Chapter 58: Accidentally met
After refusing Nika’s request, Ansel’s mood became even more chaotic. He couldn’t focus on his work anymore. So Ansel decided to go home, hoping to relieve the tension in his mind. Although he tried everything from listening to classical music to talking on the phone with Desi, completing unfinished paperwork, and even drinking a few glasses of alcohol, Ansel’s condition still did not improve. To make matters worse, at night, Ansel tossed and turned in bed, unable to find peace. The feeling of exhaustion and indecision prevented him from resting and finding a peaceful sleep. Thoughts about Erica and what could happen in the future constantly surrounded him, and he couldn’t escape them.
Ansel really didn’t know what to do. He needed a clear direction. Finally, because he thought too much, his body became exhausted, and he fell into a night of precious sleep.
The next day, when he woke up, Ansel was determined to push aside thoughts of Erica. He was worried about hurting Desi as well as affecting his family’s reputation. So Ansel tried to lie to his heart and say that his feelings for Erica were just temporary. He was just infatuated with Erica. Then, at some point, everything would end, and Ansel’s life would return to normal.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.
To forget about Erica, Ansel decided that he would never meet her again. However, nobody knows what life has in store for them. The arrangements of fate often bring surprises, sometimes even shocking ones for Ansel.
Today is Monday, the start of a busy workweek. Ansel is on his way back to the office after a business meeting with a client. Passing by the university where he once studied, for some unknown reason, Ansel decides to stop and visit the school. Perhaps it was a stroke of luck or some supernatural force, but Ansel could not resist the urge to delve deeper into the campus.
As Ansel walked through the familiar hallways, memories of his college days flooded his mind. It had been three years since Ansel graduated, yet everything felt like it had just happened yesterday. Lost in the nostalgia of the past, Ansel suddenly sees Erica, the person he is trying to push out of his heart and mind. When Ansel sees Erica, his heart skips a beat, and he feels an unusual surge of emotion. He is afraid that he will not be able to control his feelings. This situation is terrible, and Ansel is trying his best to adjust his life. Yet, everything is not going as smoothly as he wishes. Ansel never thought that fate would play such a cruel joke on him. And in a fleeting thought, Ansel regretted his decision to visit the old school. If he had known that he would meet Erica here, Ansel would not have come.
What should Ansel do now? He is really conflicted. He doesn’t know what he should do. Should he act on reason or follow his heart? Either choice will make Ansel uncomfortable and uneasy. Finally, with no other options left, Ansel forces himself to ignore the emotions in his heart. Even though he knows this choice will bring pain and hurt to his heart.
Breaking free from his thoughts, Ansel quickly decides to leave, as he is really worried about facing Erica. However, as if he were being punished or cursed, before he can escape, Erica happens to see Ansel and unconsciously calls out his name.
“Oh, Ansel.”
Erica’s sweet, cheerful voice freezes Ansel’s entire body. He stands still, unable to move.
Seeing Ansel standing still, Erica assumes that he is waiting for her. She quickly walked toward Ansel. In no time, Erica is standing in front of him, facing him directly.
“It’s been a while! How are you feeling?” Erica said, her smile shining brightly.
Erica appeared to be very natural and relaxed, unlike Ansel, who was trying to hide a secret. This made Ansel slightly more confident. Strange. Was Erica’s behavior normal? Shouldn’t she be shy or difficult to deal with, just like Ansel? In fact, according to Erica, there was nothing to worry about. After finding out that Ansel had a girlfriend, Erica decided to maintain a safe distance from him and only see him as a friend. Although Erica’s heart was still not completely over Ansel, she was trying every day. Unlike Ansel, who chose to run away and ignore reality, Erica liked to face things and find better solutions for both sides, avoiding pain.
After a moment of silence, Ansel hesitated to respond, giving Erica a faint smile: “Hi Erica. I’m feeling better now; thank you for asking.” His voice was a bit unsteady, but he tried his best to hide it.
“Well, that’s good. I’m happy for you,” Erica said with a sigh of relief. “So, what are you doing here?”
Erica started the conversation happily, while Ansel felt anxious and unsure how long he could keep up the facade. But for now, Ansel thought he should try his best to pretend to be natural and chat with Erica to hide his true feelings for her.
“I have some business nearby, so I thought I’d stop by our old school for a bit.” Ansel replied, surprising Erica with an interesting revelation.
“Did you study here?” Erica asked, clearly surprised.
“Yes, I graduated more than three years ago. I studied economics.” Ansel said.
“I saw a picture of the top students from previous years. There was someone who looked a lot like you, but I wasn’t sure at the time. I can’t believe it was you.” Erica said excitedly.
“I took that picture about two years ago, during the 20th anniversary celebration of the school’s founding.”
Erica nodded in understanding.
“What about you?” Ansel changed the topic, taking the opportunity to talk to Erica. “How’s your studying going?”
“I haven’t started yet,” Erica replied, glancing towards the notice board in the schoolyard. “I came here today to check the results of my entrance exam. If I pass, I’ll officially start studying here tomorrow.”
“I see.” Ansel suddenly remembered Erica’s important exam. At the time, she couldn’t come to the hospital to see him off because she was busy with an exam. “So, how did it go? Did you do well?”
“I haven’t checked yet.” Erica turned to Ansel and said, “Would you like to come with me and see the results?”
Unable to refuse Erica’s sincere request, Ansel agreed.
“Of course.”
Quickly, they headed towards the notice board, where a crowd had gathered.