《The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires》 Chapter 1: You Seduced Me First At the airport heading to Starhaven. With her husband and son absent, and Brenna no longer ying the role of the perfect stepmother, She warned her stepdaughter, Annabel, you broke up with your boyfriend, so you want to use my son as a seasoning when you feel lonely? He already has a girlfriend, youd better stay away from him! Dont end up like your dead mother, unable to endure loneliness! Brenna, the woman who caused her mothers death, dared to insult her in her presence. Annabel wanted to p her, but if she did, it would be all over the news tomorrow, bing a scandal for the Green Family. Annabel clenched her fists tightly, her brows furrowed, and Brenna knew she was trying hard to restrain herself. If it were before, Annabel would have already made a scene, but now she has learned to endure, which disappointed Brenna a little. Suddenly, Annabel rxed her fists, the anger in her eyes disappearing. She said to the person behind Brenna, Logan, your mother said you have a girlfriend? Brenna was taken aback, and the aloof and noble-looking young man had already arrived in front of them. He knew these two must have quarreled again, shrugged helplessly, and replied, No. Then he turned to Brenna and smiled, Mom, its gettingte, we should go in. As soon as he turned his head, Annabel leaned over suddenly. Before he could react, her soft and sweet breath was already on his lips. Annabel kissed him through the mask. She asked, So, can I be your girlfriend? Brenna and her son stood still. Logans ears turned red. Annabel looked calm, blinked at him, and said, You like me, right? Brenna was so angry that her face was contorted. Annabel smiled lightly, Aunt, is this what you wanted to see? Then Ill fulfill your wish.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. And then she ignored the mother and son, turned and walked into the security checkpoint. Logans voice came from behind. Childish! The moment of triumph that had just risen in Annabels heart was erased by the word childish from Logan. She entered the departure hall, threw the mask that had just touched Logan into the trash can, and cursed herself in her heart for being too impulsive, actually kissing Logan. Suddenly, Annabels hand was held by someone. Logans angry face was in front of her, Why did you throw it away? She didnt speak. He approached a few more steps, pushed her against the wall, his gaze dark, Why? She changed her softness just now, and sneered, Because it touched you just now, and I think its dirty. Annabel vented all her resentment towards Brenna on Logan, but thispletely angered him. He pressed her waist with one hand, and the other hand sped her head, lowered his head, and fiercely entangled her lips. Screams and whistles sounded in her ears. She was startled and pushed Logan away suddenly, raised her hand and pped him, almost exploding, Whats your damage! He sneered, You are flirting with me first! Annabel shook her head in hatred and flew towards the boarding gate, she got someone to change her seat and stayed away from Logan. Chapter 2: I Don’t Like Guys Like Him! The ne slowly took off, and Annabel leaned back against the seat with her eyes closed, her mind in turmoil. David, this time, Im really leaving you. Amidst the roar of the nes engines, her memories drifted back to the high school basketball court. It was thest ss on Friday, and students streamed out of the school gates like released birds. Annabel felt like she had nowhere to go. Going home was out of the question; her dad Thomas was always busy with business, and even when he was home, he would only find fault with her. As for her stepmom, a drama major, she couldnt stand to look at her for another second. Going out to y wasnt an option either. Last time, she almost caused a fatal incident at a bar brawl, and her friends were picked up by their parents as soon as they were released from the police station. She was the only one who spent a whole month in detention before Thomass assistant finally showed up. The terrifying experience in detention still haunted her. At Shining High School, even a falling leaf could hit a few top students, but Annabel was an outlier. She was carefree and academicallyzy. While normal girls enjoyed ying musical instruments and painting, her talenty in taekwondo and grappling. Except for her desk mate George, she hardly had any friends. George left as soon as ss ended, and Annabel grabbed her basketball and headed to the court. Although she had few friends here, at least she had basketball, the one thing Thomas wouldnt me her for. It was early winter, and the weather was getting colder. There were only two or three people ying basketball on the court, probably senior students who had been ying for a while. Annabel entered the court, caught an iing ball, and effortlessly made a beautiful three-pointer. The tall, handsome boy in the middle smiled at her friendly and gave her a thumbs up. Annabel naturally joined them, and they didnt finish until it was almost dark. Annabel said goodbye and didnt want to go home. Instead, she grabbed her own ball and continued ying. The court was empty, and the sound of the basketball bouncing echoed in the air. Even though she was ying alone, she kept going until she was exhausted and copsed on the ground. Come on, keep going! She opened her eyes and saw the boy who had just left reaching out to her. He blinked at her, Out of energy? For a moment, Annabel felt dazed. Against the vast, empty, gray sky, his face looked incredibly sincere and friendly. She suddenly felt that maybe not all the students here were as bad as she thought. She took his hand and stood up, Lets go, one more match! Watching him jump and intercept, Annabel realized that this guys basketball skills were much better than hers. He also asionally gave her pointers on some foul techniques. Unable to help herself, Annabelughed, Is this how you win games? The boy said seriously, Its called having both courage and strategy, understand? Annabel was amused and was about to agree when her phone suddenly rang. As soon as she answered, her childhood friend Mason yelled from the other end, Both your dad and your stepmom are here, why arent you?! Annabel suddenly remembered that today was his sisters eighteenth birthday party, and their families were close. She was supposed to go, but she didnt want to go with Thomass family of three. She had told Thomas that shed be there early. Thomas, knowing that she and Mason were close since childhood, had agreed, but she hadpletely forgotten about it. Annabel checked her watch and said she would be there soon. As soon as she hung up, the boy she was ying basketball with stood opposite her, holding the basketball with one hand. He spoke first, Well, Ive got something to do too. Annabel said goodbye softly and left the court after packing up her clothes. It was getting dark, and the campus streetlights hade on. The tall trees on either side made the road appear long and deserted. It was easy to spot a pair of students standing under a distant streetlight; they seemed to be a couple. The girl, dressed in a school uniform, seemed to be crying, while the boy, in a suit, stood with his arms crossed. Annabel was in a hurry and didnt pay much attention. Annabel! Annabel turned around and saw the suit-wearing boy calling her. It was none other than Logan, whom she disliked the most, and the teary-eyed girl was none other than Aria, rumored to be his girlfriend. How could Annabel miss the chance to mock him? She walked over and taunted, Oh, sneaking out from the banquet for a date? Does Thomas know? Annabel always felt that it was Logan who took her dad away from her. Ignoring Annabels sarcasm, Logan calmly said, I came for you. Annabel looked at Aria and then back at Logan in surprise. For me? Aria looked at Logan with reproachful eyes. Logan handed arge paper bag to Annabel and said, Quickly find a ce to change into your dress. Ill wait for you here. Annabel was stunned, seeing Aria staring at her with tear-filled eyes. Annabel couldnt resist the urge to tease her and replied innocently, staring back at Aria with a pair of innocent eyes, Dont worry, darling. Even though Logan likes me, I certainly dont like him, a scumbag like him. Aria ran off in tears without saying a word, yet Logan surprisingly remained calm. He then tossed the paper bag he was holding into Annabels arms. Hurry up, the banquet has already started. Though Annabel was naughty, but in a family like hers, social etiquette was instilled in her mind from a young age. She couldnt possibly attend a banquet in her school uniform. She had just caught Logan in a good mood, You go ahead to the school gate. Ill be there in a moment. Annabel lingered in the restroom for a while before emerging to find Logan standing with his back to the entrance. His tall, slender figure stood in the quiet corridor. For a moment, Annabel felt as if Logan emitted a sense of loneliness, but she quickly dismissed the thought as absurd. How could Logan be lonely? As everyone said, he was the handsomest among the top students, the best performer among the handsome boys. The loneliness belonged to herself. As Logan turned back and handed the suit he was holding to Annabel. Though she was wearing a long-sleeved dress, the early winter weather had begun to cool down, and she still felt a chill. However, she epted the suit without hesitation, feeling its warmth from Logans body temperature.