Chapter 13
Lily stood not far away, dressed in a flowing white dress, looking delicate and fragile.
Not Scarlett.
Before he could react, Lily had already rushed toward him.
Jackson stared at the white figure throwing herself into his arms, his body imperceptibly stiffening for a moment.
He discreetly pushed her away, his voice carrying just the right amount of detachment: “What are you doing here?“.
Lily looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with expectation: “I asked your assistant about your flight and came specially to meet you.”
She bit her lip, adopting a hurt expression. “Jackson, aren’t you happy to see me?”
“It’s not that,” Jackson adjusted his cuffs, avoiding her outstretched hand. “It’s windy here. With your health
condition, you shouldn’t risk catching cold.”
“Thanks to the medical team you arranged all these years, I’m much better now.” Lily twirled around, her white skirt blossoming like flower petals.
She suddenly grabbed his sleeve: “Jackson, if you’re not busy, could you come somewhere with me? I have something I want to tell you.”
Jackson checked his watch.
Scarlett hadn’t come to meet him–she was probably still angry.
That pearl necklace wouldn’t be enough; he’d need to prepare more gifts…
Her favorite napoleon cake from that patisserie, the latest limited–edition handbag, and…
‘Jackson?” Lily’s voice pulled him back to reality.
‘Fine.” He signaled his assistant, giving a few quiet instructions before following Lily to her car.
The scenery rushed past the car window as Jackson absently rubbed the screen of his phone.
Scarlett’s last message remained that cold transfer notification, without even a punctuation mark to soften it.
The car stopped outside a luxury hotel.
Jackson frowned. “Why have you brought me here?”
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Chapter 13
Lily smiled mysteriously and led him inside.
When the ballroom doors opened, Jackson’s steps faltered.
The crystal chandeliers cast blindingly bright light, and the entire venue had been transformed into a romantic declaration scene–a champagne tower, rose petals, heart–shaped balloons.
Elegantly dressed guests turned to look at him as he entered, exchanging knowing glances.
Then the giant screen suddenly lit up.
First photo: In the library, Jackson leaning down to explain a concept to Lily, sunlight streaming through the glass window, casting a gentle silhouette on his profile.
Second photo: On a rainy day, Jackson tilting his umbrella toward Lily’s side, his own shoulder getting soaked.
rd photo: At the graduation ceremony, Jackson standing beside Lily, his lips curved in a rare smile.
Each photo was taken from a voyeuristic angle, yet somehow conveyed intimacy.
Lily walked onto the stage, her face flushed, voice slightly trembling with nervousness: “Jackson, do you remember
when we first met?”
“That day I was feeding the stray cats on campus, you stood under the cherry blossom tree watching for so long…”
Jackson listened expressionlessly.
Of course he remembered–that day he had been contemplating how to deal with his persistent admirers.
‘Later, you only accepted water from me, only looked in my direction during speeches…” Lily’s cheeks reddened. “Everyone said we were the golden couple, and truthfully… I’ve always liked you too.”
For a moment, the ballroom filled with gasps.
Someone whispered: “Miss Bennett is so brave, confessing to Mr. Blackwell like that…”
“What bravery? They must already have something going on for her to be this confident.”
“Right, I heard Mr. Blackwell has catered to her every whim these years. If they get together, she’ll be the future Mrs. Blackwell–we should all start currying favor…”
Lily took a deep breath and continued: “On graduation day, I was going to confess, but then the accident happened. All these years you’ve taken care of me, and I know I have a place in your heart…”
Jackson’s gaze grew increasingly cold.
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Chapter 13
He hadn’t realized that not only his assistant misunderstood, but outsiders did too–even Lily herself had developed
this delusion.
“So today…” Lily took out an exquisite box from her pocket. “I want to ask you…”
Before she could finish, Jackson had already strode onto the stage.
The hall instantly quieted as all eyes focused on this commanding man.
He walked up the steps and stood before Lily, his voice frighteningly calm: “I’m sorry, Lily.”
“I can grant you anything,” he looked directly into her eyes, “but not this.”
“I don’t love you.”
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