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00:12At first, I only thought that if my daughter spent well, I would have more drive to earn.
00:17But after a while, something felt wrong.
00:20In three days, she bought over a hundred luxury items.
00:23In five days, she bought ten villas.
00:27Yesterday, she even thought I had prepared.
00:30In my mind, I was still imagining Elena's happy little face when she saw the surprise.
00:34But as soon as I left the airport, I turned on my phone and saw more than a dozen missed
00:39calls.
00:40Then my phone rang again. I answered it casually.
00:43This is Haven Medical Center. Are you Elena Draven's mother?
00:49Head to the hospital.
00:51But I quickly told the driver to head to the hospital.
00:53How could Elena be picking through trash?
00:55Even if she had spent all the money, there were servants at home.
00:59No one would have let her go hungry.
01:02Besides, she had the Obsidian Horde card.
01:04How could she not even pay a hospital bill?
01:06The moment I saw me, her dull eyes instantly filled with tears.
01:10I walked over and pulled her into my arms.
01:13I patted her back.
01:14I comforted her.
01:15Baby, don't be scared.
01:19Mom is back.
01:25Mom.
01:25Mom, the nurse said today is the final deadline.
01:28If we don't pay, they will throw me out.
01:30Her tears burned my heart.
01:32I stroked her hair and asked softly,
01:34Didn't Mom leave you the Obsidian Horde card?
01:36How could you have no money?
01:38Her small body trembled.
01:39Only after I encouraged her with my eyes did she speak.
01:43Marla Vale.
01:44Clara Vale was the child who had been raised in my daughter's place at a stake.
01:49The two of them were close.
01:51Many people said Julian would become House Draven's future son-in-law.
01:55After Elena came back, I was afraid Clara would be unhappy.
01:59So I sent Clara out of the manor at once.
02:01I also...
02:02Looking at Elena's timid, working face,
02:04which seems like snondekuckin.
02:06Mom won't let them off.
02:09From now on, no one will dare bully you again.
02:15Didn't show up here.
02:17Then I looked at the dirty bed under my daughter.
02:19I couldn't take it anymore.
02:20With one phone call,
02:22the director came in with dozens of doctors and nurses.
02:25The nurse turned pale and shy.
02:27Your attitude toward patients proves you don't deserve to work here.
02:31You are fired.
02:32He bowed to me with deeper slain out to another ward.
02:35Then I made another call.
02:36In less than 10 minutes,
02:38the private medical team arrived.
02:41They escorted Elena into a private medical vehicle.
02:46My assistant followed behind me in sharp heels.
02:49She looked calm, capable, and professional.
02:52She reported respectfully.
02:54During your time away, Julian started his own business.
02:56He has been claiming outside that he is your future son-in-law.
03:02From for Miss Alana.
03:05And she also drove Miss Alana out of the Dreven Manor.
03:09The more she spoke,
03:10the colder my face became.
03:12I had thought Julian was somewhat clever.
03:15So I paid for him to attend Astrian Academy since he was young.
03:19I gave him a little kindness.
03:23It seemed they had forgotten what I could do.
03:26My daughter was not someone they could bully.
03:28At that moment,
03:29another spending alert came to my phone.
03:32I opened it.
03:33It was an entrance fee for an auction.
03:35Mrs. Draven,
03:36should I freeze this hoard card right now?
03:39Not that fast.
03:40Free...
03:41Heartbroken.
03:41The coldness around me scared Alana.
03:45Mom, are you mad at me?
03:47I'm sorry, Mom.
03:49I will never say bad things about Claire again.
03:51I can give her anything.
03:53Please don't abandon me.
03:54Looking at her careful,
03:55pleasing face,
03:56my nose stung.
03:57What had they put into Alana's head?
03:59Alana heard that.
04:00Her eyes suddenly lit up.
04:01But Julian said you'd definitely favor Clara.
04:04Because she's far better.
04:06If I don't behave,
04:08I'll get sent away.
04:10He said he was the son-in-law you and dad chose.
04:13Whichever girl he chose got me the true Drake in error.
04:16I laughed from anger.
04:18I wanted him to take care of Alana.
04:21I never thought I had let a snake into my own house.
04:24I lifted Alana's chin
04:26and looked at her tearful eyes.
04:28Alana Draven,
04:29you are the only child of House Draven.
04:32You are also the only heir of Draven Holdings.
04:36One day,
04:37and nodded hard.
04:38That was more like it.
04:40At seven that night,
04:42I brought Alana into the auction house.
04:45It was hidden nine floors under the city center.
04:48It was bright with gold,
04:50black marble,
04:51and dragon crests.
04:53At the midnight hold auction,
04:55anything could be bought.
04:56You needed both money and power.
05:02At the graduation banquet,
05:04someone suggested playing the heartbeat resonance challenge.
05:07The rules were simple.
05:08If a boy and girl's heartbeat resonance both exceeded 130,
05:12while locking eyes,
05:13they had to become a contract couple for two months.
05:15The first pairing was me and Lucian Ashcroft,
05:18my secret boyfriend of three years.
05:20My heart resonance hit 150.
05:22Lucian showed 70.
05:23He looked at me like a total stranger.
05:27No way.
05:28You've grown up together your whole lives.
05:30Lucian doesn't even react to her?
05:32Damn.
05:32That's actually embarrassing.
05:34Have some self-respect.
05:36None of them knew.
05:37Lucian and I had been together for three years.
05:39Tonight,
05:40I had planned to finally make our relationship public.