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Seemingly impatient, Logan strode away with long strides. Hurry up, stop dawdling! Annabel caught up with him after a few steps and, for once, praised him. Logan, youre like my Doraemon. Still maintaining his cool demeanor, Logan made no response and continued walking briskly. If Annabel had been more observant, she might have noticed the slight reddening of Logans ears. The Green Family car was waiting at the school gate. As Annabel got into the car, she began to question Logan. Did you have a fight with Aria? Did I just help you? In truth, Annabel wanted to know whether she had helped or harmed him just now. Aware of her thoughts, Logan replied, Boring, and then turned his gaze out of the window, ignoring her. Chapter 3: Pseudo-Siblings or Enemies?! The living room of the Wolf Family was filled with fragrance and warmth, yet Annabel and Logan, two teenagers, didnt attract much attention despite their tardiness. Speaking of the Chi siblings, Rose, the daughter, had been pampered by her father, Jack, since childhood, so hering-of-age ceremony was particrly grand. However, Jacks approach to Mason was strict, almost like tough love, which was quite simr to Thomas. The only difference was that in the Green Family, the roles were reversed. However, Mason was luckier than Annabel; at least he had his biological mother to protect him. Rose spotted them in the crowd and waved. Be, Gan. Having spent the past few years studying abroad, Rose rarely had the chance to meet with Logan and the others. Annabel gave her a gentle hug. Rose, happy birthday. Rose looked Annabel up and down. She was wearing a blue dress, showcasing her long legs. Her eyes sparkled, hidden beneath her ck short hair, making her look cute and yful. Annabel took after her model motherpletely. Be, youre getting more beautiful every day. Logan, standing beside her, also showed a rare friendly smile. Happy birthday, Rose. Rose chuckled. Thank you. Its been years since weve seen each other. Does Be still dare to pick on you? As a small boy newly arrived at the Green Familys residence, Logan was a frail and diminutive figure, often subjected to bullying by Annabel. Logan smiled and remarked, Shes no match for me now. Annabel protested unhappily, Youre biased. Why dont you say Logan bullies me? Suddenly, someone behind them spoke up. Who dares to bully you? If you dont bully others, Ill thank the heavens already. It was Thomas, apanied by Jack and his wife, bringing both families together. Annabel frowned and grunted at him before turning to find Mason. Jack always favored her daughter more. Thomas, youre too strict with Be. Girls should be pampered. No matter how dissatisfied he was with Annabel, Thomas would never criticize her in public. With a gentle smile, he remarked, I just hope shell improve. Everyoneughed along. Jacks wife, Elizabeth, has a somewhat cold smile, and while she is quite friendly with Brenna, she has always been cold to Annabel. Mason pulled Annabel aside quietly and asked, I heard Logans girlfriend bullied you? With a fleeting nce at Logan, who was engaged in conversation with Thomas, Annabel let out a triumphant chuckle. Im no pushover, she dered, not about to let that pretentious woman bully me. But how did you hear about what happened at my school? You were there, so I naturally paid more attention. But now that youve made friends with a bunch of top students, you dont hang out with us anymore. Im serious when I say this-Im jealous! Annabel punched his shoulder yfully. Come on, with our rtionship, could I ever abandon you? Satisfied, Mason said, Lets go to my room. I have something good for you. Jack watched Annabels tall, slender figure as she walked away. She resembled her mother so much. If only she were his daughter, he thought.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. Someone nearby joked, Look at how close Annabel and Mason are. Why not just arrange a marriage between your families? To outsiders, this seemed like a great idea. The two families were old friends, and their wealth wasparable. If they could really join through marriage, it would benefit both families greatly. Jack chuckled. Id love that. Thomas alsoughed. Yeah, but its not up to us. Well have to see what they think when they grow up. While Jack held onto this beautiful wish, Thomas only saw it as a joke. Despite all hisints about Annabel at home, he couldnt imagine someone like Mason, a yboy, being a suitable match for his Be. Not far away, on the spiral staircase, was a group of Annabels friends, with Mason in the middle, holding Annabels shoulder as theyughed and chatted. Logan wondered, if they were close childhood friends, what did that make him and Annabel-pseudo-siblings or enemies? Perhaps to Annabel, he was nothing at all. As the night approached eleven oclock, the party downstairs was winding down, but Annabel hadnte down yet. Thomas frowned. Shes been out of control! Logan hurriedly offered to go get her. Upon reaching the second floor, he heard the noiseing from Masons room. Pushing the door open, he found chaos inside, with snacks and fruits scattered everywhere. Some were ying the drums, others were holding guitars, and Mason had a guitar in his hands. It seemed like they had formed a little band. Annabel was sitting against the wall, holding a beer can and cheering asionally. Everyone turned to look at Logan as soon as he entered, and the room fell silent. Annabels friends used to bully Logan when he newly arrived at the Green Family, but Logan, although he appeared calm, had a fierce determination. He wasnt afraid of anything, not even if they all ganged up on him. He never shed a tear, which even intimidated those who bullied him. Among these people, besides Annabel, the others had been beaten by Logan until they cried, so they didnt dare to provoke him anymore. Logan raised his chin coldly at Annabel. Its time to go home. With that, he turned and left. Annabel put down the beer can, feeling a bit unsteady as she stood up. Remember to let me know next time you have a performance. Ill definitely be there. Mason quickly supported her,ining, You should drink less. Your dad will scold you againter. Outside the main door, Jacks family bid farewell to everyone. Jack reminded Annabel, Be,e over often in the future. Help Uncle take care of that stinky kid, Mason. Annabel smiled and agreed. The Green Familys car disappeared around the corner of the road. Elizabeth turned her head and looked at her husband coldly. Youre thinking about that woman for the rest of your life, and you want our son to marry her daughter? Tell you what, its not going to happen! Jack red at Mason, who looked surprised. Get in! After Mason walked away, Jack angrily said, Stop talking nonsense in front of the children! Jack looked down on his wifes narrow-mindedness from the bottom of his heart. With the current power of the Green Family, she wouldnt be able to curry favor with them even if she wanted to. Thomas was also very unhappy in the car. That kid Mason, you should interact with him less in the future! Annabel huffed. Thomas wasnt pleased with her performance tonight, and he couldnt help but raise his voice. Did you hear what I said?! Annabel replied calmly, Yes, Im not deaf. Thomas held back his anger, persuaded by Brenna not to continue scolding her. Annabel remembered Mason pointing at her backpack before getting into the car, so she took it out and found thetest model iPhone inside. She felt warm inside. She hadnt expected Thomas to refuse to give her a gift for her birthday, but Mason remembered, even she didnt know how many months he had saved his pocket money for it. Beside her, Logan raised an eyebrow, then turned his head away. Chapter 4: Lolita! Since that night, Aria quickly dating Ryan, who had always secretly admired her. It was obvious that she did it to spite Logan. Thinking about Logan losing both his best buddy and his girlfriend gives Annabel some vengeful pleasure. She always believed that it was this mother and son duo that left her without a home. Meanwhile, at school, although they were only in the first year of high school, the teachers had already started creating an atmosphere for the college entrance examination. Even George, Annabels desk mate who was usually a poor student, had started bing diligent. Only Annabel remained unaffected. Her nonconformity stood out in this studious atmosphere. Unfortunately, her good times didntst long. Her new phone was confiscated by the physics teacher, who never liked her in the first ce. Today, she openly ridiculed Annabel in front of the whole ss. Normally, Annabel didnt care. But today, her temper red, and she retorted, Are you going through menopause? If youre sick, go get treated! The physics teacher was indeed going through menopause and had be more irritable. She was so angry that she flung Annabels backpack out. Get out! Bring your parents here, or you dont have toe to my ss anymore! Annabel simply turned around and walked out of the ssroom. She could still hear the teacher roaring behind her, A student like you doesnt deserve to be at Shining High School! Being scolded like this made Annabel feel upset. She attended an international school since childhood, where the educational system waspletely different from here. For example, she could speak fluent foreignnguages, but she couldnt pass exams. Its no wonder Annabel found it hard to adapt to the academic life in Shining High School. But what made her feel even worse than the academics was the loneliness. She couldnt help but recall her own mother. She still couldnt understand why her mom, who had sent her to school in the morning, turned into a cold corpse by the time she returned from school. No one ever gave her an exnation. Perhaps Thomas truly couldnt provide one because he hadnt been home for half a year that year. He had already started a new family. What did it matter if she was obedient and well-behaved? What did it matter if her grades were good? Was it that her mom wouldnt leave or that her dad would love her? Adults did as they pleased but forced her to be someone everyone liked. Why should she? The cold wind stung her face, and she touched her