Chapter 5

Verena's colleagues knew she was being transferred, so they threw a farewell party to bid her farewell.

At the restaurant where the party was held, Verena unexpectedly ran into Stefan and Noreen.

Stefan was momentarily stunned to see Verena, but he quickly walked over to her and said, "Verena, don't get the wrong idea. We're not on a date. We're just here for a class reunion."

Verena replied with a faint smile, "So, you and she are classmates. That's news to me."

Stefan looked embarrassed.

He and Noreen had never attended the same school, not even as alumni.

Noreen looked as innocent as ever. She said, "It's Stefan's class reunion, and they asked everyone to bring spouses. Since you and Stefan have been having a tiff, I came along to make up the numbers so he wouldn't be laughed at."

"That's great," Verena said. She ignored Stefan and Noreen and was about to head to the room she was supposed to be in.

However, Stefan wouldn't let it go. He held onto her arm and said, "Verena, you really misunderstood. There's nothing between Noreen and me. It's been half a month since our last argument. You should be over it by now. Let's make up,"

Stefan pleaded, his eyes filled with anxiety.

But he didn't notice the spiteful glare Noreen shot at Verena as he tried to clear up any misunderstanding about him and Noreen.

Noreen was like a poised snake, ready to strike at any moment.

Just as Verena was about to break free, a piercing scream echoed down the hallway. "Fire!"

Thick smoke followed shortly after, filling the air.

Panic ensued as restaurant guests screamed, cried, and rushed toward the exit in a frenzy.

Tables and chairs were knocked over. The sound of shattering glassware was constant.

In the chaos, Stefan instinctively tightened his grip on Verena's hand. He said anxiously, "Don't panic. Follow me."

Meanwhile, Noreen suddenly screamed and collapsed to the floor.

She cried hysterically, and her voice was louder than the chaos of the fire. "Stefan, I can't move. My leg is cramping. I'm so scared..."

Stefan immediately stopped in his tracks.

He rushed to Noreen instantly, crouched down, and lifted her in his arms.

Noreen wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.

Then, she suddenly raised her head and flashed a triumphant and malicious smile at Verena.

Stefan carried Noreen toward the exit without a glance back at Verena.

He was oblivious to the fact that as they passed by her, Noreen took advantage of the chaos to shove Verena hard.

Verena stumbled to the floor. Right where flames had just ignited, the fire quickly caught her skirt.

Instinctively, she tried to pat out the flames on her leg, and her fingers burned with pain.

Fortunately, the firemen arrived in time to extinguish the flames on her.

Verena was helped to the open space outside the restaurant. Her hands and legs were swollen and blistered.

Medical personnel crouched in front of her and treated her wounds. The antiseptic's sharp sting caused her to gasp.

Her phone rang repeatedly, but she was in no condition to answer.

"Verena, there you are."

She looked up to see Stefan.

"I've been searching for you everywhere. Why didn't you answer my calls? I was so worried about you. How did you get injured? You were too careless."

Verena replied softly, "I was injured because Noreen pushed me into the fire. Would you believe my words?"

Stefan immediately furrowed his eyebrows. "Verena, I know you're upset because you're hurt, but you can't take it out on Noreen. She wouldn't harm a fly. How could she intentionally hurt you? You can't accuse her just because you have a bias against her."

Verena laughed, though tears began to fall.

She said, "Stefan, haven't you always wanted to know why I wanted to break up with you? Look, that's the reason. In your eyes, no matter what happens, you will always protect Noreen, who always seems the weak one. And you always blame me for making a fuss over nothing and ignore me. We're destined not to work out."

Stefan's eyes were filled with panic and reluctance. "It's not like that. I only sympathize with Noreen. I've never considered marrying her. I love you. After all these years, can you really break up with me? Tell me what I did wrong, and I'll change."

Verena shook her head. "I love the one who loves me, cares for me, and accepts me. But I don't love the guy who leaves me behind and unconditionally believes another woman. Stefan, we can't go back."

"But I promised you a future." Stefan's voice was choked with emotion. His eyes were locked on Verena as he tried to evoke memories. "We promised to get married, have two adorable children, keep many pets, and travel the world together. We planned so much for the future. Have you really forgotten?"

"Your future plans never really included me," Verena said, closing her eyes tightly.

When she opened them again, there was no longing.

"In your future, there's always a place for Noreen. She needs your protection and care. And I... I'm just someone not as important. I don't care for such a future."