05:42Instead,
05:43he was doing everything he could to draw a line between us.
05:45The second round began.
05:47Lucian was paired with Serafina Vale,
05:49his academic rival.
05:50The two argued every time they met,
05:52everyone expected another disaster.
05:54Then they looked at each other.
05:55The crystal flashed.
05:56Serafina's reading hit 160.
05:58Lucian's hit 163.
06:00The hall erupted.
06:01No freaking way!
06:02They hate each other!
06:03This is fate!
06:05Both of them immediately demanded another test,
06:08but the students surrounded them,
06:09cheering loudly.
06:10They reluctantly agreed to be a couple for the next two months.
06:13My phone vibrated.
06:14A private message from Lucian.
06:16Elena,
06:16let's break up for now.
06:17Just two months.
06:18After I enter Imperial College in,
06:20we'll get back together.
06:21I refuse to lose to Serafina.
06:23I stared at the message.
06:24After a moment,
06:24I replied,
06:26For the entire summer,
06:27I had struggled over whether to tell him about my overseas application to Arcadia Academy.
06:31Now I didn't have to.
06:32The banquet grew louder.
06:34Lucian and Serafina were pushed into the center of the room.
06:37Kiss!
06:37Kiss!
06:38The two who fought non-stop every day were both bright red right now.
06:41Lucian draped an arm around Serafina's shoulder.
06:44We've been together less than a day.
06:46It's just a contract.
06:47We'll break up in two months.
06:49The cheering only got louder.
06:50Samonan suddenly pointed at me.
06:52Wait, what about Elena?
06:53Her resonance with Lucian was the highest after theirs.
06:56She couldn't even look him in the eye.
06:58All eyes turned toward me.
06:59Lucian glanced over.
07:00She's just a friend.
07:02Not my type.
07:03Just a friend.
07:04That one sentence erased everything we'd ever had.
07:06The joke started immediately.
07:07So, what if they grew up together?
07:09She's so plain.
07:10How'd she ever think Lucian would like her?
07:12Lucian's the Academy's golden boy.
07:14She never had a chance.
07:15I lowered my gaze.
07:16I had heard these words for years.
07:18Every one at the Mage Academy knew I liked Lucian.
07:20I never hid my feelings.
07:22But Lucian always kept his distance from me on campus.
07:24He never reacted at all when people joked about us.
07:27Off school grounds, though.
07:28He'd hold my hand walking me home, pin me against alley walls to kiss me.
07:31Whenever I was upset, he'd pull me tight to comfort me.
07:34Elena Hart likes Lucian Ashcroft.
07:36That was the oldest joke in the Academy.
07:38Lucian Ashcroft is Elena Hart's boyfriend.
07:40That was a secret.
07:41Only I knew.
07:42The banquet ended after midnight.
07:43Rain poured across the Academy grounds.
07:45Students hurried toward the portal station.
07:47I opened my umbrella.
07:48Before I could leave, Lucian snatched it from my hand.
07:51Elena, Serafina and I don't have one.
07:53We'll borrow yours.
07:53Before I could answer, Serafina smiled.
07:55Thanks, Elena.
07:56We'll return it tomorrow.
07:57Lucian was already pulling her away.
07:59As they disappeared into the rain, I heard them arguing.
08:01Don't flatter yourself, Serafina.
08:03Two months, then we're done.
08:05Good.
08:06I don't even like you.
08:07Their voices faded.
08:08Only I noticed that the umbrella leaned almost entirely toward Serafina.
08:11Lucian's own shoulder was soaked.
08:13One by one, everyone left.
08:15Nobody asked how I would get home.
08:16I stood alone in the rain.
08:18My tears mixed with the water running down my face.
08:20Lucian knew I wasn't close with anyone in class.
08:22He knew nobody would stay behind for me.
08:24Yet he still took my umbrella and left me there, alone.
08:27He had promised that after graduation, we'd finally tell everyone the truth.
08:31Instead, I got a breakup and another girl took my place.
08:34My phone suddenly rang, calling from overseas.
08:36It was my mother.
08:40Lenam, if you still want to stay here and attend Imperial Collium, that's okay, too.
08:44We trust Lucian.
08:45If you're together, your father and I won't object.
08:47I closed my eyes.
08:48Cold rain struck my face.
08:53Mom, I've made my decision.
08:55Please process my enrollment paperwork.
08:57I'm going to Arcadia Academy.
08:59When I got home, I was soaked from head to toe.
09:01A notification chimed.
09:02Lucian never posted on social media, but he just updated his profile.
09:06Introducing my girlfriend Serafinavel, the photo showed Lucian with an arm draped around
09:09Serafina's shoulders.
09:10He was grinning.
09:11She was glaring at him.
09:12The comments exploded instantly.
09:14I knew it!
09:15The Academy's favorite enemies to lovers couple.
09:18About time!
09:19I kept scrolling.
09:20Then I saw a new comment.
09:21Poor Elena.
09:22She must be crying right now.
09:24Why?
09:25She never stood a chance.
09:26Lucian was way out of her league.
09:28More comments followed.
09:29Some included old photos of me.
09:31Unflattering ones.
09:32The same jokes.
09:33The same mockery.
09:33I locked my screen and dropped onto the couch.
09:36Tears blurred my vision.
09:37Out of your league.
09:38I'd heard those words for years.
09:39Lucian was brilliant and handsome.
09:41The top-ranked mage in our academy.
09:43I was ordinary and forgettable.
09:44The girls hated that I grew up beside him.
09:46The boys never missed a chance to make fun of me.