cheek,ughing at herself for being so sentimental as to shed tears. The sky was very blue, with white clouds drifting in the wind. Everything still seemed beautiful. She forced herself to smile and habitually headed towards the basketball court. At school, this was her only sanctuary. The sound of basketballs hitting the ground echoed on the yground. At this time, during the second period of the morning, there were actually someone ying basketball? She had just stepped onto the stairs when the guy ying basketball turned to look at her. Annabel felt a sense of camaraderie. Hey, its you? It was the boy who had yed basketball with her that evening. He asked her seriously, Arent you supposed to be in ss? Annabel rolled her eyes. Arent you doing the same thing? He grinned and asked her, Wanna y? She shook her head and found a sunny spot shielded from the wind to sit down. From her bag, she took out a pack of cigarettes and lit one. After ying for a while, the boy came and sat down next to her. Annabel offered him a cigarette, but he declined. Shrugging, she took a few quick drags and began to blow smoke rings leisurely. Im David. He extended a friendly hand towards her. Annabel shook it lightly. Annabel. David nodded. Youre a freshman? Yeah. Its pretty boring not being in ss, huh? Annabel turned to look at him. Skipping ss is boring, but being in ss is even worse. So, youre here ying basketball to escape ss, right? David chuckled, then his phone rang. He stood up, intending to leave, but turned back to ask her, What ss are you in? 5. With a wave, David left. Annabel often ran into David on the basketball court, and they became quite familiar with each other. David would often say, Since you cant go anywhere during school hours, skipping ss is really boring. Maybe you should listen to the lessons; theyre actually quite interesting. She started to heed his words a little. For example, she found the Chinese and geography sses engaging, but she would still daydream in other sses. As for physics ss, she simply didnt bother attending. Thomas found out about Annabel skipping physics ss for two weeks in a row, which resulted in another round of scolding. During the afternoon physics ss the next day, the grade director stood at the door with a stern expression, eyeing her. Annabel knew it was Thomass doing. However, something unexpected happened in ss that day. David walked in. For a moment, Annabel almost turned to stone. David held a textbook and walked up to the podium. Hello, everyone. Im the new intern teacher, David. Starting today, Ill be your physics teacher. Im honored to be part of your high school life, full of pain yet full of hope. Annabel was stunned. David blinked at her quickly, then smiled and asked the students, While Im still fresh, feel free to ask me anything. You look about the same age as us. Are you really a teacher? Maybe Im aging backwards? Someone asked, Sir, youre so handsome. Do you have a girlfriend? David chuckled, his eyes crinkling. If you think Im handsome, it means you have good taste. But whether I have a girlfriend or not is better kept a mystery. Sir, what kind of girlfriend are you looking for? Sir, who do you think is the prettiest girl in our ss? Sir, can you show us a talent? David wiped his forehead. I might have only met fake top students. As the questions continued, Davids humorous and witty responses quickly won everyone over. Even George whispered, This teacher is quite interesting. Much better than the old witch, wouldnt you agree? Annabel snorted. Con artist! David, a senior student at a well-known university, is currently interning at Shining High School, reportedly a graduate of Shining High School himself. Annabel didnt know how his sses went because she couldnt understand them anyway. But his asional vivid metaphors often resonated with the ssmates, and there was unprecedented interaction between teachers and students. However, Annabel was still quite annoyed by the fact that her newly made friend had turned into a teacher. Anyway, since she couldnt understand, Annabel sat with her head resting on her hand, looking at the nearly bald tree outside the window, counting the few leaves left. Someone lightly tapped her on the head. Pay attention in ss, youngdy. Looking up, it was David. From a vantage point visible only to her, he mouthed silently, Friend, first ss, cut me some ck. Annabel stared back expressionlessly. Having missed ss for half a month, she hadnt understood a word except for a few jokes he told midway through. After school, she still went to y basketball as usual. After a while, David and his buddies arrived. Since David was a teacher, it was likely that those who yed basketball with him every day were also intern teachers. They joined in as usual, but Annabels greeting to Davidcked the enthusiasm of previous days. Are you angry? During these days, Annabel treated David as a friend, more like a kindred spirit, cherishing her new friend even more because of her loneliness. She yed mobile games with him, smoked in front of him without restraint, and even shared her experiences of breaking school rules with him. But David had never mentioned being an intern teacher. A bit, but not anymore. She actually had nothing to be angry about; she just didnt want to be friends with a teacher. David smiled helplessly. The weather was cold, and everyone was wearing thick clothes. Annabel, however, had already taken off her coat, revealing a tight-fitting long-sleeved shirt and pants. She was tall and slender, with thin limbs, exhaling puffs of white mist as she spoke. David grabbed the rebound and held it to his chest. Annabel, put your coat on quickly; dont catch a cold. Annabel shrugged. Tired. Im done ying. She turned and walked to the sidelines to put on her coat, then picked up her backpack and walked away. David called after her, Remember to review the content of the next ss. Ill ask you questions tomorrow. Without looking back, Annabel waved her hand and turned away. Paulughed and said, The little girl thought you were one of her kind and showed you her worst side. Now that youve be her teacher, she must upset, right?Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. David scratched his head. Seems like shes a little annoyed, but, it should be fine in a couple of days. Paul watched Annabels disappearing figure and sighed, She will definitely grow into a beauty in a few years. I wonder how many good boys will be harmed by then. David red at Paul. Shes only fifteen; youre quite lecherous! Paul shrugged. Im just making an objective evaluation, okay? David chuckled and shook his head. Let me make an objective evaluation too: when she grows up, youll be an old man. To most teachers, Annabel was a problematic student, but to those who knew her, besides her poor grades, she was a straightforward and lovely girl who was just a bit rebellious. Come on, were only five or six years older than her. Paul suddenly sighed and whispered, This kid actually looks a bit like L. He subconsciously nced at David, who seemed not to have heard, and then turned around to y basketball. Chapter 5: Crush on Logan! Annabel didnt take Davids words from that day to heart, but she didnt expect David to actually ask her during physics ss. He asked three questions in a row about things he had just covered, so simple that anyone who had paid attention in ss could answer them, but she couldnt answer a single one. A few sneers in the ssroom, intentional or not, were particrly harsh. Annabel wasnt embarrassed, but David looked at her with some helplessness. Even though David had only been in ss 5 for a few days, he could see that Annabel was consciously being excluded by her ssmates. Her only friend was George, but ording to the other teacher, Georges mother hadined several times that her son was being led astray by his desk mate, and his grades were dropping drastically, so she demanded that George be separated from Annabel. Since learning that David was a teacher, Annabel had been cold and distant towards him. It was even hard to run into her on the court. David initially thought she was angry with him, butter realized that her attitude towards every teacher was the same. She seemed to be fighting against the world around her, which made David, who had been confident at first, feel somewhat discouraged. As thest ss ended, David stood at the office door and nced in the direction of ss 5. After a while, he saw Annabeling towards him, with one hand on Georges shoulder, chatting andughing. The two were about the same height and were both wearing school uniforms. If you didnt look closely, you might mistake them for two boys. But at Shining High School, Annabel is really the only one who can ride a boys shoulder with such bravado and without feeling out of ce. George was the first to notice Mr. David, who had recently be popr among the girls. He stopped and called out, Mr. Curry Annabel, beside him, let out a soft grunt and muttered, Fraud. David nodded and turned his gaze to Annabel. Would you like to y basketballter? Im busy. Annabel rolled her eyes, knowing that David was trying to be nice to her, but she wasnt interested in teachers. Mason and a few others had rented an old factory building in the suburbs and had carefully transformed it into a rock-themed space mainly used for band rehearsals. Mason had just written a new song and had been rehearsing for the New Years Eve party performance. Annabel liked rock and heavy metal music and enjoyed ying the drums. Taking advantage of the days when Thomas was on a business trip abroad, she would hang out at Masons ce after school and often return veryte. Brenna waited for her every night, and tonight seemed particrlyte, but she couldnt ask because Annabel never answered her or Logans calls. At midnight, the sound of roaring motorcycles filled the yard, and soon Annabel pushed the door