Chapter 2
"So that's the kind of guy he is," someone said with a smirk.
"Getting to hang out with Ms. Rey and pocket some cash? He's really making out well," another person scoffed.
I humiliated him.
But Quentin acted like he had endless patience, putting up with all the jeers and snide remarks, gently guiding me home while I was drunk.
He went out of his way to make me some hangover soup.
When he gently brought the warm soup to my lips, I brushed it aside.
The soup spilled all over him, and since it was winter, he couldn't help but shiver from the cold.
But Quentin didn't get angry at all. He just quietly went back to make me more hangover soup.
At that moment, I reached out and gently hooked my fingers around his hand.
I locked my gaze on him, staring intensely without blinking.
"Quentin, you must really hate me, huh? After all, I crushed your dignity," I said, my voice low and tinged with sarcasm.
Quentin met my eyes with those beautiful, gentle eyes of his, there wasn't a trace of hatred in them, only warmth.
"I don't hate you," he replied softly.
I didn't buy it for a second.
I dropped his hand and scoffed, clearly annoyed.
"Get lost," I said, my voice sharp.
Quentin was kneeling beside the couch, his voice low and sincere as he spoke to me.
"Stella, I love you," he whispered.
I thought I must be dreaming, so I couldn't help but let out a sarcastic laugh.
Was I really that obsessed with Quentin to the point that I even dreamed of him confessing to me?
The last thing I felt before I completely passed out was Quentin gathering me into his arms.
He smelled clean, like fresh soap, and I couldn't help but nuzzle against him as I drifted into a sweet dream.
When I woke up, Quentin had already managed to calm me down.
I bought a gift and headed to Quentin's university to meet him after his class.
"Miss!" Tiana called out.
I was just texting Quentin to ask when his class would be over when someone tapped lightly on my car window.
I rolled down the window and raised an eyebrow, surprised to see Tiana standing there.
She was a beautiful girl, but she had this air of innocence about her, like she didn't know how harsh the world could be.
She gave me a quick once-over, then arched her eyebrow.
"If I'm not wrong, you're Ms. Rey from the Rey family, aren't you?" she said.
I stared back at her, keeping quiet, wondering what her deal was.
"I know all about you, you spoiled princess. Quentin and I have been close since we were kids. You think you can push him around just because you've got money? What makes you think you can treat him like that?" she shot back.
I let out a dry, mocking laugh.
"But I'm the one who actually saved his grandma's life. That's something you could never do, so who are you to judge me?"
Tiana was stumped, her expression soured. "You shameless woman, "
But before she could finish, her eyes suddenly caught sight of something. Her face fell and she whimpered, sounding hurt.
"Quentin," she called out, sounding pitiful.
I turned to see Quentin striding toward us.
Maybe he thought I was bullying his childhood sweetheart, because he frowned and quickly walked over to us.
"Stella doesn't seem to like me, Quentin. Am I really that much of a bother..." Tiana whined, acting all pitiful.
With an exaggerated pout, she reached out, trying to tug at his sleeve.
But Quentin just stepped back, avoiding her hand.
"Stella," Quentin said.
He glanced at me, a bit anxious, and explained, "Honestly, there's nothing between Tiana and me. We were just neighbors when we were kids, that's all."
Tiana's face twisted through a whole range of emotions, it was almost comical, like someone had splashed paint all over her.
She pouted and complained, "Quentin, you're just too soft, that's why she keeps pushing you around. She treated you so badly before, doesn't it bother you at all?"
"It's not humiliation," Quentin shot back, defending me.
He glanced at me, his ears turning red as he bit his lip, looking a little shy.
"It's just something between us," he said quietly.
I just raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
Tiana was so mad she was left speechless.
"Quentin, are you coming with me or staying with your little neighbor?" I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm.
"With you. Of course I pick you," Quentin answered without missing a beat.
I didn't bother saying anything else and just let him get in the car.
As the driver started the car, I shot Tiana a look.
"Did you see that? Money really lets you do whatever you want," I said, my tone mocking.
Tiana gritted her teeth, giving me a cold, hateful look.
"Stella, don't think you'll always be living the high life. Sooner or later, I'll pull you down and make you suffer," she hissed.
She had that stubborn look on her face, acting like she was some pure little angel, as if she really thought she was the main character in a romance novel.
I couldn't be bothered with her. As the car started moving, Quentin wrapped his arm around me, pulling me close.
"Stella, that's not going to happen," he said softly.
I looked at him. "What won't happen?"
"I'll make sure you never have to suffer. Don't pay any attention to her," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring.
"I know," I replied.
Quentin buried his face in my shoulder.
I could hear the attachment in his voice.
"Stella... please, don't throw me away," he pleaded.
I patted his back playfully, joking around with him.
"But what if I really end up broke?" I teased.
"Then I'll earn money for you, Stella. Everything I have, it's all yours," he replied, sounding completely serious.