09:48They came up with all kinds of cruel nicknames.
09:51Manaless groupie.
09:52At the academy, Lucian never got close to me.
09:54But whenever someone picked on me, he was always the first to step in.
09:57The worst time, he got into a fight with a group of boys because of me.
10:00He nearly got suspended.
10:01I cried the entire time I cleaned and bandaged his wounds.
10:04My heart hurt too much for words.
10:05Not long after that, we started dating in secret.
10:08Back then, I truly believed I was different.
10:10That I meant something to him.
10:11Everything changed when Serafina transferred here.
10:13She was a gifted mage, beautiful and powerful.
10:16Right after she arrived, she knocked Lucian off his spot as top student.
10:19He could never stand to lose.
10:21He began bickering with her.
10:22Competing in mage rankings and tournament points.
10:25The loser had to obey whatever the winner said.
10:28The entire academy shipped them together.
10:30Every time someone mentioned it, Lucian rolled his eyes and complained.
10:34But I noticed things nobody else did.
10:36The way his gaze followed her during presentations.
10:39The way he secretly left healing potions for her after training.
10:42The way he pushed her harder whenever she wanted to give up.
10:45At the time, I convinced myself it meant nothing.
10:48Then came the final rankings before graduation.
10:50Serafina dropped several places.
10:52For the first time, Lucian didn't celebrate finishing first.
10:55Instead, he spent every spare moment helping her prepare for the final mage examination.
10:59He cancelled our plans, skipped our dates, spent every afternoon in the library with her.
11:04One day I asked if I could join them.
11:06Elena, the things we're working on are too advanced.
11:10You wouldn't understand.
11:11The words hit harder than he realized.
11:14You wouldn't understand.
11:15Just one sentence.
11:16Yet they drew a line between us.
11:18Still, he smiled afterward.
11:20Be patient.
11:22After graduation, we'll tell everyone about us.
11:24But the promise to go public made me wait willingly for such a long time.
11:27I could ignore everything as long as he came back to me.
11:29But it suddenly dawned on me today.
11:31It was never only the other students who looked down on me.
11:34Lucian was one of them too.
11:35Rain tapped against the windows.
11:36I cried myself to sleep.
11:38Morning came.
11:39The storm was gone.
11:40The doorbell rang.
11:42Lucian stood outside.
11:43Elena, I had the comments delighted.
11:45The post wasn't serious.
11:46Don't overthink it.
11:47He reached for my hand.
11:48I stepped back.
11:49He forced a smile.
11:50My mom wants you over for dinner.
11:51Come.
11:55At the Ashcroft estate, I froze.
11:57Serafina was there.
11:58She handed me my umbrella.
12:00Lucian forgot to return it.
12:02Mrs. Ashcroft appeared.
12:03Elena, you're here.
12:05This kid hid his girlfriend for this long.
12:08Lucian shot me a look.
12:09A warning.
12:10Don't say anything.
12:11I nodded.
12:12At dinner, Mrs. Ashcroft beamed at Serafina's grades.
12:15You two are perfect.
12:16My son should be with someone outstanding.
12:19My grip on the fork tightened.
12:21Lucian changed the subject.
12:22I'm going to Imperial College, Jim.
12:24You Serafina?
12:25Obviously.
12:26I'm not letting you beat me.
12:27They looked at each other, like they belonged in the same world.
12:30Mrs. Ashcroft turned to me.
12:32Elena, what about you?
12:34Serafina answered first.
12:35Imperial might be difficult for Elena, but she can try somewhere nearby.
12:39Before the breakup, that had been my plan.
12:41Not anymore.
12:42I haven't decided yet.
12:43Lucian's expression darkened.
12:45My phone buzzed.
12:46What do you mean?
12:46We were supposed to go together.
12:48We'll get back together.
12:49I didn't reply.
12:50After dinner, Mrs. Ashcroft handed Lucian cash.
12:53Take your girlfriend somewhere nice.
12:55Serafina laughed.
12:56You should come too, Elena.
12:58We're all friends.
12:59Superiority laced with pity.
13:01The same look Lucian always gave me.
13:03Come in.
13:04No.
13:05I think I'm getting sick.
13:06You two go.
13:06The tension on his face vanished.
13:08Alright.
13:09He left with Serafina, hand in hand.
13:11I watched their fingers intertwine, and suddenly thought of that game.
13:14Maybe I'd already lost from the very beginning.
13:16I slept for almost an entire day.
13:18When I woke up, social media was flooded with photos of Lucian and Serafina.
13:22They had spent the day at an amusement park.
13:24Lucian's caption,
13:25Hold on to me.
13:25Serafina's reply.
13:27Never letting go.
13:28The comments were flooded with heart emojis.
13:30Then Lucian posted again.
13:32Maybe I don't want this to end after all.
13:34The post disappeared less than a minute later, but I'd already seen it.
13:37I wasn't surprised.
13:38I'd noticed his feelings long before he did.
13:40Tears fell, and I liked every single one of his posts.
13:42The next morning, Lucian showed up at my door with snacks and healing potion.
13:46You're still sick.
13:47I made these.
13:49No thanks.
13:50I shoved everything back into his hands and started to close the door.
13:53Lucian blocked it.
13:54How much longer are you going to keep this up?
13:56We broke up.
13:57You should be with Serafina.
13:59I already told you.
14:00Serafina and I aren't real.
14:02The person I like is you.
14:03I slapped him.
14:04Lucian stared at me in shock.
14:06Lucian, you're disgusting.
