Zora snorted dismissively, "Just make sure the launch goes perfectly." The wounded pride in front of Zane—she was counting entirely on this event to win it back. "Got it," Lucian replied, pushing the door open to leave. The moment it shut behind him, his casual smile vanished, replaced by a sharp, calculating look. ... The day of the Quest University interview dawned, and Darcy arrived on campus early. The air in the waiting area was thick with silent, crackling tension. Every time a candidate emerged, the others would swarm them, voices hushed and anxious. "Were professors tough? What did they ask?" Even Darcy, who had faced her share of high-stakes moments, felt her palms grow damp."Darcy, I'm freaking out!" Gwen whispered, clutching her arm, her big eyes wide with panic. Darcy gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Relax. I'm right before you. I'll go first and scout the battlefield." Half an hour later, Darcy pushed the interview room door open and walked out. Gwen rushed up immediately. "How was it?!" "It went well. You got this," Darcy smiled. "The professors were kind, and the questions were straightforward. Just stay focused, you'll be fine." Gwen visibly relaxed. "Oh, thank god. By the way, wait for me! Hugo is taking us out for a huge celebratory lunch." Darcy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile polite but firm. "No need. I've got to head home. You two enjoy." Ever since she'd sensed Hugo's intentions, she had consciously started keeping her distance. It's better not to start something that has no future.It was early spring, and the Quest University campus was bursting with life. Lured by the beautiful scenery, Darcy unlocked a shared bike and began riding through the winding paths. The campus was huge. She rode from the west gate, planning to loop around to the east gate. There was a whole row of food stalls there. She'd grab lunch there. Midway, a group of students suddenly spilled onto the path, laughing and blocking the way. Darcy slammed on her brakes, but it was too late. She collided with someone. "I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" She quickly righted her bike and rushed to help the person up. She realized immediately he wasn't a student. He looked around her age, wearing a crisp white shirt tucked into tailored trousers—the picture of a young professional. Lucian brushed the dust off his clothes. "It's fine."When he looked up and met her eyes, he paused. Darcy, with her excellent memory, recognized him too. "Small world. We meet again," she smiled. Thinking of last time, she felt a flush of embarrassment. She'd run into him then as well. "Are you sure you're not hurt? Let me take you to a clinic for a check-up," she insisted. He gave a light chuckle. "It's really nothing." Feeling responsible, Darcy insisted on making it right. Lucian glanced toward the east gate in the distance and pointed. "How about buying me lunch instead? One collision for one meal. Seems like a fair deal." Seeing he wasn't joking, Darcy nodded. "Alright. What would you like?" As they walked, Lucian noticed her backpack. "Are you here for the graduate interviews?" The last time they'd met, she was just finishing the written exam. "Yes," she replied. "You too?" Lucian smiled faintly and shook his head, a shadow of sadness in his eyes. "I'm here on behalf of a friend, visiting her alma mater." That was an odd way to put it. Darcy ventured a guess. "A girlfriend?" He didn't answer. So that had to be it. "She couldn't make it?" "She's in Caldovia." "Oh, she's studying abroad?" After a long pause, Lucian replied softly, "Not exactly. She's buried there." Darcy jolted, looked up at him, and lowered her voice. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories." Lucian just smiled slightly, saying nothing more. Afraid of saying the wrong thing again, Darcy also fell silent.They walked the rest of the way to the east gate and chose a local diner. "What would you like?" Darcy handed him the menu. Lucian asked for her recommendation. After they ordered, Lucian sipped his coffee and asked, "Are you local?" "Yeah. What about you?" Lucian named a city Darcy had heard of but never visited. After the meal, they exchanged WhatsApp contacts. Darcy finally learned his full name—Lucian Yorke. Lucian, resting his chin on his hand, looked at the name on his screen, then up at her, and shook his head with a soft laugh. Of all the coincidences in the world... Darcy frowned. "What is it?" "Nothing," Lucian said, putting his phone away. "How are you getting back? I drove. Want a ride?" "No need. I live close by. I'll just ride the bike.""Alright then—see you around." Darcy thought that was strange. See you around? It's unlikely our paths will cross again. When she got home, the living room and kitchen were empty. Darcy headed towards the master bedroom. The room was dark. Ione was lying on the bed. Darcy's heart leaped into her throat. She flicked the light on. "Mom? Are you okay? Are you feeling sick?"