A Life Beyond Limits novel Chapter 11

Jack's face lit up with an innocent smile, and his relaxed demeanor caught Phoebe off guard.

She had expected him to ask for something demanding, maybe even jokingly suggest something dramatic like a lifetime promise. But all Jack asked for was a meal.

Phoebe was touched but also a little annoyed. She teased, "Does my life only deserve a single meal?"

"It's not like that. I just…" Jack stammered, looking flustered.

Seeing his panic, Phoebe couldn't hold back her laughter. Her radiant smile bloomed like a field of flowers, glowing under the starlight and making her look utterly enchanting.

She said, her tone softening, "I'm just kidding. I just wanted to repay you, that's all."

Jack froze, utterly captivated by her beauty.

To him, Phoebe had always been the epitome of grace and intellect, perhaps even a little cold, an untouchable goddess.

But this playful side of her, so grounded and approachable, felt like a fairy being stepping into the mortal world.

Realizing Jack was staring, Phoebe's cheeks turned a faint pink. She lowered her gaze slightly and said, "Jack, thank you. I'd love to treat you to a meal, but I'll be leaving for Alnewgo tomorrow morning."

Alnewgo, one of the nation's largest cities, was as renowned as the capital, yet it was thousands of miles from Perther City. Once she left, the chances of meeting again were slim.

Jack blinked in surprise. "You're going to Alnewgo?"

A trace of melancholy crossed Phoebe's face. She explained softly, "I'm planning to apply to Alnewgo University. My parents are moving there as well."

As the leading college in the municipality, Alnewgo University carried over a century of prestige. Since modern times, it had nurtured countless prominent figures and was ranked among the country's top five colleges. To gain admission, one needed to be the best of the best.

From Phoebe's calm and confident demeanor, it was clear she was determined to succeed.

Jack gave a faint smile. "How about you treat me to that meal if fate allows us to meet again? Who knows, I might end up at Alnewgo University too," he said casually.

"Really?" Phoebe's eyes sparkled with hope. She continued, "Then, can I have your phone number? I'll change my number when I get to Alnewgo. I'll call you then."

Jack handed her his number without hesitation, though he knew that if he really did apply to Alnewgo University, he would likely change his number as well.

As for whether they would meet again, well, that was up to fate.

Phoebe carefully wrote down his number. After a moment of thought, she looked up and said earnestly, "Promise me this. Make sure you get into Alnewgo University."

"I will," Jack replied with a confident nod.

At that moment, Phoebe found herself captivated by Jack's unwavering gaze.

His confidence shone like the stars, and for the first time, she saw a new side of him, one that made her heart skip a beat.

"Are you disappointed that Feena rejected you today?" Phoebe suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Jack said nonchalantly. "Not really. I expected it. Since I was bold enough to confess, I wasn't afraid of rejection."

Phoebe studied him carefully and found that his expression remained calm. Indeed, there was no sign of dejection after Feena's refusal.

What she saw instead was a quiet confidence and an unwavering hope for the future.

Phoebe sighed softly, feeling a twinge of regret for Jack's rejection. Putting aside family background and academic achievements, Jack truly was a great person.

But she also understood Feena's decision. The future was full of uncertainties, and high school romances were inherently fragile.

More importantly, their family backgrounds belonged to entirely different worlds.

In this diverse and open society, many encouraged the idea of love without barriers.

But reality painted a harsher picture. Unions between vastly different social classes often ended in tragedy.