open. Have you eaten? Annabel nodded, and Brenna wanted to say something else, but Annabel had already gone upstairs. Brenna was filled with conflicting emotions. If she told Thomas about this, Annabel would surely resent her more, but if she didnt, she feared Thomas would me her. However, thinking it over, the rtionship between Annabel and Thomas was such that any attempt to change Annabel was just wishful thinking on Thomass part. As an outsider, why bother meddling? Logans room door was wide open, and Annabel nced inside to see Logan sitting in front of hisputer ying a game, Annabel muttered to herself, No way! Curiosity got the better of her as she approached, and sure enough, he was ying the same game she was. If they were in the same server, shed hunt him down every day. At that moment, Logan suddenly turned his head, sizing her up. Annabel figured he probably hated her because of Arias situation, but she didnt care and even provocatively waved at him. Logan suddenly stood up and walked towards her. She thought he was going to get angry, but instead, he just frowned at her and said, Youre home sote and didnt inform anyone beforehand. Your dad will be worried. Mentioning Thomas made Annabel a bit nervous. She reached out and grabbed Logans cor. Logan leaned back, and instead of pulling him down, she almost ended up pressing against him, her breath falling lightly and ticklishly on his chin. Unaware of her proximity, she pointed a finger at his nose and said menacingly, If you dare to tell him, I wont spare you! Probably feeling like threatening him was pointless, she huffed, Even if I cant do anything to you, I can still bully Aria.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Logan, contrary to his usual snappy demeanor, looked at her dumbfounded, as if genuinely intimidated by her. Annabel was satisfied and let go of his shirt. Indeed, threatening with a girlfriend always worked. After the midterms, they had a three-day New Year holiday. The day before the New Year, Thomas deliberately rushed back from overseas. In the evening, Masons band participated in a music festival. Annabel had promised to attend, but when she came back and saw Thomas sitting on the couch, disappointment was written all over her face. She barely greeted him, and Thomas seemed a bit displeased. After not seeing him for half a month, she was met with this expression. Surely she had been having too good a timetely. Gan has a performance tonight. Go have dinner , and then well go togetherter he said. At the schools New Years Eve party, Logan had a piano solo. Thomas flying back specifically for Logans performance made Annabel even more annoyed. What does Logan have to do with me? Who is he? she retorted. Thomass expression darkened. Annabel, remember this. Logan is your brother! Just as they were about to start arguing again, Logans nonchnt voice came from behind. If she doesnt want to go, forget it. Annabel turned her head and saw Loganing down the stairs. He was wearing a suit with a down jacket draped over his arm. Annabel, annoyed, muttered, I have a stomach ache, Im not going! With that, she rushed upstairs. Then stay at home and dont run around! Thomas, who had been persuaded by Brenna, couldnt help but add. Once the Thomas family left, Annabel made her bed look like someone had been sleeping in it and quietly slipped out while the maid was away. The music festival was by theke, not too big a venue, but it was already crowded. Annabel risked squeezing the air out of her lungs to get backstage. Masons band had a bit of a following online, and they were frequently asked for autographs. Wow, youre all big stars now. Annabelle gave a thumbs up to O, the only girl in their band, who wore braids and dressed like a ck musician. She winked at Annabel. Yourete again. No choice, school endste, Annabel replied. After signing autographs, Mason nced at Annabel and teased, Annabel is a straight-A student now, cantpete with her. Annabel pretended to hit him. Stop teasing me, Itching for a beating, huh? Alex, the bassist, looked at Annabels listless appearance. Heard youve been having a tough time there. Dont understand why your dad insisted on sending you to that school, its nothing like us. What can I do? Its all because of Logan. O put her arm around Annabel and winked. Is your dad trying to set you up with Logan? Annabel had just had an argument with Thomas about Logan tonight and couldnt help feeling annoyed. Shut up, dont mention him to me! After a while, the staff of the music festival came to discuss the performance with Mason and his band. O set down her guitar and sat next to Annabel, her face full of anticipation. You really seem to dislike Logan. Annabel rolled her eyes. Obviously! Os face lit up with joy at this response, her eyes shining. Ive always thought Logan was great Annabel suddenly understood and scrutinized Os face for a few moments, somewhat incredulously asking, How did you suddenly develop a crush on Logan? O had met Mason about half a year ago when they performed at a bar. She gradually became friends with Annabel, but she had only met Logan a few times and had no real interaction with him. O chuckled, His voice is nice, especially when he speaks softly, clean and aloof. I have no resistance to this kind of restrained style. Annabel shook her head in disdain. What nonsense is that? He already has a girlfriend. O confidently patted her chest. As long as his girlfriend isnt you, its fine. Annabel chuckled. Logan likes girls who are good at studies and delicate and petite. Someone like you, a rebellious girl, breaking your tiny frame wouldnt do any good. Alex couldnt help but interject, Exactly, he definitely wouldnt like a wild girl like you who doesnt study. Wild? Annabelughed, then suddenly noticed Mason beside her, staring nkly at O. His hair was somewhat long, almost covering his eyes when he lowered his head, and his thin face looked a bit mncholic. Masons demeanor felt somewhat unfamiliar to her. O had mentioned to her in private that it seemed to be because of conflicts at home regarding the formation of the band, and he had moved out of his house as a result. Before she could ask anything else, cheers from outside interrupted them. The show had started, and the DJs enthusiastic and infectious voice pierced through their ears. The festival had invited several bands and some moderately famous local singers. The audience consisted mostly of young students, and the intense music, dazzling lights, and hoarse voices of the singers instantly ignited the atmosphere. Annabel was swept up in the excitement and waved goodbye to Mason and his band, squeezing into the audience. She saw some friends in the front row whom she hadnt seen in a long time and indulged in some banter. Masons performance was around eleven. He was the lead singer and sang three songs. He got so hyped up that he even jumped the railing. The scene was about to explode, with Mason on stage, the dazzling lights, the crazy music, and the exuberant youths enjoying their time recklessly. Chapter 6: You Find Me Excessive Too! Annabel had a thought in her mind: Mason would be a superstar in the future, and she felt genuinely happy for him, envisioning the passionate and dynamic Mason. Approaching midnight, amidst the deafening music, another moderately famous rock band took the stage, their lead singer initiating a countdown for the arrival of the new year. At this moment, Mason and his friends quietly slipped into their midst after changing out of their performance attire. Annabel gave him a big hug, sincerely eximing, Youre amazing. O pouted at Annabel, Biased, only good to Mason. Annabelughed and tugged on Os braids, I love you too. Mason watched the two of them yfully, as the countdown reached one. The crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers, and the intense music resumed. Suddenly, piercing screams echoed across the venue. Annabel looked up to see the long support poles on the temporary stage copsing towards the crowd. Watch out! Instinctively, Annabel moved aside, narrowly avoiding the falling pole. After the loud crash, she looked around for Mason. Beside her, Mason was holding a frightened O in his arms. In the face of danger, Masons instinct to protect was directed towards O. Annabel felt an indescribable sense of disappointment and frustration, akin to when her female physics teacher praised Aria while subtly mocking her, or when Thomas had just scolded her, only to turn around and y basketball with Logan. Now, even Mason, herst stronghold, had sumbed. The square was filled with sharp cries and groans, followed by a rush of panicked people. The audience began to flee, and amid the chaos, a more serious incident of stampede urred. Only then did Mason remember Annabel, turning to her and asking loudly, Are you okay? Annabel shrugged, Im fine. As she spoke, Mason turned tofort the sobbing O in his arms. Just as the ident urred, the news spread quickly. Logan, knowing Annabel must have gone to the music festival secretly, couldnt help but panic. Mason is performing at the music festival, so Be must be there too, Thomas, upon hearing this, nearly went crazy. He called home to confirm, and indeed, she wasnt there. Thomas cursed this mess under his breath, hastily rushed to the hospital, and after a night of turmoil, it was Jack who finally called him, informing him that Annabel was at a fried chicken joint near the square. While the parents were worried sick all night, Mason and Annabel acted as if nothing was wrong, happily eating fried chicken. Some of them with a conscience remembered to call their parents to reassure them, but the onescking such thoughtfulness, like Mason and Annabel, didnt even bother to make a call. The parents reactions varied: some were sobbing while holding their children, like Os mom, while most were like Masons mom, simultaneously consoling their children and fending off the scolding from the fathers. Annabel felt a bit awkward, contemting how to sneak back home without being caught by Thomas. Just as she was thinking, Thomas barged in through the door with a dark expression. Annabel thought, Its done! and hesitantly stood up, intending to exin.