The Masterpiece of Leaving：Prepared A Perfect Stand-In For Him novel Chapter 14

Lysander couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about the "reborn" Ophelia. A subtle but persistent distance separated them.

Her mannerisms, appearance, and voice nearly matched his memories perfectly, yet something felt wrong.

Too perfect, too polished—like a program running flawlessly, but lacking the truly spark of life.

Lysander shook his head. Perhaps he was just imagining things.

As they strolled hand-in-hand through Columbia University's campus, Lysander guided Celeste along the tree-lined paths.

They strolled past the historic buildings, pausing in front of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Lysander's portrait immediately caught Celeste's attention, but what truly captivated her was Navier's photograph beside his.

'Navier was brilliant in her own right', Celeste thought, 'yet devoting to this man dimmed her light simply by existing. She deserved better than that fate.'

'Leaving Lysander was the wisest decision Navier had ever made. Away from his shadow, she could truly shine brighter.'

After lingering on Navier's photograph, Celeste finally tore her gaze away and offered insincere praise.

"You were so impressive, Lysander!"

“If I hadn’t gotten sick back then, maybe… maybe my picture would be up here next to yours.”

She lowered her head in fabricated disappointment.

Noticing her shift in mood, Lysander immediately pulled out his phone to call the university president.

"Ophelia, if you still want to want to finish your studies, I’ll arrange for you to enroll. You’ll get your degree, and if you want your name on this wall, all I have to do is make a call.”

Celeste looked up at him with manufactured delight, her eyes sparkling.

"Really? I could still go to college?"