"They look perfect together!"

"So sweet!"

At the back of the crowd, Evelyn froze.

Talk about bad luck.

For a fleeting moment, Nathan saw the girl from graduation day.

Her radiant smile echoed in his mind: "Nathan Evans, I choose you. No regrets."

The long-buried memory flared to life, stinging his nerves.

He stepped back abruptly. "Go inside."

Chloe blinked. "Nathan?"

"It's late." He turned and walked away.