Everyone was talking about how much love it must take to paint such an expensive car this way.
But I recognized at once, it was Jerome's car. On the back was written: [The Exclusive Car for the CEO's Gorgeous Secretary.]
I froze at the door, unsure of what to do. Jerome naturally took the umbrella from my hand and said, "The rain's heavy. Use the umbrella to get to the car. If you get sick, I'll have to donate blood again." Then he scooped up Jessica, who was still complaining about the weather.
To the cheers of the onlookers, Jerome gentlemanly opened the backseat door for Jessica, then climbed in himself. The crowd's cheering grew even louder as the pink Rolls-Royce rocked rhythmically, stopping only after a long while.
When Jerome got out, his tie was crooked. Yet, he held the umbrella high, letting himself get wet while keeping Jessica dry.
Once the umbrella was no longer needed, Jerome discarded it without hesitation, forgetting that I was still standing in the rain.
But it didn't matter. From the moment he took the umbrella, my heart had already been soaked by the rain. What difference did it make whether I had an umbrella?
The Rolls-Royce engine roared to life as I realized my ID card was still in the car. I hurriedly knocked on the window.
After a long while, Jerome reluctantly lowered it. A stifling odor of perfume and something foul hit me, making me gag. He said, "Tania, I told you to take a taxi home. Jessica and I have things to do at the office. We'll leave first."
"I …" before I could finish, the car sped away. Through the closing window, I caught a glimpse of Jessica's smug grin.
Hours passed. Unwilling to wait any longer, I decided to walk home in the rain.
Just as I braced myself to leave, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I bumped into a warm chest. Looking up, I saw a tall figure in a white coat.
A young doctor, towering at least 1.9 meters, wearing gold-rimmed glasses.
"I'm heading the same way," His voice was deep and charming.
I didn't refuse but wondered, how did he know where I lived? I reasoned it away, convincing myself that I had been to the hospital often enough for him to recognize me.
When I got home, I barely had time to change out of my wet clothes before receiving a message from Jerome: [Tonight, Birmingham Academy, Room 521. Wait for me.]
After some hesitation, I opened my wardrobe and found the white fishtail dress Jerome had given me three years ago.
Birmingham Academy wasn't far, so I soon arrived. The server opened the car door and led me inside.
Even before entering the private room, I could hear the lively atmosphere. Their laughter filled the air until I appeared. The room suddenly fell silent, awkward even. Jerome froze for a few seconds, "Tania, why are you here?"
I looked around the room and realized everyone present was one of Jerome's closest friends. His expression told me instantly, the message was from Jessica.
At that moment, Jessica leaned tightly against Jerome, dressed in a striking red bodycon dress. Half-drunk and dazed, her seductive demeanor captivated everyone.
Sensing the tension, Jerome's friends quickly invited me to join their game. In the first round, Jerome lost.
Jessica leaned close and blew softly into his ear. I saw the redness creep up Jerome's neck. She asked, "Jerome, I heard you started dating Tania in high school. What does campus romance feel like? Answer me, no dodging!" With Jessica pressing him, my heart tightened in suspense.
"High school? That's too young. Students don't know what love is." Jerome's indifferent response obliterated my youth like it was nothing.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he raised his glass for another drink. I, however, had lost my appetite entirely. My fork slipped from my hand and fell under the table.
