But her grades in high school had been exceptional. In a prestigious high school, she was consistently ranked in the top three of her year. It would have been a waste to attend the media institute with such scores.
So, with equally excellent college entrance exam results, Amara had ultimately enrolled in the Literature Department at The Wye University, specializing in dramatic studies.
"Ms. Sullivan, look at that carved stone column. Isn't it beautiful?" Liliana said, pointing to a sculpted area ahead.
"When we were in college, Finn often came to campus to see me. I'd take him for walks around here, and we always passed by this column. We took so many pictures here, look."
Liliana took out her phone and handed it to Amara. The screen displayed a series of old photos.
In the pictures, a younger Finnian and Liliana looked fresh-faced. Finnian was dressed not in a suit but in casual clothes, while Liliana wore a delicate party dress instead of her current red one. They held hands in front of the stone column, looking very much like a perfect match.
"I absolutely loved walking with Finn on campus," Liliana said, her face full of nostalgia.
"When I first started university, I dreamed of being in a relationship but never met the right person. I used to see couples walking hand-in-hand on campus and felt so envious. So, after Finn and I got together, whenever he came to pick me up, I'd always make him walk with me here for a bit before we left."
"By then, Finn had already taken over the Everly Group, and his time was very tight. Even our dates were on a schedule."
"But to make me happy, he never minded me wasting his time by dragging him on these walks. If we ran late, he would postpone his work and change his schedule for me."
As Liliana spoke, a smile graced her lips, her expression lost in the sweet memories of the past.
She turned to Amara. "Ms. Sullivan, Finn really did love me back then."
Amara watched her quietly, offering no reply.
Since she already knew, there was no point in hiding it. Besides, that was all in the past.
"But people's feelings change. I stopped liking him a long time ago," Amara continued.
Liliana's eyes darted, recalling Amara's recent plans to marry Keith. A small smile touched her lips, but she said nothing.
"Ms. Sullivan, it's good that you don't like Finn anymore." Liliana looked at Amara, her gaze surprisingly frank.
"My reason for bringing you here is obvious. You're a smart woman; you must have seen it at a glance."
"I still love Finn, and I hope to get back together with him. I've made some mistakes in the past, and Finn hasn't forgiven me, but I won't give up. I plan to win him back. You won't stand in my way, will you, Ms. Sullivan?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Under the Veil I Rule (Amara)