The Girl They Ignored Returned as the Woman Seven Men Would Die For novel Chapter 26

"Honestly, you're so much better than Mika!"

Jude's heart surged with emotion, completely captivated by Seraphina, and he blurted out his frantic thoughts without thinking.

"If I had a girlfriend as beautiful and innocent as you, I'd definitely treat you even better. I wouldn't bear to let you suffer the slightest grievance."

Seraphina froze, looking at him in surprise. "Jude..."

Jude snapped out of his daze instantly.

That was too forward. Seraphina might misunderstand and think he was some two-timing jerk.

Pushing down the throbbing in his chest, he quickly explained in a low voice, "I just mean, you're truly wonderful."

"Thank you," Seraphina laughed effortlessly. Seeing that he had taken the bait, she subtly reestablished their psychological distance.

"But you're Mika's boyfriend, so of course you'd be nice to me by extension."

Mika watched the scene coldly, a flicker of amusement lighting up her eyes.

What a touching display of mutual affection.

It would be such a shame if there were no audience for this exact moment, wouldn't it?

She lowered her gaze lazily, opened her contacts to a rarely used number, and typed out a text.

[Seraphina got hurt hiking and was taken to Juniper General Hospital. I'm worried about her. Could you go check on her for me?]

After hitting send, Mika shoved her phone into her pocket, found a spot by the stairwell, and waited for the show to begin.

Half an hour later.

The sound of slightly rushed footsteps echoed through the quiet hospital corridor.

Mika looked up to see a man already standing at the nurse's station. His tall, lean frame was impeccably dressed in a dark gray three-piece suit, his tie knotted flawlessly at his throat.

His striking physique and looks radiated an undeniable, commanding elite aura, demanding caution and respect at first glance.

James Sterling.

Seraphina's childhood friend from the orphanage.

Determined to protect Seraphina, he had studied ruthlessly for years.

The only difference was that this one was fully encrusted with diamonds, costing double the price of Mika's basic version.

Seeing the necklace she had been agonizingly obsessing over, a flash of genuine shock crossed Seraphina's face.

"This is too expensive. Why would you suddenly give me this?"

Jude's Adam's apple bobbed as he nervously searched for the right words.

He didn't want to wait anymore.

Since Seraphina clearly approved of him, he was going to expose his fake relationship with Mika right now and confess to her directly.

"Because, the person I actually like is..."

The moment the door was pushed open, the hallway light poured in from behind James, casting a long, imposing silhouette across the floor.

He walked in against the light, his lenses catching the harsh fluorescent glare, perfectly masking the volatile emotions surging in his eyes.

Startled, Seraphina turned in confusion. The moment she saw James, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

"James, what are you doing here?"