NovelFinishChapter 312 That night, Lysander got a phone call. Without a word of explanation or even returning to his room, he just left.
It was Leonard who ended up driving Mila back to campus.
For days after that, Lysander never sought her out. She didn't bump into him at school; even Leonard seemed to have vanished from the hallways.
It was as if they had both disappeared without a trace.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt the time, Mila mostly felt relieved. Honestly, she was grateful Lysander had something else to occupy him- dealing with him always took so much energy and willpower.
The less he clooking for her, the better.
Their contractual relationship was quietly running out of time, each day ticking it closer to the end.
She buried herself in her project work, letting the days blur past.
A week before the contract was set to expire, Mila's project group-led by Forrest finally made sprogress. To celebrate, everyone went out for dinner together. The restaurant was packed, full of laughter and chatter. As they walked down the corridor toward their private dining room, they ran into a boisterous group of guys- Lysander's usual basketball buddies-arguing loudly about something.
"Why hasn't Lysander shown up to play ball? It's like he disappeared." "Play ball? He's never coming back, man." "What do you mean?" "Don't you know? Lysander and Giselle left for the States to study abroad-over a week ago. They probably won't be back for years." "Giselle?" "Wait, you mean that gorgeous senior who cto one of our dinners with Lysander? The one from Ivy League Institute across the street?" "Yeah, that's her." "I think her nwas, oh-Giselle!" "She really is stunning. I heard she's from a wealthy family, too—beautiful, brilliant, well-connected. No wonder Lysander never dated anyone all these years. He's been holding out for someone perfect." "More than just holding out." The guy who kept calling her 'Sis Giselle' clearly knew more than he let on, and couldn't resist spilling the details. "They've been engaged since they were kids-childhood sweethearts, grew up together. Going to study abroad together is basically a honeymoon. I bet they'll get married as soon as they're back." Everyone's curiosity exploded all at once, and a barrage of questions erupted as the group pushed into their private room, still gossiping animatedly.
Mila stood frozen by the entrance to another dining room down the hall, hearing every word. Her face drained of color.
What had she just heard? Lysander had gone abroad to study? He was engaged-to a girl named Giselle? So the Giselle who'd called that night was his fiancée? Each new revelation hit her like a blow to the chest. Her mind buzzed, her stomach churned, and for a split second, she felt physically sick.
He'd started a relationship with her-even a fake one-while already engaged? Why had he lied to her? "Mila, are you okay?" A voice broke through her daze. Forrest was watching her with concern. "You look really pale."
"I'm fine." Mila took a shaky breath, swallowing down the tidal wave of emotion. "Forrest, I think my stomach's just upset. Would it be alright if I skipped dinner tonight?" Forrest nodded. "Of course. Letdrive you home."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Thank you, but that's not necessary." Mila forced a smile. She managed to keep herself together until she stepped outside the restaurant-and then her composure shattered. Eyes stinging, she pulled out her phone and opened her contacts, hands trembling as she started a call. She needed answers.
She couldn't stand the thought that she'd been unknowingly dragged into someone else's relationship. She needed the truth.
After a long wait, the call finally connected. On the other end, a woman's voice answered-soft, languid, and edged with sleepiness. "Hello? Who's this?" Mila froze, suddenly tongue-tied.
She could guess who it was. For a moment, she had no idea what to say.
The woman on the other end seemed confused by the silence, murmuring something under her breath. Then, as if realizing something, she spoke up again -tentative now.
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