Chapter 368
Alarieka shut her eyes in despair.
The hallway fell silent after Aunt Lin left.
Neither spoke, letting dead stillness hang between them.
The corridor lights dimmed from prolonged silence.
Victor finally hesitated: “…Did you really bang your head against the wall?”
Alarieka opened her eyes, gaze icy. “If I say no, would you believe me?”
Clearly, he didn’t.
His eyes landed on her slightly reddened forehead. Alarieka’s fair, delicate skin made the redness glaringly obvious.
Victor’s expression instantly twisted—a messy blend of awkwardness, stiffness, aversion, regret… emotions that made Alarieka’s scalp crawl with embarrassment.
“You really…” Victor’s voice came out hoarse, as if struggling to speak.
You really like me that much?
To prevent any more earth-shattering remarks that might be overheard, Alarieka strode over and thrust her palm out. “Money. Hand it over.”
She’d spotted the cash in his grip earlier.
Victor’s gaze remained complicated as he slowly placed the bills into her hand.
Alarieka snatched it, head bowed as she mechanically counted the bills.
Victor fumbled for words. “Alarieka… your name is Alarieka, right?”
She kept counting silently, ignoring him.
He continued unprompted: “See? We barely know each other, yet you’ve taken a liking to me. How could I possibly agree? Makes sense, no? Don’t take it hard—I’ve turned down plenty of women before you. It’s not personal. No need to bang your head over it.”
The money Victor gave wasn’t much, just ten bills totaling a thousand, barely covering last night’s medical and hospital fees.
Hearing Victor’s words, Alarieka lifted her face coldly, her icy gaze fixed on him.
Seeing her expression, Victor awkwardly averted his eyes, hand rubbing his neck. “No need to be upset. I won’t be with other women either.”
Alarieka couldn’t reason with this immature kid. She scoffed, grabbing the cash as she turned to leave.
“What are you two talking about?”
Tamika’s voice rang out.
Alarieka drew a sharp breath, her head throbbing.
She was ready to tear into Victor! Seriously!
Alarieka spun around quickly, cutting Victor off before he could speak. “Nothing important. Just exchanged a few words. I’m heading back now.”
Then Alarieka watched helplessly as Tamika’s eyes gradually filled with pity.
A sinking feeling washed over Alarieka.
Tamika offered a gentle smile. “Alarieka, you know these walls are thin. I heard everything.”
Alarieka froze like a statue.
Tamika stepped closer, touching her flushed forehead. “Alarieka, does it still hurt?”
Alarieka stared blankly, silent.
Tamika gave Victor an apologetic smile.
Victor nodded stiffly, lips pressed tight to hide his discomfort before swinging around and striding back into his apartment.
The hallway held only Alarieka and Tamika now.
Tamika guided Alarieka inside by the wrist. Closing the door, she asked, “Alarieka, so you were taking care of him last night?”
Alarieka nodded weakly.
Tamika sat beside her “But you’ve only met him once, haven’t you? How did you fall for him so fast?”
Alarieka groaned. “I didn’t…”
Tamika waved a hand. “No need to be shy. I’m your mother—I know these things. One look tells me you fell for his pretty face, right?”
Alarieka protested, “You’ve got it wrong…”
Tamika patted her hand. “It’s fine. You barely know each other. Him turning you down makes sense. Don’t be sad. He lives right across the hall, and you’re gorgeous. We’ll get to know each other better. Give it time, and feelings will grow.”
Alarieka: …
Alarieka lowered her head, pressing fingers to her temple. “Mom, it’s really not what you think. It’s all a misunderstanding. I don’t feel that way about him at all. Don’t listen to their nonsense. Besides, I have the National College Entrance Examination coming up. How could I possibly consider this now?”