14:07You say you like me, but you don't want to break up with Serafina?
14:10His expression changed.
14:11You saw that post?
14:12Yeah, I saw everything.
14:14You always tilted the umbrella toward her.
14:15You threw that exam so she could take first.
14:18If you like her that much, why come looking for me?
14:21I...
14:22Delivery for you.
14:23Your college admission letter has arrived.
14:27It was just a fling with her.
14:29Once we get to Imperial Colleium, we'll...
14:37After that, Lucian stopped coming.
14:39He and Serafina spent the summer together.
14:41Photos of them were everywhere.
14:42The results came out soon after Lucian was selected.
14:45As the graduation representative, Serafina was selected as the welcome speaker.
14:49Both got into Imperial Colleium.
14:51I ranked in the top 10.
14:52My advisor suggested a full scholarship at an academy overseas.
14:55A few days later, Lucian came to see me.
14:57We're going to Imperial together.
14:59I'll handle the enrollment.
15:01We're done.
15:01Where I study has nothing to do with you.
15:04A few days later, I received an acceptance letter from an ordinary academy in the Empire.
15:08Then I found out what Lucian had done.
15:09He logged into my academy portal and changed my enrollment information.
15:13I called him.
15:14He answered immediately.
15:15I didn't want the gap between us to be too big.
15:17It's still an academy.
15:18Is my future a joke to you?
15:20Your score was just luck.
15:21You've always been average.
15:22That academy is good enough.
15:24Once we're married, I'll take care of you.
15:26One sentence erased all my hard work.
15:28I studied myself to the bone just to be worthy of him.
15:30I fought my way into the top 10.
15:32But in his eyes, I was still ordinary.
15:34You're insane.
15:35I hung up.
15:36Then I reported the changes to the admissions office and accepted Arcadia's offer.
15:42Graduation day arrived.
15:43The classroom was buzzing.
15:44Elena has no pride.
15:46She's still trying to steal someone else's boyfriend.
15:48When I reached my seat, I froze.
15:50Someone had covered my desk in enchanted red ink.
15:52The words pulsed faintly.
15:54Impossible to ignore.
15:55Homey wrecker.
15:56Desperate pathetic.
15:57My drawer was stuffed with shredded spell parchments.
15:59The entire room burst out laughing.
16:00I demanded to know who did it.
16:02No one answered.
16:03Then Lucian and Serafina walked in.
16:04Both stopped when they saw my desk.
16:06Lucian's face darkened.
16:07His voice echoed through the room.
16:09For the first time, he was angry in front of everyone.
16:11Who did this?
16:13After a few seconds, several students stepped forward and muttered quick cleaning charms.
16:17The ink slowly faded.
16:18It was just a joke.
16:20Elena's the one who keeps following you around.
16:22I thought you couldn't stand her.
16:24I don't-
16:24Lucian stopped himself.
16:25The room instantly exploded.
16:27Wait!
16:27Do you actually like Elena?
16:30Everyone turned toward him, waiting for an answer.
16:32So was I.
16:33If he admitted the truth, if he admitted we had been together, everything would be over.
16:36But he didn't, Lucian let out a cold laugh.
16:38Of course not.
16:39I'd never like her.
16:40Then he took Serafina's hand.
16:42I already have a girlfriend.
16:43The room erupted again.
16:44I ran out of the classroom.
16:46My phone kept buzzing.
16:48A message from Lucian.
16:49I didn't mean it.
16:50Don't take it seriously.
16:51Once school starts, I'll break up with Serafina.
16:54He didn't understand.
16:55Every time, he said he didn't like me.
16:57It felt like a knife to the heart.
16:58He trampled my dignity underfoot just to save his own pride.
17:01Until the day I left, Lucian finally found me.
17:04Elena, where are you going?
17:05To school.
17:06His eyes lit up.
17:07He immediately took my suitcase.
17:08School starts that early?
17:10I'll take you to the portal terminal.
17:11He grabbed my luggage and pulled me into the car.
17:13The whole way there, he acted like nothing had happened.
17:16Like we were still together.
17:17Elena, stop being stubborn.
17:19We agreed we'd get back together once school starts.
17:21When we arrived at the portal terminal, he suddenly pulled me into a hug.
17:24Be good.
17:25Wait for me.
17:26I'll come see you in a few days.
17:27I didn't say a word.
17:29After passing through the gateway checkpoint, I didn't walk toward the portal he thought
17:32I would.
17:33Instead, I turned and stepped into a different gate.
17:35The one bound for Arcadia.
17:37My phone vibrated.
17:38A message from Lucian.
17:39Text me when you get there.
17:40Wait for me.
17:41I looked at it for two seconds.
17:42Then blocked his number.
17:44Lucian.
17:45We would never see each other again.
17:47Just before the portal departure, a live stream appeared in the class group chat.
17:51It was Serafina's birthday party.
17:53The room was packed with classmates.
17:54Balloons and banners covered the walls.
17:56Lucian walked out carrying a birthday cake.
17:58Serafina made a wish.
18:00Then she looked up at Lucian.
18:02My wish is to stay with you forever.
18:04The room erupted into cheers.
18:05Then she took a deep breath.
18:08Lucian, I like you.
18:10Not because of the contract.
18:12I really like you.
18:13I stared at the screen and suddenly remembered the night I confessed to him.
18:16I had nervously taken his hand and told him I liked him.
18:19Later that night, he found me.
18:21I like you too, Elena.
18:23We'll never be apart.
18:24Back then, I believed him.
18:25Now I knew better.
