Chapter 3

Mandy smiled and said, "It's a good thing I have you. I'd surely have made a mistake again otherwise."

Philip replied distantly, "Be more careful next time."

"Got it," Mandy chirped.

Then, she tilted her head and asked, "By the way, do you want to take a look at everyone's graduate survey forms? Stella's is still blank. She hasn't filled in her survey yet."

Philip paused.

I stood openly at the corner before the stairwell.

Philip spotted me and walked over.

"Stella, why didn't you fill in your graduate survey form? Hasn't Mond Group set aside a position for you? Aren't you joining the company?" he asked.

"We'll have to see," I replied simply.

His gaze grew more scrutinizing.

Mandy spoke up quietly, saying, "With Stella's grades, it's only natural that she has plenty of options—unlike me. I can only aim for a teaching assistant position here."

She then looked at Philip and continued, "Philip, didn't you say there's an opening for an administrative position at your family's company? Could I apply for it? Ah, but if it's inconvenient, let's just forget it. I wouldn't want Stella to misunderstand."

I almost laughed aloud at her words.

"Mandy, you two can do whatever you like. Just stop dragging me into it."

With that said, I walked past Philip and into the office.

I had my form stamped, signed, and submitted.

Upon seeing my proof of acceptance, the counselor exclaimed in surprise, "Have you really decided to go to Londashire? Why didn't your class president mention it?"

I smiled and replied, "I haven't had the opportunity to tell him."

The counselor nodded. "It's good for young people like you to go out and experience the world. Once the paperwork's done, you'll be just about good to go. You should make sure to check out of the dormitory within the next two days."

"Okay."

When I left the office, Philip was still in the corridor.

Mandy, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen.

Philip was leaning against the window with his phone in hand. He looked like he'd been waiting for me.

"What were you discussing with the teacher?" he asked.

"My school-leaving application."

"That's it?"

"Yes."

He stared intently at me. "Stella, are you hiding something from me?"

I said nothing.

He reached out for my arm, but I evaded his touch.

His hand froze in midair.

Then, he said in a softer tone, "Come on, Stella. We've been together for so long. There's no need to make such a fuss over something as trivial as a graduation photo. If you're really angry, I'll apologize, alright?"

He still thought I wanted to break up with him because he didn't stand behind me while we were taking our graduation photo.

He wasn't like this before.

In the past, he would know exactly why I was going to cry the moment I pursed my lips.

Whenever I held his hand, he would know I wanted a hug.

He used to be able to read me without me ever having to say a word.

From the looks of it, ten years really was far too long a time.

I looked up to meet his gaze. "Philip, we've already broken up."

Seemingly stung by my words, he replied coldly, "I didn't agree to it."

"You did that day."

"I only said it in a moment of anger!"

I said calmly, "But I didn't. Philip, I've already received—"

Before I could finish my sentence, Mandy walked over with a stack of documents in her arms.

"Philip, did I leave my lipstick at your place?" she asked.

She stopped when she saw me. A look of embarrassment crossed her face.

"Oh, Stella's here too."

Then, she explained meekly, "I couldn't find my lipstick just now. Then, I recalled that I might have left my bag over at Philip's place yesterday."

Philip frowned. "What lipstick?"

Mandy bit her lip. "It's the chestnut red one. I touched up my makeup in the office yesterday."

That seemed to trigger something in Philip's memory. "It might be in my car. I'll look for it later."

"Thank you," Mandy said with a smile before turning to face me. "Stella, please don't misunderstand. I just—"

"I'm not misunderstanding anything," I interrupted bluntly. "You don't have to explain your relationship to me."

Mandy stiffened.

Philip's expression darkened as well.

"Stella," he said. His tone carried a warning.

I turned to leave without a backward glance.

Philip grabbed me by the arm and said in an even colder tone, "Stella Mond, if you keep this up, I'm really going to ignore you."

I looked back at him.

There were now hints of impatience and weariness on his face.

I pulled my arm out of his grasp. "Then, be my guest."

With that, I strode away.