Chapter 8
I had no idea about these things. I devoted myself to design. I initially thought I was already one of the talented ones. But after studying abroad, I realized how many truly gifted people there were.
If I wanted to catch up, I had to work even
harder.
I’d been studying late again and was leaving the classroom when I spotted a familiar figure.
Jacob was standing in the shadows, dressed
all in black.
I looked away without a word and started
to walk off.
As I passed him, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.His arm wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me into his embrace. His face was inches from mine, our eyes
locked.
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My heart sank as I pushed him away. “Jacob, what are you doing?”
A sly smile played on his face. “Mia, why did you leave without saying a word? Are you still mad about what happened last time?”
“Catherine is the eldest daughter of Sage Corporation’s owner. You should’ve let her win out of courtesy.”
His words hit a nerve, making me tremble with anger.
Why should I give up the fruits of my hard. work to satisfy someone else’s connections?
I struggled hard, trying to get away from his hand. But Jacob held on, lowering his body and looking at me with dark eyes. His intense gaze enveloped me completely.
Jacob leaned in and I turned my face to the side. His kiss landed on my cheek instead.
He grabbed my chin, his eyes filled with malice. “Mia, are you rejecting me?”
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Chapter 8
Taking advantage of his distraction, I kicked him hard on the foot and slapped him. I quickly backed away.
Jacob was furious.
“Mia, what is your problem?”
“The Sage Corporation is not someone you can afford to offend. Why risk angering Catherine over an insignificant award?”
“You used to call me ten times a day if we were apart for even a day. So why are you leaving without a word now?”
I replied coldly, “That belongs to me. Why should I give it to someone else?”
“I’m studying abroad. What are we to each other that I have to tell you?”
Jacob stared at me intently for a long moment before letting out a mocking laugh.
“Are you trying to cut ties with me, Mia? Should I remind you that you’d still be stuck in that remote village if my family
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hadn’t funded you?”
“You’re still giving me attitude now? I’m your savior!”
I kept a blank expression. “Don’t worry, Mr. Yale. The money you spent on me–I’ll pay it all back.”
His laugh was full of disdain. “Pay it back? When you were eating and drinking under my family’s roof, why didn’t you say this back then?”
His words drained the last bit of strength from me.
My eyes were red–rimmed as I asked, “So what? Do you want to squeeze every last bit of value out of me?”
“Do you want me to come back and watch you flaunt your love with Catherine? Jacob, I’m human too. I know what pain feels like.”
His words cut deep, every single one stabbing straight into my heart.
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He’d finally dropped his mask.
I wanted to get out of here as fast as I could.
But Jacob grabbed my wrist, his eyes sparkling.
“Mia, do you love me?”
“We can start over. From now on, it’ll be just us—no one else. I’ll treat you well, I promise.”
His words made me burst out laughing.
I pried his fingers apart one by one.
“No need, Mr. Yale. I’m sick of you.”
This time, I was indeed done with Jacob.
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