Chapter 7
I lifted my water glass, took a small sip.
“Whatever my family’s flaws, that’s a past I couldn’t choose.”
“But my life is a path I built myself, step by step. Every dollar I’ve earned, every step I’ve taken–completely legitimate and guilt–free. As for whether my position is secure, that’s really not your concern.
I set down the glass and stood up.
0
This reunion full of fake bullshit, social climbing, and pure malice was beyond tedious.
“Sorry, I’ve got things to handle. I’m out.“]
I grabbed my jacket from the chair and headed for the door.
“Wait! Savannah”
A tall figure suddenly blocked my path, bringing that familiar scent.
Dylan.]
He pulled me aside into the stairwell corner, staring intensely into my eyes.
“Why did you just disappear without a word back then?”
“Why did you block me on everything?”
I looked at his “how could you abandon me” expression and almos laughed.
My lips curved slightly as I stated the facts with complete detachment.
“Mission accomplished. No need for further contact.”
“Mission?”
Dylan’s brow furrowed like he couldn’t or wouldn’t–understand that word.
He stepped closer, voice carrying an almost obsessive confidence.[]
“Savannah, stop being stubborn!“]]
“You left because I got together with Sloane, didn’t you? You must have been heartbroken, that’s why you ran abroad, right?”
He was desperately scanning my face for even a hint of pain. But he found nothing
He suddenly got serious.]
“Actually, I looked for you for a long time. You’ve always mattered to me.”
He didn’t finish, but his eyes were practically overflowing with emotion.
Honestly, there had been moments–tiny ones–when he wasn’t being a complete ass. Like when he’d focus intently as I explained homework, eyebrows slightly furrowed. Or his awkward silence when Td patch him up after fights. Yeah, there had been fleeting sparks.[]
But those sparks got crushed completely every time he and his crew made jokes about me being his “lapdog,” every time he casually enjoyed my help while dismissively calling me “boring”
I looked at him with clear, calm eyes, speaking each word deliberately.
“Dylan, my leaving had absolutely nothing to do with your love life.“[]
“And I need to be very clear about something when I used to get close to you, what I was after was your family’s money.“[]
Impossible!”
Dylan’s voice shot up, angry with a hint of barely concealed panic
“You’re lying! Savannah, you’re not that kind of person!”
“Three yea
years of high school, how many times did I try to give you money, buy you things? You always refused! You wouldn’t even take a pen from me! How could it have been about money?!”
His examples were almost touchingly naive, like those details were ironclad proof of his judgment.]
Looking at his ridiculously innocent expression, I couldn’t help letting out a low laugh.
*God, you really are naive.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
I stopped looking at him, walked around his frozen figure, and left.
As I was almost out of earshot, his voice called after me.]
“Savannah! I know you have your pride! Just give me some time–I’ll handle the situation with… people around me! I’ll give you an explanation, a real… real confession!”
I didn’t turn back, didn’t pause, didn’t even give it a second thought.]
