I felt as though I'd been struck by an ice-cold bullet, and boundless agony surged within me. Turning away from the scene, I lost my balance and accidentally bumped into Armand, leaving his school uniform dirty and disheveled.
"Sorry, I...," I stuttered an apology, my emotions already in turmoil.
Yet even in such an awkward position after being knocked over, Armand's expression remained haughty and aloof. He gazed deep into my eyes, as if penetrating the troubles within my heart. Coldly, he remarked, "Accidentally knocking someone over, huh?"
I nodded weakly, responding to his sarcastic remark.
"Some things are foreseeable, but it's your own foolishness that led to all of this," he said disdainfully, showing no trace of compassion.
"You think you and that human can genuinely fall in love?" He stared at me indifferently, dismissing any notion of such a sentiment as a waste of words.
"Corey is not what you think," I attempted to defend him, but he interrupted me.
"Love between humans and werewolves is impossible. Their natures are fundamentally different. You shouldn't hold onto any fantasies about him." His tone was icy, leaving me feeling hopeless.
Unable to endure further, tears welled up uncontrollably. I turned away and hurriedly left.
However, the days that followed were filled with more unpleasant encounters. Although I tried to avoid Corey at university, he eventually discovered me. He acted surprised, showing concern for my new life in the city and inviting me to his place at night. I couldn't stand his hypocrisy and exposed his relationship with the blonde girl. He became infuriated and started insulting me.
"Do you know that Paris is full of stunning girls? Compared to them, you're just ordinary," he mocked, adopting a condescending posture.
Anger welled up within me as I glared at him, my heart full of disappointment and pain. I never expected him to become so heartless and cruel towards me.
"I know you're just a gold digger. Your parents died, and now you're looking for a wealthy boyfriend," he continued to insult me, his words dripping with disgust.
Unable to bear his disparagement, I raised my hand and slapped him hard.
At that moment, my yearning for pure love had died.
Corey was infuriated by the unexpected slap. He stood stunned in place for a while before erupting in anger, roaring at me.
"You dare to hit me?" His rage burned, his tone threatening.
"I'll expose your werewolf identity and make sure you can't survive! Go back to your rural mansionge!" he yelled.
Returning to the mansion at night, my mind was in turmoil, and I felt restless. By chance, I saw Armand reading, and I couldn't help but confide in him about my plight.
He was visibly annoyed at being interrupted in his thoughts and sneered, "Your stupidity never fails to surprise me. I don't understand why my father allowed you to live here."
I loathed his attitude and how he looked down on me.
From that moment on, I decided to pay no attention to Armand, to stop depending on him.
In this city, I would prove my worth and showcase my talent. I wouldn't let anyone belittle me, and I would strive to become strong and independent, making those who once looked down on me take notice.
Paris held countless opportunities for me, and I would seize them with my own hands, creating my own future.
However, little did I know that the day after that incident, Armand had approached Corey to negotiate. He promised to offer Corey a lucrative million-dollar business opportunity through his Parisian relatives. Utilizing his position as an assistant professor to exert influence subtly, he temporarily defused the crisis of my identity being exposed.