Our Love 22

Chapter 22
Even though Barbara played the role of her knight and shielded her from quite a few drinks, Seraphina still couldn’t refuse some of the persistent offers and ended up downing several glasses.
Not being much of a drinker, her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
This grove was a popular spot for couples, and more than a few students had been caught here by their teachers. But it was past two in the afternoon, class time, so the grove was peaceful
There was a natural pond in the middle of the grove, a favorite among students who would gather there in small groups to read, listen to music, and chat about their dreams. The serene water reflected the blue sky and white clouds, creating a picturesque scene.
Seraphina hadn’t visited this place for five years, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. Seeing the pond as clear as ever, she pulled out her phone to take a picture.
Not far away, a deep blue Lamborghini was parked, its glossy paint sparkling under the sunlight filtering through the leaves. exuding an air of luxury.
Seraphina hadn’t intended to pay them any attention, but the girl noticed her lifting her phone to take a picture and whispered something to the man.
The man turned around, and his cold gaze fell directly on Seraphina but the phone obscured her face. He strode toward her, grabbed her hand holding the phone, and demanded sharply, “What are you doing?”
*1..” Seraphina started to explain, but the words caught in her throat.
Her usually calm eyes widened in shock. The man gripping her wrist was none other than Clarence, the one she hadn’t seen in five years. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Back then, she had turned down her first choice of Angoria University, leaving her hometown for a faraway college, mainly to forget her brief but intense entanglement with Clarence,
But fate had a twisted sense of humor, throwing them together on her second day back in town, catching her completely aff guard.
The past years had treated Clarence kindly. He hadn’t aged a bit, and if anything, he had grown even more handsome, with a mature edge that made him even more striking.
He was wearing a white shirt, the top few buttons undone, revealing a small, tantalizing glimpse of his chest. That very spot had once been Seraphina’s haven, where she’d nestled close and slept soundly, feeling warmth and security like no other
Clarence’s cold, expressionless face remained unreadable as he stared at Seraphina, his eyes like ice-distant and sharp. It was as if he didn’t recognize her at all. But the grip on her wrist tightened ever so slightly.
Seraphina let out a small gasp, her face showing a flicker of pain. Her eyes, now misty, shone even brighter, adding to her allure. With her cheeks flushed from the alcohol, she exuded a soft, tipsy beauty. The innocent panic in her eyes made her seem even more breathtaking, like a startled doe.
Five years ago, her beauty had a girlish charm, but now it had matured, retaining, just a hint of that youthful innocence while blossoming
into something even more striking. She was more beautiful than ever.
At that moment, with her slightly panicked, surprised expression, she looked like a startled rabbit, so vulnerable and in need of protection. But Clarence’s gaze was hard, his face as cold as if it were carved from ice. His eyes were di tant, as though he didn’t know her at all.
“Are you scared of me? His voice was as cold as his gaze. Seraphina was taken aback.
Chapter 22
She thought, “He didn’t recognize me? Of course, why would he five years, over 1,500 days and nights had passed. Someone as insignificant as me, who has only been in his life for brief moment, would have long been forgotten
She swallowed slightly and replied calmly, “I was just taking pictures of the lake…”
Clarence said nothing more, but with a flick of his hand, he shoved her away, his grip harsh and dismissive, like she were something distasteful. The force of it made her stumble forward, barely catching her balance.
Without a glance back, Clarence turned swiftly on his heel, heading back toward the girl waiting for him, exuding that unapproachable arrogance he carried so naturally.
I’m leaving. Pay attention in class,” he said to the girl in a tone dat was surprisingly gentle.
“Okay, see you later, Clarry.” The girl waved her hand.
‘Clarry? How sweet, Seraphina thought bitterly. Back then, I could only call him Mr. Vanderbilt….
Clarence got into his car, slipping on his sunglasses. The sunlight reflecting off the lenses added a cold glint, making him look effortlessly cool. Seraphina was still standing in his way, blocking his path.
Suddenly, Clarence honked the horn, and the sharp sound made her flinch, just like five years ago when he coldly honked at her from his car, reminding her to move aside.
Five years later, the same scene replayed.
Seraphina started to step aside, but before she could move far enough, Clarence slammed on the gas. The sports car roared forward like a wild beast, rushing toward her and missing her by just inches.
The side mirror caught her as it passed, sending her tumble to the ground. Seraphina let out a small cry as she hit the ground.
Clarence braked almost instantly, his eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, his face devoid of any emotion as he stared into the rearview mirror at her crumpled form. The coldness in his expression was enough to freeze anyone’s heart.
In the mirror, he watched as Seraphina struggled to get up, her knee scraped and bleeding-a stark contrast against her smooth skin. The sight was alarming, yet his face remained impassive. However, his grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly.
But the next moment, he pressed the gas again, moved his gaze away from the mirror, and sped off without a second thought.
‘She asked for it, he thought to himself.
The roar of the engine faded, leaving Seraphina alone on the ground. She looked down at the blood oozing from the scrape on her knee and blinked back tears. Who would’ve thought that after five years, he’d still be the one to hurt her?
Seraphina slowly made her way out of the grove, limping toward the pharmacy across the street. The nurse carefully cleaned the wound with antiseptic and applied some ointment afterward.
She couldn’t return to the party like this, so she called Barbara, “Hey, can you bring my bag out? I’m heading home.”
Barbara sounded surprised. “Everyone’s still waiting for you to come back and sing. Why:
Seraphina’s voice was low. “I’m at the pharmacy.”
“What are you doing at the pharmacy?” asked Barbara.
you leaving? Where are you?*
13:30 Tue, Oct 29 B B
Chapter 22
“I tripped and fell. Just getting patched up, so I won’t be able to make it back to the party. Barb, please apologize to Mr.
Wilson for me.”
The moment Barbara heard that Seraphina was hurt, she didn’t ask more. Til be right there.”
Seraphina hung up, feeling a bit comforted. Having a best friend like Barbara was truly a blessing.
After applying the medicine, the nurse dabbed a bit of ointment on the wound and reminded her, seafood dishes for the next few days.”
“Okay.” Seraphina replied.
“It’s done,” the nurse said, helping Seraphina to her feet.