Chapter 507
Back then, the silence between them was comfortable. At the moment, it was like they were strangers living in a world where everything had changed.
No, even the world around them had transformed.
That was Capital City, the heart of power, with its deep, rich history. Its streets, as solemn as they were ancient, breathe life into every nook and cranny, especially during the cold, dry winters when the wind howled through the alleyways.
For her, this city was both a home and a prison.
Maybe it was because the man in front of her would never hold her close again, and her next plastic fiancé was waiting just downstairs.
The sense of division sent Tina's emotional stock plummeting.
What was supposed to be an exciting exhibition then felt utterly dull.
Phillip seemed to share her sentiment. After some silence, he pulled a gift box from his coat pocket and placed it in front of her.
"Promised you last time."
"You remembered."
Even though Christmas had passed, and Tina had long forgotten their conversation about the gift, she immediately set down her coffee mug to pick it up.
It was as light, and she was stunned. "What's inside?"
While she wondered, her fingers felt something hard at the bottom, like a card.
Curiously, she opened it, and a VectorVista Bank card appeared.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
"The pin is your birthday. No limit," Phillip said.
Tina remained silent, not responding.
After a while, she carefully put the card back into the box, resealing it while avoiding his gaze. "Even though my dad cut off my cards, I'm not at a point where I can't survive. There's always food at home, and I won't starve. My friends treat me when we're out. I have no shame in accepting their kindness."
"Besides, it isn't right to use your money now."
She lifted her head, pushing the gift box back toward Phillip. "I've got a new fiancé, and he's waiting downstairs. I'd rather not introduce
you two in case you spearoduce
of me."
Through the small glass table between them, Phillip's gaze was inscrutable.
Tina shook the gift box, but Phillip didn't take it. Finally, she walked around the table, stuffing the box back into his coat pocket.
She didn't sit back down, grabbing her purse and turning to leave.
"What made you choose him?"
Phillip knew he should've
congratulated her gracefully. He was older, supposed to be more mature,
and broad-minded enough toure,
friends, if not lovers. S
But at that moment, he couldn't care less about propriety.
He asked Tina, "What does he have that I don't?"
What indeed? Love was the world's most powerful filter. How could anyone compare?
Tina hadn't expected to see Phillip there, let alone face such a question. Lying needed preparation.
With her back to Phillip, she scrambled for an answer. "He's funnier than you."
"He does look funny."
Tina paused, turning around to look at Phillip's dignified face incredulously. "Did you just say that?"
Phillip realized his rudeness. His upbringing had never taught him to attack someone who hadn't wronged him. "Sorry."
He quickly composed himself, returning to his calm and poised demeanor.
Tina stared at him, unable to
reconcile this side of him with the
man she knew. Phillip was always
composed, even when drunk, always maintaining his reason and manners.