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. In the dead of winter, she was d in a quirky motorcycle jacket, ripped jeans exposing her ankles, with heavy makeup on her face, surrounded by her equally unconventional friends. Thomass night of worry and fear erupted into zing fury. He reached out and pped Annabel hard across the face. How dare you go back on your word and lie to me! Everyone froze. Jack hurriedly stepped forward, shielding Annabel. Thomas, shes just a kid. Lets talk this out. Why hit her? Masons mother, Elizabeth, couldnt help but nce at Brenna, who looked ufortable standing behind Thomas. A stepmother was still a stepmother; if it were her real mother, she would have fought Thomas to protect Annabel. Thomas thundered, Go home! Annabel lifted her head, a bright red handprint clearly visible on her pale face. She stared directly at Thomas, her gaze filled with defiance and hatred. Thomas felt an indescribable mix of emotions under that gaze, his anger still simmering. Brenna looked at Annabel anxiously, unsure how this father-daughter confrontation would end. To everyones surprise, Annabel didnt cry. Instead, she coldly asked him, You resented my mom, so she died. Of course, you also consider me redundant, but Im still alive and kicking. Disappointed, arent you? Thomas felt his anger surge again, while Brenna hurriedly grabbed his arm, saying, Thomas, lets talk about this at home. The adults crowded around, trying to calm Thomas down. Annabel swiftly ran out the door, and by the time they realized and chased after her, she had already hopped into a taxi. Fire burned in Annabels heart. She wanted to curse, to hit someone, to vent her anger, but also felt unfairly treated and miserable, wanting to cry but having no ce to do so. Stop! The car hadnt evene to aplete stop before she jumped out, tossing the money onto the passenger seat. Without waiting for the driver to say anything, she strode purposefully toward the bustling street lined with vibrant bars. Despite thete hour, the street was alive with boisterous music and dazzling lights, a realm dominated by energetic young people. Annabel entered a familiar establishment, ordering the strongest bottle of liquor they had. She sat alone in a corner, drinking half the bottle in solitude. The spicy drink brought tears to her eyes, while the pounding beats of the music seemed to echo in her heart. She joined the band in shouting along with the music, then carried her drink to the center of the dance floor, immersing herself in the frenzied crowd. She dered, To hell with being a good girl! From now on, I wont give a damn about any of you! In the center of the dance floor, young people were dancing wildly and enthusiastically. Meanwhile, David sat alone in a corner, feeling bored by the noise. It was New Years Eve, and his friends had dragged him to the bar, but he didnt want to spoil their fun. After sitting for a while, Paul and Saul finally came down from the dance floor, both sweating profusely despite the cold weather. Look look, David just like an old man! Paul shouted to Saul. David chuckled and handed them a tissue. Paul took the tissue and sat down next to him, taking a big gulp of beer before suddenly saying, I think I saw one of your students over by the stage. David nced toward the dance floor, but the dazzling lights made it impossible to distinguish anyone clearly. Thats impossible. Students from Shining High School wouldnte to a ce like this. Paul nodded, realizing that it was difficult to identify someone, especially in a crowded bar. He didnt want to stir up trouble unnecessarily. I must have been mistaken. Just then, as a song ended, people starteding down from the dance floor, but there was amotion in the center. Its her! She hurt several of usst time. My leg still hurts. Why are you alone today? Where are those little rascals you were withst time? If you hang out with us today, all past grievances will be forgotten. Someone leered and said, No response? Silence means consent. And just like that, a fight broke out. The onlookers had already retreated several meters away, leaving four or five boys surrounding a girl, exchanging blows. The girl seemed a bit unsteady on her feet but fought fiercely, kicking at the guys with practiced precision. Pauls heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out, I think thats the girl I mentioned earlier, doesnt she look a bit like Annabel? At that moment, David also recognized her. He stood up, about to go over, but Saul grabbed his arm. Youre just a intern teacher. Even if she is your student, shes just a delinquent girl from society. Lets call the police. How can I just ignore it when I see one of my students being bullied? David shook off Sauls grip and strode toward the altercation. Paul clenched and unclenched his fists, Stop the chatter, lets go together. Annoyed, Saul stamped his foot and followed. Annabel was running out of energy, having already taken quite a few hits. Her head was spinning, and a voice inside her said, Just let them beat me to death, nobody cares anyway. Suddenly, someone bumped into her back, and she heard a familiar voice. Report to my office for detention next week! Those words softened her aggression like a soothing stream, but the feeling of injustice remained strong. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill, yet she held onto a defiant facade. I hate teachers the most! she cried. The man with yellow teeth pointed threateningly at David. This girl smashed a bottle over my buddys head six months ago. Kid, you better mind your own business, or youll regret it! Picking on a girl? Thats not very tough. Im sorting this out today! Youre asking for it! Chapter 7: The Guarantee! David in the y of light and shadow was tall and slender. He had good bounce, easily grabbing rebounds. He said he wanted to be her friend. Annabel couldnt tell if she was about to faint or fall asleep. She struggled to keep her eyes open, but David held her in his arms, hiding her in the darkness, shielding her from the punches. The events afterward were a bit blurry for her, as if she had seen Thomas and then Logan. When she woke up in the hospital room, the vibrant sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the white sheets. if not for the sight of the maid, Eve asleep at the head of the bed and Logan sitting on the sofa reading a book. Annabel would have thought that her experience fromst night was just a dream. She sat up and ran her hand through her hair, then looked at Logan with unfriendly eyes. What are you doing here? Are you sober now? Logan mocked. Their eyes met in silence for a moment. Annabels eyes were full of hostility, naturally ming him and his mother for the p from yesterday. It wasnt until many yearster that she realized her hatred for Logan at that time was actually just jealousy. Logan awkwardly looked away and closed his book before leaving the hospital room. When Annabel asked Eve about the guy who was with her yesterday, Eve helped her put on a coat and shook her head. I arrivedte and didnt see him. Logan paused, then turned to nce at her and said casually, Hes fine, just some superficial injuries. Annabel was stunned for a moment, her hair in disarray, half of her face still swollen and bruised. The sunlight nted through her tousled hair, making Logan think of a chicken coop he had seen in the countryside when he was young. As Logan stepped out, he ran into Thomas rushing in, followed by Liam. Thomas had heard from Brenna that an important project was being negotiated, and he rushed back because of his concert. To be honest, Thomas treated him like a real son, but Brenna didnt treat Annabel like a daughter. He vaguely felt that the older generation seemed to have many secrets, like Annabel always saying that Brenna had driven her mother to death. Awake? Thomas asked, knowing Annabel probably didnt give Logan a wee. Yeah Logan couldnt help but ask, Uncle, are you still going on your business trip today? Thomas caught Logans implication and snorted, She hasnt done anything worth being proud of. Its good enough shes not punished! Logan instinctively nced back at the direction of the hospital room, his expressionplex. Seeing this, Thomas didnt say much more. He patted Logans shoulder. You must be tired. Let the driver take you back. The car is outside. Logan nodded and left quickly. After staying up all night, he was indeed tired. Liam chuckled, Gan really takes care of Be. Thomas just nodded slightly. Boys should have a sense of responsibility from a young age. Liam had been following Thomas for many years and had also be a father himself. If it were his child who had been beaten like this, he would definitely feel heartbroken. He couldnt understand why Mr. Green treated his stepson better than his own biological daughter. Was it true that having a stepmother meant having a stepfather too? But the Green family only had this one daughter. Did it mean he would pass the family business to an outside in the future? Thomas stood at the door of the ward for a while but didnt go in. He instructed Liam to take care of her follow-up matters before turning and leaving. Annabel only suffered superficial injuries, and the reason she slept all night was simply because she had drunk too much. This made Annabel feel somewhat embarrassed. Although she didnt want to see Thomas, she still felt a bit lost when she saw only Liam. Brenna also hadnt slept all night. Thomas didnt agree to let her go to the hospital to take care of Annabel. She could feel Thomass