Chapter 37
The crowd’s unkind murmurs, all directed at Elena, became unbearable. She gathered her things and slipped away, embarrassed. After walking a short distance, she abruptly stopped. A victorious expression crossed her face as she returned, asking in a low voice, “Serena, have you grown accustomed to Julian’s life revolving around you?”
I responded, “I’ve already told you—I hope that Julian and you never appear before me again. Beyond that, what Julian chooses to do is his own concern.” What a lunatic. She was utterly irrational.
After Elena left, I received a message on my phone as soon as I arrived at the coffee shop. It was from Julian. Don’t they just leave me alone? I muttered. The message read, “Serena, I’ve already given up on Elena. I won’t ever contact her again. I hope you can forgive me.” Without hesitation, I blocked his number.
Unexpectedly, Julian was waiting outside the coffee shop when I finished my shift that evening. “Serena, I’ve really reflected on my mistakes. I won’t ever contact Elena again. Can you please forgive me?” he said, greeting me with his usual bouquet of flowers and a luxury brand box.
After a long workday, I was exhausted and annoyed. Julian’s oblivious persistence only amplified my frustration. “I can’t forgive you at all. I’ve already told you, we didn’t break up because of Elena. It was because of you,” I said.
Julian’s expression faltered, but he still tried to minimize his actions. “Didn’t I just make one mistake? Serena, why are you being so harsh?”
“I’m not being harsh. And I’d appreciate it if you stopped bothering me in the future, Mr. Blake,” I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder and walking past him.
He persisted, “I came with incredible news today! Blake Group has been invited to an exclusive gala in Lansdeep. It’s a high-class event where you can network with various elites.” He smirked slightly. Julian confidently approached. “How about it, Serena? Without me, you wouldn’t have access to high-end events like this. Alex only has time for himself, so he wouldn’t bother making such plans for you.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his self-assuredness. “There’s no need, Mr. Blake. I’m a simple woman. You should go to such an upper-class gala by yourself,” I said, suppressing my amusement.
“Think about it carefully. Elena was desperate to attend this event, but I didn’t let her. This is your only chance,” Julian said, agitated.
I walked away without looking back.
When I returned to the dormitory, Lila hadn’t returned yet. Checking the time, I realized I still had some free time. I sat at the computer and began browsing a job-hunting website, eager to address my employment concerns.
“I’m back,” Lila said, pushing open the dormitory room door. She looked over my shoulder. “Serena, are you already looking at job-hunting websites?” I nodded. “I want to sort out my employment as soon as possible.”