18:26Promises change.
18:27So does love.
18:28I typed one final comment.
18:30Wish you both happiness.
18:31Then I turned off my phone.
18:32I was finally letting go.
18:34Thousands of miles away.
18:35The party had gone silent.
18:36Every own was waiting for Lucian.
18:38Serafina, I'm sorry.
18:39The contract ends here.
18:40We should stop.
18:41Serafina's eyes filled with tears.
18:43Why?
18:43Lucian didn't answer.
18:45Is it Elena?
18:46You like her, don't you?
18:48At the sound of my name, Lucian immediately looked up.
18:51That was answer enough.
18:52No one said a word.
18:53Only Serafina's quiet sobs filled the room.
18:56Lucian's hands clenched into fists.
18:58For years, denying Elena had been easy.
19:00We're just friends.
19:01I don't like her.
19:02He had said those words so many times that they became a habit.
19:05But this time, he couldn't.
19:06Images of Elena filled his mind.
19:08Her standing alone in the rain after he took her umbrella.
19:10The emptiness in her eyes when she said she'd think about her future later.
19:14The day she ran out of the classroom in tears.
19:16The countless times he denied her in front of everyone.
19:18And the countless times she forgave him.
19:20She waited for him.
19:21Believed in him.
19:21Loved him.
19:22And what had he given her?
19:23Not even the courage to admit his feelings.
19:25For years, Elena had carried the humiliation he was too afraid to face.
19:28Finally, Lucian looked up.
19:30Yes.
19:30I love her.
19:31I've always loved Elena.
19:32The room went silent.
19:33Serafina froze.
19:34Tears filled her eyes.
19:35Then what was I?
19:36I cared about you.
19:37I thought we belonged together.
19:39But Elena?
19:40I can't imagine my life without her.
19:42Serafina turned away.
19:43Furious.
19:44You're a jerk, Lucian.
19:45Then she left.
19:46The door slammed behind her.
19:47The room stayed silent.
19:48Suddenly, Lucian grabbed his phone.
19:50Elena.
19:51Serafina and I are over.
19:52I love you.
19:52I've always loved you.
19:53He hit send.
19:54Message failed.
19:55A red error icon appeared.
19:56Blocked.
19:57Every contact method had been blocked.
19:58Lucian ran out of the party.
20:00Then straight to Elena's house.
20:01The lights were off.
20:02No one was home.
20:03Only then did he realize Elena was already gone.
20:05After that, Lucian messaged me every day.
20:07There was never a reply.
20:08When the new semester began, he went straight to the academy where he thought I had enrolled.
20:12He gave them my name.
20:13The clerk placed a hand on a glowing crystal.
20:14The names of every enrolled student flickered through the light.
20:17Mine wasn't there.
20:18Lucian didn't believe it.
20:19Only then did he realize I had never enrolled at that academy.
20:21For the first time, he panicked.
20:23He started looking for me everywhere.
20:24He asked classmates, teachers, anyone who might know where I was.
20:27Eventually, one instructor told him the truth.
20:29I had gone overseas.
20:30I had left without telling him.
20:31Unable to reach me, Lucian called my parents.
20:33He begged them to let him speak to me.
20:35The answer never changed.
20:36Still, he kept calling.
20:38Elena doesn't want to talk to you.
20:39Until one day, my mother finally sighed.
20:41Lucian, I've known you since you were a child.
20:43I always thought you were a good kid.
20:45But this time, you really broke her heart.
20:48Elena is fine.
20:49If you truly care about her, let her go.
20:52The call ended.
20:52Lucian stood there holding his phone.
20:54For a long time, he didn't move.
20:56Then, for the first time in his life, he cried.
20:58Lucian had always had everything talent.
21:00Status, the top rank at the academy.
21:02People always surrounded him.
21:04He was used to it.
21:04So was Elena.
21:05She used to follow him everywhere when they were kids.
21:08Falling behind, calling his name.
21:09Asking him to wait.
21:11He always said no.
21:12But he always slowed down anyway.
21:14At the academy, she would sneak snacks into his bag.
21:16When she got caught, she would run away red-faced.
21:19He had always known she liked him.
21:21And he had always eaten everything she gave him.
21:23Every single time.
21:24When they started dating, she would get nervous when he kissed her.
21:28Avoiding his eyes completely flustered.
21:30What he never admitted was that he was the same.
21:32His heart would race.
21:33His hands would sweat.
21:34Pretending to be calm was harder than anything else.
21:37Somehow over time, he stopped noticing any of it.
21:40He accepted her love without thinking.
21:41And denied her in front of others without hesitation.
21:45Serafina's words echoed in his head.
21:46He really was a jerk.
21:48A gust of wild wind swept over him, stripping away all his arrogance and stubbornness.
21:52Only then did Lucian fully wake up to the truth.
21:55Elena had long been the only one in his heart.
21:59I sat by the window.
22:01Sunlight on the desk.
22:02I had been here almost two months.
22:04I was still adjusting, but better than before.
22:06At first, I couldn't understand spells or lectures.
22:08I couldn't even order food properly in the academy hall.
22:11I cried in my dorm more than once.
22:13But it got better.
22:14My spoken spell.
22:15Casting improved.
22:16I could follow lectures.
22:18I started answering questions in class.
22:20The first time I presented a spell theory in front of the class, everyone clapped.
22:24The professor said it was good.
22:25People around me said I was capable.
22:27Something I never heard before.
22:29Back in my magic academy, I was ignored by my classmates.
22:32Not good enough for Lucian.