dissatisfaction with her regarding Annabels situation, but she also had her own grievances and helplessness. Mom, is there breakfast? Im starving to death! The familiar voice broke Brennas chaotic thoughts. She turned her head and waved to her son, Come on, Mom will eat with you. The nanny brought out a steaming bowl of in porridge and noodles, a very ordinary breakfast. Although they were wealthy now, Logans taste hadnt changed from his days in the small town. Brenna served a bowl of noodles and passed it to Logan. How is Be? Nothing serious. She should be back today. Logan found it amusing that Annabel ended up in the hospital because she got drunk. But then he thought she always went to these ces with Mason and them, so it was only a matter of time before something happened. Seeing Logan distracted, Brenna smiled one moment and frowned the next. Why did you go to take care of Best night? You know she doesnt like us. Logan was taken aback for a moment, then lowered his head and ate the noodles. I did it for Mom. If I do it, its like you doing it. Brennas eyes moistened instantly as she caressed Logans head, feeling full of contentment. Then she gently admonished, Remember what I say, you can like any kind of girl in the future, except Annabel. He instinctively asked her, Why? She wont treat you well. Logan frowned. How could I like such a rough girl? Logan had many questions in his mind, like who his real father was. He had asked Brenna about it when he was younger, but she always seemed very sad. Brenna also wanted to ask Logan why, even though Thomas treated him like his own son, he refused to call him dad. But in the end, neither of them spoke up. These questions were carried over many yearster, and Annabel eventually uncovered the scars, bing the fuse for their mutual hatred. Annabel rested at home for a day. The next morning, when she looked in the mirror, the bruises on her face hadnt faded. Unable to help herself, she wailed, How can I face people like this! Eve suppressed a smile and said, Why dont you just skip today? Ask for a sick leave from the teacher; your dad wont me you. After hesitating for a while, she took her backpack from Eve and headed out.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Logan, still waiting for the bus, stared at Annabels bruised face and smiled. Usually she would want to skip school even if she wasnt injured. Now that she was injured, she still wanted to go to school? Going to school looking this ugly, are you out of your mind? Annabel red at him. Youre the one whos out of your mind! Then she boarded a bus. Thest ss in the morning was physics. When David stood at the lectern, Annabel almostughed out loud. His face wasnt any better than hers. David instinctively nced in Annabels direction. Good, she was still able to attend ss. He was satisfied with that. The ssmates gazes swept between Annabel and the teacher. George exaggeratedly made a fist gesture and said, Admire, admire. Youre so tough, daring to fight with our teacher. someone was already asking about how David got injured. David simply said he was boxing too hard, and then everyones attention turned to Annabel. Annabel looked at everyone with a look of disdain and said lightly, None of your business. David restrained himself from throwing the chalk at her. He thought, howe this brat doesnt know how to get along with her ssmate? No wonder she has no friends. He cleared his throat. Alright, lets start the ss. Annabel listened particrly attentively during this ss. She kept looking at the side profile of David, but in her mind, she reyed the scene of him protecting her that night. No one had ever done such things for her before. What would have happened to her without David? Even the thought of it scared her now. So, she felt genuinely grateful to David, even feeling a kind of inexplicable warmth towards him. After ss, everyone went to the cafeteria for lunch. Annabel waited until the people in the teaching building had dispersed before turning to find David. The office was empty, except for David sitting on the swivel chair, clearly waiting for her. Not bad, you know toe find me. Do you realize your mistake? Annabel nodded slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed. She used to be very cold to David, but now her attitude had taken a 180-degree turn. Tell me, what was your mistake? I shouldnt have gone to that kind of bar in the middle of the night, and I definitely shouldnt have drunk and fought. David looked at her expressionlessly, but inside, he couldnt help but want tough. When did this little lioness be so obedient? Can you promise not to smoke, drink, or skip ss in the future? Annabel nodded, and David tapped the pen and paper on the table. Write a pledge. For Annabel, this was just a minor thing. In just a few minutes, aplete pledge was handed over. David pinched the paper with a bemused expression. How many pledges have you written before this Feeling a bit embarrassed, Annabel touched her nose and stammered, Thank you for what happened that night. How are you going to repay me then? Annabel was taken aback. She didnt expect David to make a request. Take you out to dinner? After taking so many punches, just one meal? Annabel hesitated. Two meals? After saying it, she felt itcked sincerity. This matter should have been handled by Thomas, but she was practically fatherless. David chuckled and waved the pledge in his hand. Can you do this? Seeing Annabel nod, he stood up. He was half a head taller than Annabel, looking her small head that was lowered like a hedgehog, she seemed to be at the mercy of others. He inexplicably felt sorry for her. Just yesterday, he had gained some understanding of the prestigious yet scandal-ridden Green Family, and now he seemed to also understand Annabels behavior. Chapter 8: First Kiss Lost! David couldnt help but reach out and touch her hair, which was still a bit stiff. He smiled, Since you want to repay me, will you listen to me from now on? He thought she would refuse, but to his surprise, Annabel thought about it seriously for a moment and nodded solemnly. The final exam was in physics, and as it approached its end, it suddenly started snowing. David and Paul were shivering, so they went into the convenience store next to the school, ordered two cups of hot coffee, and sat on high stools by the window chatting. After a while, someone knocked on the ss. Annabels face pressed against the window, smiling like a flower. Snowkes covered her hair, and her breath fogged up the ss. Soon, she ran in, shouting at the counter, Ice cream, strawberry vor. Annabel sat down next to David, bringing in a cold breeze. David casually brushed off the snowkes on her back, Why didnt you bring an umbre? Paul was stunned. Davids actions seemed too natural It seemed natural to Annabel, who felt it was only to be expected, I forgot. Paul looked at his watch. There was still more than half an hour until the end of the exam. Are you done with your exam already? Yeah, I did all the questions I could. Theres nothing I can do about the ones I couldnt. Annabels response was straightforward, and Paul couldnt help but sneer, You might as well just say you dont know how to do. David gave Paul a look. He always believed in an encouraging teaching style. Paul made a surrendering gesture, Okay, you teach your student. The waiter brought the ice cream. Annabel scooped up a big spoonful and put it in her mouth. It was so cold that she hissed, but she still had a look of enjoyment on her face. Paul found it both cute and funny. Even though her grades were poor, she was much more fun than a bookworm. Only David shook his head, Why eat ice cream on such a cold day? Im hungry, Annabel chuckled. Ice cream wont fill your stomach. You said that if I did well on this exam, I could have it. I did better this time thanst time. Its almost winter vacation. Remember to finish your homework. You cant always think about ying. Annabel was in a very good mood and nodded earnestly. And dont go to those bars anymore. Theyre not ces for kids like you. Looking at the two of them, Annabel said knowingly, Thats where you guys hang out, right? David made a motion as if to punch her, and she dodged with a smile. Then she said, Youre really naggy, just like my grandma. Paul burst intoughter, From now on, lets call him Grandma David. David shook his head helplessly, but looking at Annabel, who had opened up to him again, he felt happy. The bell rang, signaling the end of the semester. Students began to enter the shop one after another. Logan and other ssmates came in and were all surprised to see the three of them. Hello, Sir. Hello, Mr. Curry. Hello, Mr. Goodwin. Annabel asked David, Im going to New Avalon for the winter break. Is there anything you want as a gift? Although the convenience store was a bit noisy, Logan paid attention to their conversation and was somewhat surprised. Annabel was actually going to New Avalon for the New Year. Would Thomas agree? David thought seriously, Then bring your winter break homework and finish it there. Annabel snorted, Always saying that, boring! Davidughed again, his monolid eyes gentle when he smiled. Annabel looked up at him, thinking Mr. Curry looked really good when he smiled. Paul looked at the time, We have to go. They werete for a meeting. They got up and waved to Annabel, See you next semester, Annabel. Next semester seemed so far away, Annabel couldnt help but feel a little mncholy. As the two teachers turned around, the surrounding gazes became somewhat strange. Although no one mentioned Davids special treatment of Annabel to her face, there were always plenty of whispers behind her back. Its obvious she like Mr. Curry. Shes always hanging around Mr. Curry. Someone saw her holding hands with Mr. Curry. No way Maybe Mr. Curry just likes younger girls, Aria nced at the bewildered Logan and