Chapter 179
Anna Ross nodded softly, her gaze evasive.
Sophia Roscente let out a long, deep breath.
She suddenly leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Someone once swore up and down that she didn't like my cousin."
She grinned like a cat that got the cream.
"And now you've reached this stage?"
Her fingertip gently poked Anna's slightly flushed cheek.
Anna opened her mouth, but no sound came out.
What existed between her and Adrian Sinclair was far from simple affection.
These complicated entanglements shouldn't taint this pure girl before her.
Sophia was currently enjoying the most beautiful love.
And herself?
A trace of bitterness rose in Anna's heart.
That purity had long since vanished.
"You've misunderstood."
She lowered her eyelids.
"Thank goodness you showed up when you did today."
She avoided the unanswerable question.
Even she couldn't see her own heart clearly.
"Thank me?"
Sophia suddenly covered her mouth.
Her eyes widened, as if she'd thought of something terrible.
"Don't tell me my cousin forced you!?"
Her face fell instantly.
"Oh no, oh no... He's definitely going to kill me!"
She pouted, twisting her fingers together.
"I never should have come back..."
"I never should have looked for you at that moment..."
"Not even locking the door... I'm so dead..."
Anna forced a weak smile.
Shouldn't she be the one who's troubled?
"Anna, you and he—"
Sophia tried to press further.
Anna gently cut her off.
"Sophia, it's very late."
She rubbed her temples.
"I'm tired. I'm going to rest now."
"You should get some sleep too."
The door closed softly.
Sophia stared at the shut door, finally falling quiet.
Anna leaned against the door, her heart still racing.
When Adrian had touched her earlier, she hadn't resisted.
She had even... lost herself in it.
What was wrong with her?
She grabbed her hair tightly, warning herself to stop thinking.
No matter how beautiful the surface seemed, the truth was already decided.
There was no possibility for them anymore.
A bitter smile touched her lips.
His scent still lingered on her skin.
She grabbed her pajamas and walked into the bathroom.
Hot water washed over her body, but it couldn't wash away her chaotic thoughts.
Exhaustion finally washed over her as she slipped into bed.
Dreams quietly descended.
The sunlight in the university classroom was warm.
She hugged her books, walking toward the door.
Adrian waited there, his smile gentle.
Classmates cast envious glances their way.
He naturally ruffled her hair.
He took her bag and held her hand.
"It got cold today."
He chided her softly.
"Why are you dressed so lightly?"
She pouted, feeling wronged.
"I didn't check the forecast..."
"I don't have any warm clothes."
Her icy hands were enveloped in his palms.
He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Let's go buy you some new ones."
He held her hand as they walked down the long, tree-lined path.
Her hands grew warm in his.
Ring ring...
Ring ring...