Chapter 21

I nodded. “There was something off about Elena’s behavior. She clearly disliked me, so why would she go out of her way to be nice? I knew she had an ulterior motive.”

“I think you should take a few days off and rest,” Lila suggested, standing. “How about you cover my shift at the coffee shop tomorrow?”

“The exams are coming soon, Serena. How’s your revision going?” Lila’s tone turned serious when she noticed my hesitation. “If you don’t start revising soon, do you think you’ll be able to pass?”

I considered this for a moment and realized she had a point.

“Besides,” she added, switching to a more cheerful tone, “I can’t do this for free. I’ve seen how much money you have now. Sharing is caring, right? How about you treat me to a big meal?”

“No problem,” I agreed, standing. “Let’s go.”

Lila covered my shift at the coffee shop the next day while I stayed in the dorm and studied. By the time she returned, it was dark.

“Serena! Serena!” Lila rushed over as soon as she opened the door, shaking my arm.

I was so deep in my studies that I didn’t react immediately. My eyes glazed over as I mumbled, “What’s wrong?”

Lila sat down and chugged half a bottle of water before catching her breath. “There’s a new person working at the coffee shop today!”

“Oh,” I replied absentmindedly.

The coffee shop was close to the university, so new employees came and went frequently.

“This new employee started chatting with me and asked about you,” Lila said seriously. “What do you mean?”

Lila continued, “The new guy didn’t know anyone else at the shop, but he pulled me aside and asked if someone named Serena worked here.”

I stared at Lila in surprise. “So this new person… he went there for me?”

Lila nodded. “His name is Kevin. He’s 25 and a graduate student. That’s all I could glean today. I didn’t want to reveal too much, so I kept it to small talk. But trust me, this guy is definitely up to something.”

I nodded. “He came looking for me? Why?”

“I’ve been thinking about it,” she said, changing her clothes. “He’s either interested in you and wants to get closer, or he’s up to no good.”

I furrowed my brows. “Do you think…”

Before I could finish, Lila cut me off. “I think it’s more likely the second possibility.”

That was interesting. I twirled the pen in my hand.

When I arrived at work the next day, I noticed a tall guy standing behind the counter before I even entered. That had to be Kevin.

I deliberately walked in without speaking.

“Welcome! What can I get you?” he asked.

He didn’t recognize me. Just as Lila had warned, he was definitely here for me, and up to no good.

“I’m actually a staff member here,” I replied, approaching the counter.

“A staff member?” Kevin looked at me in confusion.