My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 81

We had all just come out of the water, our clothes still soaked through.

The breeze swept by, carrying a chill with it.

Hank chuckled in exasperation as he gently tapped Lauren's forehead. "You can't even swim, and you still decided to play in the water? Are you asking for trouble?"

With that, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms.

When he walked past me, his expression turned displeased as he said, "Wait here for me. I'll come find you later."

Without sparing me another glance, he strode away.

Marco watched him leave, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Janet, what did he mean just now? Why did he suddenly say he's your boyfriend?"

Shivering from the cold, I sneezed.

"He's just cold and confused, saying nonsense," I replied, offering no further explanation as I started walking toward the inn.

Once back at the inn, I quickly went to my room to shower and change.

When I had fallen into the creek earlier, I distinctly felt someone deliberately pulling me into the water.

Now, it seemed clear—it was Lauren.

But why would she do that?

Before I could figure it out, Hank came knocking at my door.

This time, after opening the door, I didn't let him in but stood blocking the entrance.

Hank glanced down the hallway, making sure no one was around, before lowering his voice. "I have something to talk to you about. Let's go inside."

"No, Hank. If you have something to say, say it here. If someone sees you entering my room, they'll get the wrong idea."

Hearing this, he immediately abandoned the idea of coming in.

His expression turned serious as he looked at me. "Janet, what's wrong with you today? It's one thing for Lauren to act out, but why are you going along with her nonsense?"

"Nonsense? I thought it was great. Lauren genuinely likes you," I said earnestly.

Hank's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read my thoughts. "You're not usually like this. Why the sudden change…?"

"What was I like before?" I asked.

At this, his expression softened, and he gave a roguish smile. "You used to get so jealous. You wouldn't let any women near me and always told me to stay away from them."