"She reminds me of past you. You were just as aggressive when those debt collectors forced you into a corner. You were ready to fight for your life," Lucian said.Calista had been so young then. Her personality made her go all in with pride rather than hang her head in shame after years of conflict with Nikolette and her mother. After learning that Zachary had taken out millions worth of high-interest loans in her name, she stayed resolute that she would make them pay as long as she lived. She fought back with everything she had.It had been a long time since then. But the fear never went away whenever Lucian brought it up."I don't want you to be that impulsive ever again.""I … wasn't being impulsive," Calista said.Before confronting them head-on, she had spent hours huddled in the dark, damp basement, carefully considering her situation. Given the low average wage in Capeton, she wouldn't be able to cough up the money even if she stopped eating for several lifetimes. Howev
The incident where Cailyn saved him had been photographed and spread on the Internet. It had become a trending topic.With indifference being the norm in today's society, the authorities wanted to promote the act of selflessness. Thus, such incidents where someone rescued another often received extensive media coverage. Cailyn was also dubbed the "Most Beautiful Angel" on the Internet. People had even been spontaneously visiting her at the hospital."Ms. Everhart!" No one wanted to offend Lucian. So, the reporters turned their sights on Calista, who they saw as an easy target. "Were you aware that Ms. Webster saved Mr. Northwood? What is your opinion on Mr. Northwood's actions?""Did Mr. Northwood leave his savior unattended at the hospital to accompany you abroad, Ms. Everhart?""Ms. Everhart!"The questions bombarded them one after another, giving them no time to respond to any of them. Lucian kept Calista firmly shielded behind him and was silent as security guards escorted t
Because Calista had won the championship at the competition, upon her return to Capeton, Augustus whisked her away to various exhibition halls.It gave her no time to look into the discussions happening online. When she finally had time to do so, the incident involving Lucian and Cailyn had already been buried by other trending topics.Cailyn spent ten days in the hospital and received meticulous care from the nurses. She was also served three balanced and nutritious meals a day.As she watched Simon lay the food on the table, she said, "Please pass on my gratitude to Mr. Northwood, Simon."With how frequently Simon and Cailyn met, they had grown close enough to address each other by name. Alarm bells went off in Simon's head. He knew gratitude was usually the first step toward romantic feelings between a man and a woman."It was Madam Calista who had me deliver this. Mr. Northwood doesn't have any emotional intelligence to speak of. All his good qualities are devoted to her. To h
Calista's reaction clued Cailyn in that the former did not know about Lucian's condition. So, the relationship between the two was not as strong as they portrayed it to be. She pretended to be flustered and explained, "Mr. Prescott has been delivering meals to me for the past few days. I've already been discharged from the hospital. I don't want him to run a pointless errand."Her explanation was so full of loopholes that she might as well have not said anything. Calista forced a smile."I see. I'll let him know then."The party took place at the Stansend Manor, with Selena personally organizing it. Calista thought the invitations were only extended to close friends and family. But she realized half their social circle was present when she arrived.With how grand it was, no one would even bat an eye if they were told this was an engagement party.Calista held Selena's hand and softly whispered, "Mom, isn't this party a little too grand?""You won the championship at a world-cla
"Ms. Webster is here," Calista said.She approached Cailyn, who was at the door, as she spoke. Cailyn had just arrived dressed in a simple white dress. She was alone, making her look out of place. Lucian frowned but remained calm."You invited her?""I did. I brought an invitation when I picked Ms. Webster up at the hospital.""Don't get too close to her."Calista jabbed her elbow into him as a warning. "She saved you. Enough with the long face. People are watching." Then, she ignored Lucian and quickly walked up to Cailyn."Ms. Webster!"Cailyn visibly heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Calista. She released her dress from her nervous grip and handed Calista a box of homemade pastries."I didn't know what to bring you. I'm sure you don't lack anything that I can afford. So I made some pastries. It could be packaged better, but they taste nice. I hope that's ok."Offering a gift of food was uncharacteristic when they weren't close. That was common sense to most. Since she ha
Yara arrived two minutes after Cailyn left. She wore a white, off-shoulder sweater and floor-length pants. She looked sharp."Congrats, Calista."She enveloped Calista in a hug, to which the latter responded by patting her on the back and laughing wryly."How many times have you congratulated me?""I can't help it. Babe, you're amazing! I'd feel awful if I didn't gas you up daily.""Thank you, Yara."Calista had transitioned to a new career without graduating. Apart from her interest, Yara's constant praise was a large part of the reason she took the plunge. Yara's rainbow of compliments primarily dispelled the confusion she felt during employment.Yara let go of her. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Timothy, who was speaking to Lucian. An exaggerated expression crossed her face as she softly whispered, "What's up with him today?" "Huh?"Calista followed her gaze toward Lucian. Aside from his pale complexion, nothing seemed to be unusual. His pallidness was attribu
Their shoulders were nearly touching as they were looking at a phone. The woman had delicate features, and her cheeks were tinged pink. There was also a subtle hint of joy in her eyes. Anyone could have gotten the wrong idea.Calista glanced at them, turned on her heel, and left before Lucian could speak. The man frowned and followed after her."Callie, let me explain …"As the two sped off, the tense Cailyn slowly relaxed. Her bag had distorted in shape from her tight grip. She lifted her phone with shaky hands and took several photos of a particular section of the party hall before stepping back inside.Lucian followed Calista up to the room on the second floor. "Callie …"Calista turned around in response to his tugging. There were no traces of anger on her face. "What did she say to you?"Lucian told her everything about the staged life-saving favor involving Cailyn on the night he arrived at Luspos. The man pulled her into his arms and rested his head against her shoulder. T
Ten seconds … Thirty seconds … One minute … It was so quiet she could hear a pin drop. No one appeared from the spot Cailyn was staring at. Just as she was about to relax, there were a few loud, sharp bangs at the door."Who's there?" She quickly put the photos away and grabbed the iron bar she kept behind the door for self-defense. Then, she stared at the door warily."Cailyn."Recognizing the voice as her neighbor's, Cailyn hurriedly put away the rod and answered the door. Her neighbor was a middle-aged woman who spoke with a thick accent."Cailyn, we've been robbed. Hurry and check if anything is missing from your place.""Huh?""What do you mean 'huh'? Several units have been robbed. Take a quick look and let the cops know."Cailyn didn't own anything valuable. Her only worry was that it wasn't thieves who had been through hEr home. The police arrived quickly. But since nothing was lost, they left after taking Cailyn and her neighbors' statements.…The room was once again