Chapter 314 I'm Her Boyfriend
The trio walked beneath the streetlights, their conversation drifting through the bitter cold. Each breath turned to mist in the frigid air.
"Camilla, fancy a coffee? My treat," Tobias flashed his bright smile.
Just as Camilla was about to respond, a young man stepped directly in front of her, halting their progress. Under their puzzled gazes, he produced a bouquet of roses from behind his back, offering them to Camilla with a flourish.
"Hello! I'm a graduate student from Excel Business University. I've noticed you around campus for quite some time," he said earnestly. "These flowers are for you. I hope you like them."
"And, well, I was wondering if we could exchange numbers? I felt something special the first moment I saw you—love at first sight, as they say. I know this seems sudden, even to me it feels unbelievable, but it happened. All I'm asking for is a chance."
Camilla couldn't believe this was happening—so late at night and off campus, no less. She'd just been relieved about not "coincidentally" running into Leopold and Azalea after dinner, only to face this unexpected situation instead.
Tobias immediately glanced at Marcus, noting his darkening expression. It couldn't be helped; Camilla was simply that popular—even a casual dinner out attracted admirers.
Camilla eyed the flowers extended toward her and paused momentarily. "The flowers are beautiful," she said softly.
The young man's face lit up. "So you'll take them..."
"But I'm afraid I can't accept them," she finished.
"Why not?" he asked, crestfallen.
"First, we don't know each other. We're strangers, and I don't feel right accepting such a gift."
"No formalities necessary," he explained urgently. "They're simply a gift for you."
"That's precisely why I can't accept them. Roses symbolize romance. If I were to take them, we both know what that would imply. I'm sorry."
"That's not my intention at all," he insisted. "I'm not expecting you to become my girlfriend immediately."
"But ultimately, that is your goal, isn't it?" Camilla countered.
The young man fell silent, unable to deny it.
Still unwilling to give up, he asked, "Could I at least get your number?"
"Absolutely not!" Before Camilla could respond, Marcus stepped forward, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her protectively against him.
"Who are you?" the young man demanded.
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious? I'm her boyfriend."
"What?" The young man's eyes widened in shock.
"Surprised?" Marcus smirked. "Or do I not look the part?"
The young man's gaze darted between them, noting Camilla's lack of denial. He looked as though he'd been struck.
"I was told you were single," he stammered.
"She was—until recently," Marcus replied with a sardonic smile. "Your information is outdated."
Mortified, the young man quickly mumbled an apology before hurrying away, leaving the roses scattered on the ground.
Tobias watched him flee, sympathy evident in his eyes. "Poor guy. Must have taken all his courage to confess to the girl he likes, only to find out..."
Marcus gave him a sidelong glance. "You sound like you're speaking from experience. Been rejected like that yourself?"
"Don't put words in my mouth!" Tobias protested. "I've never been rejected because I've never had to confess like that."
"So you found out she had a boyfriend before you could make your move, then?"
"Marcus, you can let go of me now," Camilla interjected.
Marcus merely smiled, seemingly just noticing that his initially casual hold had become a firm embrace around her shoulders. Even through her down jacket, he could feel how delicate she was, her subtle perfume invading his senses. His body tensed involuntarily.
In the next moment, Camilla deftly twisted away from his grasp. Marcus reacted quickly, reaching out to pull her back.
One ran, one followed. One dodged, one pursued.
"Marcus! Enough!" Camilla snapped, genuinely irritated.
Marcus's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Progress at last—you've finally stopped calling me 'Mr. Davis.'"
As they continued their playful tussle, Sebastian appeared under a nearby streetlight, holding a paper bag. Half his face was obscured in shadow, making his expression unreadable.
"Sebastian?" Camilla spotted him first.
Sebastian approached them, his gaze falling subtly on the men's scarf around her neck. Tobias still had his scarf on, so it wasn't his. Marcus wore a coat and suit but no scarf.
"Professor Russell!" Tobias greeted him cheerfully. "What a coincidence running into you here!"
"Not a coincidence. I came looking for Camilla," Sebastian replied.
"What?" Camilla looked puzzled.
Sebastian removed a scarf from his bag, stepped forward, and carefully unwrapped the scarf from Camilla's neck. He handed it back to Marcus, then gently wrapped Camilla's own scarf around her neck.
"I ran into your roommates at Excel Business University's entrance. They were bringing your scarf, but since I was heading this way, I offered to deliver it. Saved them from interrupting their late-night snack plans," Sebastian said.
"Thank you! Sorry for the trouble," Camilla said, tucking her chin into the familiar warmth of her own scarf.
"No trouble at all," Sebastian assured her.
Marcus slowly rewrapped his returned scarf around his own neck, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Delivering a scarf seems like a trivial errand for someone of your stature, Sebastian."
"As I said, I was passing by anyway," Sebastian replied before turning to Camilla. "I'm heading home now. Care to join me?"
"Sure! Tobias, I'll see you later!"
"Right... take care," Tobias managed.
As the pair walked away, Camilla asked, "What brought you to Excel Business University so late, Professor Russell?"
"I needed to see Lloyd about something."
"At this hour?"
"Lloyd's quite the night owl."
"I see..."
Their voices faded as they disappeared into the distance.
Marcus stood motionless, staring after them, his expression inscrutable.
After a long moment, Tobias finally processed what had happened. "Did Camilla just leave with Sebastian? What's going on?"
Marcus let out a cold laugh. "Your delayed reactions are truly remarkable. One of these days, someone's going to sweep Camilla right off her feet while you're still figuring out what happened. You should pay more attention."
With that, Marcus strode away, the end of his scarf billowing sharply in the cold wind—as cutting as his departure.
Tobias stood bewildered. "Wait, what do you mean? Who's sweeping Camilla away? If anyone's trying to do that, it's you!"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
