A Moment in Destiny

Chapter 278 Pray for Happiness

“Just now, you and Vincent both went in the direction of the bathroom together; did he punish you with his dominance again?” Renee was such a gossip, Leila felt annoyed and said to herself.

“What’re you shy for? This is normal, no? It’s not like you two are cheating. Besides, there are plenty of cheaters now that are open about it. Besides, look how cute you are. Even I want to kiss you!”

“I don't want to talk to you anymore; hurry and get to work. I don’t think I will make it tonight!”

“How come? Got a date with Vincent?”

“No!” She subconsciously denied, and looked for an excuse. “My period is here and too painful. I’ll go with you in a few days, alright?”

“A date’s a date, no need to deny it. Besides, it’s not like I’m someone unreasonable!”

“Uh! Sorry!”

“Whatever, go on your date!”

On the busy street, Vincent sat in his Bugatti and rubbed his eyebrows.

His car was parked on the street corner. He looked out at F City’s marvelous cityscape. The setting sun shone in his eyes, but didn’t provide a bit of warmth. It seemed like he was enjoying the landscape but also lost in thought. He was like an emotionless statue, just looking at his cellphone. After a short while, it rang.

“Vincent, when are you gonna do it?”

“I’ll play it by ear! Don’t worry about this anymore!” Vincent took a puff of his cigarette. “You take care now, see you around!”

“Wait, about you and Leila…” The other end of the phone was anxious to ask, but stopped short.

“She’s just a pawn, nothing more!” He said coldly. He felt aggravated, hung up the phone, and took another deep puff.

The phone suddenly rang again. Looking at the caller ID, Vincent tightened his eyebrows and picked up in an impatient manner. Before the other end had a chance to speak, he said coldly, “I told you, don’t ever call me again. Or else…”

“Vincent-” The other end was stunned by Vincent’s attitude and began to apologize. “I’m sorry, Vincent, I’ll never call you again! But I miss you a lot. I just got back from England and can’t stop thinking about you. Tonight, we-”

“Tonight, isn’t it better to get Zane to sleep with you?” Vincent snapped.

Upon hearing this, the other end gasped, “How did you know?”

“Don’t ever call me again, understand?”

“Vincent!” The voice on the other end began to stutter. “Vincent, I was wrong, I shouldn’t have done that! But I really love you-”

Vincent’s eyes narrowed, and he had on a devilish smirk, which made his expression look even colder. His tone was as cold as ice, “You’re smart, but too smart for your own good!”

After he said these, he hung up the phone and zoomed away in his car…

After work, Leila waited for a long time in the office. Renee and everyone else had already gone home, but there was still no sight of Vincent. She looked down at her phone, but there was no call. She packed her bag and left the office.

At the front entrance, there was still no sign of Vincent, not a call either.

Leila continued to wait before the entrance of city hall. He said he would come pick her up, so she put off her plans with Renee. Maybe he’s still busy, she thought.

“Leila? How come you haven’t headed home yet?” The familiar voice of her father rang beside her ear, and she turned to see her father walking towards her.

“Dad? How come you’re walking home?”

“The driver’s taking care of some family business, he’ll be here soon!”

Leila nodded. It was her first time meeting him here at city hall. Though they worked at the same place, but they never seemed to cross paths. They never talked much, so Leila kept her head down.

Seeing his daughter put her head down, Brian asked, “Does Vincent treat you well?”

“Well!” She uttered one word and nodded.

“Are you waiting for him?”

“Yes!”

“Is he really treating you well?” Brian couldn't help but ask, trailing off as he asked.

Leila raised her head to see his sharp gaze, then suddenly drooped her head again and bit her lips. But she still nodded and said, “Well!”

“Tell me how he treats you well, then!” Brian’s tone softened a bit.

“Well, he cooked for me...” Leila said in a soft tone, all the while thinking about how he made her chicken soup while she was on her period, how he washed the bedsheets, and how he brought her

dessert. Her eyes were filled with warmth and light. “He even washed my clothes…”

“Cook? Wash clothes?” Brian repeated in a shocked manner. “Never would have guessed!”

“Right, me neither!” Leila said softly, then quickly raised and then lowered her head again. “Dad, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course, we’re family; what’s there not to ask?”

“Why did you want me to make Mr. White fall in love with me? You know that he and my sister were together!” This was the question she always pondered. Vincent told her that her father was merely using her. Though she didn’t say so, but she still had to know the reason.

