Chapter 99 Guess What
"Why? You're an adult now. You can make friends at school every day," I mumbled, my mouth full of skewers.
Mindy sighed, "You don't get it. My parents won't let me live on campus. I can't make friends during class, and after class, I've got two bodyguards following me. They say it's for my safety, but it just isolates me. Who'd want to hang out with someone like that? Those bodyguards scare everyone away."
I pictured it—two bodyguards in sunglasses trailing me. Yeah, that'd be pretty intimidating. I'd probably avoid her too. Accidentally hurting this rich girl could cost me everything.
After a hearty meal, I felt totally relaxed lying on my bed.
At 9:30, Brad sent me a voice message, "What are you up to?"
"Just finished some barbecue, about to sleep. Brad, aren't you busy? How do you have time to chat?" I said, grinning, and called him on video. He answered almost instantly, his handsome face popping up on the screen.
We hadn't video chatted for a few days, and Brad looked thinner and a bit tired, his voice slightly hoarse.
"I've been swamped, handling contracts and finding new teachers for the institute. It's a lot," Brad replied.
I said, "Aren't the contracts due by the end of the year? Why the rush? Take your time."
No wonder Brad looked so thin. Rushing several contracts at once, each needing his attention, would wear anyone out. If I were there, I could at least help with some designs.
Thinking about Brad working tirelessly every day made me regret coming to National Capital University for grad school even more. My parents had warned me I'd regret it, but I was worried about Ronan's health and insisted on coming.
Looking back, I did regret it.
If I'd listened to my parents and stayed, I wouldn't have to deal with annoying Zoe and Daniel all the time, and I wouldn't have reunited with Louis, sparing him so much trouble.
Brad said, "I have something to take care of, so I need to finish the contracts early. How about you? Anything happening lately?"
Oh, there was plenty. Not just something, but a big deal that almost ruined my reputation.
I told Brad everything about going to Louis's house and Megan causing a scene at my apartment, down to the smallest detail.
Brad listened with a serious expression.
He said angrily, "The Andersos are such a mess, causing drama in public like they don't even care. Were you scared?"
I said proudly, "I was a bit scared at first, but they were too much, so I fought back and defeated Megan."
Brad raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes searching my face. "You fought? Did you get hurt?"
See, Brad always cared about me first, no matter what.
I replied, "No, I defeated her with my words. Brad, you should have seen how dejected Megan looked when she left. It was so satisfying."
I felt a bit guilty saying that. If Louis hadn't shown up that day, I might have won in the end, but it would have taken much longer, and she might have actually hit me. Without Louis and Mindy, the fight wouldn't have ended so quickly, and I wouldn't have won so decisively.
Louis and Mindy played a crucial role in my quick victory.
"Really?" Brad squinted, looking doubtful.
I explained, "Actually, it wasn't that dramatic. Louis showed up, and his words were more effective than a hundred of mine."
"Well, no matter what happens, make sure you don't get hurt. Just wait a bit longer, it won't be long now," Brad said.
I was lost in my thoughts and didn't pay much attention to what Brad said afterward.
When I hung up the video call, Mindy, who was almost asleep, was propping her head up with one hand, staring at me intently.
I asked, "Why are you staring at me with those big eyes in the middle of the night? You're scaring me."
Mindy smacked her lips as if savoring something. "Jane, you like him, don't you?"
I replied, "Of course, he's my brother who has taken care of me since I was little. How could I not like him?"
She shook her head. "Not that kind of like. When you talk to him, your eyes light up like stars. That kind of joy comes from deep inside. I've only seen that look in Louis's eyes when he looks at you. Jane, don't deny it. You have real feelings for him."
Again with the insinuations about my feelings for Brad, I picked up something and threw it at her. "Shut up, you're drunk. If you keep talking nonsense, I won't help you pursue Louis."
Mindy threw the object back at me, turned over, and decided to ignore me. "So stubborn. You'll regret it."
I couldn't be bothered with her and closed my eyes to try to sleep.
Just as I was getting drowsy, she spoke again in a soft voice, "No wonder you don't like Louis. Your beloved Brad has good looks and talent, and always puts you first. He is indeed more suitable for you than Louis."
I said, "Enough already. Don't tell me you've set your sights on Brad and are giving up on Louis."
"Impossible. In my heart, Louis is the best, and no one can surpass him. I'm not saying your Brad is better than Louis, but that he's more suitable for you," Mindy replied.
I didn't want to argue with Mindy and angrily went to sleep.
The next day at lunch in the cafeteria, I unexpectedly ran into Daniel, who I hadn't seen in a while.
He was wearing a thick hoodie with dark sweatpants and white sneakers, standing silently at the counter next to me, watching me.
I felt someone looking at me, and when I turned my head, I saw him. For some reason, I instinctively stepped aside.
"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost," he said, pouting angrily and stepping forward with the line.
I replied, "Isn't it the same as seeing a ghost? But it's broad daylight, why are you out?"
Daniel laughed in exasperation, raising his left hand to point at me. "You've got some nerve. I shouldn't have helped you."
"Help me?" Suddenly, I realized something.
"Was it you who called Louis that day?" I asked.
He shrugged. "Who else? I couldn't just watch you get bullied."
"Did you know what his family was like before?" I continued.
He shrugged again, with a meaningful expression on his face.
My temper flared up. "Daniel, are you crazy? You knew but didn't tell me. Did you enjoy watching me get scolded?"
"Would you have listened if I told you? Do you think I took his letters for no reason?" Daniel asked.
I was stunned.
So that was how it was!
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
