2#02

2

Shortly after I learned of Isla's feelings for me, our relationship was discovered by the principal.

In an effort to safeguard the Elander Family's standing, the school publicly shamed me, declaring my character flawed in front of the entire faculty and student body. Subsequently, I was forcibly moved from a top-tier urban high school to one of the area's lowest-ranking institutions.

As I departed, Isla vowed that we would reunite after finishing school.

Holding onto her promise, I redoubled my efforts at the dilapidated school, aiming to secure a spot at a prestigious university and prove my worth to her.

However, upon graduation, I was met not with her affection, but with the sight of her standing happily beside Orion, their hands intertwined.

"You deceiver! How could you claim to have been accepted to Stellar University!"

"You can't even gain admission to a second-rate college, yet you aspire to be with me? How brazen!"

"Do you truly believe a family of your status is fit to associate with the Elander Family? Marrying you would tarnish our reputation!"

At that moment, I frantically tried to explain that I had indeed passed Stellar University's entrance exam, but my acceptance letter had been destroyed.

She refused to believe me, instead regarding me with utter revulsion.

Following that encounter, I didn't see them again for four years.

Under the guise of working in a distant location, I secretly relocated to the capital, Stellaria.

Without informing Evelyn, I managed to complete my four-year university degree through various work-study arrangements. By the time I graduated, I had also landed a respectable position in the finance sector.

"Vincent, you've returned! It's been so long since we last saw you."

Orion's parents greeted me with astonishment when they arrived home from work.

Looking at them now, knowing the truth, my emotions were incredibly mixed.

They were my biological parents!

Yet, they had been kept unaware all this time.

Gazing at their faces, I forced a sad smile.

Before I could reply, Orion approached me with an air of superiority.

"Vincent, you must have struggled working all these years."

"You know, with Isla and I getting married soon, what I desire most is your support."

"How about serving as my best man at the wedding?"

Orion was well aware of how deeply I had once loved Isla Elander.

His sudden request for me to be his best man was clearly nothing more than a calculated attempt to reopen old wounds.

"Oh, Orion, this worthless boy doesn't deserve to be your best man! He would only bring you shame, don't you agree?"

"But don't fret, he can handle all the menial tasks on your wedding day. That's all he's suited for!"

Evelyn didn't even allow me to respond before declining on my behalf.

Orion chuckled and shook his head.

"Godmother, you're unaware, but back in high school, Vincent and I both had feelings for Isla. We even made a pact. Whichever of us married her, the other would be the best man. Isn't that right, Vincent Hayes?"

His words were a thinly disguised brag, and his challenging gaze made his intentions obvious.

In truth, I knew he wanted to remind those high school classmates who had wagered on which of us would win Isla's affection.

He wanted to show them he had emerged victorious.

Just then, the doorbell chimed and Isla entered, carrying an elegant cake.

The moment she stepped in and saw me, her jovial expression instantly turned frosty.

Her eyes narrowed with animosity as she spoke harshly, "What are you doing here now?"

"Don't tell me you're still hung up on me!"

"Next week is my wedding to Orion. If you dare cause any problems, I won't be lenient!"

After four years of separation without a single encounter, this was her greeting to me.

I gave her an icy smile and responded calmly, "Whatever transpired between us is firmly in the past."