Brian paused to ponder a moment, then kindly replied, “Leila, though the two of you got married for the family’s namesake, but I don’t want my daughter to get a divorce. I hope you will find happiness, and the only way for you to do that is to make him fall in love with you. That way, you’ll be happy! Usually, love comes before marriage, but you two did not get together because of love, so my deepest wishes were that you find love and happiness!”

“Is that it?” Leila looked up; this time, she did not shy away. There was a glitter in her eyes as she stared straight on at Brian, as if she comprehended his words.

Brian’s eyes were filled with kindness. He patted her shoulder and said, “Every parent wishes their children will be successful and find happiness. I may be F City’s mayor, but I’m still a commoner as well. As a parent, of course I’d want my daughter to be happy!”

Hearing this, Leila was silent for a while, then her lips formed a huge smile. She grabbed her father’s arm, her heart filled with joy. “Thank you, dad!”

“Go home and visit your mother more often if you’ve got time! Your mom’s getting lonely!” Kindness radiated from his eyes as he looked at his daughter’s arm on his.

“I will; I’ve got to turn in my dissertation next week. After that, I’ll come visit. I might have to take some time off!”

“Time off?” Brian nodded. “School is important. I spoke to your counselor; she said you’re doing quite well. You’re one of the top 10 in the school graduating with honors. I’m proud of you!”

“I’m only ranked one of the top students of the school, not the province!”

“Why not? I’m sure you’re one of the top students in the province too! Graduation’s coming up, remember to do your best, both at school and at work!”

“Yes!”

As they chatted, a car drove up; Brian’s driver got out the car, and in a half-panicked manner hurried up to Brian. “I’m sorry, Mayor, for taking up your time!”

“No worries; everyone’s got family emergencies now and then. Everything taken care of?”

“Yes! Thanks for your concern!”

“Leila? He’s not here yet. Do you want me to give you a ride?”

“I’ll wait a bit longer, dad. You head home first! I’m sure mom’s worrying by now.” Leila smiled politely at the driver, and escorted her father into the car.

“Well, give him a call, it’s getting late, return home early!” Brian said.

“Got it!”

She watched as the car drove away, then she smiled from ear to ear. She felt quite happy to have such a concerning father. Even though the car was long gone, she still looked on at that direction.

It was getting later and darker out, but still no sign of Vincent. Leila took out her phone and mulled over whether or not to call him.

After a long while, she finally called. The phone rang for a while; finally, just as she was about to hang up, he picked up.

He barked in an irritated voice, “What’re you calling for?”

Leila was stunned; she replied softly, “Didn’t you tell me to wait for you?”

The other end was silent for a few seconds, then Vincent chimed out, “I’ve said too much, I forgot all about it. Don’t call me again!”

... Leila was stunned. Listening to his harsh tone, she couldn’t help but feel a clench in her heart. “Fine! I can never call you, but you need to remember, so that you won't question why I never call you later on!”

After this, she hung up the phone and took a deep breath; a look of disappointment flashed across her face.

It’s been too long since she last went shopping. Seeing the sun go down, Leila smiled and nodded. Content © NôvelDrama.Org 2024.

Well, life goes on; might as well go eat something first.

She casually strolled along the streets, looking at the passing strangers and cars. She had never been able to so casually take a walk before, so might as well enjoy the moment.

As she passed by the school, she thought about her laptop and headed in the school’s direction.

At the dormitory.

She opened the door. No surprise; without her laptop, her two roommates were not home either. They were probably busy with their own things at their internships.

She looked around and sighed, then left the dorms. She found a nice restaurant before the school to eat quietly in peace. Everyone in the shop was a couple, only she was by herself.

Outside the campus grounds, a music store was playing an interesting song- “The Joys of Being Single”

I finally thought things through

I won’t be the girl who keeps waiting anymore

Take off my ring, put on a ponytail

No longer will I think about you

I’ll accept my faults and admit defeats

She’s your true love

Loneliness accompanies freedom in vibrant colors

I’ll fling my hair and walk tall

Just a little heart break, anyway

I’ll wave by bye, wish you both well

I’ll enjoy the joys of being single…

Leila paid for her meal and headed out the small shop. As she listened to this song, she thought she could have a great time by herself.

She walked along the street, and at a corner without street lamps was a home theater rental store. Leila browsed around, then remembered that, a long, long time ago, a classmate brought her here to watch a movie starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung, "In the Mood for Love."

After the movie, he left after his sophomore year in college! He went abroad to study at the University of Queensland in Australia, and there was no news of him ever since then.

It’s been three years now; she wondered how was he doing now?

She shook her head slightly. Was she getting old? To think that she was already recollecting events in the past already. Only old people did this, right?