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Novel Catalog
Chapter 52: See Manuel Again
Ainsley’s steps were measured, but the weight of Kaitlin’s relentless apology still lingered in her mind. Kaitlin had tried, but it wasn’t enough to erase the tension between them. She had apologized in front of everyone, and Ainsley had been unresponsive.
“I’ve already apologized. What else do you want from me? My mother didn’t mean it…” Kaitlin’s voice echoed, almost frantic as she jogged to catch up with Ainsley, the desperation clear in her tone.
Ainsley turned her head slowly, casting Kaitlin a cold, indifferent look. “If you and your mother truly wish to leave me in peace, the best thing you could do is stay out of my way. Your apology doesn’t change anything.”
Kaitlin’s face reddened with a mix of frustration and seething anger. Her fists clenched at her sides, her patience fraying. Ainsley’s words had struck a nerve, and though she was about to snap, she held herself back. I’ve been nothing but polite, and this is how she repays me?
Ainsley didn’t even wait for a reply before turning and walking away. Each step was measured and deliberate, signaling her utter disregard for Kaitlin’s apology.
Kaitlin stood there, fuming, watching Ainsley’s retreating back. Her lips curled into a sneer. You think you can ignore me, Ainsley? You’re making a big mistake. Her mind spun with vicious thoughts. You’ll regret this, I promise you.
The next day, the news spread fast across campus—Kaitlin’s public apology was posted on the school forum, complete with photos of her looking sincere. The response was mixed, but it was enough to slowly improve Kaitlin’s reputation.
“Who would’ve thought Kaitlin could apologize so honestly?” one student said.
“I always thought she was too stubborn for her own good. If she’s really willing to admit when she’s wrong, maybe she’s not as bad as I thought,” another commented.
Some still criticized her, but the tone had changed. Most students were starting to soften, seeing Kaitlin in a more positive light.
Kaitlin’s eyes shone with relief as she scrolled through the comments. Her reputation was recovering, and the school’s attitude toward her was shifting. She could almost taste the victory.
Meanwhile, a new topic of conversation began trending. The Gage family was hosting a grand banquet, a coveted event for the elite. Invitations to such gatherings were rare, and many students at the University of Washington, with their connections to powerful families, couldn’t stop talking about it.
Serina, the daughter of the Gage family, was the center of attention. Students surrounded her, each offering gifts in hopes of receiving an invitation.
“Serina, look at this new Chanel bag my dad brought me from Paris. Do you like it?” one girl asked eagerly.
“I have Johnny Haydn’s autograph. I know you’re a fan,” another said, her voice laced with anticipation.
Serina’s face tightened with irritation. She had seen this pattern before—every time the Gage family planned a banquet, students would swarm to her, offering anything they could to gain favor. It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the attention, but the truth was, there were only a few invitations to give out, and she had to be selective. It wasn’t about the gifts; it was about the people she truly valued.
With a sigh, Serina shoved her things into her backpack and pushed her way out of the crowd. She needed a break from the constant flattery and pressure. Her destination was the Psychological Counseling Room, where she knew Ainsley often spent her free time reading.
When Serina arrived, she peeked inside and spotted Ainsley, her nose buried in a book with a black and gold cover. The title, emblazoned with a dark rose, hinted at something mysterious and profound. Ainsley seemed completely absorbed in it.
“Hey, Ainsley,” Serina called softly, poking her head into the room. Ainsley looked up and smiled at the sight of Serina’s innocent, yet determined, expression.
“Ainsley, tomorrow is the Gage family’s big banquet, and I wanted to invite you,” Serina began, her voice tinged with a slight nervousness. “I’d really like it if you came with me. It’s going to be crowded, and honestly, I could use some company.”
Ainsley’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Gage family. The invitation was significant—Serina was offering her a place in the world she had once been a part of. But Ainsley hesitated. She wasn’t sure it was the right time.
She studied Serina’s hopeful expression for a moment before responding. “Serina, you know I appreciate the invitation, but I might have other things to deal with tomorrow. With all that’s been going on, I don’t want to stir up more trouble.”
The disappointment on Serina’s face was immediate, and Ainsley’s chest tightened. But she was sure about her decision. She didn’t want to be thrust into the spotlight again, especially with everything that had happened recently.
“I’m sorry,” Ainsley continued, her voice gentle but firm. “But if you really need me, just call me. You’ll be fine. No one would dare cause trouble for you. You’re the daughter of the Gage family, after all.”
Serina’s face fell, but she nodded, clearly trying to hide her disappointment. “Okay, I understand. Thanks anyway, Ainsley,” she said, her voice quieter as she picked up the invitation and turned to leave.
As Serina left, Ainsley felt an unfamiliar pang of guilt, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. Why does it feel like I’ve just let something slip away? she wondered, her emotions a confusing mess.
Once Serina had gone, Ainsley tried to shake off the strange feeling. She was busy. She had enough on her plate without worrying about a fancy banquet.
Meanwhile, Serina wasn’t ready to give up. As soon as she left the counseling room, she pulled out her phone and dialed her brother, Manuel.
“Manuel,” Serina began, her voice tinged with sadness, “I invited Ainsley to our family’s banquet, but she turned me down. She said she had other things to do tomorrow.”
Manuel listened carefully, a chuckle escaping him as he imagined Ainsley’s response. He knew her well enough to understand why she would turn down such an invitation—Ainsley wasn’t interested in the glamour and connections the banquet represented. But Serina was hopeful.
“Can you talk to her?” Serina asked, her voice suddenly hopeful. “Maybe you can get her to come. I’d really like it if she was there. It would mean so much to me.”
Manuel smiled to himself. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said, already planning how he might approach Ainsley.
Later that evening, Ainsley, exhausted from preparing for the Psychology Quiz Show, finally left the school. It was already late, and the air was cool. As she walked down the stairs, she saw a figure standing by a sleek black car, the faint glow of cigarette smoke curling around the man.
It was Manuel. He leaned against the car, looking as effortlessly charming as ever, but Ainsley couldn’t shake the feeling that his presence here was no coincidence
