Chapter 4
After getting out of the taxi, I walked into the airport.
As soon as I turned on my phone, I saw a message from a former colleague saying that the professor was willing to keep my original position for me.
I sighed in relief and quickly replied that I would report to work the next day.
After these years, we’re right back where we started, like none of it even mattered.
No one expected us to end up like this.
After all, Gavin had liked me since he was fifteen and had never hidden his feelings for me.
Everyone around us could see how deeply he cared for me. People even joked, “Come on, Gavin’s loaded, handsome, and crazy about you. Just give the guy a chance already!”
But at that time, I was completely oblivious, just a nerd who couldn’t take a hint.
I was all about my study, setting ambitious goals for myself.
Nothing could stop me from moving forward, and no one could make me give up my future.
So, I often treated Gavin like air.
Whenever he tried to strike up a conversation or show kindness, I ignored him.
When he gave me roses and chocolates, I’d just toss them into the trash and walk away.
My classmates all said I was being too cold–hearted toward him.
But despite my indifference, I managed to get into a prestigious university and even received an opportunity to study abroad.
Even when I was overseas, Gavin didn’t give up–he pursued me even more relentlessly.
He flew to see me every week and even showed up at one of our college’s events, confessing his love for me in front of everyone, saying, “I love you.” That was when I first felt something strange toward him.
Amid the roaring crowd egging us on, I suddenly locked eyes with his burning gaze.
It hit me like a snapped wire–that first raw glimpse into what love really was.
After that, I could never see him as just another face in the crowd. Bit by bit, I crumbled under his relentless pursuit.
Then came the car crash. When he shielded me and got hurt. I had never felt the same sickening panic in my life again.
Right then I knew: Gavin had carved himself into my life, irreplaceable.
So I took his heart and ran with it, loved him with single–minded devotion. Even quit my overseas research job when he grumbled about “wasting half a day flying just to see you” so as to ended our long–distance relationship.
But Gavin had never told me that, all those years he was pursuing me, Lilia had been in the picture.
Though others said she was just a substitute for me, could true love really be replaced by anything? Maybe Gavin didn’t love me after all. Maybe he just loved the ignorance I showed.
Once I realized this, I stopped overthinking it,
After turning off my phone, I boarded the plane, leaving for the long–missed overseas destination.
Meanwhile, at the wedding, Gavin was exchanging rings with Lilia, looking deeply in love.
The bodyguard’s sudden entrance made the room go quiet for a moment, and Gavin frowned in displeasure.
“What are you doing here? Can’t you see the ceremony is happening?”
The bodyguard wiped his sweat, holding out the letter. “It’s about Miss. Maris. She left a farewell letter at the door. She’s probably already gone. Should we go after her?”
In the past, Gavin had always paid attention to every detail concerning Vera. It had become a habit for everyone around him to report even the smallest things about me.
Chapter 4
Gavin stood there, unmoving, his gaze fixed on the envelope in the bodyguard’s hand. He frowned, then snapped, “Get out! This is my wedding with Lilia. Don’t mention anything about Vera!”
The bodyguard hesitated for a moment, then apologized profusely and left.
Gavin’s gaze remained tense, as though he wanted to chase after him, but eventually controlled himself.
Lilia, however, suddenly spoke up. “Why Vera has to be like that? Now of all times to pull this crap? I know she’s never liked me, but screwing with our wedding? That’s low.”
“She even bribed the bodyguard to deliver the letter. She really went out of her way.”
“Right, Gavin?” she added, looking at him with a sly smile.
