Chapter 76

　　Serena's POV. 　　I considered telling Richard that Ross had brought the flowers, but decided against it. If he was curious, he'd ask. 　　Instead, I settled into the car seat as Richard drove off, gazing out the window. My mind was still reeling from the realization that this was my new reality - it felt like I was living in two different worlds. 　　I longed to know what Richard thought of me, but couldn't bring myself to ask. My gaze drifted to him, his eyes fixed on the road, before I looked back out the window, lost in thought. 　　We arrived at school, and I was relieved that Richard didn't try to start a conversation. 　　As I reached for my bag, he took it instead, and I shook my head, saying "don't worry." 　　He chuckled and asked "why?" 　　I blurted out "what will people say?" 　　I didn't want people to think that we are a couple. I already had a lot on my table. 　　But Richard just smiled and held onto the bag anyway. As we stepped out, the stares from everyone made me feel uneasy. 　　We