"We can continue to protect you now, but four years isn’t enough—we’ll need a lifetime to do it!" Kristoff added eagerly.
Several passing girls cast envious glances in my direction, but my heart remained unmoved.
In my past life, the four of us attended the same university. I worked tirelessly for a bright future—studying hard and actively participating in school activities.
But in the end, my scholarships and postgraduate recommendations were secretly manipulated and handed over to Sandy.
There were even rumors about me having an improper relationship with a school official, and I endured isolation and bullying for four long years because of that.
Back then, these two men also promised to stand by my side and protect me. But after my death, I learned that they were the masterminds behind everything.
During countless sleepless nights filled with tears, they used my pain to entertain and please the woman they truly loved—Sandy.
Noticing my silence, Sandy spoke in a tone dripping with mockery. “Amelia's life is truly blessed. Born as the pampered daughter of a wealthy family, and both of your childhood friends are completely devoted to you.”
Smiling bitterly, she added, “I don’t have such good fortune. If it weren’t for Amelia’s financial support, I wouldn’t even have been able to attend school.”
On hearing that, the two men immediately looked at her with sympathy.
“Sandy, don’t say that. You’re so beautiful and talented—you’re destined for great things in the future. Once you graduate, I’ll have my dad arrange a general manager position for you.”
“No, Sandy, come to my company instead. I’ll give you an even higher position and better pay. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you!”
The two of them started competing with each other to make promises to Sandy.
I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness.
After all these years, they had never shown me this kind of affection or favoritism.
Indeed, feigned love can never compare to true devotion from the heart.
As I prepared to leave, Henry noticed my unusual expression.
Feeling guilty, he grabbed my hand. “Amelia, don’t overthink. We’re good to Sandy because she’s your friend.”
Kristoff, just like when we were kids, ruffled my hair playfully. “Don’t let your imagination run wild. The exams are over—let’s go for a drive. We’ve got a gift for you.”
I nodded, not refusing. I was leaving soon anyway, and I wanted to take one last look at the city where we grew up together.
When we reached the parking lot, Henry and Kristoff vied for the chance to have Sandy sit in their passenger seats.
Sandy pretended to hesitate, looking at me with a mock concern. “Isn’t the passenger seat only for Amelia? If I sit there, will she be upset?”
Before I could respond, Henry had already seated Sandy in his car. “She won’t mind. She’s got the best temper.”
Kristoff glared at him in frustration, slamming his car door shut with a sour expression.
It wasn’t until the cars were about to start that they realized I hadn’t gotten into either vehicle.
They rolled down the windows, exchanging awkward glances. They tried to explain but couldn’t come up with a convincing excuse.
“It’s fine. I’ll drive my own car.”
Hearing this, they both sighed in relief, though they still seemed puzzled by my unusual behavior.
“Amelia...”
I rolled up my window, unwilling to hear their empty excuses. But as I drove, the scenery outside stirred up countless memories.
The three of us had grown up together as childhood friends.
For as long as I could remember, both families had been eager to see me marry into theirs.
But fate had other plans.
After my parents passed away in a tragic accident, the once-vibrant Nicolas family was reduced to just me and my grandmother, depending on each other for survival.
