Chapter 329 Asa, the Thorn in Antonio's Side
For the first time, Antonio found himself confined to the narrow, cramped quarters of economy class, his long legs aching for room to stretch. His choice was not one of preference, but necessity.
Sarah had been right - he couldn't let her venture alone into a place where Asa lurked. Asa was a thorn in Antonio's side, a bitter reminder of past humiliations. Each time Antonio thought of him, he was filled with a burning desire to tear him apart.
Despite his feelings, Antonio had to suppress his possessiveness. His relationship with Sarah had recently improved, and he knew she despised that side of him. After much deliberation, he decided to secretly follow her to City N, protecting her from the shadows.
The plane touched down in City N. Oblivious to Antonio's presence, Sarah and Sofia made their way to the pre-booked hotel to drop off their luggage. Antonio trailed behind them discreetly, his disguise so effective that he was nearly mistaken for a suspicious stalker by the hotel security. Removing his sunglasses and mask, he revealed his identity, startling the security guard.
"Mr. Valencia! I apologize, I'm truly sorry!" The front desk manager stammered out apologies. The hotel was owned by Valencia Inc., so Antonio quickly instructed the manager to keep quiet about his presence. The manager dared not ask any further questions and quietly warned the staff.
Meanwhile, Sarah, oblivious to the unfolding drama, had already escorted Sofia to the university. The campus was alive with the buzz of the anniversary celebration, inviting back distinguished alumni and showcasing performances by current students.
"Even after all these years, our university hasn't changed a bit. It's still so enchanting," Sofia mused, watching the parade of young faces, a wave of nostalgia washing over her.
Sarah shared her excitement. Since graduating, she had seldom returned to the school. Everything was as she remembered it, the path she had once walked with Antonio.
"Sarah," a familiar voice called out. Turning around, she found herself face-to-face with Asa.
"Sofia, our senior, it's been so long!" Asa greeted her with a polite smile.
"Sofia, right? You're becoming more beautiful with each passing year," Asa returned the compliment.
The trio strolled through the campus, reminiscing about their school days. The anniversary celebration lasted the entire day, culminating in an evening banquet to honor the alumni who had traveled from afar.
"It's a shame Mr. Valencia didn't come. We were hoping to meet the Valencia family and witness their charm," classmates teased Sarah at the banquet. After all, she had once been the campus belle.
"If you ever find the time, please visit us. Mr. Valencia and I would be delighted to entertain you," Sarah responded graciously, finishing her drink swiftly.
Seeing this, Asa approached, brandishing two glasses of brandy. "Let's all have a drink together, my classmates. To the school, to the principal," Asa proposed, handing a glass to Sarah and whispering, "Just a symbolic sip, don't get drunk."
Asa's words sparked a chorus of playful protests. "You can't do that, Asa. Sarah is now Mrs. Valencia, the president of Valencia Inc. If she doesn't drink, it will be disrespectful to our principal."
"Yeah, Asa, you can't shield Sarah like this."
"We're watching Sarah's drink. If she doesn't finish it, you'll have to answer for it!"
Caught in the crossfire of friendly banter, Asa and Sarah quickly became the center of attention. Sarah had no choice but to comply, "Alright, alright, how can I refuse a toast to the principal?"
Sarah was no stranger to alcohol, and she knew one more glass wouldn't push her over the edge.
"Okay, let's toast then." Asa raised his glass.
The room erupted in cheers, the focus of the evening firmly on the school's anniversary.
No one noticed the fleeting shadow that danced in the corner of Asa's eyes.
The celebration stretched late into the night, and Sofia was even cornered by her senior sisters, eager to introduce her to potential suitors.
Sarah could only silently thank her stars that she was already married with a child, saving her from becoming the object of her senior sisters' matchmaking efforts.
A cold gust of wind swept through, and suddenly, Sarah felt a wave of dizziness wash over her.
Struggling to stay upright, she couldn't tell if it was the alcohol or something else that was causing her to feel this way.
"Sarah, are you okay?" Asa rushed over to steady her.
"I'm fine," Sarah tried to push him away instinctively, but her strength was failing her, and her body was growing hotter by the second...