NovelGoldChapter 339 After the first hints of autumn crept in, the air began to cool and dusk settled earlier each day.
Streetlights flickered to life one by one, their soft golden glow spilling across Mandy's face as she waited at the gates of Cresthaven Institute of Technology.
Every so often, she glanced toward the distant road, scanning for Claire and her mother, May.
About ten minutes passed before a sleek black Mercedes eased up to the curb in front of her.
The moment the car stopped, Mandy's heart clenched. She knew this car all too well-it was Liam's.
In an instant, flashes of last night's reckless, dizzying memories surged through her mind, impossible to suppress.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe'd seen the evidence herself that morning in the dorm showers: from her collarbone down, Liam's marks traced her skin, countless and conspicuous, too much to bear looking at.
The only thing she could be grateful for was that he hadn't left any on her neck. Otherwise, she'd have no way to face anyone today.
The last thing she wanted now was to see Liam again. Acting on pure instinct, Mandy spun around and hurried back toward campus.
She'd barely taken two steps when Claire's gentle voice called from behind, "Mandy." Mandy froze. Turning slowly, she saw that the Mercedes' window had rolled down. Claire and May sat in the backseat, beaming and waving her over.
Mandy's eyes flicked toward the driver's seat. Liam was leaning back casually, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips, his gaze fixed on her with unmistakable mischief.
"So you're May's daughter. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he drawled, amusement clear in his tone. Mandy met his teasing eyes and her heart seemed to skip a beat. Flustered, she quickly dropped her gaze, unable to look directly at the man who had turned her world upside down.
She'd honestly assumed Claire and her mother would just take a cab. The fact that they'd hitched a ride with Liam of all people left her reeling.
What exactly was this man playing at? Mandy hesitated, every instinct telling her to avoid getting into Liam's car.
Liam seemed to sense her reluctance. He arched a brow. "Miss Mandy, won't you join us?" May, oblivious to her daughter's anxiety, urged her on as well. "Mandy, don't just stand there con, get in!" Mandy bit her lip, inwardly groaning, but she had little choice. Bracing herself, she walked toward the Mercedes. She reached for the back door, intending to keep as much distance from Liam as possible-only to find the back seat already full.
Not only were Claire and May there, but Sean was, too.
Mandy almost wanted to ask, Mr. Foster, would you mind sitting up front for once? But Sean simply glanced at her, then closed his eyes again, making it clear he had no intention of moving.
Mandy: ......
Well, that settled it.
In perfect unison, May and Claire chimed, "Mandy, take the front seat."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLeft with no other option, Mandy trudged to the passenger side. As she opened the door, a bouquet of scarlet roses caught her eye. Dew still clung to the petals, their color impossibly vivid, their scent delicate and inviting.
Liam's smile deepened, his gaze unwavering as he teased, "I heard Miss Mandy would be having a special birthday dinner tonight. On the way over, I picked up these flowers for you. I hope you like them." He put extra emphasis on "just for you," making sure she caught every syllable.
Meeting Liam's unabashed stare, Mandy felt heat flooding her cheeks, coloring her ears a deep red.
She clutched the roses to her chest, letting them hide most of her face, which brought ssmall measure of comfort.
"Th-thank you... I like them," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. She slid into the passenger and seat and immediately turned to look out the window, determined to ignore Liam entirely. Inside the car, silence settled over them as the world sped by outside.
From the corner of his eye, Liam watched the blush lingering on Mandy's skin, the smile at his lips growing almost imperceptibly wider.
He seemed to savor her discomfort, though he kept up a gentlemanly front, refraining from further teasing-for now.
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