Chapter 43 Are You Not Coming Because You Can't Let Go?
Camilla snatched the paper bag, and the two of them made their way to Harmony College.
As they walked and talked, Camilla realized Marcus was pretty sharp. No matter what she threw at him, he could keep the convo going.
His tone was chill, his vibe smooth, making their chat super easy.
After wandering for a bit, they passed a stone wall, and Camilla spotted a familiar face.
Sebastian had just wrapped up his class and was heading to the lab when he looked up and locked eyes with Camilla.
He stopped for a sec and then noticed Marcus next to her.
"Hey, what a coincidence! Just finished class?" Camilla broke the ice.
Sebastian nodded, "Yeah, heading to the lab. What about you?"
"I'm showing my friend around. Marcus, meet Sebastian." She turned to Marcus, "Sebastian, this is Marcus."
Their eyes met, and Marcus gave a slight smirk and extended his hand. "Sebastian, heard a lot about you."
Sebastian shook his hand, "Nice to meet you."
The Russell and Davis families were big names in Imperial City. They'd heard of each other but never met.
There was a subtle tension between them, which Camilla didn't catch. She just wondered if their handshake was dragging on a bit too long.
Sebastian glanced at Marcus again and let go first. "Gotta get to the lab."
Camilla watched him leave, while Marcus looked at her thoughtfully. "You close with him?"
Camilla shrugged it off, "We're friends."
Marcus didn't push it.
That night, Camilla got a text from Marcus: [Thanks for showing me around today.]
Camilla replied: [No biggie.]
She turned off her phone, tossed it on the bedside table, and lay down.
The pillow, freshly dried, had a faint soap scent, warm and cozy.
Before she knew it, she was out cold.
With no need to cram, Camilla enjoyed a rare sleep-in and got up at eight, ready to head out.
The neighborhood was old but buzzing with life. As soon as she went downstairs, folks with grocery baskets and dog walkers greeted her with smiles.
Camilla smiled back and greeted them.
She walked out of the alley and headed to the old street next door, where a breakfast shop sat on the corner.
As soon as she walked in, she saw Sebastian sitting with his back to her. She grinned, walked up behind him, playfully patted his back, and quickly sat down across from him.
Seeing no change in his expression, Camilla was puzzled, "Why aren't you surprised?"
"Camilla, this is the second time," Sebastian said with a smile, "Last week, you did the same thing. Plus, you weren't much faster than the dog at the door."
Camilla glanced at the dog tied at the door and felt helpless.
She was about to retort when the breakfast shop owner greeted her with a smile, "Camilla, you are here. The usual?"
Camilla nodded. "Waffles and roasted potatoes."
Though the owner was elderly, he was quick and soon brought over the waffles and roasted potatoes.
Camilla smiled as soon as she saw them, "Thanks."
She glanced at Sebastian, who always had the same cheese omelet sandwich. "Next time, why don't you mix it up a bit?"
Before he could respond, Camilla grabbed a clean plate from the table, piled some roasted potatoes on it, and slid it over to him. "Give it a shot?"
Sebastian hesitated for a moment, then took one and slowly chewed it.
Camilla blinked. "Well?"
Seeing her eager expression, Sebastian nodded, "It's good."
Camilla grinned, "See? My recommendations are always on point."
Sebastian chuckled.
Oliver piped up, "Marcus, your birthday's coming up, right? What's the plan this year? Racing, drag shows, or should we go all out with strippers? Hahaha."
Simon jumped in, "That sounds like a blast."
Both of them looked at Marcus expectantly.
When it came to "fun," Marcus was the mastermind.
He might look all prim and proper in a suit and tie, but deep down, he was wilder than anyone.
"This year, let's keep it simple."
Oliver and Simon were baffled.
Marcus said, "Got a problem with that?"
"It's just not like you, Marcus," Oliver said, eyeing him. "What's up with you today?"
Simon raised an eyebrow. "Did I hear you right? A birthday party??"
None of them did birthday parties anymore.
"Unless it's a wild one?" Oliver's eyes lit up.
Simon instantly perked up, eyes gleaming.
Marcus shot back, "What are you thinking? A normal one. I'll send you the invites in a few days."
With that, he got up and left.
Oliver and Simon exchanged puzzled looks.
Camilla was a bit surprised when she got Marcus's call, and even more so when he invited her to his birthday party.
"You're inviting me?"
"Yep."
Camilla frowned.
Marcus's birthday party would likely include Leopold, and she didn't want to run into him.
"No outsiders, just a gathering of friends. Oliver will be there too. Aren't you coming?" Marcus sensed her hesitation and raised an eyebrow, "Or are you scared of something?"
Camilla held her phone in silence.
"You and Leopold broke up. He's doing fine with his new girl now. Are you not coming because you haven't moved on?"
Camilla frowned slightly and snapped, "Of course not. We're done and dusted."
Marcus smirked. "Then there's nothing to avoid. I'll send you the address. Be there."
He hung up before Camilla could say anything.
On the day of the party, the estate was decked out and buzzing with activity.
Leopold showed up late with Amara.
Amara handed Leopold's coat to the attendant, took his arm, and walked with him into the main entrance.
The property prices in this area were sky-high, and Marcus had only snagged this private estate because it was reserved for his family.
The layout and decor of the estate were designed by top-notch designers at a hefty price.
Passing through the rock garden and backyard, they reached the guest area.
Upon entering, Leopold first greeted Marcus, "Here's your gift. Happy birthday."
Leopold tossed over a key, which was for a yacht Marcus had mentioned before. Knowing Marcus liked sailing, Leopold had bought a yacht for him.
Marcus said, "Thanks."
Leopold smiled and was about to say something when he suddenly noticed a familiar figure.
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