Chapter 121

Chapter 121
Violet's POV

I leaned back in my seat, watching Manhattan's night scenery flash past the window, but my mind felt like a stone had been dropped into still water, sending out ripples.

Though Ethan's words were annoying, they were like a thin thorn that had pierced precisely into my heart.

I turned to look at Julian's handsome profile.

He'd given me all his favor, patience, and respect. He was even willing to humble himself for my sake, hiding on back streets like some shameful secret lover.

But what about me? I was always retreating, always afraid.

I'd always told myself I feared the gossip at school, feared losing the concertmaster position I'd worked so hard for.

But deep down, was it because I subconsciously believed the gap between us was too wide? That I wasn't good enough?

Or... was it that I simply didn't love him bravely enough?

Was my timidity really due to external pressure, or because I lacked sufficient confidence in this relationship myself?

This self-doubt wrapped around my heart like vines, making me feel suffocated.

The Maybach came to a smooth stop in a secluded corner of the back street behind the conservatory.

The engine shut off.

Julian didn't ask about the phone call. He turned and retrieved an elegant paper bag from the back seat, handing it to me.

"Take this." His voice was low and gentle.

I paused, took the bag, and looked inside.

It was filled with snacks I loved—several boxes of imported dark chocolate and my favorite French handmade strawberry pancakes from that one shop.

"The next few days, the company has several cross-border M&A deals to close. I'll be extremely busy." Julian looked at me, his warm palm cupping my cheek, fingertips gently brushing the corner of my eye. "I might not have time to pick you up after class. Take good care of yourself."

Holding the heavy bag and listening to his meticulous instructions, the guilt from fleeing at the aquarium surged up again.

"Julian, today at the aquarium..." I bit my lower lip, voice slightly hoarse.

"Violet, look at me." He interrupted my apology, deep gray eyes meeting mine directly, full of sincerity and understanding. "Don't treat going public as a burden."

I froze, staring at him blankly.

"Whether or not to go public has always been your personal choice. It's not a measure of how much you love me, and it's not a task you must complete." He leaned closer, forehead gently pressing against mine, voice low and firm. "As long as you feel the current situation is safe and comfortable, that's enough. I don't need you to prove anything by forcing yourself to face people and situations you don't like."

His words were like a warm breeze, instantly dispelling all the shadows and self-doubt in my heart.

He was always like this—easily seeing through my anxiety, then supporting me in the most mature, most accepting way.

He wasn't angry that I didn't want to go public. Instead, he comforted me and placed all the choice in my hands.

The knot in my heart completely untangled. My eyes grew hot.

"I understand." I sniffled, leaned forward, wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders, and kissed him.

We exchanged a lingering kiss in the dim car.

Only when my breathing became rapid did Julian release me with restraint, smoothing my slightly disheveled hair.

I pushed open the car door, shouldered my tote bag, grabbed the snack bag, and stepped out.

The early winter evening wind hit my face, but I felt lighter than ever.

I pulled out my phone and sent Lily a message: [Almost back at the dorm. Desperately need sugar. Have hot milk tea or coffee ready for me!]

Lily replied instantly: [Got it! Coffee's already brewed. Now get back here and report all the weekend details!]

I smiled and put my phone away, quickening my pace toward the dorm building.

Just as I turned past the tree-lined path beside the administration building, a pungent tuberose perfume smell suddenly drifted over.

Accompanied by the sharp click of heels on asphalt, a red figure emerged from the shadows ahead, directly blocking my path.

Niamh still wore the wine-red silk slip dress from the hotel earlier, draped with a beige cashmere cardigan.

She crossed her arms, posture imperious, looking down at me.

I stopped warily.

It was late now. There were no other students on this path.

I didn't want to waste words with her. I kept my expression cold and stepped to the side, trying to go around her.

"Stop." Niamh crossed in front of me again in her heels.

Her vivid blue eyes held undisguised contempt, a knowing cold smile curving her lips. "Drop the act, Violet. I know you're Julian's so-called 'girlfriend.'"

Hearing her state it so directly, my heart sank slightly, though I didn't let it show on my face.

I stared at her coldly without responding.

Seeing my silence, Niamh stepped closer, her gaze critically sweeping me from head to toe, tone full of the arrogance and disdain typical of high society.

"I really don't know what Julian sees in you." Niamh sneered. "A commoner girl who works part-time jobs to survive—you're completely unworthy of standing beside him. Do you understand Wall Street's rules? Can you help his career? You can't even break into his circle."

She lifted her chin slightly, using a commanding tone. "Be smart. Break up with him yourself. Don't wait until he gets bored and kicks you to the curb. That would be embarrassing."

Looking at her superior, self-righteous face, I suddenly found it extremely laughable.

I didn't retreat as I used to, nor did I feel inferior. The love and acceptance Julian had just given me in the car was my greatest confidence.

"Miss Gray." I met her gaze, voice calm but every word sharp. "Whether I'm worthy is for Julian to decide, not you."

I stepped forward, staring down her exquisite but twisted face, mercilessly tearing away her veneer. "Knowing he has a girlfriend but still throwing yourself at him, even coming to my school to threaten me—your behavior as a knowing homewrecker makes you nothing but a bitch."

The word "bitch" sounded especially harsh in the quiet winter evening on the tree-lined path.

Niamh's refined face instantly contorted.

She clearly hadn't expected that a commoner student she viewed as an ant would dare insult her with such crude language to her face.

Her chest heaved violently, blue eyes blazing with fury.

"How dare you call me that?" She ground her teeth, heels clicking as she stepped closer aggressively, as if about to strike.

I stood my ground, meeting her gaze without backing down.

My hand clenched into a fist in my pocket, but I didn't retreat a single step.

Niamh took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her rage.