7 . Apologize to Darian

Several days had passed, and Serena was starting to get back to her life as a college student. Though she wanted to complain that she had already graduated, if anyone heard her, they would probably think she was insane.

Serena had also moved back in with her mother, although she would sometimes stay in her dorm room whenever Professor Darian visited their house.

Even though she no longer opposed Elena and Professor Darian's relationship, Serena still couldn't stay in the same room with them for too long. Maybe it was the guilt from her past life that made her unsure of how to act around them—especially in front of Professor Darian.

"Okay, that's it for today's class!"

Serena snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the professor's voice. She wanted to slap her forehead—once again, she hadn't been paying attention in class.

Just then, she received a message from Iril.

(Finally, my cousin decided to reply to my texts. 🙄 Seriously, does he think he's too busy to even open my messages?)

(Here's my cousin's friend's number: 0*******! Do you want to contact him yourself, or should I text him first?)** —Iril

Serena started typing her reply: (I'll just talk to him myself.)

But the moment she remembered that Frau was Iril's fiancé, she erased her response and rewrote it.

(Text him first. At least you know him, right?) —Serena

(Okay!! I'll let you know if he replies.) —Iril

Before Serena could respond, her phone started ringing. She froze for a moment when she saw the caller's name—Professor Darian.

She took a deep breath before finally answering.

"Hello?"

"Are you in class?" Darian asked.

"Not today."

"Can we talk?" he requested.

Serena hesitated. It seemed she could no longer keep avoiding him.

After a brief pause, she agreed. They ended the call after deciding on a time and place to meet.

Since their meeting spot was quite far from campus, Serena hurried to leave.

—

When she arrived, she saw that Darian was already there, casually reading something on his phone with a cup of coffee in front of him. Serena approached and took a seat across from him.

"You're here," Darian greeted with a smile.

Serena didn't return his smile—she simply nodded.

"I'll get straight to the point," Darian began. "I love your mother, and I want to spend my life with her. It's obvious that I plan to marry Elena."

Serena furrowed her brows.

"I know Elena loves me too, but I'm not sure if she'll agree to marry me."

Serena frowned.

"Why wouldn't Mom want to marry you? It's obvious she cares about you."

Darian smiled.

"She won't agree unless you give her your blessing."

"Oh…"

Serena finally realized that she was the reason her mother was hesitant.

She sighed before looking Darian straight in the eyes.

"Are you sure you can make Mom happy?" she asked firmly.

"I can't predict the future, but I promise to do my best to make her happy," Darian answered seriously.

Serena exhaled slowly.

"To be honest ,after that day, I just want Mom to be happy. As long as I can, I'll do anything for her—including supporting your relationship."

Darian's face lit up with happiness. The biggest obstacle in their relationship had finally given her approval.

"Then tell me," Darian asked curiously. "If you're okay with me and Elena being together, why do you always avoid us when we're in the same room?"

Serena rolled her eyes, already feeling annoyed.

"Don't blame me! Watching you two act all lovey-dovey like teenagers all the time makes me nauseous."

Darian chuckled. "Hey, Elena and I are still young!"

Unknowingly, the awkward tension between them had started to fade. Their relationship was improving, and Darian was relieved. Now that Serena had given her blessing, he could finally love Elena openly, without hesitation.

"Professor…"

"Yeah?"

Serena hesitated for a moment before mumbling, "I'm sorry for how I acted before."

She felt a little nervous. "I can't explain why I behaved that way, but I've changed. My priority now is Mom's happiness."

Darian smiled. "That's something we both agree on—Elena's happiness."

Hearing his response, Serena finally smiled at him. For the first time, she gave Darian a genuine smile. Seeing it made him even happier—Serena had truly accepted him.

"And also…"

"What now?" Darian joked.

"Can you get a full medical check-up?" Serena asked.

Darian's smile faded. "Why?"

"Just do it!" Serena insisted. "What if you have a serious illness you don't know about? It's better to find out early than be too late."

She couldn't forget what had happened in her past life. Darian had been seriously ill, and it seemed he didn't have much time left—even though he had only been in his 60s. Serena didn't want her mother to lose him or go through that kind of heartbreak.

Darian could tell Serena was hiding something, but he decided not to push.

"That actually makes sense. Fine, I'll get checked when I have time. I'll take Elena with me too."

"Thank you," Serena whispered, nodding.

Even though she had spoken softly, Darian still heard her. He was now certain that something had happened to Serena—something that had changed her completely. But instead of questioning her, he simply smiled.