Chapter 4

When dessert arrived, his phone rang.

He glanced at it and declined the call.

When it rang for the third time, he frowned and answered: "I know... you don't need to be nervous, all the data is ready..."

The voice on the other end was loud—I could hear Lily crying: "Professor Smith, I'm scared... what if the judges ask questions I can't answer..."

He lowered his voice: "Don't worry. I've arranged everything. Get some rest early. I'll pick you up tomorrow."

After hanging up, he explained to me: "Lily's a bit nervous about tomorrow's award ceremony."

I said nothing, quietly setting down my spoon.

Marcus looked up. "Not eating?"

"I'm full." I pulled out a napkin to wipe my hands.

He nodded and waved to call the server for the check.

He pulled out his wallet, his movement pausing:

"Hailey, could you pay this time? My credit card maxed out this month. I bought Lily a formal outfit."

I looked at him.

Ten years ago at our first dinner, I paid.

Ten years later at our last dinner, I was still paying.

Really hadn't changed at all.

I took out my card. "Fine."

Walking out of the restaurant, the night breeze was cool.

He reached to put his arm around my shoulder. I sidestepped. "I need to get up early tomorrow. I'm heading back."

He froze, his hand suspended in mid-air. "You... are you still angry?"

"No." I hailed a taxi. "Just tired."

Before getting in the car, he suddenly called out: "Hailey."

I turned around.

Under the streetlight, his face was half-bright, half-dark. "No matter what happens, you know that what's always been most important to me is research."

I raised an eyebrow. "I know."

So you can sacrifice everything, including me.

As the car started moving, in the rearview mirror, he stood in place, his figure growing smaller and smaller.

I checked the time. Eleven PM.

Ten hours until the conference began.

I told the driver: "Take me to the nearest high-end suit custom shop."

"At this hour? Are they still open?"

"They will be if I pay enough."

The car turned onto another road.

I leaned back in the seat and closed my eyes.

Marcus. Lily.

I really looked forward to seeing their reactions tomorrow!