22:33Just someone who followed him.
22:35Even when I ranked high, they called it luck.
22:37Under Lucian's shadow, I believed it too.
22:39But here, things were different.
22:41I wasn't invisible.
22:43I was improving.
22:44I was seen.
22:45I walked out of the library.
22:46My phone rang.
22:51Elena, I'm here.
22:53At Arcadia Gate.
22:55Please, meet me.
22:56I didn't think Lucian would follow me to Arcadia.
22:59Two months apart, he looked almost the same.
23:01But not fully.
23:03Elena, I'm sorry.
23:05I know it's too late, but I still need to say it.
23:08I like you.
23:09Late apology.
23:10Late confession.
23:12If this had been before the breakup, I might have softened.
23:14But not now.
23:15It was already over.
23:16I had nothing left for him.
23:18I know.
23:20Then what now?
23:22He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into his arms.
23:24Let's get back together.
23:26I won't bring up breaking up again.
23:27After we go back, will we make it public?
23:30He buried his face in my shoulder.
23:32I missed you.
23:33They didn't want me to come, but I still came.
23:36He had never said things like this before.
23:38Back then, even I miss you was too much for him.
23:40But it didn't matter anymore.
23:43Lucian, you were the one who broke up first.
23:46And now you want me back.
23:47You denied me in front of everyone.
23:49You never saw me.
23:50I'm sorry, Elena.
23:51I'll change.
23:52I pushed him away.
23:53I'm done.
23:54Go back.
23:55Don't come again.
23:56I turned and walked into the academy.
23:59But Lucian didn't stop.
24:00He somehow found my email.
24:02After returning, he started sending messages every day.
24:05Elena, it's raining today.
24:06Did you bring an umbrella?
24:07Elena, today is our anniversary.
24:09I sent you cake and flowers.
24:10I never replied.
24:11I refused anything he sent.
24:13One night, I got another long email.
24:15He said he thought about me every day.
24:17That he regretted everything.
24:19That he would wait for me forever.
24:20Then I saw it.
24:21He finally made it public on every platform.
24:23He admitted I was his girlfriend.
24:25That he liked me.
24:27Sumerling posted a screenshot of Lucian's post in the class group chat.
24:30The chat exploded.
24:31I opened it.
24:32It was a long post.
24:34With photos of us together.
24:35At the end, he wrote.
24:37Elena Hart, I owe you a public confession.
24:40You chased me for years.
24:41Now I will chase you.
24:43No matter when you come back, I will be here.
24:45The comments went wild.
24:47And Lucian kept replying.
24:48Every message the same.
24:50Three years later, he finally said it in front of everyone.
24:53But it was too late.
24:55Time passed quickly.
24:56My life at Arcadia finally settled into place.
24:58What happened with Lucian felt very far away.
25:00Sometimes I still dreamed about my old life.
25:03Sometimes I still woke up sad.
25:04But only sometimes.
25:05I made new friends.
25:06I traveled during breaks.
25:08I received confessions from a few boys.
25:10For the first time, people noticed me.
25:12Not because of Lucian.
25:13Because of me.
25:14On my birthday, my parents threw a party.
25:16My friends came.
25:17After I blew out the candles, one of them hugged me.
25:20Elena.
25:21You're one of the most talented people I know.
25:23I cried.
25:24No one had ever said that to me before.
25:26For years, I was told I wasn't good enough.
25:28Eventually, I learned the truth.
25:29I was enough.
25:30In my third year.
25:31I applied for Arcadia's Advanced Arcane Program.
25:34The application process was brutal.
25:36Research projects.
25:37Practical exams.
25:38Endless nights in the library.
25:40When the results arrived, my hands were shaking.
25:42I opened the letter.
25:43Accepted.
25:44For a long time.
25:45I just stared at it.
25:46Then I started crying.
25:47Years of doubt.
25:48Years of being told I wasn't enough.
25:50Gone.
25:50Just like that.
25:51Before the new semester, I returned home with my parents.
25:54It had been four years since I left.
25:56I visited the Ashcrofts.
25:58Mr. and Mrs. Ashcroft welcomed me as warmly as ever.
26:01Mrs. Ashcroft complained that I had disappeared overseas without even saying goodbye.
26:05She said she had been worried about me.
26:07She also said that if she had known Lucien and I were together back then,
26:10she wouldn't have treated Serafina the way she did.
26:12Then she mentioned Lucien.
26:13He hadn't dated anyone in four years after graduating from Imperial Collegium.
26:18He joined the family business.
26:20Nothing else had changed.
26:21We talked for a long time that afternoon.
26:23Surprisingly, the past didn't hurt anymore.
26:25When I left, it started raining.
26:27I lifted my bag over my head.
26:28An umbrella appeared above me.
26:30I looked up.
26:31Lucien was standing there.
26:32Four years later, Lucien was still as handsome as ever.
26:35The only difference was that he looked more mature.
26:37It seemed like he had rushed back.
26:39Even his tie was slightly crooked.
26:40He insisted on walking me home.
26:42Our houses were only a minute apart, but he insisted.
26:44We had walked this road countless times before.
26:46Now, it felt different.
26:48Carefully, he spoke.
26:49Elena, congratulations on getting into the Master's Arcane program.
26:54Thanks.
26:55A one.
26:55Minute walk took ten minutes.
26:57Neither of us spoke.
26:58When I reached my door, Lucien called my name.
27:00Elena.
27:01I turned around.
27:01I'm sorry.
27:02And I'll keep waiting for you.
