Chapter 7 Back To The Past (2) 1202

• "You say you like me? Do you even know what book you have in your hand? Do you understand what I am studying now? You say other girls are not qualified to like me, but how qualified are you?"
• Even Priscilla had been much more obedient than Catherine when they were young. Most importantly, Priscilla had been sensible and never let her parents worry about her. Thinking about this, Lucian didn't hesitate to be blunt.
• "Furthermore, you're only eighteen years old. You can justify being young and energetic, so I will be more ruthless. I've heard you often fail exams, so where do you stand compared to me?"
• With a cold snort, he took the book from her hands and continued reading without looking at her pale face. He ignored her as if she wasn't there.
• From that day on, Catherine began studying much more.
• After Lucian mentioned that he liked girls who studied, she made an effort to work hard and get good grades. She was smart and determined to succeed. She graduated from university with honors, entered the School of Economics, and started an internship.
• While she was studying, Lucian's official relationship ended, partly due to the Landong family's influence, but also because of her own efforts. The day she graduated from university, she was very happy. After working hard for so long, she was eager to share her achievements with Lucian. She wanted him to know that she was not the type of girl he thought she was. She could be intelligent, sensible, and motivated. She was worthy of him, no matter what.
• But when she went to the Landong house, it was empty. Lucian had returned but was not at home. Catherine did not give up. After making some phone calls and asking around, she finally managed to find out where he was. But when she arrived, she saw a surprising scene.
• In October, autumn painted Central Park in New York with gold, making it the perfect place to admire the season's red leaves. Sitting amidst the crimson foliage, a man and a woman embraced. The man had a masculine and elegant profile as he leaned in to kiss the woman in his arms. The setting sun cast their shadows in a halo of light, and Catherine couldn't see the woman's face clearly. She clenched her fists and impulsively stepped forward. Hurriedly, she approached and pulled Lucian away from the woman, looking him in the eyes as she protested.
• "How can you be with other women? How can you, Lucian? I'm the only woman who can make you happy. Only me."
• She took out her university diploma and graduation photo from her bag, waving them in front of him with enthusiasm.
• "I've worked so hard to be worthy of you. You can't be with other women."
• When Catherine had pushed him away a moment earlier, Lucian had been surprised. Now, hearing her words, his face twisted with disgust. In his opinion, Catherine was an immature girl, a spoiled daughter who always got what she wanted. And he was on her list, which made him very unhappy.
• He reached out and took the woman beside him. Once more, he calmly looked at Catherine.
• "Catherine, you've grown up, but your stubbornness remains the same. You must understand, I like someone else, not you. I never liked you before, and I don't like you now, nor will you please me in the future. So, give up."
• Lucian's words pierced Catherine's heart. She didn't understand what she had done wrong. Couldn't he see her love?
• "Lucian, do you really like a woman like her? A woman with no figure, appearance, or family status? What does she have to offer you?"
• "Watch your words!" Lucian disliked Catherine's attitude and hugged the woman next to him.
• "She's Francesca, the kind of woman I like. Who do you think you are to judge her? Do you think you're better than her?"
• "I..." Hurt and angry, Catherine abruptly stuffed her belongings back into her bag and glared sharply at Lucian. "You...you said you liked me. How can you fall in love with someone else?"
• "I never said I liked you, I never said I would wait for you. You created false hopes," Lucian spat out his words with disdain, then hugged the girl beside him and walked away.
• Watching the woman in his arms and the tenderness in his eyes toward her broke Catherine's heart. As she watched the two embrace, her world seemed to grow darker.
• "What was the point of years of perseverance? Did I work so hard for this? Lucian is with another woman, so what does that make me?"
• Turning to face the beautiful sunset, she suddenly resolved not to give up.
• "No, I will not give up like this. I will not give up at all."
• Catherine James. Don't give up. Not at all.
• Catherine took a few days to clarify things. The woman's name was Francesca, and she discovered that she was a teacher in the county where Lucian currently resided. After graduating, Francesca had left her job in the coastal cities to return to a small town and support education. After teaching for a year, she was recognized as the most dedicated teacher. At the award ceremony, Lucian had been in charge of presenting the award.
• She didn't know how they had been together afterward. This time, Lucian brought Franchesca with the intention of officially introducing her as his girlfriend to his family and eventually marrying her. Marry that woman? What about her? Catherine decided to personally confront Franchesca. She wanted to know how Franchesca had gotten close to Lucian. Deep down, Catherine suspected that Franchesca was not what she seemed. So, she planned to visit her at the hotel where she was staying.
• Upon seeing Catherine, Franchesca was surprised. Nevertheless, she politely took Catherine back to her room. Once inside, Catherine made her demands bluntly.
• "I want you to stay away from Lucian."
• "What?" Franchesca was astonished, looking at the haughty woman who had suddenly appeared at the hotel. "I don't understand what you mean."
• "You don't understand?" Catherine sighed. "Lucian is now the magistrate of the county and will soon have an official career in the army, maybe even a position in the government. If you're with him, what can you offer him?"
• "I..." Franchesca attempted to explain that she and Lucian had fallen in love and that he didn't care about her background. However, Catherine interrupted her, smiling condescendingly.
• "I have investigated you. You're an orphan, raised by villagers, and you promised to stay there for the rest of your life to repay their kindness. But have you ever considered what will happen to Lucian if you stay there? Do you understand the status of the Landong family? Look at your appearance, your background. If Lucian stays with you, you will only embarrass him."
• Franchesca was hurt by Catherine's words, biting her lip and unable to speak for a long moment.
• "If they laugh, it's at me, and that's none of your business," Lucian suddenly said. Catherine hadn't heard him come in. His face showed anger, and he stood at the door, listening to Catherine coldly.