My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 33

Without hesitation, Paul immediately dialed Grace's number.

It wouldn't connect.

Standing on the balcony, staring into the deep night, Paul felt an inexplicable rage brewing in his chest.

He was the one who didn't want her. He was the one who had found someone new.

He was the one who had grown tired of her and didn't want her clinging to him anymore.

Now, everything had gone just as he had wished.

But somehow, it didn't make him as happy as he had imagined.

After arriving in the new city, I didn't contact Adrian immediately.

Instead, I met up with my closest college friend, Lexi.

I wanted to share this secret with her.

But for some reason, I couldn't figure out how to tell her just yet.

Unexpectedly, at the welcome dinner Lexi arranged for me, I ran into Adrian.

He was wearing a sleek black business suit, standing by the private room's door.

A matching overcoat hung over his arm.

The corridor lights behind him reflected off the ornate, vibrant murals, casting beautiful, intricate shadows.

And there he stood, just outside those lights, as if the entire scene existed solely to accentuate him.

It had been years since we last met. He seemed even more handsome and composed than he had in college.

Years apart, and now, he was my fiancé.

My cheeks flushed as I lowered my gaze, my fingers nervously twisting the lace trim of my dress.

I could feel a light sweat forming on my back.

Lexi, however, was already excitedly speaking up.

"Adrian! What brings you here?"

"I was here for business tonight and happened to spot some old classmates. Thought I'd invite myself in," Adrian replied, his gaze landing on me.

It lingered for a few seconds before he slowly looked away.

"Hope you don't mind me crashing your dinner?"

"How could we!"

Everyone else chimed in enthusiastically, thrilled at his presence.

"We wouldn't miss the chance to have you join us!"

Adrian smiled and stepped inside. "Well, I won't be shy, then."

He took a seat directly across from me.

The others eagerly greeted him, engaging in friendly chatter.

I, however, kept my head down the entire time, not daring to meet his gaze.

But Adrian didn't seem inclined to let me off so easily.

"Grace, it's been years. Are we distant now?"

Hearing my name, I instinctively looked up, only to lock eyes with his gentle smile.

In that instant, my face turned crimson, and the back of my neck burned hot.

It took me a moment to regain composure. I stood up, picked up my wine glass, and said,