Chapter 8

As expected, after hearing the ringtone, Gabriel only glanced at his phone before moving aside to answer the call.

Hannah said something, which caused his expression to change slightly. Gabriel even glanced at Anthony before hanging up. Gabriel then whispered something to Anthony, and both of them walked toward Andrea together.

Gabriel said, "Andrea, something suddenly came up for Anthony and me. Take a taxi home first. I'll make it up to you for the anniversary next time, okay?"

Andrea pondered, 'What matter required him to bring Anthony? They're just going to accompany Hannah.'

His lie was awful, yet Andrea lacked the energy to expose him. She looked up at Gabriel and Anthony, who were waiting for her approval. She smiled slightly and said slowly, "Okay. Be careful."

Gabriel instantly relaxed. He picked Anthony up and headed toward the school’s entrance. As if remembering something suddenly, Gabriel headed back and kissed Andrea's cheek. "Andrea, I'll plan a big surprise for you next time." Then, he turned around and left.

He had taken a few steps when Andrea called out from behind them. "Gabriel, Anthony."

Gabriel and Anthony instinctively stopped and turned around to look at her.

"Keep walking. Don't look back. I just wanted to say goodbye." She emphasized the last word, but Gabriel did not notice it. He only waved at her with a smile. Anthony also waved and bid Andrea goodbye before leaving with Gabriel.

Andrea stood still as she watched Gabriel and Anthony's figure leave until they disappeared completely.

She withdrew her gaze and wandered alone around the school campus. Everywhere she went was filled with youthful energy, and every inch of the place was filled with their memories.

Entering one of the classrooms, she seemed to recall the handsome boy seated behind her. His ears were red as he poked her uniform, asking, "Andrea, will you be my girlfriend?"

Walking up to the sycamore tree, she seemed to see the same boy holding her hand and carving into the tree bark under the moonlight.

[18-year-old Gabriel will love 17-year-old Andrea forever.]

When Andrea walked down the school corridor, she seemed to see the night when the power went out. The school building was filled with excitement, but only he pulled her to the corner, panting, and gave her his first kiss.

Finally, she pushed open the door to the rooftop. She seemed to see Gabriel in a suit and bowtie, holding roses and kneeling before her.

He looked nervous, but his eyes were full of love. Gabriel said, "Andrea, marry me. I'll always dote on you and love you."

He had also promised, "Andrea, you're the only one I will ever call my wife."

He had said, "Andrea, I will never betray you."

However, he later made those promises to another woman, word for word.

Eventually, she returned to the villa alone. It was nearly midnight, and Gabriel and Anthony still had not come back.

Andrea wondered, 'What are they doing now? Having dinner with Hannah? Watching a movie? Or are they coaxing her to sleep just like how they coax me?'

She sat quietly on the couch until the clock struck 12. She closed her eyes, and she heard the system's voice. "Ms. Young, it's time for you to leave. Are you ready?"

Andrea's eyes remained closed as she softly replied, "I'm ready. Take me home."

Once she finished speaking, a blinding light fell before her. Before she could react, the light enveloped her, stripping her soul from her body.

Sometime later, the light disappeared.

Finally, Andrea stopped breathing, with only a relieved smile on her face as she pondered, 'Gabriel, Anthony, I'm going home. We will never meet again...'