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,
Liliana felt a sudden chill despite the lingering heat of September. As she lifted her head, a sharp, piercing gaze swept toward her from the distance.Her chest tightened. She could not clearly make out the figure in the dim light, but she knew without a doubt that the person staring at her was looking directly at her. That person was…Panic surged through her. She turned abruptly and tried to walk away, but Sean was faster.She had barely taken a few steps before a strong hand clamped down on her arm, gripping her with crushing force.Liliana winced as pain shot through her limb."Let go of me!" she cried out."Let go?" Sean scoffed, his voice laced with cold amusement. "Liliana, I never expected you to have the audacity to come back. Do you remember what I told you before?"The color drained from Liliana's face, and her body trembled involuntarily. It was still summer and the air was thick with heat, yet at this moment, she felt frozen to the core. She pressed her lips togeth
Sean let out a cold chuckle, still gripping Liliana's chin. "You look like you feel wronged.""I don't." Liliana turned her head away. "As long as you say it, I'll do it.""Good. Then leave Vista University immediately. Leave Brookville. I never want to see you again." Sean looked at Liliana fiercely.Liliana's face turned pale. She clenched her fists and said, "But… I just started here. Vista University was the only one I applied to. If I leave now… I won't have anywhere else to go. I'd have to drop out.""That's your problem. It has nothing to do with me."His voice was indifferent and emotionless as if he were merely brushing away an insignificant nuisance.A sharp pain stabbed at Liliana's chest. Her face grew even paler, and she lowered her head, lost in thought.Sean stood there, watching her in silence. Neither of them moved.Time stretched between them, long enough that Sean almost believed the girl standing in front of him was nothing more than a lifeless figure.Then
Sean's chest burned with fury at Liliana's words. His usual mischievous glint was gone, replaced by an icy sharpness.Liliana instinctively stepped back, fear flashing in her eyes as she stared at Sean. She had no idea how to face him.She had never seen him like this before. His rage was overwhelming, smoldering like an unquenchable fire.Swallowing hard, she forced herself to hold his gaze. However, Sean, watching her, only felt more enraged. How could this woman be so utterly heartless?He had always treated her like a younger sister, protected her, and cared for her. Yet she had betrayed him and plotted against him."I know you hate me," Liliana said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "What I did was wrong. I shouldn't have set you up. But I didn't succeed, did I?"Look, I knew I was wrong, so I left. I never asked you to take responsibility. In the end, wasn't I the one who suffered more? As a girl, wasn't it worse for me?""Very well, then." Sean clenched h
Sean narrowed his eyes, staring intensely into Liliana's. "I'll ask you one last time—why did you do it?"The moment the words left his mouth, he felt Liliana stiffen. She had not expected him to ask this question.Why?How was she supposed to explain something she never did?However, Liliana knew that after more than a year, no matter what she said, the outcome would remain the same.Sean had come looking for her not because he wanted an answer but because, in his entire life, no one had ever dared to scheme against him. She had simply walked right into his line of fire. Even though she was not the one who set him up, he had already decided that she was guilty.Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, she just stared at him, lost in thought.It took her a long time before she finally spoke. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper. "What if—I'm just saying, what if—I told you I liked you?"Her voice was so quiet it nearly vanished in the night air, but Sean still heard it.His
It was not a big deal. She only had to avoid seeing him.That did not matter as Liliana knew she never planned to see Sean again anyway.Seeing how easily Liliana agreed, a shadow flickered across Sean's gaze, though he quickly concealed it. His expression remained cold as he stared at her. "From now on, wherever I am, you are not allowed to be there. If you see me, go the other way.""Alright." Liliana kept her head down, refusing to look into his icy eyes.She was afraid that if she did, it would hurt even more. So she chose not to look at him at all."Remember what you just said." Sean shot her a withering glance before turning to leave. After a few steps, however, he suddenly stopped. "And don't ever like me again."Liliana froze.Then, she heard his voice again, calm and laced with disgust. "Being liked by someone like you makes me feel dirty."She watched his figure disappear into the darkness, realizing just how deep his loathing for her ran. It was so deep that even the
"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