Uncle Carter and Auntie Carter had done a lot for me.
I visited them during holidays, always sharing a meal at their table.
So, I didn't want things between Philip and me to become too awkward.
"It's fine, no need to apologize.
"Just wait for me outside, I'll be ready soon."
I put on a black long puffer coat, didn't bother to wash my hair, and threw on a hat before heading out.
On the way, Philip kept glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
He probably wasn't happy that I didn't sit in the passenger seat.
I spent the whole ride looking down at my phone.
When I came across funny videos, I even laughed out loud.
I had completely turned Philip into my chauffeur.
When we were almost at his house, it suddenly started to hail.
Philip slowed down the car.
He asked,
"Are you chatting with him?"
Without looking up, I casually replied,
"Yeah."
I knew he was talking about Ethan.
But I hadn't messaged Ethan.
If he knew I was in Philip's car right now, he'd definitely be jealous.
And he'd be hard to console.
It'd take several kisses to calm him down.
Philip gripped the steering wheel tightly, his voice hoarse.
"Autumn, please listen to me just this once, break up with Ethan.
"His family has already arranged a marriage for him. The deeper you get, the harder it'll be to get out, and you won't be able to handle it when he leaves!"
I quietly stared out the window, not saying anything.
Suddenly, Philip stopped the car at the roadside, got out, and came to the back seat.
His scent hit me as soon as he came close, and I instinctively wanted to pull away.
But Philip was losing control.
He grabbed my shoulder and pleaded in a hoarse voice.
"Autumn, believe me, I won't harm you."
"Philip! Let go of me!"
I felt a dull pain in my shoulder, but couldn't break free.
Philip's strength was overwhelming, as if he was afraid that if he loosened his grip, I would run away.
"Autumn, I was wrong before. I always pretended not to see how you felt about me. Please forgive me, okay?
"Let's go back to how we were, no, this time I'll be the one who loves you. No matter how cold you are towards me, I'll accept it…"
He said this, suddenly leaning in and desperately kissing me.
I desperately turned my head away.
His kiss landed on the back of my ear, and I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.
"Philip! Don't make me hate you!"
Philip collapsed onto me and didn't move anymore.
I cried uncontrollably.
Fear and anger made me tremble all over.
"Ethan?!"
At that moment, even Uncle Carter turned to look at me.
I felt so awkward, not knowing where to put my hands and feet, just wanting to leave as quickly as possible.
It was Philip who saved me.
He stood up, grabbed our coats.
"Alright, stop asking. I'll take her to the station, it's snowing heavily outside."
The snow was getting heavier outside.
When we arrived at the station, Philip casually grabbed an umbrella.
"He's not coming to pick you up, right?"
I nodded lightly.
"Yeah, because I didn't tell him I came to your house."
Philip seemed to hesitate, wanting to say something but then stopping.
"Autumn... since he's not here, can I give you a ride?"
"No, I'll take a car. I'll get there soon."
I was afraid he might act like earlier, not even wanting to hold the umbrella and just turn to leave.
But Philip stretched out his long legs, caught up with me, and grabbed my wrist.
"You'll get wet without the umbrella."
The snowflakes made a soft rustling sound as they hit the umbrella.
Philip stood in the snow, his eyes turning red from the cold.
"Autumn, please don't be afraid of me, okay?
"Even if you don't like me anymore, don't shut me out. When we meet, just say hello like before. Don't pretend you... don't know me, okay?"
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