Chapter 11: The Kiss She Witnessed

Grant Holloway finished speaking and immediately got into his car. The engine roared as he sped away.

Sloane Bennett stomped her feet in frustration. "Jerk! Trash! That bastard!"

She grabbed the young man's collar. "If Clara takes him back this time, I'm cutting ties with her!"

The young man nodded hastily. "Right, right. Don't be angry..."

But deep down, he knew that man's confident demeanor wasn't so simple.

He stole a glance at the fuming Sloane. If only she could be as devoted as her best friend...

He quickly dismissed the thought.

Not even worth dreaming about.

* * *

Inside the black executive sedan, Grant's phone rang.

His tone was icy. "Speak."

"Grant, I found this amazing seafood restaurant. Want to try it tomorrow?" Paige Lawson's sweet voice came through the receiver.

She had deliberately chosen his favorite seafood and picked a weekend.

From last night until now, Grant hadn't contacted her, leaving her restless.

Before, he would always initiate their plans, and she'd play hard to get.

But things were different now.

His replies grew shorter, sometimes nonexistent.

When asked, he'd just say he was busy.

"Not interested," Grant flatly refused.

"What about Sunday—" Paige's fingers turned white from gripping the phone.

"Goodbye." The call ended mercilessly.

Paige stared at the darkened screen, her heart pounding as if she couldn't breathe.

No. She had fought too hard to become his official girlfriend. She couldn't lose now...

* * *

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Elias Mercer and Clara Whitmore bid farewell to Professor Miriam Caldwell.

"Leaving so soon?" The elderly woman was reluctant. "Stay for dinner."

Elias shook his head. "There's lab data to process."

Clara said softly, "We'll visit again soon."

"Promise?" The professor turned to Clara. "Don't forget the materials and books on the table."

They were her research notes and unfinished thesis from grad school.

Clara's eyes grew warm. "Professor..."

"Enough. Go." The old woman feigned sternness. "The lunchbox is washed. Next time, don't leave it secretly at the door."

Clara's ears burned. "Understood..."

On the way back, Clara tactfully got out at Ashford University's entrance.

Elias nodded. "Stay safe."

* * *

From a distance, Grant spotted a figure by his villa's gate, his pulse quickening.

But when he recognized who it was, his heart sank heavily.

"Paige."

"Grant!" The girl stood up excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Why are you here?"

"Waiting for you." Paige spoke timidly. "You said you were busy earlier, so I waited. Am I bothering you?"

Grant shook his head. "No."

"Great!" Her smile brightened before faltering. "I'm hungry..."

"Let's eat."

Paige cheered.

At the upscale restaurant, Grant barely touched his food while Paige ate happily.

Sensing his mood, she wisely kept quiet.

"Done?"

"Mhm!"

"I'll take you back to campus."

Paige hesitated before getting out. "Aren't you walking me in?"

After a pause, Grant replied, "Fine."

The entrance of Calder Institute of Technology buzzed with students.

The sight of the campus belle with a distinguished man drew countless stares.

Paige lifted her chin proudly. "When will you meet my roommates? They're so curious about you."

Now she could finally flaunt her boyfriend openly.

Grant didn't respond.

Paige continued smiling. "Every second with you is pure happiness."

Suddenly, she rose onto her toes and kissed him in full view of everyone.

Gasps erupted around them.

"The campus belle really has a boyfriend!"

"They look perfect together!"

"So sweet!"

At the back of the crowd, Clara froze.

Talk about bad luck.

For a fleeting moment, Grant saw the girl from graduation day.

Her radiant smile echoed in his mind: "Grant Holloway, I choose you. No regrets."

The long-buried memory flared to life, stinging his nerves.

He stepped back abruptly. "Go inside."

Paige blinked. "Grant?"

"It's late." He turned and walked away.