Thomas was getting engaged.

I sat in the living room of the old house, listening to Grandfather introduce the woman sitting beside him.

I heard she was the only daughter of Rainey group.

She and Thomas were a perfect match.

Throughout the family dinner, I couldn't enjoy the food, constantly sneaking glances at Thomas.

Seeing Maya's expression when she talked to him and the way he looked at her.

I was reminded of his cold gaze at my birthday party.

My stomach churned, and I ran to the bathroom to dry heave.

I tried to calm myself down with cold water.

When I came out, I found Thomas waiting in the hallway.

“Feeling better?”

His tone was still gentle, which suddenly made my nose sting.

I didn't want to talk to him, but my feet wouldn't listen.

Thomas seemed pleased with my compliance, his eyes softening.

He handed me a cup of warm water. "Drink some water."

"Can you not get engaged to her?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Nina, stop this."

I clenched my hands, using all my strength to confront him.

"Why can't you believe that I like you?"

Thomas didn't say anything and his eyes grew colder.

As if he suppressed something.

I was afraid of that look but still unwilling to give up.

"If you refuse, I won't bother you again."

A clear female voice interrupted.

"Thomas, I've been looking for you."

Maya affectionately took his arm.

Thomas didn't look at me and left with Maya.

And I tried my best to get the answer.

Now it seemed that it was not so important.

Perhaps, he had only seen me as a junior who needed his care.

After that family dinner, I applied to live at school.

When I moved out of the villa, I vowed not to contact Thomas again.

A few days later, Thomas's secretary found me, bringing two boxes of fruit and snacks, which I didn't accept.

For the next few weeks, the secretary always brought things I liked or used.

Basically, they were all my favorites.

I knew it was Thomas's order and returned everything.

Unexpectedly, Thomas came to see me in the rain.

"Still angry?" He looked the same as before, his features so handsome it was hard to look away.

I noticed the dark circles under his eyes and couldn't help but say sarcastically.

"Thomas must be busy with work and dating."

Thomas didn't get angry at my sarcasm.

He had the secretary bring several boxes to my dorm.

"If you don't want to go back, I won't force you."

"Call me if you need anything else. I'll get someone to send it to you."

Seeing the people he brought busying themselves, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

Maya appeared when I followed Thomas downstairs.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

This was the first thing she said, holding Thomas's arm.

It was like a cold shower waking me up.

I should have known. Grandfather mentioned at the family dinner.

Maya was a guest professor of psychology here.

It turned out that Thomas was here for her.

Thomas had come to see her, and dealing with me was just an afterthought.

No wonder he seemed in a good mood.

Yes, how could he be in a bad mood when he could see the person he liked.

It was almost mealtime when Maya generously invited me to join them for dinner.

I didn't want to be a third wheel, especially not face-to-face with her and Thomas.

Recalling the last dinner at the old house, I was eager to avoid this invitation.

However, Maya was too enthusiastic, and I couldn't refuse, so I reluctantly agreed.

I quickly turned to my phone and contacted Marlon, a senior who had shown interest in me a few days.

I asked him if he wanted to have dinner with me.

Marlon responded and arrived swiftly.

Marlon walked into the restaurant holding my hand, and I saw the stiff expression on Thomas's face, which sparked a bit of malicious delight in me.

During the meal, Marlon enthusiastically served me food.

I had to stay highly alert to deal with him, acting particularly affectionate.

Even Maya remarked that Marlon and I looked very compatible.

Before leaving, Marlon stepped out to take a call, and Maya went to the restroom to touch up her makeup.

I continued eating as if nothing had happened when I heard Thomas's voice from across the table.

"What's your relationship with him."

"Can't you tell, Thomas? Are your eyes failing you already?"

Thomas's face darkened instantly. "Nina, his intentions are not pure. You'd better stay away from him."

I chuckled inwardly but maintained a serious tone.

"I think he's great, at least he's young, cheerful, and energetic."

"Unlike some people in their thirties who might already be past their prime."

"Isn't that right, Thomas?"

Calling him Uncle so mockingly, Thomas clearly became somewhat angry.

Fortunately, Maya and Marlon returned in time, and I left the restaurant holding Marlon's hand.

Before we parted, Marlon suggested taking me to his newly rented villa.

I hesitated, but Thomas spoke up to refuse on my behalf. "She's not available."

"Who says so?" Ignoring Thomas's advice, I agreed.

"Let's go, Marlon, I'll go with you."

"Nina." My name almost popped out of Thomas's mouth word by word.

I ignored him and Maya holding hands and got into Marlon's car.

...