Chapter 3

During the spring semester of my second year in college, Sebastian's mother came looking for me.

I was never one to bow to authority or care about social status.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have shamelessly pursued Sebastian for two whole years.

I already knew back then that Sebastian's family was in a completely different league than mine.

However, I was determined to prove myself worthy of him, right up until the moment my father called to say my mother had been in a car accident.

As soon as I got his call, I rushed back to my hometown without delay.

My father explained that my mother had gone into town to buy me some roasted chestnuts, and on her way back, she had the accident.

The driver died at the scene, while my mother remained unconscious.

The doctor said that even if she woke up, she might be permanently paralyzed and bedridden, and the surgery would cost as much as 300 thousand dollars.

During that time, I stayed at the hospital every day, wanting to call Sebastian countless times.

But each time I picked up the phone, the doctor's words echoed in my mind.

I knew that if I told Sebastian, he would help me without hesitation.

Yet if I took that step, I'd never be able to face his mother with dignity again.

After all, when I first got together with Sebastian, I had told her plainly that I was not with Sebastian for his money.

Besides, my family was a complete mess, and I didn't want to drag Sebastian into it.

Sebastian was always so proud and free-spirited. He deserved to walk tall, to have a bright future, not to become the butt of jokes because of me.

My mother's condition never improved, so I took a leave from school to care for her in the hospital.

Six months later, she couldn't hold on any longer and passed away, leaving my father and me.

Strangely, during those six months, I never got a single message or call from Sebastian.

Perhaps it was for the best.

Six months later, back on campus, I broke up with him.

That night was my birthday.

On the phone, Sebastian sounded frantic, saying he didn't believe me and insisting on meeting face to face to get the truth.

Hearing the almost pleading tone in his voice, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

We agreed to meet at a quiet bar near campus, but he showed up very late.

When he finally arrived, he looked haggard, his face ghostly pale.

After six months apart, I was determined to draw a clear line between us. I forced myself to ignore the ache in my heart and pretended not to notice how worn out he looked.

The moment he saw me, he pulled me into a tight embrace, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry, Madeline. I never meant to cut contact with you. Are you breaking up with me because you're mad at me for that?"

I pushed him away gently. "No, I just don't feel the same way anymore."

Sebastian froze, disbelief flickering in his eyes. "What? That can't be. You were crazy about me."

"I really did like you at first. You were so aloof and unapproachable. It felt like a challenge. But now you're just too gentle. Honestly, it's nothing special anymore. Kind of boring, really."

Sebastian pursed his lips tightly, his eyes full of sorrow as he searched my face for any sign I might be lying.

Unfortunately, I'd already spent countless nights in tears, building up this emotional armor.

That night, I was the world's most talented actress.

Our heated exchange quickly drew the attention of other patrons in the quiet bar.

I stood up to leave, and Sebastian hurriedly chased after me.

As I stepped outside, a drizzling rain began to fall, mirroring the gloom in my heart.

After a long, tense silence, Sebastian clutched my hand desperately and pleaded, "Please, don't leave me. If you don't like who I am now, I'll change."

My heart ached for him. That wasn't the Sebastian I knew. He should always be that proud, self-assured man.

"No need. It's over." I heard my heart shatter like the moon that fell that night, plunging my world into endless darkness.

I wrenched my hand free and headed back to the dorm.

That night, Sebastian stood in the rain outside my dorm until morning. The next day, when I went downstairs, I found a jewelry box by the trash can. Inside was a stunning moon-shaped necklace.

I picked up the necklace and carefully tucked it away as a keepsake.

For the next six months, Sebastian kept begging me to take him back.

I blocked him on WhatsApp and deleted his number, cutting all ties completely.

Six months later, I heard that Sebastian had gone abroad with Cynthia.

Though my heart ached, I was genuinely happy for him. My man was always meant to shine brilliantly.

*****

A few days later, I went back to the hospital to collect my TCT results. This time, a different female doctor attended to me.

She told me the results showed some abnormalities, and that once the inflammation had completely subsided, I'd need to return for a biopsy.

Just as I left the hospital, Xavier Zanetti called. "A friend's having a birthday party tonight. Will you come with me?"

I was about to refuse, but he kept pleading on the phone until I finally gave in.

I'd met Xavier on a blind date not long ago.

He was a local, working at a large state-owned enterprise, and had an average appearance.

On our date, I had told him directly that I didn't have a mother and my family was deep in debt. He said it didn't matter.

What I didn't mention was that, after years of hard work, we'd almost paid off all our debts.

I'd only said that to test him.

Xavier merely paused for a moment, then said it didn't bother him.

I was a bit surprised that there were still people willing to be taken advantage of.

When we parted, we exchanged contact information, and since then, he'd occasionally ask me out for dinner.

Two days before I went to the hospital, Xavier had called and asked what I thought of him.

He said he had a good impression of me and wanted to try dating.

I explained my situation to him again, but he insisted on giving it a try.

Remembering my father's constant reminders and worries during our calls, I finally agreed to date Xavier.