27:04You don't have to wait for me, Lucien.
27:05I've moved on.
27:06You should too.
27:06After saying that, I opened the door and went inside.
27:09A few seconds later, I heard him crying outside.
27:11The rain kept falling, but his feelings had nothing to do with me anymore.
27:15After returning to Arcadia, my life quickly became busy again.
27:18The Master's Arcane program was much harder than I expected.
27:21Research papers.
27:22Spell theory.
27:23Field studies.
27:24Most nights.
27:24I didn't return to my dorm until midnight.
27:27For a while, I barely had time to think about anything else.
27:30Including Lucien.
27:31He still sent messages.
27:32Sometimes emails.
27:33Sometimes gifts.
27:34Sometimes long letters.
27:35I never replied.
27:37I never accepted any of them.
27:38One afternoon, while I was leaving the library, a voice stopped me.
27:42Elena?
27:42I turned around.
27:43A tall boy was standing behind me.
27:45I recognized him immediately.
27:47Nathan Blake.
27:48One of the top students in the program.
27:49We had attended several seminars together.
27:51I'd seen him correct a floating spell diagram with a flick of his wrist.
27:55You dropped this.
27:56He floated the notebook over to me.
27:58Thanks.
27:59No problem.
28:00Then he smiled.
28:00I've been looking for an excuse to talk to you.
28:02For the first time in a long while, I laughed.
28:04And in my pocket, my phone vibrated.
28:07Another unread email from Lucien.
28:09I didn't look at it.
28:10Nathan and I started studying together regularly.
28:12He was sharp, direct, and easy to talk to.
28:15But there was always something unspoken between us.
28:17We were competing for the same three spots at the international conference.
28:20One evening, we stayed late in the library preparing for the selection exam.
28:24He corrected my spell diagram without hesitation.
28:27I pointed out a flaw in his theory.
28:28We pushed each other hard.
28:30You're not bad.
28:31Nathan said.
28:32Was that a compliment?
28:33Take it however you want.
28:35I laughed.
28:36Then he leaned back and studied me.
28:37You know, if we're both selected, we'll be working together overseas.
28:41Big if.
28:42Not that big.
28:43Your midterm scores were top three.
28:45I looked away.
28:46Scores don't mean everything.
28:47His voice turned serious.
28:49What happened to you before you came here?
28:50I went quiet.
28:51The silence stretched between us.
28:53My phone vibrated in my pocket.
28:55I didn't check it.
28:55I already knew who it was.
28:57It's complicated.
28:58He didn't push.
28:59He just nodded.
29:00When you're ready, I'm listening.
29:01That meant more than he probably realized.
29:03Selection day arrived.
29:05The entire department packed into the lecture hall.
29:07The air was thick with tension.
29:09I hadn't slept.
29:10My hands were cold and damp.
29:12Nathan sat three seats away.
29:13He kept his eyes forward.
29:14We didn't speak.
29:15We couldn't.
29:16Everyone was watching everyone else.
29:18The professor raised his wand.
29:20A scroll unfurled in midair, gold letters burning across the parchment.
29:24First selection, Marcus Vane.
29:27Applauds.
29:28A student two rows ahead stood up.
29:30Selection, Nathan Bale.
29:31More applauds.
29:32Nathan rose and walked to the front.
29:34Still no glance at me.
29:35One spot left.
29:36My heart pounded against my ribs.
29:38I thought of everything I had left behind.
29:40The years of being invisible silence.
29:42Third selection, Elena Hart.
29:45I forced myself to stand on shaking legs.
29:46Then scattered clapping.
29:48As I walked forward, I caught Nathan's eye.
29:50He nodded.
29:51Once.
29:51But it meant everything.
29:52Afterward, he found me in the hallway.
29:54He smiled.
29:55Congratulations.
29:56You too.
29:58Looks like we'll be spending a lot of time together.
30:00That night, I opened Lucian's email.
30:02Just one line, I closed it and didn't reply.
30:04But my hands were shaking.
30:06The International Magic Conference finally began.
30:09Our presentation went smoothly.
30:11Nathan and I received one of the highest scores.
30:13Several professors approached us afterward.
30:15Nathan was in a great mood.
30:17You carried that presentation.
30:19We both worked on it.
30:20He laughed.
30:21As we walked out of the hall together, a familiar voice suddenly called my name.
30:24Elena.
30:25I froze.
30:25I hadn't heard that voice in months.
30:27I turned around.
30:28Lucian was standing a few feet away.
30:30For a moment, nobody spoke.
30:32Nathan looked between us.
30:33You know him?
30:33Before I could answer, Lucian walked over.
30:35His eyes never left me.
30:36I told you I wouldn't give up.
30:38The atmosphere instantly became awkward.
30:40Nathan stepped forward.
30:41And you are?
30:43Lucian Ashcroft.
30:45The two men shook hands.
30:46A faint spark flickered between their palms, neither smiled.
30:49Nathan looked at me.
30:50Lucian looked at Nathan.
30:51And suddenly, I understood why Lucian had come all this way.
30:54I realized things were about to get complicated.
30:56That evening, the conference hosted a formal banquet.
30:59I originally planned to skip it.
31:01Nathan wouldn't let me.
31:02You've been working for weeks.
31:04One night won't kill you.
31:05In the end, I went.
31:07The moment I entered the ballroom, I saw Lucian.
31:10He was standing with several academy directors.
31:13Apparently, everyone knew who he was.
31:15Nathan noticed him too.
31:16Looks like your ex is important.
31:20You have no idea.
