Chapter 0268

“Even though Dr. Quinton, Sandy, and Dr. Jefferson are all focused on Miranda, I’m not. In my eyes, there’s only you. I will always stand by your side and treat you as the most important person in my life,” Bryan said earnestly.

He added, “I really, really like you. Please give me a chance to protect you and to openly be by your side.”

Bryan had liked Elizabeth since she first joined the lab. She was warm, lively, talented, and came from a good background–so different from him. It felt natural, even inevitable, that he would be drawn to her.

He had pursued her for a long time, but she had never accepted him. Yet he found himself wanting to try once more at that moment.

Elizabeth didn’t notice the earnest look in his eyes. She was only filled with suspicion.

What was Bryan trying to achieve by asking her out now? Was he threatening her? Taking advantage of the situation? If she didn’t agree, would he tell everyone about what she had done?

Fear gripped Elizabeth’s heart. If she got kicked out of the lab, any chance she had with Paul would be gone forever. She just couldn’t take that risk.

“Lizzy? It’s okay if you don’t say yes,” Bryan scratched his head awkwardly. “I mean, these two things aren’t really related.

“I just got caught up in my feelings and wanted to get it off my chest. Also, I get why you don’t like Miranda, but please… don’t do anything like that again. If Dr. Jefferson finds out, the consequences could be really serious.”

What Bryan said without any hidden meaning, Elizabeth took with heavy suspicion. His words only confirmed to her that he was, in fact, threatening her.

“Fine, I agree,” she said coldly.

“…W–What?” Bryan was stunned. He’d already prepared himself for rejection. He hadn’t expected her to say yes.

Elizabeth spoke clearly, enunciating every word, “I said, I agree to be your girlfriend.”

“This is amazing! Lizzy, thank you! I promise I’ll treat you really, really well. Trust me!”

Bryan was overjoyed. He was completely oblivious to the reluctance on Elizabeth’s face. Perhaps deep down, he knew Elizabeth’s feelings for him weren’t as intense as his were for her.

Nonetheless, he believed that she’d changed her mind after seeing his efforts.

The two of them returned to the late-night food stall, hand in hand. Bryan was all smiles, his grin almost reaching his ears.

Sandy’s eyes sparkled as she noticed their clasped hands. “Well, well, what’s going on here?”

Bryan was beaming with happiness. He couldn’t wait to announce, “Lizzy just accepted my love confession. We’re officially together now.”

Sandy blinked in surprise. “Congratulations! You finally got what you’ve always wanted.”

“Hehe…” Bryan chuckled sheepishly.

Silas chimed in, “Well done! You really pulled it off!”

Bryan’s intentions had been obvious from the first day Miranda joined the lab. Elizabeth’s lukewarm attitude–never rejecting, but never agreeing either–had made it seem like Bryan’s pursuit would be a long road.

None of them expected things to turn around so suddenly.

Miranda smiled and sincerely offered her congratulations. Paul also congratulated them. He even asked the vendor to add a few more dishes to celebrate the couple.

Elizabeth kept a close eye on Paul’s reaction. When he heard from Bryan that they were now a couple, not only did he not seem upset, but his smile grew even wider. At that moment, Elizabeth’s last trace of hope finally died.

After finishing the late-night snack, it was already 10:30 pm. Everyone said their goodbyes, and Miranda and Paul prepared to head home as well.

The food stall was close to Bedford College. Since Paul hadn’t driven, and it wasn’t too late, Miranda suggested they take a walk to help digest their food.