Chapter 1405

Chapter 1405:

“Calan, we’re all friends, aren’t we?” Collier remarked, his tone tinged with disappointment. “This seems a bit unfair!”

Calan’s eyes fell upon the brooch nestled in Lilyana’s palm. After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke. “Collier, don’t misunderstand me,” he began, his voice gentle yet firm. “I originally prepared identical gifts for both of you. I just happened to stumble upon this brooch on my journey home, and it seemed as though it was crafted specifically for your sister. I couldn’t possibly walk away from it, so I bought it. Look—doesn’t this brooch complement your sister perfectly?”

Collier’s gaze shifted to the beautiful ornament. He had to admit, it matched his sister remarkably well.

Though Collier adored his sister and would have purchased such a treasure for her himself had he discovered it, hearing this explanation from Calan stirred something unsettling within him. Still, Calan’s reasoning was difficult to fault.

“Alright then,” Collier reluctantly said, “but next time you come across something that suits me, you have to buy it for me too. Of course, if I find something that suits you, I’ll do the same.”

Calan’s laughter rolled warmly through the air as he nodded in gentle agreement. “Sure, I will.”

As seasons changed and time flowed forward, the bond between the three friends only deepened. Lilyana and Calan soon found themselves entering the second semester of their senior year in high school. With college entrance exams casting their long shadow over the school, the entire atmosphere of senior year shifted.

One afternoon, as Lilyana made her way back from the restroom, a remarkably pretty girl with bright eyes stepped into her path. “Lilyana, could I trouble you for a moment? I have something important to ask,” the girl said, her voice soft but determined.

“What is it?” Lilyana paused, regarding the girl with curiosity. She recognized her as Susie Hatfield, whose extraordinary violin skills had earned her admiration throughout the school.

“I want to know if you and Calan are in a relationship,” Susie inquired, her directness surprising.

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Lilyana was taken aback.

“I know it’s a bit forward to ask,” Susie continued, a rosy blush blooming across her cheeks, “but Lilyana, I’ve admired Calan for a long time. With graduation approaching, if you two aren’t a couple, I plan to confess to him.”

As Susie spoke of her feelings for Calan, her face glowing with unmistakable affection, a strange discomfort took root within Lilyana. But facing Susie’s expectant gaze, Lilyana replied with simple honesty, “Calan and I are just friends.”

“That’s great!” Susie’s face lit up with unbridled joy at Lilyana’s response, as though she’d been granted a precious gift. “Thank you, Lilyana. Thank you so much for telling me.”

After expressing her gratitude several times more, Susie departed with a spring in her step. Lilyana watched her retreating figure, feeling strangely adrift in a sea of emotions she couldn’t quite name.

At lunchtime, Lilyana sat with Calan, her fork listlessly pushing food around her plate rather than bringing it to her lips. Calan noticed her unusual behavior and was about to inquire when a voice interrupted them.

“Calan, could I have a word with you in private?”

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