said mockingly. Upon hearing this, Annabel suddenly turned her head, pointed at Aria and her group, and scolded, Aria, and you guys, if youve got guts, say it again! Arias face turned red with embarrassment. Annabels fierce appearance did intimidate her a bit, but being scolded in front of so many people made her feel embarrassed. What did I say? Dont bully me! The surrounding ssmates whispered to each other. Annabel seemed aggressive while Aria appeared pitiful. No matter how you looked at it, it seemed like Annabel was bullying Aria. My parents have never yelled at me, so why do you have the right to yell at me? Just as David left the shop, he heard Annabels voice. He turned back and saw Annabel confronting Aria, who looked like a little lioness, while Aria looked teary-eyed. Aria, stop pretending! David instinctively scolded. Annabel, whats wrong with you? Annabel, feeling frustrated and disdainful, didnt bother to exin. She turned and walked quickly past David, rushing out. Paul watched Annabels departing figure. Since they met at the basketball court, they had spent quite a bit of time together. He somewhat understood Annabel. I guess those girls said something bad about her. She cant handle it; shell definitely fight back. David didnt say anything, his expression somewhatplicated. Suddenly, Paul added, Annabel seems to rely on you a lot. David nodded, not denying it. It seems that way, probably because she doesnt have a mother. Even though shes Thomass only child, shecks nothing with such a wealthy family background. Why should she be upset about anything? Their knowledge of her family background only came to light on the night of the incident at the bar. That night, the police almost sealed off the street. Paul watched the disappearing figure in the heavy snow. David seemed to be overly concerned about her. He couldnt help but remind him, Although she looks like L, shes not. Dont feel responsible for her. David was taken aback. What are you talking about? Shes just a kid. Annabels situation is somewhat special. I feel sorry for her when I look at her. Im just doing what a teacher should do.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. I hope you really think that way. After the exams, Annabel feltpletely liberated. She went to Masons Factory No. 7 and found out that Mason had avenged her for thest time she was beaten up. Mason patted her shoulder with great pride. Bro, you owe me a favor again, dont you? You scared everyone that day, but how did Logan know which bar you were going to? Even I didnt expect that. Annabel rolled her eyes. How would I know? She didnt feel grateful at all. If it werent for them, mother and son, she wouldnt be in such a miserable situation. Alex interjected, Be, seriously, Logan is actually pretty good to you. O, at the mention of Logan, had a dreamy look on her face. Yes, yes, Logan is actually quite nice. Both Mason and Annabel angrily retorted, What do you guys know? Before leaving, O repeatedly urged her to get Logans WhatsApp ount. Annabel looked at her speechlessly, while Mason looked sad. Masons liking for O made Annabel feel a little lonely. It seemed like she had lost a good friend of many years. As night fell, the lights mingled with the snow, casting a cold light. There were few pedestrians on the street. Annabel felt inexplicably empty inside. There were hardly any people on the bus home. Although there was heating, she still felt cold, huddled in the back row. She felt like she might be catching a cold. The bus announcement indicated that the next stop was her destination. She looked out the window at the straight road covered in snow. The snow danced menacingly in the glow of the streetlights. She hesitated whether she should ask Eve to bring her an umbre. After getting off the bus, Annabel unexpectedly saw Logan at the tform. She wasnt sure if he was leaving or just arriving. Their eyes met, and Annabel remembered the unpleasant encounter with Aria at the shop earlier. She taunted, What, are you here to avenge your girlfriend? Logan pursed his lips, ignoring herment and simply handed her the umbre he was holding. Take it. Seeing Annabel hesitating, he pushed the umbre into her hand and walked away briskly. Watching Logan walking away in the snow, Annabel couldnt help but feel that sometimes Logan wasnt so bad after all. But then she chastised herself for being swayed by a small favor. They owed her so much, so epting an umbre from him wasnt a big deal. As they walked, the snow reached their ankles, and Logan soon had ayer of snow on him. Softening her heart, Annabel told herself to be more generous. She caught up to Logan and offered him half of the umbre. Logan raised his misty eyes, looking somewhat startled. Annabel felt extremely embarrassed and shot him a re, What are you looking at? Go. Logan hesitated for a moment, then took the umbre from her hand, silently smiling. Neither of them spoke as they walked, only the sound of their footsteps crunching in the snow. Annabel stole a nce at Logan, wondering about the likelihood of Os sess in wooing him. Suddenly, Logan stopped in his tracks and turned to her. Before Annabel could react, she slipped and fell backward. Instinctively, she grabbed onto Logan, feeling his weight on top of her, and then she felt his lips on hers. Stunned for a few seconds, they both finally realized what had happened. Annabel pushed Logan away angrily, climbed to her feet, grabbed a handful of snow, and threw it at him. Ah, my first kiss, you jerk! Logan didnt dodge, standing with a haughty expression. Who cares? He was always surrounded by girls, probably stealing many a lovesick girls first kiss. Of course he didnt care. The thought made Annabel feel even more aggrieved. She kicked him in frustration, then stormed off, only toe back a few stepster to grab the umbre lying on the ground. Without looking back, she headed home,pletely ignoring Logans grimace of pain behind her. Chapter 9: Who I Like Is None of Your Business Eve saw the two of theming in, one after the other, and asked, Are you hang out together? Both of them denied in unison, No! Eve chuckled, which irritated Annabel even more. She heard in the next morning that Logan had caught a cold and hadnte down for breakfast. At the breakfast table, Annabel mentioned to Thomas about spending the winter break in New Avalon. It was because the olddy had called him early about it, and her attitude was very firm. Thomas didnt oppose it either. Since the bar incident, Thomas hadnt been as strict with her. But the rtionship between father and daughter had be even colder than before, as they hardly spoke aplete sentence to each other without arguing. The night before going abroad, Annabel was packing her luggage at home when O called. Did you get Logans FB ount for me? No. Youre leaving tomorrow. Please Are you even a friend? No.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Ah Be, please, youre the best, youre the most beautiful, youre a fairy Okay, Ill give you the his phone number. You ask him yourself. No, you ask for me, or else Ill die , do you believe me? Then go ahead and die. Be O actually started sobbing. O resorted to all sorts of tactics, like coaxing, throwing tantrums, and whatnot, to achieve her goal. Annabel was annoyed, Fine, since Logan wont like you anyway, its better for you to verify it for yourself. After hanging up the phone, she struggled for a long time before knocking on the door of the adjacent room. Logan was sitting on the sofa wrapped in a nket, with a thick book on his knee. Whats up? He tilted his head slightly, asking her in a heavy nasal tone. Annabel sneered at the bookworm in her heart again. Give me your FB ount. Logan looked surprised and blushed again, Ill send it to your phone. Annabel looked at his face, prettier than a girls, and tentatively asked him, Do many girls confess to you? Logan nodded calmly, but without a proud expression. Annabel couldnt help but be curious and asked, Do you reject them all? Logan was more confused but admitted straightforwardly, Yeah. Annabel couldnt help butugh at Logans taste. He had given up a whole forest for a girl like Aria. But that was just as well. It meant O didnt stand a chance. She didnt want her friend to have anything to do with Logan. Suddenly, Logan turned the question back on her, So, do you like David or Mason? She turned her head away, adopting the expression he hated the most. Who I like is none of your business. Suddenly, Logan felt an overwhelming urge to throttle her. This years weather seemed unusually cold, with heavy snow falling for a long time. The bad weather didnt dampen Annabels excitement to go to New Avalon. She couldnt wait to rush through security without even saying goodbye to Thomas, who had taken the time to see her off and couldnt help feeling a little disappointed. In the blink of an eye, it was New Years. On New Years Day, the Green Familys servants were all on holiday, so everything had to do for themselves. In previous years, Thomas would have Logan and Annabel decorate the house together, but they can argue in the yard for half the morning. This year, Annabel wasnt there, and Thomas had intended to do it himself, but Logan said he could handle it alone. Sure enough, Logan finished in just over half an hour. Thomas watched him from the steps, nodding in satisfaction at the energetic young man. Looks like Be used to make trouble for you. Logan smiled but said nothing. Thomas patted him on the shoulder gently. Youre the older brother. If Annabel misbehaves, you should discipline her, not indulge her. Logan thought to himself, If you cant handle it, what can I do? In the evening, Brenna cooked personally, and the table was filled with delicious dishes. The three of them had a pleasant meal together, but Logan felt like something was missing. Gan, this is your lucky money. Thomas and