The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 58

Jacob turned red with anger. "I told you, I don't have romantic feelings for Gardenia!"

Hassan ignored him, striding straight toward Natalie. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her to a quieter corner.

The others watched in absolute shock.

No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free.

Pressing close to her, Hassan asked, "'Used to be', meaning you aren't anymore?"

The man's handsome face reflected in her eyes as she sneered. "Obviously. We've already signed the divorce papers. You don't honestly think I'm still just throwing a tantrum, do you?"

"We?" He stared down at her through lowered lashes. "I never signed the divorce agreement."

Natalie froze, looking up at him. "You... you didn't sign it?"

His voice was tight with restraint. "Natalie, I don't make trouble for myself. If I signed it, you'd be the one regretting it."

"Divorce is 'making trouble' for you?" She scoffed. "And you're perfectly fine letting your beloved parade around as a homewrecker?"

He fell silent.

A second later, Natalie wrenched her hand free. "What, you got your rocks off and now you won't admit it? She's supposed to be your first love, after all."

"Natalie." A trace of pure hostility leaked into his calm tone. "When are you going to learn to speak properly? Do you have to be so venomous?"

She nodded. "Yes. When you come talk to me, this is what you get. If you don't like my attitude, you don't have to talk to me."

A sudden commotion broke out nearby, followed by low gasps of "Professor Adler is here!"

Natalie looked up and saw Professor Adler walking through the entrance with his assistant.

She knew he was coming. He had texted her yesterday saying he wanted to take a look around.

"Yeah, I heard he's incredibly aloof. He never takes business cards, let alone asks for someone's name."

"Speaking of which, the only other person he ever publicly praised as a genius online was 'H', but they completely vanished. Such a shame."

Gardenia's smile stiffened at the mention of the name 'H'.

Truth be told, she had competed in that very tournament twelve years ago. She was only eighteen at the time, and though she hadn't placed at the very top, her ranking was impressive enough. Her parents and teachers had all been incredibly proud.

Even she had believed she was the youngest and most gifted competitor there.

But then she overheard Professor Adler marveling at the birth of young geniuses. The first-place winner was only twelve, and the runner-up was fifteen. Unfortunately, the runner-up had vanished the moment the competition ended, while the champion chatted with him briefly before turning down his mentorship.

With those two setting such an impossible standard, the rest of the competitors faded into obscurity.

In that moment, Gardenia felt utter despair. Back home, everyone worshipped her as a prodigy. Yet the moment she stepped out into the real world, she realized she wasn't even worth remembering.