Chapter 4

"Alright then, I won't disturb you guys. I'll stay out tonight."

Tristan turned and left the dorm.

As soon as the door closed, I threw off the blanket, "Silas, I was about to suffocate..."

Silas leaned against the headboard, looking at me deeply.

The not-so-bright light fell on his handsome, chiseled features.

Casting large patches of shadows.

I was stunned by the sight.

They say beauty is best viewed under the lamp.

Actually, it's the same for men.

Looking at a handsome guy in the flickering light and shadows certainly creates more atmosphere.

"Mia."

Silas slowly sat up.

He reached out and brushed aside the messy hair by my ear.

Then, cupping my face, he spoke very seriously.

"I wasn't annoyed by you."

"And I didn't give you the cold shoulder."

"Don't take his words to heart."

After Silas finished speaking, he let go of his hands.

He got out of bed and took out a pack of cigarettes, "You sleep."

"What about you?"

He pointed to the balcony, "I'll smoke a cigarette. Go to sleep."

Very timely, I suddenly sneezed.

Silas stopped in his tracks.

I grabbed the sleeve of his pajamas, frowning pitifully, "I think I caught a cold. My head hurts."

Silas looked at me for a while, "Let go first. I'll get you some medicine."

After I took the medicine, I still clung to him and wouldn't let go, "Silas, I'm a bit cold. The blanket is too thin."

But this time Silas pushed my hand away.

"Mia, Tristan left a long time ago. You don't need to do this anymore."

"What does this have to do with him?"

Silas laughed self-mockingly, "What were you doing by the river tonight?"

I finally came to my senses.

So the news about a girl jumping into the river that Tristan mentioned earlier had made him misunderstand.

He thought I went to the river because I was feeling hopeless and wanted to end my life.

Calling him and coming back to his dorm was deliberately getting back at Tristan.

Actually, I know it's normal for him to think this way.

For the past two years, my foster parents from the White family had been pushing me hard.

After the real daughter of the White family was found.

They once wanted to send me back to my birth parents.

Later, probably considering that I still had some value for an arranged marriage, they reluctantly kept me.

So Tristan was like a lifeline for me.

I thought since we grew up together as childhood sweethearts.

There would always be some affection between us.

He would save me from the quagmire.

I placed all my hopes on Tristan.

But all of this, in others' eyes, was evidence of my obsessive love for him.

Not to mention Silas.

He was Tristan's roommate.

How many moments of my "persistent pursuit" had he witnessed?

"Silas..."

I wanted to explain.

But he had already stood up, "Set an alarm and leave early tomorrow morning. Don't let anyone see you."

"After all, this kind of thing isn't good for you girls."

"Silas."

But he didn't stop or look back.

I bit my lip hard, "Then you kissed me so many times tonight."

"And even did that..."

"Are you not going to take responsibility?"

Silas suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He turned to look at me.

I sat on the bed, my eyes very red, but holding back tears.

"I know you hate me."

"Every time I came here before, you ignored me."

"But thank you for coming to pick me up tonight and taking me in."

"If you really don't want to have anything to do with me anymore, then I'll leave now."

I got up from the bed.

I didn't bother looking for my shoes, just walked towards the door barefoot.

As I passed by Silas with my head down.

I had already silently shed tears all over my face.

"Mia."

Silas grabbed me.

"I said earlier, I don't hate you..."

"Then will you take responsibility?"

I shook off his hand and looked up at him defiantly.

"You kissed me, hugged me."

"And even did that..."

Silas suddenly gripped my chin and kissed me fiercely.

"Mia."

He sucked on my lips, his breathing getting heavier.

"If you insist on provoking me, then provoke me all the way."

I hugged his lean waist and stood on tiptoes to meet this deep kiss, "Okay..."

During the National Day holiday, I went to the city where my birth parents lived.

I stayed there for three days.

When I left, that pair of scumbags who indulged in all kinds of vices.

Had already been taken away by the police, awaiting the severe and merciless punishment of the law.

Human trafficking, gambling, forced prostitution, thanks to those dreams, I had iron-clad evidence for each and every crime.

I didn't need to wait for rebirth or the next life.

In this life, I could completely get rid of this pair of demons and let them receive the punishment they deserved.

When I got on the plane, I let out a long sigh.

The biggest worry in my heart was finally settled.

At this moment, I felt incredibly free and relaxed.

When the plane landed in the capital, I first reported to Silas that I was safe.

He didn't know the true purpose of this trip.

He still thought I had gone on a short trip with my girlfriends for a few days.

"I'll come find you tonight. Is everything ready at home?"

Silas had moved to an apartment off campus.

He was already a senior and hardly needed to go back to school anymore.

Plus, living in the same dorm with Tristan was inconvenient after all.

"It's all ready. Should I come pick you up?"

"Sure."

"Mia."

"What is it?"

"Today is Tristan's birthday. He's throwing a party and asked me to go... with my girlfriend."

I had forgotten that Tristan's birthday was on National Day.

"Mia, do you want to go with me?"

I didn't answer, feeling quite conflicted inside.

It wasn't that I was unwilling to make our relationship public.

But the White family might soon cut ties with me.

At that time, my unsavory background would be known to everyone.

I knew Silas wouldn't care.

But I couldn't bear to let him be criticized.

Just like in the dream.

They accused him of being unfilial and disloyal.

For the sake of an unworthy woman.

Breaking his parents' and relatives' hearts.

But, as Silas said that day.

I was the one who provoked him first, so I should provoke him all the way.

You can't have it both ways, right?

"Silas."

I took a deep breath, "Do you want me to go?"