Chapter 71

Chapter 71
My first choice was to take a course in Culinary Arts, but I changed my mind. Rigella and I went to the same school. I found out that the Culinary building and her Fashion Design course were close to each other, so I didn’t take the course I wanted. I didn’t want to see him anymore. I might fall even more deeply in love with him—and it would only make it harder to forget.

Besides, I started to believe that maybe I was really destined to be in the field of business. I am a De Leon—not by blood, but on paper. I still need to inherit our business, whether I like it or not. I don’t want the businesses my dad founded and grew to be passed on to my cousins.

During the first semester, I was a little bored. I mean, I wasn’t really interested in business. But one day, I just woke up and told myself I needed to study hard because I could use it for our business someday. And as a result of studying hard, I became one of the Dean's Listers. My mom was very proud of me. As for Dad—I think he was too. He even gave me a new car. A sports car, this time.

Larisse is still my girlfriend. She took up Accountancy. That’s weird, because I thought she’d take a course related to painting. All I knew was that she loved to paint. Surprisingly though, I’ve never actually seen her do it.

“Happy birthday, Ivan!” some acquaintances called out. I'm sitting now on a couch in a bar. After my formal birthday celebration earlier at a hotel, I invited a few close friends to drink with me.

“Thank you!” I shouted back, teasing them a little.

I sipped my vodka and leaned back. The loud music made me want to join the crowd on the dance floor, but I couldn’t. My back ached. I had just finished my thesis report in a single day. I was hunched over my laptop for hours.

I’ve been drinking quite a bit tonight, but it’s not something I usually do. My gaze shifted to Xyleus and Creed, both of whom were now caught up with women on their laps. I chuckled and shook my head. Why did I even bring them here to sit at my table?

Eventually, they gave up their nonsense and shooed the women away. Idiots. They already have girlfriends and still aren’t satisfied.

“Look, bro. It’s Rigella.” Creed grinned wickedly and pointed toward someone.

I turned to him just as I saw Xyleus frown. Xyleus and I are closer, but he doesn’t know how I feel about Rigella. I’m afraid Seymour might find out. But Creed—he found out by accident. Thankfully, he knows how to keep quiet.

I followed Creed’s line of sight, and my lips parted slightly. There she was—Rigella. She was chatting and laughing with some friends while drinking.

I almost blushed when I saw what she was wearing. Her shirt—or was it even a shirt? It looked like a strip of fabric—exposed her waist, and her shorts were extremely short. Damn. Her fair, smooth skin practically glowed.

Creed moved closer and whispered, “I invited her, bro. Go on—talk to her. It’s your birthday. Give yourself a gift.”

I turned to him. “I don’t want to fight Seymour, Creed,” I said, shaking my head and looking down. Damn. My heart was racing again.

“Idiot. Just talk to her. You’re not fighting Seymour. You’re just talking.” He grinned.

“Shut up. Don’t make fun of me.” I moved a bit away from him, irritated. I sipped my drink again and glanced at Rigella, who was now laughing with her friends. Shit. How does she manage to look that beautiful?

Then she turned her back to me, breaking my gaze. I quickly looked away—but I still caught her smile. Damn. Why did she smile? Was she laughing at me?

I looked again and saw one of her friends glance in my direction and pull her by the arm. My brow furrowed. Where were they going?

To my shock, they started walking toward us. I swallowed hard and instinctively bowed my head. Damn. As I peeked up, I saw Rigella resisting, but her friend insisted.

“Hi, boys!” the woman said. I looked up.

“Hannah? There you are,” Creed said. Apparently, she was his ex.

“Obviously,” she replied playfully, then turned to me. “By the way, happy birthday, Ivan!” She gave me a sweet smile.

I nodded, offering a faint smile. “Thank you.”

I looked at Rigella and saw her cheeks were red. Wait… was she drunk?

“And this is Rigella, my friend. She’s also here to greet you,” Hannah added.

“What? Han…” Rigella exclaimed, embarrassed. She looked at me and lowered her gaze. Damn, she’s really beautiful.

“Say hello to the birthday boy, Ella. We wouldn’t be here drinking if it weren’t for him,” Hannah nudged her.

Rigella seemed even more reluctant, but finally looked at me. Her face now even redder. “Happy birthday,” she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.

I swallowed and grinned. Damn. I’m so happy right now. “Thank you,” I said, smiling.

“Why don’t you join us? There are only three of us here,” I offered suddenly. I surprised even myself. What are you doing, Ivan?

“Sure thing, birthday boy!” Hannah grinned.

They sat with us. I was a little annoyed, though. Why was she drinking? I knew her—she didn’t used to drink. But... it's been years. People change.

When the door to Room 304 creaked open, my breath hitched.

He was still there—lying motionless, pale, and bruised under the thin white blanket. The beeping of the heart monitor was the only proof he was still holding on. My chest tightened at the sight.

I slowly walked to his bedside, dragging the weight of my guilt with every step. My fingers trembled as I reached for his hand. It was cold. Too cold.

"Hey..." I whispered, my voice cracking. "I’m here again."

Laren stayed by the door, silently giving me space.

"I don’t know if you can hear me," I continued, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, "but I need you to wake up. Please..."

My voice broke. The pain in my throat was unbearable. It was like trying to breathe underwater. I blinked hard to stop the tears, but they fell anyway.

"I don’t have all the answers yet. I don't even know who to trust. But you—" I paused, biting my lower lip, "you’re the only one who never lied to me."

A sob escaped my lips. I didn’t care anymore if Laren heard. I was tired of pretending I was okay.

"You told me to be brave. To stand up. But how can I do that when I feel so alone?"

I bent forward, resting my forehead against the edge of the bed.

"Come back to me… please. I don’t want to fight this alone anymore."

For a brief second, I imagined his hand twitching. I looked up quickly, hoping, praying—but it was just my mind playing tricks on me.

Laren finally spoke, her voice low but firm. "We’ll find the truth, Drea. Together."

I nodded, wiping my tears away. "I know. But it still hurts."

She came closer, wrapping her arms around me. I let myself lean into her. I needed that anchor. Just for a while.

Tomorrow, I would fight again. But tonight, I would let myself feel the pain.