31:21A while later, the music started.
31:25Dance with me?
31:26Relax.
31:27It's one dance.
31:29I accepted.
31:30The entire ballroom watched as we stepped onto the floor.
31:33Halfway through the song, I looked up.
31:35Lucian was staring at us.
31:37His expression didn't change.
31:38That was somehow worse.
31:40When the music ended, he walked straight toward us.
31:43Nathan.
31:45Yeah?
31:46Can I talk to Elena?
31:48Nathan looked at me.
31:49That's up to her.
31:50Neither man backed down, and suddenly everyone around us was watching.
31:54Elena.
31:54Alone.
31:55Five minutes.
31:57She said she's busy.
31:59This doesn't involve you.
32:00It involves me if she doesn't want to talk.
32:02The ballroom grew quiet.
32:04Enough!
32:05I turned to Lucian.
32:07Fine.
32:07Five minutes.
32:09Outside, the night air was cold.
32:11Lucian grabbed my wrist.
32:12Who is he?
32:14It's none of your business.
32:16He was touching you.
32:17He was dancing with me.
32:18You lost that right years ago.
32:20I came all this way.
32:21I didn't ask you to.
32:22You think he's better than me?
32:23Yes.
32:24The word hung between us like a blade.
32:26Lucian's hand fell slack at his side, his expression cracking for just a second.
32:29I pulled free and walked back inside.
32:31My heart pounded.
32:32But I didn't slow down.
32:34I had said what needed to be said.
32:39You okay?
32:41Fine.
32:42Good.
32:42Because I'm not done dancing with you.
32:45Then lead the way.
32:46Nathan wasn't kidding.
32:47The moment we returned to the ballroom, he held out his hand again.
32:50One more dance.
32:51I laughed.
32:52This time, I didn't refuse.
32:53You're persistent.
32:55So I've been told.
32:56Across the room, Lucian watched us.
32:58He didn't look away once.
33:00After the banquet ended, Nathan walked me back to campus.
33:02When we reached my dorm building, he stopped.
33:05His voice was unusually serious.
33:07Elena.
33:08What?
33:09He took a breath.
33:12I like you.
33:13For a second, neither of us spoke.
33:15I know you've been through a lot.
33:17I know part of your heart is still healing.
33:20I'm not asking for an earned answer tonight.
33:23He smiled.
33:24But I'd like a chance.
33:25I opened my mouth, but my throat tightened.
33:27The words tangled somewhere between my chest and my lips.
33:30Nathan didn't push.
33:31He simply waited.
33:32A few steps away.
33:33Hidden beneath the shadows of the courtyard trees.
33:35Lucian stood frozen.
33:37Every word had reached him.
33:38The next morning, Lucian was waiting outside my department building.
33:41He was standing in the same spot like he hadn't left all night.
33:43The moment he saw me, he stepped forward.
33:46Did you say yes?
33:47I knew exactly what he meant.
33:49No.
33:50Relief flashed across his face for a brief second.
33:52Then I continued.
33:53But I didn't say no either.
33:54That small pause was enough.
33:56His expression instantly fell.
33:57For years, Lucian had always been sure of one thing.
34:00No matter what happened, no matter how far he pushed me away, I would still come back
34:04to him.
34:05That certainty was gone now.
34:06His voice sounded strained, like he was forcing it out.
34:08Elena, can you really move on that easily?
34:10I stared at him for a moment.
34:12My voice stayed steady.
34:13Isn't that what you taught me to do?
34:15He went silent.
34:16Even the air between us felt heavier.
34:18For the first time, he had no answer, no argument, no confidence left.
34:22I walked past him without stopping.
34:23My steps didn't slow.
34:25This time, he didn't follow.
34:26He stayed standing there for a long time until I disappeared into the building.
34:29And still, I didn't look back.
34:31Lucian stayed outside the building for a long time that day.
34:34I saw him once through the window.
34:36He was still standing there.
34:37But he didn't try to follow me again.
34:39Later that afternoon, Nathan found me in the research hall.
34:41You saw him again?
34:43Yes.
34:44Nathan didn't look surprised.
34:45He leaned against the table watching me.
34:47Are you going back?
34:48I shook my head.
34:49No.
34:50For a pause.
34:51Then he nodded.
34:52Good.
34:53He didn't push further.
34:54That was the difference between him and Lucian.
34:56He didn't try to pull me back into something I had already left.
34:59We worked late that night on the final research report.
35:02At some point, the topic shifted away from work.
35:05Nathan closed the document and looked at me.
35:07You know I'm still here.
35:09I didn't answer immediately.
35:11But I didn't look away either.
35:12The next morning, Lucian was no longer outside the building.
35:15I didn't ask when he left.
35:16I only noticed the space where he had been standing was empty.
35:19Nathan arrived at the research hall as usual.
35:21He placed a folder on the table.
35:23The final submission is done.
35:24Good.
35:25We worked in silence for a while.
35:26It felt normal now.
35:28Not tense.
35:28Not uncertain.
35:29Just steady.
35:30At noon, Nathan closed the document and looked at me.
35:33It's over.
35:34I knew what he meant.
35:35Not just the project.
35:36Everything that had been hanging between people.
35:39Walk with me.
35:40I looked at him for a second, then nodded.
35:42Okay.
35:42We left the hall together.
35:44Behind us, nothing followed.
35:45No voice.
35:46No call.
35:47No footsteps.
35:48Just silence.
35:49I was ready to start a new life entirely on my own.
35:51Do we only go do not make sure the time is done?
35:51No.
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