Chapter 3
I couldn't remember how I got into Luca's car or how we got home.
It felt like I had just fought a losing battle, leaving in a daze, unable to linger even for a moment longer.
On the way, Luca's phone vibrated several times with messages from Lola, showing concern for him along with dozens of photos from the party.
Without exception, they were all intimate pictures of her and Luca.
One showed Lola wearing a birthday hat, eyes closed, making a wish while Luca gazed at her with deep affection.
Just as I was about to turn off his phone, a group chat with his friends suddenly popped up.
I saw Luca's messages in the chat.
?What's Collin to me? I'm going to steal the woman he likes!】
?I've played Lilly; it's no fun at all. Who else would look at her besides Collin? But getting back at Collin feels great.】
?I have no intention of marrying Lilly. She's nowhere near as good as Lola!】
I covered my mouth in disbelief, my stomach churning, panic making me break out in a cold sweat.
I felt nauseous; all I could manage were dry heaves, my breathing quickening as I trembled weakly.
No wonder Luca had suddenly accepted my pursuit three days ago and said he wanted to marry me.
But there was no wedding, no ceremony, not even a notice to my parents.
I thought my efforts had moved him, that I had finally warmed his heart, believing he was just bad at showing it.
I never considered that I was merely a pawn for him to get back at Collin, who had been kind to me as my senior.
All my last hopes for this relationship evaporated.
I spent the entire night sitting in the living room, watching the darkness outside turn into dawn.
My tears had run dry, leaving only the soreness and swelling in my eyes as a reminder.
Until morning, when Professor Salazar's call pulled me from my despair.
The research project would take a long time, and he wanted to ensure I had enough time to stay abroad.
I discussed the arrangements with the professor when a knock on the door interrupted.
A courier outside handed me a meticulously prepared bowl of congee, saying, "This was made by Miss Cunningham. She said Mr. Marshall has a sensitive stomach and must drink her hand-made truffle congee."
After acknowledging, I placed the congee on the table.
As the call ended, I realized Luca had appeared behind me at some point.
"Leaving? Where are you going?" He was sober now, his demeanor returning to the cold, irritable self I recognized.
I handed him the congee, expressionless, and replied, "Project relocation."
He didn't even spare me a glance, sneering, "What's there to relocate about your research abilities?"
After saying that, he took a sip from the bowl, and his expression darkened instantly.
He suddenly slammed the bowl toward me, the scalding congee burning my wrist, right where I had bumped it last night, making me break out in a cold sweat.
Yet Luca mocked and yelled, "Did you put truffles in the congee? Who told you to do that?"
"You're so manipulative, thinking you can succeed just by copying others? It makes me sick!"
Seeing my pale face, he snorted, "Stop pretending. Is it really that painful to get splashed with congee?"
After witnessing his tenderness toward Lola and realizing I was merely a tool for his revenge on Collin, I could no longer believe I could warm his heart.
But thankfully, I would be leaving here soon.