"If you're trying to console me, don't bother. I'm not that fragile," Adrian said with a slight smile, interrupting Julia. "It's just one defeat. I'll get it within two years at most."
His confident words momentarily stunned Julia.
"Of course, thank you nonetheless," Adrian said as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from Julia's temple behind her ear, looking into her eyes earnestly, "You look truly beautiful tonight, Julie."
His gesture instantly evoked memories in Julia. She opened her mouth as if to say something but quickly turned her head away, seemingly conflicvted and at a loss.
Fortunately, Adrian shifted the topic, "By the way, when did you get to the party? I didn't see you around."
"Um, I just arrived not long ago. I was at another party at the Melita Hotel, and because it was a bit boring, I decided to take a walk. Then I ran into a friend who dragged me here," Julia responded with a shrug and a smile.
