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The video display unmistakably revealed Olivia herself depositing the wallet into the location. S
Her complexion immediately drained, then she cast a furious glare at me, yelling: “Lily Parker, you were aware the entire time! How dare you deceive me like this!”
Olivia lunged forward, attempting to strike me.
The classroom descended into disorder, with some students trying to prevent the altercation, while others engaged in gossip.
Remarks circulated: “Isn’t Olivia’s family quite affluent? What’s the purpose of falsely accusing someone just to apologize later? That’s disgraceful.”
“I’m relieved I didn’t start criticizing. That girl’s on financial aid too. Olivia’s tactics are truly despicable!”
Olivia was restrained, and a set of strong arms pulled me away from the commotion.
Ethan beamed: “I hope I’m not too late? I saw the broadcast and hurried over. Are you unharmed?”
I shook my head and inquired: “What broadcast?”
Apparently, when Olivia came to accuse me of theft, she had initiated a live online stream.
She hadn’t anticipated my preparedness, which completely reversed the situation.
However, this wasn’t the conclusion. I was waiting for the tension to reach its peak before revealing the real shock.
What caught me off guard was Alexander’s decision not to approach Olivia, but instead persistently seek me out.
Upon seeing me with Ethan, his expression turned particularly sour.
“Lily Parker, did I state we had ended our relationship? Why are you with another man? Come here.”
I refused: “I’m not your pet, responding to your every call.”
“Moreover, I already informed you it’s over.”
“But I didn’t concur.”
Alexander rarely softened his tone: “Please approach? I was mistaken about Olivia’s situation. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”
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“You didn’t just doubt me. You trusted Olivia more. In your view, am I the type to resort to theft due to financial constraints?”
He attempted to speak but remained silent. I knew my assumption was correct.
Yet I felt remarkably composed inside. In my previous life, I had genuinely cared for him. When they labeled me unattractive, I had wept foolishly.
I turned to leave, with Ethan following closely behind.
“So you’ve truly separated? I always sensed he wasn’t suitable for you.”
“By the way, are you available this evening? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”
He grinned cheerfully, reminiscent of an enthusiastic golden retriever.
But I didn’t respond. I wasn’t in a position to date anyone yet.
That night, returning from study hall, Alexander was waiting outside the dormitory.
He held a bouquet of pristine white lilies, appearing every bit the perfect gentleman.
I had once casually mentioned my fondness for lilies, and I was surprised he remembered. Yet, I felt no emotional stirring.
I feigned ignorance and walked towards the building, but Alexander obstructed my path.
“Can we discuss? Don’t you appreciate lilies? These are for you.”
I didn’t accept them. “Are you here to advocate for Olivia? I won’t remove that video, and it’s spread too extensively now. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t erase it all.”
Not to mention Olivia had been streaming live at the time. It was now widespread online, proliferating rapidly. Erasing it would be challenging.
But Alexander dismissed this concern. “Her affairs are not my concern. I’m here solely to see you.”
He pressed his lips together, speaking softly. “After our separation, I realized my true feelings for you. When you don’t communicate with me, I feel unsettled.”
“How does that concern me? My feelings for you have changed.”
I coldly brushed past him towards the dorm, not witnessing his face gradually lose color.
He could only like me because I had played my role convincingly.
Following my experiences in my previous life, I had discerned the type of girl he preferred. Vulnerable yet endearing, someone who evoked protective instincts.
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But that wasn’t my authentic self.
I had excelled beyond my humble origins. My goal was to alter my fate and my family’s circumstances through my own efforts.
In my past life, my gravest error was becoming entangled in these wealthy individuals‘ games.
This time, I was resolved to rectify that regret.