Chapter 3

Serenity paused for a moment, her tone suddenly turning somber.

"What do you mean?"

I was about to explain when she impatiently cut in, "Do you find it amusing to be so unreasonable every single time?"

"You're twenty-five now, not a child anymore. Can't you stop being so immature? Do you have any idea how exhausting it is for me to placate you each time?"

Suddenly, I lost all desire to explain and simply hung up the phone.

Ever since we got together, the eight-year age gap has always been a sore spot for me.

That's why I've always tried to appear mature, never once acting childish in front of her.

When she wanted to focus on her career, I became her support system.

When she went out drinking for work, flirting with other men, I pretended not to notice.

In the end, I've made a fool of myself.

I don't know if it was because I didn't go to pick up the stuff, but Serenity actually showed up at my door.

She handed me the gift box, saying, "I saw this on the way. It's something you've always liked. Keep it safe."

"Thank you."

I politely accepted it and went back to my room, tossing it straight into the trash can.

The sound of shattering porcelain reminded me that inside was indeed the cup I had left at Serenity's place.

When I came out, Aunt had already prepared dinner.

The three of us sat around the table, but before we could start eating, the doorbell rang. Nolan stood at the doorway with a radiant smile. "Sorry I'm late."

Though he apologized, his eyes remained fixed on Serenity.

Aunt, naturally understanding the situation, warmly invited him in.

Serenity suddenly rose and sat next to me. "Is it okay if I sit here?"

Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for any hint of jealousy or anger.

But there was nothing.

Aunt, leading Nolan to the dining room, was startled.

She quickly came over and pulled me to sit beside her, whispering complaints to Serenity.

"What's the deal with me sitting next to your ex-boyfriend, as well as the potential love interest? Nolan's clearly here for you tonight, don't mess this up."

Nolan naturally took a seat next to Serenity.

"Fintan, did you like the gift box I picked out for you? I chose it myself."

His words seemed like a challenge.

Warning me of his special place in Serenity's heart.

I just coldly said thanks.

Aunt laughed, "You're still treating him like a kid. I actually want him to start dating soon, so when he goes out—"

"Aunt!"

I interrupted her. "Weren't you going to set me up with a girlfriend before?" Aunt stared at me in shock. "You agreed to meet?"

"I'll call to arrange it right away. You need to take this first meeting seriously. Tomorrow, I'll have a designer come to the house to make you two custom suits. We'll need to bring in a stylist as well."

Serenity's expression grew increasingly sour.

She fixed her gaze on me, unmoving. "You're going on a blind date?"

"Yeah, does Aunt Carlisle know any nice girls that could be introduced to me?"

Serenity's hand trembled as she gripped her chopsticks.

Nolan noticed and casually remarked, "You know, Serenity is only a couple years older than Fintan. They'd make a good-looking pair."

Serenity abruptly stood up. "Don't talk nonsense! He's my junior!"

I grunted in agreement. "Aunt Carlisle is like my aunt to me. Uncle Harrington, it's not appropriate for you to say that."

I don't really remember how that dinner ended.

All I know is that after that day, Serenity never contacted me again.

My aunt did tell me one thing, though.

"Nolan says he wants to win Serenity back. He's asked us to help. You're not busy these days, so why don't you come along with me?" I agreed to my aunt's request without hesitation. "Sure thing."

Serenity would be thrilled that I'm helping her win back her ex-boyfriend, right?