Chapter 7
Collin didn't ask anything or say a word.
It was at this moment that I learned from a message from the professor that he was actually the funder of our research team.
"Want to go grab a drink? If you're feeling down, you can talk to me," he said, his dark eyes reflecting a few scattered lights, his tone cautious and gentle.
In truth, my relationship with Collin wasn't as close as Luca thought.
He had indeed helped me out a few times during college, but that was about it.
Collin helped me drag my luggage to the apartment where I lived after dropping me off at the lab.
Then we headed to a bar together.
He seemed familiar with the place, and since the professor mentioned Collin was the funder of this research, I didn't find it strange.
By the time I arrived at the bar, the professor and other team members had already gotten there.
They thought I'd be enjoying a romantic getaway with my new husband, so they were surprised to see me.
I didn't explain the reason for the breakup; I simply said it wasn't suitable and that I wanted to focus more on my work.
The professor sighed, "It's good that you can concentrate on research. Lilly, from the moment I met you, I could tell you were an exceptional student."
"I didn't want marriage to overshadow your talents, so I invited you to join my team several times."
I smiled knowingly.
After being suppressed by Luca for so many years, I almost believed I was an idiot.
Thankfully, I woke up from that unhealthy relationship.
For a while, Collin seemed worried that I might do something foolish out of hurt from Luca.
As soon as work ended, he took me traveling everywhere.
He took me to see the auroras in Europe, fed pigeons in front of cathedrals, camped under the Milky Way in the desert, and visited Easter Island to see the giant stone statues.
The benefits of a busy work life indeed helped me forget about Luca; I had no time to think about him.
Gradually, I became more cheerful and confident.
I doubted myself and denied myself less and less.
During this time, Luca called me countless times and sent me numerous messages, all of which were intercepted by my blacklist.
He even tried to add me on WeChat, sending his friends to talk to me.
But now, seeing his name only felt ironic and laughable.
Luca knew I loved to travel. He had once promised me during a particularly happy moment that he would take me on a trip every year.
Yet, ten years later, none of those promises had been fulfilled. Collin, however, enriched my life experiences in just half a month.
But when I saw Lola appear in front of me, I was stunned for a long time.
Looking at her face, which resembled mine, felt like a blast from the past.
She rushed over, ready to slap me: "You shameless woman! You've made Luca lose weight; it turns out you're cheating with some random guy!"
"No wonder you broke up so easily; you must have already found a new guy!"
"Tell me! Did Luca come looking for you? Where did you hide him?"
Before she could finish, I swiftly intercepted her hand and, without hesitation, slapped her back.
I stared at Lola with an expressionless face.
"I've wanted to slap you for a long time, back when things were unclear between you and Luca, when you provoked me and smeared my name multiple times."
"My breakup was exactly what you needed, wasn't it? So why are you running over here like a mad dog?"
"If you want Luca, just pick up that trash yourself."