Was it because Sean had sensed the admiration in her eyes? Did he dislike her so much that he left without a word?"Sean, wait for me!"Joanna set down the model kit and ran after him, but in such a massive shopping mall, there was no trace of Sean anywhere.Sean had followed Liliana and Tania downstairs. He did not know Tania, but he would recognize Liliana anywhere.His strides were long and determined. Liliana, as if sensing something, quickly grabbed Tania's hand and pulled her toward the exit. As soon as they stepped outside, she hastily flagged down a cab. The moment the car door shut, they disappeared from Sean's sight.Tania was bewildered by Liliana's sudden urgency. She noticed Liliana's face had turned pale and looked at her with concern. "Liliana, what's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"After all, just earlier, they had taken the bus because Liliana had insisted on saving money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.Yet now, Liliana had not only hailed a cab but ha
By the time Sean rushed outside, Liliana and Tania were already gone. He scanned his surroundings with sharp, brooding eyes, but there was no trace of her anywhere.Joanna had also run out after him. Seeing Sean standing in the plaza, seemingly searching for something, she hurried over. "Sean, are you looking for someone? Do you need my help?"She maintained her usual graceful demeanor, and despite the urgency with which she had come down, she still carried herself with the poise of a refined lady.Sean glanced at Joanna, and there was a flicker of impatience flashing across his face, though he quickly concealed it. Turning to her, he said, "Ms. Jacquet, I just remembered that I have some matters to attend to. I won't be able to continue shopping with you.""But Sean…" Joanna bit her lip, looking at him hesitantly. "Is it something important? What about Darek…"Sean frowned slightly but, recalling the sick little boy, he eventually nodded. "I'll be there tonight as promised."Hea
Given Sean's status and influence, he had no real reason to attend the freshman orientation. However, Joanna, who was the vice president of the student council, had taken charge of organizing the entire event.She had extended an invitation to Sean, though without much expectation. Based on his usual attitude, it seemed highly unlikely that he would agree.However, because she was so close to him—and since most students at Vista University assumed she was his girlfriend—no one questioned her connection to him.When the student council president suggested that having Sean participate in the orientation would be the most exciting event at Vista University, Joanna felt both honored and eager. She immediately went to ask Sean, fully expecting him to decline. Yet to her surprise, he agreed without hesitation.Under the scorching sun, Joanna held a stack of pamphlets, casting a glance at the distant figure standing with his usual aloofness. A rush of joy filled her chest.She had not ex
Sean's words remained vividly clear in Liliana's mind, yet the distance between them had only grown wider.She pressed her lips together. "Let's go."Tania still felt that something was off about Liliana, but she could not quite put her finger on it. Deciding to set aside her doubts for now, she simply nodded."Are you both freshmen checking in today?"Just as Liliana and Tania were making their way forward, Joanna stopped them with a welcoming smile. "Here's an informational pamphlet about Vista University. I hope it helps!"Tania, unfamiliar with the university, took one without hesitation and began flipping through it.The moment Liliana saw Joanna, she instinctively wanted to avoid her. However, she reminded herself that Joanna did not know her. Letting go of her tension, she took a pamphlet as well. "Thank you!""You're welcome!" Joanna maintained her graceful demeanor, exuding warmth and approachability.Having spent years in the student council, she had mastered the skil
"Let me take you two there.""That won't be necessary!" Liliana immediately refused, perhaps a little too quickly. Maybe it was Sean's unexpected initiative or maybe it was just her reaction that drew attention, but the people passing by all seemed to pause and glance in their direction.Joanna, too, was startled—not just by Liliana's refusal but even more so by Sean's offer in the first place.In all the years she had known him, Sean had never shown any particular interest in anyone.Sure, he was approachable and easy to talk to, but at the same time, he was also the hardest person to actually engage with. She had been by his side for so long, yet every time she wanted to bring something up, she had to carefully gauge his mood before even daring to speak.Yet now, Sean had taken the initiative. He had offered to help—something she had never seen him do before.Who were these two girls?What was so special about them that Sean would go out of his way like this?Joanna, who had
Joanna bit her lip and clenched her hands. "Sean, what are you looking at?"She interrupted his thoughts, pressing her lips together before hesitantly asking, "Sean… could it be that you're interested in one of those two freshmen?"She was testing the waters.Sean's brows twitched slightly, and a sharp glint flashed in his cold gaze. Then, he let out a low, mocking chuckle. "What do you think? Do you believe I'd be interested in them?"Joanna's face paled instantly. On the surface, she remained composed, but inside, her emotions churned wildly.So, it was true. Sean was interested in one of them."Sean, which one do you prefer?" Joanna pressed further.Sean smirked, his expression unreadable. "Are you trying to dig into my personal life?""No! That's not what I meant, Sean. I'm just concerned about you," Joanna quickly denied, shaking her head.She had known Sean long enough to understand his temper. He despised anyone meddling in his affairs, and even more so, he loathed peop
"No, I don't know him," Lilian replied bluntly."Really?" Tania sounded doubtful. Liliana's reaction had been too strange. "It was that day at World Trade Plaza when we went to buy model kits on the third floor, remember?"Tania had a good memory and naturally recalled the details. "That senior was there too. He was standing next to a girl. Yeah, it's the same one from earlier. Are they a couple?"She spoke with curiosity, but before she could continue, Liliana abruptly cut in, "Impossible! There's no way he'd like someone like her.""Huh?"Tania narrowed her eyes. Liliana's response only made her more suspicious. "Someone like her? Do you know hrt? Do you know what kind of person that girl is?""No!" Liliana quickly realized she had overreacted and immediately shook her head. "I just don't think they look like a couple.""But… the way you said it just now—""Tania, let's go! We still need to register and get to the dorms!" Liliana hastily interrupted, dragging Tania toward the
Liliana and Tania quickly became familiar with Helena and Naomi. The four of them often went to the cafeteria together and explored the nearby area.Helena was a foodie, and since Liliana and Tania were too, most of their conversations revolved around food. Being from the north, Helena preferred pasta dishes and often talked about delicious northern cuisine that the others had never tried.They made a pact that one day, they would visit Helena's hometown to experience it themselves. Their friendship developed naturally, and they got along well.However, Naomi, having been pampered since childhood, was not as easygoing. Although she blended in with them on the surface, she was not truly as close-knit with the group.Soon, the university held its freshman military training. Unwilling to participate, Naomi simply had her family provide a hospital note to excuse her, avoiding the entire training. Meanwhile, the remaining three bonded even more during the training period.Time flew by,
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you