Leena was also shocked by her professor's speech. She would never expect that her dissertation was reviewed and deemed a success within such a short time. She thought it was going to take weeks! What was more, she did not know that this party was held in her honor, and was surprised to hear her professor's proclamation. Now she had the lion's share of the attention from everyone at the party. Camera lights flashed through her to catch her every movement. She was kind of in a mess inside and did not know what to do and how to react to her sudden fame. Despite this, she still smiled at everyone. A capable woman from a prominent family would always know how to show her best side in public.
Many of the guests were sure that this Asian girl would headline the fashion weeks in Paris thanks to Bella, her professor's promotion. After all, in Europe, most of Bella's favorite students were fashion icons with a high reputation in the fashion field. Being Bella's student and a successful dissertation were half the battle. As one of her students, Leena was born to be a new favorite in the fashion industry.
Leena knew clearly that as her professor, Bella would be kind to her. But she did not expect that she would be so nice that she would push her to the peak. Leena felt extremely flattered. Yet more thoughts and anxieties sprang into her mind. She was not sure whether she was capable enough to make it and live up to Bella's expectations.
She had already become a minor celebrity in the fashion field these years. Her high-profile showing tonight would make her more noticeable. She was going to be the focus of many people's thoughts for quite a long time. Leena was happy and thankful for Bella's arrangement. Yet she felt worried, too. She didn't know if this was the best thing for her. After all, being too prominent might result in jealousy from others, right?
Mignonne, congratulations. your dissertation is safe now." Although Gerard congratulated her on her dissertation, his voice sounded quite lonely. He thought she would stay here for quite a long time before she went back to her home country. But her dissertation went so smoothly. There was not even one rejection from the review board. Bella must love her so much to have instructed her so wholeheartedly. She must have been an excellent student in Bella's eyes.
I didn't expect that either. I thought it was going to take a while. I just found out when my professor announced it a few minutes ago." Leena said and smiled in an apologetic way. But she was delighted in her heart. Finally, she could go home! She could see Kevin in just a few days! It had been quite a long time since she saw him. Everything basically went quite smoothly here. She had thought she would need to stay in Paris for at least a month. But it looked like she could go back soon. She felt cheerful at the thought of seeing Kevin and her family.
"So, are you going back to your country soon?" Gerard fixed his eyes on her, expecting a negative answer from her. In his country, it was quite rare to see a girl like Leena with such beautiful skin. Her beauty was flawless. Her skin was fair yet quite natural. Her milky cheeks showed the blush of beauty and health. How charming she was! Gerard thought he must have been mad to break up with her back at that time.
Yes! But maybe I need to stay here for a few days. I can't leave until my spring week fashion show is finished. I need to take care of it." Leena could not help jumping for joy in her heart. How she wished she could appear in front of Kevin all of a sudden like a rabbit in a magic show. It was the first time she was desperate to be home right at this very moment.
"Just a few days? Such a short time! I thought you would stay here at least until winter comes." Gerard was frustrated. His handsome face was full of disappointment, indicating that he was reluctant to bid Leena goodbye.
Oh, no. I would go crazy if I had to stay here that long." Leena could not help smiling softly. Her bright flower-like smile made Gerard hurt so much in the heart. That smile had belonged to him once. But he had missed it and was unable to have it again. No, maybe there was still any chance for him!
Because of him? The one in your heart? But Mignonne, don't you think maybe I'm the right one for you? We might be a perfect match." Blue eyes full of affection, yet filled with sadness looking at her, Gerard struggled with a sense of hope. They had dated before. Maybe he could win her heart again. His expression mixed with melancholy and passion would infatuate any woman. But Leena would not be one of them. There was someone in her heart she loved and valued so much and there was no more room for another man.
"No, Gerard. I love him. I'm sorry." Leena used to stop herself from falling in love with Kevin. But she could not control her heart. Love knew no reason, no logic. She resisted her heart for so long, but she felt nothing but sad. So she decided to give it a try, try to accept the fact that she fell in love with him. She had no other option.
But, you loved me, didn't you?"
Gerard felt worried. Was he wrong about her? Why did she fall in love with another man a scant few months after they broke up? That was not like her.
Yes, I admired you at that time. I thought I loved you too. But I'm afraid I was wrong. I gradually came to this realization since I married; admiration is not love. They are different. I admit it that I was attracted by your handsome appearance and gentle manners. But it was just a young girl's fascination about another world. I don't think it's true love," explained Leena. When she talked like this to Gerard, Leena felt that she was a woman who had experienced so much. She could not believe that she would say such thoughtful words someday. Kevin probably changed her a lot.
"But, Mignonne, can you guarantee it? That your husband will always love you and won't change his feelings for you?" Gerard said this in a hurry, trying to change her mind. He always believed that Leena had loved him. He did not expect her to say such things, claiming that it was just a feeling of admiration and fascination. The conversation steered away from true love. He did not want to accept this fact.
What about you? Can you guarantee that you aren't just fascinated with me for the moment? You think you love me. But maybe even you can't make such a promise. Gerard, let go of me! Admit it; we are not a couple." Leena kept nodding at people who greeted her. Even she was talking about such a sad and serious topic with Gerard, she still retained her bright and sweet smile. She did not expect that those journalists would describe that she and Gerard acted intimately while they were talking. She did not know that this man who seemed so well-mannered and appeared to be born into a prominent family was the youngest son of Blanc Group's CEO in France. At least, not till the next morning when all the newspapers reported them. No wonder the paparazzi was so thick and so aggressive. The many fashion icons at the party were just a small part of the reason why there were so many cameras trained on them. This rich guy Gerard was another important reason.
Blanc Group was a grand financial clique in France. It was said that many of Gerard's family members had royal blood. The family was the wealthiest in all of France. And their net worth, according to incomplete statistics, was great enough to control half of the economic lifelines in the country. There was no doubt that this family was strong and powerful. So, as one of the inheritors of this group, Gerard was always in the spotlight, always in the headlines. Every media company wanted first-hand news about him so that their papers would outsell the others.