Chapter 9
Vincent and I had been together for eight
years.
We attended the same university for our undergraduate studies. Later, I was accepted into a prestigious graduate program, while he chose to enter the workforce. Then, I pursued my Ph.D. and he successfully started his business. Eventually, he said to me, “Let’s get married.”
There were no friends as witnesses, no engagement ceremony–just his words and my acceptance. At the time, I believed that our love was indestructible and that nothing or no one could tear us apart.
Looking back now, I realize I was too young. True love can be fleeting and unpredictable.
In the afternoon, I went to my alma mater to attend a medical fund donation event
30% 12:09
1/6
30
12:09
Chapter 9
sponsored by a company. To my surprise, Vincent was there too.
30
Behind the scenes, he looked at me with a bright smile, his eyes gleaming. “I saw that paper the other day, so I quickly contacted the collaborators and joined in. If I had waited any longer, I would‘ ve missed this great opportunity that’s been covered by the media.”
“By the way, do you know someone named Olivia Claire? Can you help me find out more about them? I hope to get an interview or have them endorse my company.”
I looked at him quietly. For a moment, I even thought about telling him that I was. the “big shot” he was talking about. I wasn’t just some useless person wasting time.
But then, he spoke again: “Wait, how could you possibly know her? Geniuses only hang out with other geniuses,” he said dismissively. “You‘ re not in a
30% 12:09
2/6
Chapter 9
position to know her.”
I felt the words I wanted to say get stuck in my throat, but I swallowed them back
down. There was no need to explain
anymore.
“No, I don’t know her,” I answered flatly.
It seemed like he had expected this response and made a face.
“I heard through the grapevine that there’s a list of people who are about to go do research in a national secure facility. I bet Olivia Claire is on that list.”
“Yes,” I replied casually.
Vincent looked up at me, eyes narrowing.
“You know about this list?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Ah, never mind.”
At that moment, one of my junior colleagues came over to call me. “Senior,
30% 12/10
3/6
12:10
30
Chapter 9
the professor wants you in the group photo! So many people want to take pictures with you, or they might not get another chance!”
I nodded, standing up to leave.
Vincent grabbed my arm. “What do you mean ‘no chance‘?”
I pressed my lips together and gently pulled away from him. “Nothing. Someone just needs to leave, that’s all.”
“Who’s leaving?”
“Not anyone in particular.”
As I walked away, I glanced back to see him standing there, looking confused.
Vincent, I’m leaving. You don’t need to know.
**
Countdown: 1 day.
Vincent broke his promise again.
30% 12-10
4/6.
30
12:10
Chapter 9
In the middle of the night, he received a call from Zoe, crying. She said she had forgotten her keys and her parents had gone to her grandmother’s house. She didn’t know what to do.
Vincent intentionally leaned over to see if I was asleep and I pretended to be fast asleep.
On the balcony, his voice was louder than usual in the quiet of the night.
“Why did you go back to your place?”
“Don’t you like your sister‘ s apartment?”
Zoe sobbed on the other end of the line. “I didn’t go back after the trip. I feared
Claire would find out and be upset, so I planned to move back in a few days.”
“I told you to stay there. It’s just a house,” Vincent replied.
“I’m so scared, Vincent. The old neighbourhood is so dark. I feel like
30% 12-10
5/6
12:10
30
Chapter 9
someone is following me.”
“Don’t worry! Don‘ t hang up! I‘ 11 come right now.”
I woke up to find that Vincent still hadn’t come back.
I didn’t feel like asking where he had gone or calling him to check if he was still coming home. The professor had asked me to bring my documents to the university and I had other things to take care of.
It was only while I was on my way that I received a call from Vincent.
“Sorry, Claire, can we visit the campus another time?”
