That Christmas Eve, an out-of-control truck crashed into our car, ending both our lives.
In that final moment, I felt no fear, only release.
Since we had both been reborn and had chosen to stay away from each other, there was no reason to cling to the past.
I pushed the black card back toward him. "That's not necessary. I don't accept gifts from strangers."
He frowned, looking both confused and offended. "Ava, what are you talking about? You think I'm a stranger?"
I met his gaze. "I can afford my own clothes. And my job is perfectly respectable. I haven't given up on myself, Nolan. Save your money for someone who actually needs it."
He stood there, clutching the card, his lips pressed into a thin, silent line.
Then, Blair sauntered over. Her eyes scanned the black card in his hand, and a look of understanding dawned.
Rage flashed in her eyes, but she forced a smile, feigning a calm, gentle demeanor.
"Ava, are you really refusing our offer?" Blair said with a faint smile. "Well then, let's offer you something more practical. A friend of mine opened a gallery in SoHo, and you could work there as a receptionist. The pay isn't great, but it's an easy job. How about it? It's definitely more respectable than whatever you're doing now."
I continued eating calmly, unfazed by her tone, and refused again.
"Thank you, but I'm quite satisfied with my job. I have no plans to change it."
A few nearby classmates called out, their tone a mix of jest and scolding.
"Ava, what is wrong with you? Nolan and Blair are trying to be nice! Just take it!"
"Seriously, Ava? Just look at the state of you. I'm surprised you even showed up looking so down on your luck. Isn't this kind of thing all about networking? Drop the high-and-mighty act."
