Chapter 2

Before I had even left the restaurant, my tears were already falling uncontrollably. By the time I realized I'd forgotten my phone, I had already walked quite a distance. That entire private room was full of Hyman's friends. If I went back now, I'd undoubtedly face their ridicule. Just then, the sound of screeching brakes echoed nearby. "Get in." A large G-Class SUV stopped beside me. Lamber held the steering wheel with one hand, his gold-rimmed glasses glinting coldly beneath them. I didn't move. Sensing my hesitation, Lamber spoke calmly. "It's 13 kilometers downhill from here. If you want the exercise, I don't mind." With that, the man made to start the engine. I immediately obediently got into the car. As soon as I fastened my seatbelt, he stepped on the gas and sped off. "Your phone." While driving one-handed, Lamber handed me the phone I had left behind. He specifically drove to return my phone, when we'd just met? A wave of warmth spread through me. "I don't care for those kinds of drinking parties. Returning your phone was just convenient." As if afraid I might misunderstand, Lamber's explanation was perfectly timed to lift any potential burden from me. The car fell quiet. Remembering the scene from earlier, the sour ache in my heart intensified. I fought back tears, but my smile was uglier than a frown. I could only sob silently. The car slowed down. A large, slender hand offered me an artisan-crafted handkerchief. It looked very expensive. Remembering how I had used him earlier, yet he had helped me out of trouble multiple times, a feeling of guilt washed over me. I hesitated to take it. Until the car came to a stop. Before I could react, a cool, silky sensation touched my cheek. The silk handkerchief gently wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. "Afraid you'd dirty my car." After saying this, the man stuffed the handkerchief into my palm and restarted the car. The cool mountain breeze swept past the car windows, countless stars scattered across the sky. I suddenly realized that in the eight months I'd been with Hyman, he had never once offered to drive me back to the dorm. Even on the rare occasions he did, it was only because he was heading back to school anyway. But even though it was my first time meeting Lamber, he gave me a strange sense of familiarity. The rest of the ride was silent. When we reached the dormitory building, Lamber picked up his phone, opened his contacts list in the app. "Let me get your digits." I was confused. "You did a good job with the belt. Next time, continue." My face flushed instantly. "I-I'm sorry…" Lamber had already taken my phone and saved his own contact.