The Life of Freedom I Long For

False Pity

My eyes flashed with annoyance. What was there to regret?

Just as I was about to speak, the door swung open from the outside. Felix's assistant walked in respectfully. "Sir, we weren't able to invite Miss Farah."

Eleanor's eyes widened in shock. "That's impossible! I checked—she was supposed to be on today's flight."

The assistant lowered his head and replied quietly, "Our people waited outside the whole day, but no one knew what she looked like, so they couldn't tell who she was."

Eleanor's expression faltered in disappointment.

I suddenly remembered seeing someone holding a sign for Farah at the airport earlier. I hadn't paid it any attention then, but now it all made sense—they were her people.

The atmosphere in the room turned awkward, and Eleanor quickly forced a smile. "It's fine. I'll go meet her myself tomorrow. I'll make sure she agrees to the collaboration."

The crowd immediately chimed in with encouragement.

"Eleanor, you're incredible. You'll definitely make it happen."

"That's right. We all believe in you."

"You're Felix's perfect partner—so capable and reliable."

Under their praise, Eleanor's smile gradually shifted into pride and satisfaction. But the moment she caught Felix's gaze lingering on me, that smile vanished. She grabbed his hand with a hint of grievance. "Don't forget, you two are already over."

Felix clenched his jaw, trying to hold back his temper, his whole presence heavy with restrained anger.

I turned back to him, arching a brow with a faint smile. "You said I was heartless. So what exactly is there left to explain?"

Felix froze, clearly stunned, his face grim as if he wanted to speak—but before he could, Eleanor cut in. "Kathy, why don't you work for me? You could be my assistant—make coffee, handle small errands."

The others jumped in immediately.

"Eleanor's assistant isn't just anyone. You should be grateful for the opportunity."

"Don't act so proud. If you're unemployed, you should accept it."

"We're all classmates here—we're just trying to help."

I frowned, my voice flat and cold. "I already have a job. I don't need yours."

I turned to leave again, but Eleanor stepped in front of me, eyes brimming with false sorrow. "Kathy, are you still mad at me for taking Felix? I didn't mean to. We just fell in love—it was beyond our control." Her eyes shimmered with tears, her voice trembling.

I sighed, growing impatient, and answered truthfully. "I'm not mad. I wish you both well."

However, Eleanor refused to drop it, twisting my words through her own lens. "No, I know you're still hurt. You must curse me behind my back every day."

Then, she bent at the waist, bowing as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

I stared at her in disbelief. She could've won an award with that performance.

The others rushed to defend her.

"Eleanor, you don't need to apologize. She's not worth it."

"It's kind of you to show sympathy, but with her background? She's nowhere near Felix's league. Even if you hadn't stepped in, he'd never have chosen someone like her."

"Exactly. She grew up in the slums. Her parents didn't even have proper jobs. I still remember—her mother was sick all the time, and her father was a gambling addict drowning in debt. He almost sold her off back then."

"With a background like that, it's shameful."

"You shouldn't bother helping her. People like her would only cause trouble in your company—a ticking time bomb."

"She doesn't deserve your kindness anyway."

Eleanor sniffled, wiping at her tears, shoulders trembling in mock surrender. "If that's how it is… then I won't help you."

Then, she turned to Felix with a wounded look, her voice soft and pitiful. "You saw it yourself, darling. I really tried to help her, but she just wouldn't appreciate it."