Chapter 156

Thalia might have forgotten Rupert Lysander, but Asher Blackwood certainly hadn't. Rupert and Thalia were in the same university year; however, Asher was already a postgraduate student when Rupert began his undergraduate studies. Logically, they shouldn't have been connected, attending different universities and separated by several years. Yet, Rupert was Cambridge University's most handsome campus heartthrob in history, while Asher held a similar title at the London School of Law. Both were campus celebrities, frequently compared for their exceptional looks.

This wouldn't have bothered Asher, as he had no interest in such comparisons. He remembered Rupert because of the confession—Rupert Lysander's confession to Thalia Winters. Asher recalled it vividly. On Christmas Day of Thalia's first year, Rupert, with great fanfare, arranged roses in a heart shape on the Cambridge University sports field. Dressed flamboyantly, he strummed his guitar and sang love songs.

Asher, also a Cambridge postgraduate student, usually ran in the evenings. That day, the sports field was bustling. He overheard a female student gossiping, "Blimey, have you heard? That fit bloke from the London School of Law came to our uni to confess his love!" He initially paid no attention; such occurrences were common.

As he began his jog, more gossip filtered through: "The Law School heartthrob? Is it Rupert Lysander?" "Yeah, I just spotted him with a guitar, arranging roses. He truly deserves his reputation—he's absolutely gorgeous!" "Wow, even London's hottest guy came to confess! I absolutely must check this out!" "Wait up, I'm coming too!"

The evening air was crisp, and few people were on the track. Asher, however, always had a few admirers, occasionally bringing him water, though he never accepted it. His disinterest in the confession remained until he heard a familiar name.

Around his second lap, he faintly heard someone call out "Thalia Winters." Slowing his pace, he clearly heard the gossip: "So Rupert Lysander's after our campus beauty Thalia Winters. In that case, I'll just give up—losing to the campus beauty isn't embarrassing." "Honestly, Rupert and Thalia would make a perfect match—the campus heartthrob and the campus beauty. They look absolutely stunning together. This pairing gets my vote!" "But I really fancy Rupert… sob… Thalia, couldn't you just turn him down…"

Asher changed direction and walked towards the field's center. Rupert, surrounded by a crowd, wore a light khaki coat over a white turtleneck, looking refined and elegant. His eyes were warm and tender. He strummed his guitar and sang a popular love song beautifully, captivating the female students. As the song ended, someone brought Thalia before him.

Asher, stone-faced, watched the theatrical confession unfold. Rupert held out the roses, his voice incredibly tender: "Thalia Winters, I like you. Would you go out with me?"

After cheers, silence fell. Everyone awaited Thalia's response. On that winter night, tiny snowflakes drifted, creating a romantic atmosphere. Rupert stood tall and straight, handsome beyond compare. He was not only exceptionally good-looking and academically accomplished but also from a wealthy family—the sole heir to the prestigious Lysander fortune. A handsome man and a beautiful woman—a match made in heaven. The answer seemed obvious.

Asher was tense, his fingertips tightening, his heart aching. However, Thalia's answer surprised everyone. "I'm sorry, but I can't accept your offer."

The smile faded from Rupert's lips. The night breeze disheveled his black hair, and the dim lights couldn't fully illuminate his disappointment. "May I ask why?" His voice trembled slightly.

Thalia's expression was cool and composed, her tone revealing no emotion. "Because I'm not interested in dating right now, and I don't have time for relationships. So I'm sorry, but I can't accept."

The crowd erupted again. Asher raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile. He was very satisfied. Thalia turned and left, never taking the roses.

Asher knew Thalia had many suitors; she probably rejected over a dozen confessions annually, so it was normal for her not to remember each confessor. But Asher remembered the name and face of everyone who confessed to Thalia Winters. So, when he saw Rupert with Thalia at a Valentine's Day restaurant, he felt a genuine sense of crisis. Recalling this, Asher's eyes grew dark. "I never expected that after all these years, you still haven't given up."

Rupert smiled, appearing composed. "I should thank you for giving me the opportunity, Ms. Mart—"

Asher watched him with narrowed, vigilant eyes. "Stay away from her."

Rupert's eyebrow arched slightly. "What right does Mr. Blackwood have to say such things to me?"

Asher gave a cold snort. "You won't stand a chance. Lia only has me in her heart."

Rupert remained elegant. "Then we shall see."

That night, Thalia had a nightmare. She was running across a desolate wasteland, pursued by vicious criminals. Suddenly, Tom Malfoy's face loomed before her. His smile was cold and gloomy. Breathing became difficult. The scene changed again; she saw her sister Lucy tied to a chair, with Malfoy pouring gasoline over her.

"No! No!" Thalia screamed. "Don't touch her! Stop!"

Malfoy's face contorted, transforming into the bespectacled man. "Die—" he hurled concentrated sulfuric acid at her.

"Ah—" Thalia woke with a scream, drenched in cold sweat. The night was silent except for her rapid breathing. After a while, she regained her composure. Her phone lit up. Three-thirty in the morning. She had received an anonymous text message: "[If you want your sister to live, do exactly as I say.]"