No Escape from Love novel Chapter 286

"Serena, listen to me..." Alex's voice carried a trace of panic as he gripped my wrist tightly, his hold strong enough to make it hurt.

I yanked my hand away with force, rubbing my wrist as I glared at him. "What's there to explain? What do you take me for? Your puppet on a string?"

He froze for a moment but quickly regained his composure. "That's not what I meant. I just—"

"Just what? You just think I should obediently follow your arrangements, go to the company you picked, and live the life you've planned for me?" I cut him off.

"Alex, what makes you think you have the right to control my life? What are we to each other that you think you can meddle this much?"

He opened his mouth as if to say something but nothing came out in the end.

Alex just stared at me in silence with a complicated gaze as if he had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to start.

I didn't want to be entangled with him any longer and turned to leave. But he grabbed my wrist again, this time with a much gentler grip as if he was afraid of hurting me.

"Serena, you've really misunderstood me. I—"

"Enough!" I shook off his hand again. "Alex, you have no right to interfere in my life!"

With that, I walked away without looking back.

Behind me, I heard his voice calling my name, "Serena..."

I quickened my pace, unwilling to hear another word. His actions frustrated me to no end, leaving my mind in chaos.

…

I went to several smaller companies for interviews, but none of them went well. Either the positions weren't suitable, or the salary and benefits were too low.

Feeling dejected, I wandered the streets, watching the endless flow of people.

I stopped in my tracks and looked him straight in the eye. "Alex, did you mess with my interviews on purpose? Are you the reason I keep failing?"

He stiffened slightly, then his expression darkened. "Serena, don't flatter yourself. I wouldn't stoop to such means."

"Heh, who knows?" I sneered. "Do you think I don't know what kind of person you are?"

Back home, I threw myself onto the bed, feeling both angry and wronged.

The phone rang a few times before he picked up. "Hello, Serena?" His voice came through the receiver.

"Lucas, where are you?" My voice was a little hoarse.