Chapter 6

At home and at school, Nathaniel had always been someone people ignored.

Yet the girl he had never even dared to admire from afar had been the one to protect his dignity at his lowest point.

Audrey had given him only the smallest bit of attention, kindness, or hope. But he had thrown himself into it with all his heart, even knowing he might get hurt.

After that, he worked hard at his studies and barely managed to get into the same university as her.

Audrey remained outstanding. After graduation, she became the youngest chief researcher at the institute.

Nathaniel applied for a position there, giving up every chance at a promotion just to stay by her side.

"Nathaniel?" Audrey's voice pulled him back to the present.

The doctor was cleaning his wounds while Audrey stood nearby.

Her tone was as flat as ever when she said, "Please settle your family issues as soon as possible. Don't let them interfere with your work."

Nathaniel had just begun to feel a little hopeful because she had stepped in to protect him. But her next words crushed that hope at once.

She hadn't defended him because she cared about him. She had only acted because the incident had disrupted her life.

In the end, he simply lowered his head and murmured, "Okay."

After the doctor finished treating his wounds, Audrey checked the time. "There's a small gathering tonight. Come with me."

The gathering was lively and full of conversation. Everyone was talking about their latest academic breakthrough.

Jackson sat beside Audrey, excitedly sharing funny stories from his time abroad.

Professor Sebastian Reed looked proudly at his favorite student, Audrey, and his son, Jackson.

Then he spoke with a cheerful smile, "Audrey, you and Jackson worked very well together this time. You're calm and steady, while he's quick-witted and resourceful. Your skills complement each other, and your personalities seem to match, too."

He paused before continuing, "You're not getting any younger, either. You can't spend your whole life buried in research. You should start thinking about settling down. Jackson can be a little immature sometimes, but he's a kind young man..."

Sebastian's intentions were obvious.

The few people at the table who knew about Audrey's engagement fell silent and glanced toward Nathaniel.

Jackson blushed and called out, "Dad!" Then he looked at Audrey with hopeful eyes.

Nathaniel sat quietly in the corner with his head lowered.

After a few seconds of silence, Audrey replied calmly, "Professor Reed, thank you for your concern. But right now, I want to focus on my projects. I'm not thinking about anything else for the time being."

Jackson's face turned pale.

He stared at Audrey in disbelief, then suddenly stood up and rushed out of the private dining room.

"Jackson!" Sebastian called after him.

Audrey watched Jackson's retreating figure and frowned slightly.

Then she stood up as well. "Professor Reed, I'll go talk to him."

An awkward silence settled over the room.

Lillian leaned closer to Nathaniel and whispered, "Nathaniel, why didn't Audrey tell everyone you're engaged? Should I explain it to Professor Reed?"

Nathaniel shook his head. "There's no need."

If the person involved wasn't even willing to acknowledge their relationship, having someone else announce it would only make the whole thing look like a joke.

Nathaniel sat there for a few more minutes, but his stomach felt so uncomfortable that he finally excused himself to use the restroom.

Instead of going to the restroom, he walked out to the quiet courtyard behind the restaurant.

The cool evening breeze swept over him, easing the stuffiness and smell of alcohol from the private dining room.

Then he saw Jackson and Audrey nearby.

Beneath a tree, Jackson had his arms wrapped tightly around Audrey, holding her against his chest.

His voice was filled with desperation as he asked, "Why not? Audrey, I love you. I know I'm not mature enough yet, and I'm not as steady as Nathaniel, but I'll work on it! I can learn to do everything he does!"

Audrey didn't return his embrace, but she didn't push him away, either. That alone told Nathaniel everything he needed to know.

He remembered how she had always pulled away whenever he tried to get close to her, even in the smallest ways.

Just then, Audrey seemed to sense someone watching them. She lifted her head.

Nathaniel met her gaze without expression, but his fingernails were digging so deeply into his palms that they nearly broke the skin.

Audrey's pupils seemed to shrink slightly, though it could have been nothing more than an illusion.

Jackson was still lost in his own sorrow and didn't notice anything.

"I understand you better than he does," he continued desperately. "I know how to make you happy..."

Nathaniel had already turned away.

He returned to the private dining room and left early, claiming he wasn't feeling well.

Lillian watched him leave with concern, but in the end, she said nothing.

He walked back to the dorm alone. Whatever hope he had left seemed to disappear with the evening wind, leaving only an aching emptiness behind.

After washing up, Nathaniel was just about to go to bed when someone knocked on his door.

He opened it and found Audrey standing in the hallway.