Since that day, Lillian subconsciously avoided the library.
More often, she found herself at the construction site, and when she got home, she dove into writing her thesis and preparing for the exhibition.
Jack would occasionally ask her about how things were going with the crew.
Once he was done asking, he couldn’t help but express his concern. “Haven’t you been on a date with a guy in a while?”
Lillian froze. “Why do you suddenly ask that?”
“Look at you, always surrounded by us. The crew is fine right now. I’ve spoken with Director Karl. You still need to focus on your graduation project when you have time. The school’s leadership is paying attention to your work. You’ve got to perform well.”
Lillian nodded.
“In a couple of days, the big shots are coming. It’s the school’s centennial, and there will be a lot of outstanding alumni. If you can make me look good, I’ll be counting on you.”
Hearing Jack say this made Lillian even more nervous. “Isn’t this just a rehearsal?”
“What’s wrong with the rehearsal? Our school has produced so many talented people. This isn’t a joke.”
On the day of the rehearsal, Lillian was busy at her booth when she suddenly heard a wave of gasps.
She looked up, and her professor quickly approached her, saying, “The principal and the leaders are here, Lillian, hurry over.”
Lillian quickly put down what she was doing and followed the professor to the entrance of the exhibition. As she walked, she unexpectedly locked eyes with that man.
After almost two months, his expression had grown even colder, and from head to toe, he exuded a powerful aura that made it hard to look directly at him.
He had always had the kind of presence that demanded attention, and even if he didn’t care about others, people couldn’t help but watch him.
“So handsome!”
“This is the first time I’ve seen Conrad in person! Is it forbidden to take photos?”
“Are you trying to get us killed? Put your phone down!”
More and more people crowded around. Lillian let them pass, and before long, she was pushed to the back. When the group finally walked past her, she quietly told her professor that she was going outside to get some air.
“I told you you’ve been working too hard lately. You need a rest. Go take a break. The leaders are just here to look at the booths, they won’t call for you.”
Lillian felt out of breath, unable to describe the strange feeling she had.
She tried to calm herself, but she hadn’t expected him to appear so suddenly.
It was just a small school graduation exhibition.
How could he be here?
She tried to convince herself that he wasn’t there for her, but deep down, she knew she was numbing herself to it.
She hadn’t even noticed the gaze that had been following her, unwavering and constant.
When she reached the outside, Lillian couldn’t help but take a deep breath.
She had prepared herself, but it was still hard to face him.
Looking at him, it seemed his injuries had healed. He looked completely healthy.
Lillian, you really are pathetic.
“Lillian?”
Lillian looked up to see Frank standing under a tree, wearing a beige coat. When she met his eyes, he smiled gently at her.
“I was just about to come find you. I was worried you’d get busy and forget to eat, so I brought you lunch. I kept it warm with hot water; don’t forget to eat it later.”
Lillian stared at him. “Isn’t your company busy right now? I can eat in the cafeteria.”
Frank looked at her helplessly. “If you could just go to the cafeteria on time, I wouldn’t have to worry.”
But she was always so stubborn. She would skip meals, and if it weren’t for him occasionally bringing her food, she’d forget to eat altogether.
“I know. I’ll eat it later.”
“Good girl. By the way, Dr. Beck told me today that Grandma’s condition is improving. She’s been responding better lately. I asked Dr. George, and he said she could be transferred to a regular ward. That way, it might ease some of your stress.”
“Really? Last time, when I was talking to Grandma, I thought I saw her eyelid twitch. I was worried it was just a natural nerve reaction. As for the ward, I still have some money, and the crew is still paying me, so I think I’ll leave her in this ward for now.”
The regular ward was crowded, and it might not provide the care Grandma needed.
“Alright, I respect your decision.”
“Mr. Conrad, this way please.”
The handsome but grim man placed his hand on the armrest and looked down from his high position.
The school leaders exchanged glances, then one of them awkwardly said, “Mr. Conrad, shall we go?”
Conrad sneered, “How did your school’s reputation fall so far? Don’t you worry about letting outsiders in, tricking your female students? You should be paying more attention to this kind of thing.”
The school leader, feeling a bit embarrassed, wiped the sweat off his forehead.
As Lillian was heading upstairs with her lunchbox, she took out her phone to share the good news with Melissa.
Once Grandma was better, she’d take her to any place Grandma wanted to go, and they’d spend the rest of their lives together, taking care of each other.
She could even take Grandma back to their hometown, rent a small yard, and adopt a couple of cats. Grandma could sit outside in the sun every afternoon, and when Lillian came home from work, they could have dinner together, watch TV, and enjoy the scent of the flowers in the yard. She imagined they’d live a peaceful, contented life like that.
However, that serene smile on her face caused someone great discomfort.
As Lillian rounded the corner, a figure suddenly rushed past her, grabbed her arm, and yanked her into a nearby office.
Lillian’s hand was jerked free, and her lunchbox hit the ground, spilling its contents as someone kicked it aside.
The door to the office slammed shut, and Lillian’s back slammed against it, causing her to hit her head so hard she felt a sharp pain in her skull.
Before she could react, her body was pinned to the door. A hand gripped her chin, and a cold, angry gaze from the man locked onto her eyes.
“Is being with Frank making you so happy?”
“Huh?” Lillian stared at him, confused, her lips curling into a sarcastic smile. “That doesn’t seem to have much to do with you, does it?”
Conrad clenched his jaw, “It may not have anything to do with me, but what can I do? Every time I see you so happy, it makes me uncomfortable.”
Lillian was speechless, almost laughing in frustration. But as soon as she smiled, his grip on her tightened.
“If you’re not feeling well, go see a doctor. What’s the deal? Is George no longer offering treatments?”
“Always so sharp with your tongue,” Conrad said, lifting her chin, but just as he did, they heard the sound of someone trying the door handle outside.
Lillian froze, terrified that someone might walk in and see them together.
Conrad lowered his head, his voice low and almost mocking. “What? Are you scared?”
He placed his hand on her waist, and as his hand began to slide it upward, Lillian turned her head sharply and bit down on his neck. She used all her strength, and it didn’t take long for blood to appear.
But Conrad gripped her waist tightly and pressed her into his chest, a flash of satisfaction in his eyes.
“You can bite harder if you want.”