Chapter 55
So, Lilac was coming over, and I was supposed to look after her. Juggling my own responsibilities was
challenging enough. Did I need to add looking after her to the mix? Did she have a disability, or was she
just clueless?
I grew up pampered by my parents until high school. Even my socks were handled by my mom. But when
I went to college, no one took care of me. I learned to do everything on my own, and things went well.
Why couldn’t Lilac do the same?
Truth be told, I was reluctant to agree, no matter the reason.
I had reservations about Lilac. She always appeared overly calculating and scheming. I was afraid I
might unintentionally fall into one of her schemes. Moreover, with my focus on the competition, I was
drained every day.
If it weren’t for Colin, I might not even be eating well. I really didn’t have the extra energy to take care of
his girlfriend.
To be blunt, I didn’t have that obligation to take care of Lilac for him.
“Please, Lulu? It would mean a lot,” he asked me again, smiling hopefully.
When did the usually confident Felix become so humble? He had changed a lot and invested so much in
Lilac. It was clear that he genuinely cared for her.
If it weren’t for what happened later, I would have considered offering my blessings regardless of Lilac’s
character as long as Felix liked her.
“Lulu, I’ll be good. I won’t trouble you.” Lilac was always seeking attention in front of me.
I looked at the cheerful face on the screen, and her feigned innocence was too obvious.
My head was pounding.
“Why not ask Colin? He would surely take better care of you than I can.”
Felix awkwardly cleared his throat. “How would he know how to take care of someone?”
I rolled my eyes, not buying into his excuses.
Uncle Austin and Aunt Melinda disapproved of Felix’s relationship with Lilac, and Colin couldn’t be
☐ +15 BONUS
oblivious to such significant matters concerning Felix’s lifelong happiness. Felix sought my help
because he feared that Colin, like his parents, might not approve of Lilac.
This meant that I was his second choice this time. Perhaps in his eyes, I had never been the first choice
In this lifetime.
“How long is this exchange for?” I inquired.
“At most a month,” Felix replied.
“Here’s the deal. I’m not great at taking care of people, and I can’t be as attentive as a boyfriend. I’m also busy lately, so I’ll do what I can. Tell her to contact me if she needs help, but please don’t bother me with trivial matters.”
“That’s enough. Thank you, Lulu,” Felix said with a happy grin.
“Send me her arrival time on WhatsApp. I’ll pick her up if I’m not too busy.”
I hung up, threw the phone on the table, turned off the hairdryer, and collapsed on the bed, feeling
frustrated.
The next morning, Colin took me to have almond croissants–my favorite. Despite the delicious pastries, the thought of Lilac coming made me restless. I couldn’t eat much as the idea of her arrival had already
spoiled my appetite.
Colin sat across from me, gently asking what was wrong as I barely touched my food.
“Lilac is coming, and I don’t like her,” I said.
“Who’s Lilac? What does her arrival have to do with you?” Colin was puzzled as he was unable to
comprehend my annoyance.
I was equally surprised that Colin didn’t seem to know about Felix and Lilac’s situation or the conflicts between Felix and me. Since our first meeting, Colin had never mentioned it or tried to console my broken
heart.