Chapter 245

I cleared my throat and looked away.

Even though I knew I had no right to be jealous given my current status, I couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable. I wasn't sure where this discomfort was coming from.

To avoid it, I pretended not to see anything.

I busied myself, shoving small pastries into my mouth one after another until my stomach was full and my mind stopped wandering.

After I was full, I sighed contentedly.

Just then, I saw Royce walking towards me. Instinctively, I wanted to hide, so I ducked behind Asher.

Royce's face turned slightly cold as he approached and grabbed my arm. "Why are you hiding?"

I waved my hand dismissively. "When did I hide? I wasn't hiding."

He frowned slightly. "Then come with me."

"I have something to discuss with Asher. Weren't you just chatting happily with others? Go back to them."

My attitude seemed to annoy Royce, and he dragged me forward forcefully.

I looked to Asher for help, but he just shrugged, indicating he couldn't do anything.

I let Royce pull me along, but his grip was so strong it hurt. I couldn't help but squirm. "Let go, Royce. It really hurts."

He paused, then slowly released his grip and looked back at me. "Why are you avoiding me?"

"I told you, I'm not avoiding you. Can't I have something to discuss with Asher?"

"If you weren't avoiding me, why did you run when you saw me?"

I had no response because, at that moment, I had indeed instinctively wanted to avoid Royce.

"Why are you being so difficult? Weren't things fine before?"

I frowned. "What do you mean by 'being difficult'? Are you saying I'm being unreasonable?"

Royce took a deep breath. "That's not what I meant. But can you tell me what's wrong?"

I didn't know why I was so angry, but I couldn't control my emotions.

"I said nothing's wrong."

I abruptly pulled my hand away and turned to leave.

I didn't notice Royce's gaze on me as I sat in a corner, angrily taking off my high heels and catching my breath.

I didn't know why I was so upset. Royce hadn't done anything wrong. Maybe he just said something offhand, but I took it seriously.

I sat in the corner for a long time, trying to calm down. Maybe my emotions were triggered by the discomfort of my high heels. In any case, my emotions were too easily stirred.

Just then, I saw Royce walking over.

He stood in the light, blocking all the glaring lights, and looked down at me. "Still mad?"

I suddenly felt like my earlier behavior was unreasonable. I shook my head lightly.

The only stubbornness I had left was keeping my head down, refusing to look at him.

Royce didn't seem to mind. He crouched down and handed me a band-aid. "Here, put this on."

I was stunned and looked at him in disbelief.

Seeing that I didn't take the band-aid, he sighed, lifted one of my feet, and carefully applied the band-aid to the spot that was most rubbed raw.

I felt a bit embarrassed and tried to move my foot, but he held my ankle firmly. "Don't move."

I coughed lightly. "What are you doing? There are so many people here."

"I'm just putting on a band-aid. Don't move."

He carefully finished with one foot and then did the same with the other.

The seriousness in his eyes made it hard for me to look directly at the emotions in his gaze.

When he was done, I cautiously pulled my foot back.

He looked up at me. "All done."

I nodded and whispered, "Thank you."

Royce raised an eyebrow. "What did you say? I didn't hear you."

"I said thank you."

In this moment, it really seemed like my earlier outburst was unreasonable.

I felt even more embarrassed.

"Your voice is too soft. I can't hear you."

I couldn't help but glare at him. "Are you picking a fight on purpose?"

I noticed he was smiling playfully.

He then sat next to me and asked, "What was that all about earlier?"

How could I admit I was being unreasonable? I just shook my head.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it. I was just feeling a bit down thinking about Alfonso. It wasn't about you. I'm sorry."

I apologized softly to Royce, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Just as I was about to say something else, the woman who had been chatting with Royce earlier suddenly walked over.

"Royce, who is this?"

I didn't know what Royce would say, so I quickly answered, "I'm his friend. Nice to meet you."

Because I answered so quickly, Royce's face turned slightly cold, but he nodded.

I felt a pang of disappointment. I must be crazy. Wasn't I the one who said I was just his friend? Why was I feeling disappointed?

"Nice to meet you. Royce never mentioned his friends to me."

I looked at Royce. "And you are?"

"A classmate a year below him, Yvonne."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Caroline, an old high school friend of his."

"So you're the same age as Royce? Can I call you sister?"

I nodded. "By age, I suppose I am your sister. You can call me that."

"Nice to meet you, sister. Royce and I have something to discuss privately. Could you give us a moment?"

I was taken aback but nodded. "Sure, I'll leave you to it."

I stood up, ready to leave.

Just then, Royce grabbed my wrist. "Where are you going?"

I glanced at Yvonne and forced a smile. "Yvonne has something to discuss with you. I shouldn't be here."

Royce frowned slightly. "Sit down. Are your feet okay?"

I looked at Yvonne, unsure of what to do.

Yvonne glanced at Royce and then smiled. "If Royce wants you to stay, then stay. It's fine."

So I awkwardly sat back down, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible.

I didn't notice Royce frowning again, looking at me with some dissatisfaction.

"Royce, I ran into our professor the other day. He said he misses you and wants you to visit him abroad. When are you going back?"

I listened to their conversation, feeling a bit down. I thought, I really don't belong in this conversation. I should have just left earlier.

That was a part of Royce's college life, which had nothing to do with me.

"I'll call him when I get a chance. I'll visit him sometime."

Royce's face was indifferent as he nodded casually.

Yvonne didn't give up and continued their conversation. "Royce, do you remember that foreign girl who had a crush on you back in school?"