Brenna both smiled and handed him a big red envelope. He couldnt help but think of Annabel again, as if he could see her reaching out to grab his envelope, wondering if his was more than her. Logan shook his head, feeling like he was going crazy. Why did he keep thinking of her today? Gan,e and wish Grandma, Aunt, and Uncle a happy New Year. Brenna waved to him from the study door, her smile somewhat embarrassed. It was clear that Bonnie hadnt given her a warm wee. She had never treated them as family, so they had lived alone in the old house with Annabel for all these years. Naturally, Logan didnt have much affection for the Green Familys olddy. He frowned, wanting to refuse but fearing to embarrass Brenna, so he got up and went to the study. Grandma, Happy New Year. Bonnie in the video just nodded slightly, her expression cold. The sharpness of her youth was still evident in her eyebrows and eyes. The aunt and uncle sitting beside her were very concerned about his studies and life. After chatting for a long time without seeing Annabel appear in the video, Thomas suddenly asked, Wheres Be? On this festive day of reunion, both Bonnie and Annabel were absent, which left Thomas feeling a little regretful. Bonnieined, You treat your own daughter like an enemy, but you treat your stepson like your own. No wonder shes not close to you. Apparently, Annabel had reported quite a bit. Brenna looked embarrassed, probably afraid that Logan would feel ufortable hearing this. She patted his shoulder, trying tofort him, and said, You go and do your thing first. Logan looked calmly at the screen for a moment and then left the room. From childhood to adulthood, Logan had always had this calm face. He was restrained and disciplined, not like a child at all. Bonnie, who had been shrewd all her life, couldnt figure out what he was thinking. Now that he was older and excelling in everything, Bonnie was even more wary of him. Thomas quietly held Brennas hand and couldnt help feeling angry at the mother on the other end of the video. Mom, please stop saying things like that! Seeing that the situation was not right, Cora quickly changed the subject with a smile and adjusted the camera to focus on the sofa in the living room. She shouted, Kids,e and greet your elders quickly. Just as Logan reached the door, he couldnt help but turn his head back. In the video was a European-style living room with three people sitting on the sofa. On the left was Coras son Finny, about the same age as Logan. On the right was Kelsey, a year younger than Annabel. In the middle was the tall and thin Annabel. She wore a thin ck turtleneck, and something she said must have been funny, as the two girlsughed and leaned against each other. Finny and Kelsey quickly came over, but Annabel slowly approached the camera. In the light, the row of earrings on her left ear sparkled, and her hair was dyed smoky gray, making her look cool and aloof. Logan suddenly thought she looked quite beautiful. He looked at Thomas again and saw that his face didnt look good, but it was a holiday, and Bonnie was there, so he could only endure it. Annabel casually said to the camera, Boss, Happy New Year. Bonnie was speechless. Be, why are you talking to your dad like that? Although Bonnie pretended to be stern and scold her, her sharp gaze turned into a helpless indulgence when she looked at Annabel. How could Annabel not know? She turned and walked away arrogantly. Logan cursed inwardly, silly, and then left the room. Like most boys, Logan also liked to y games, but he was restrained and disciplined. However, since it was New Years Day, he decided to rx and y. As it approached midnight, Logan nced at the messages on FB. In the ssmates group chat, everyone was greeting each other and chatting enthusiastically, and there were many ssmates sending him private messages, mostly girls, but Logan often chose to ignore them. Suddenly, there was a friend request on FB. He remembered that Annabel had asked for his ount, so he didnt hesitate to ept it. After adding the friend, the other party quickly came to say hello, but to his disappointment, it wasnt Annabel, but Annabels friend O. Happy New Year, Im O, Annabels friend. Do you remember me? Logan remembered her quite well. She always wore her hair in messy ck braids and dressed provocatively, looking much more mature than Annabel. There were always plenty of boys around her, and although Ryan liked Aria, Ryan had once encountered O at the school gate, and his eyes couldnt help but follow her. Ryan often said he was strange. During puberty, when boys were interested in the opposite sex, Logan wasnt interested in those girls at all. Chapter 10: Caring and Liking Are Two Different Concepts! Whats up? Logans specialty was ending conversations because he wouldnt waste time on such matters, and then hed casually cklist the person. A message popped up on his phone screen, Nothing, just wondering when Be will be back. Probably after the winter break. O knew Logan quite well. To avoid awkwardness, her conversations always revolved around Annabel, as Logan usually didnt bother with them. Logan clicked into her moments out of curiosity. Many of them were updates about Annabel being with them. Last time Annabel said she had extra sses, she actually went racing with Mason. The time she skipped ss to go out, she was actually going to watch Masons race. The time she came homete, she went to sing karaoke with friends. After scrolling Os moments, Loganpletely dispelled the idea of cklisting her. One evening, Ryan suddenly called to invite him out for a gathering. When Logan arrived, Ryan was already waiting there. He looked at Logan with a dejected face and said, I got dumped. Logan paused for a moment. It had been less than a month since Ryan started dating Aria. He took off his coat, poured himself a cup of tea, and said in a rxed tone, Its normal. Ryan looked up at him, ring, but Logan ignored him and called the waiter to order some food. Ryan sighed in frustration, Aria said she doesnt like me. Hmm. Aria said she likes you. Hmm. She said shes with me to make you jealous. Logan furrowed his brow. Why would I be angry? Ryan felt even more frustrated, not just because of the breakup but also because of losing face. He took a big gulp of beer. Yeah, everyone knows Aria likes you. Youre so cool, surrounded by girls all the time. How could you have time to be angry? This sounds full of jealousy, but Logan didnt care. In other words, he was toozy to specte on this kind of immature love. With his hands resting behind his head and leaning back in his chair, he stated matter-of-factly, It really has nothing to do with me. Thats Arias mood. If anyone else said this, Ryan would have thought they were showing off, but he knew Logan wasnt like that. Logan, do you even know how tofort someone else? Logan smiled. How should Ifort you? Since she doesnt like you, just forget about it. Ryan banged on the table fiercely and said, If I could just let it go, then it wouldnt be a true love. Logan furrowed his brow again, showing confusion. Ryan stared at Logan like he was a freak for a long time. Youve grown up all this time and never liked anyone, right? Does my mom count? Dont be ridiculous! Ryan seemed to understand and crossed his arms. Damn, you dont like guys, do you?! Logan inteced his fingers elegantly and quietly. He was a patient listener but also indifferent. He couldnt empathize with your misfortune. I dont like anyone. Ryan was stunned for a moment. Logan wasnt a liar, and sometimes he didnt seem like he belonged in the mortal world. He continued hisint, Ive been secretly in love with her since middle school. Four years of waiting,ing and going at her whim, and she treats me like this! He nced at Logan again. Telling you is pointless. Youve never cared about anyone, so you wouldnt understand. He thought seriously for a moment and finally came up with aforting word, Four years isnt that long. Im sixteen this year. A quarter of my life spent secretly in love with a girl. Is there anything longer than that? Logan didnt say anything. He rested his chin on his hand, unconsciously stroking his lips. He thought of Annabels warm and soft breath on that snowy night. In that moment, his heartbeat waspletely chaotic. Did he like her? He still dislike all the ws in her, so the answer was still no. But regardless of whether she admitted it or not, he had long regarded her as his sister, so he cared, and he had always hoped she would acknowledge his existence. Ryanined untilte, and Logan apanied him the whole time. There were several phone calls from home urging them toe back, and they finally left. There werent many people on the street, and the wind was strong, cutting like a knife on their faces. Logan bundled up his clothes tightly. They waited for quite a while before a taxi finally arrived. Logan was about to open the car door when he said, Ryan, you go first. Suddenly, an arm reached out from behind, followed by a warm body leaning against him. Logan instinctively moved back, and the persons body collided with the car door directly. It was a young girl, smelling strongly of alcohol. Dont be crazy, okay? A young man ran over, wearing a ck hooded down jacket. His voice sounded somewhat familiar. He pulled the girl from behind, and she mumbled and tried to shake him off. Get lost, I dont need you to take care of me!Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. The man sighed, opened the car door, and forcibly pushed the girl inside. He turned back and said, Sorry, I have no choice. Can you wait a bit longer? When the guy turned his face, both Logan and Ryan were stunned. Wasnt this Annabels intern teacher, David? The lighting was dim, and Logan was wearing a hat and scarf. David clearly didnt recognize them. Well, you go first. David thanked them and got into the taxi. The girl in the car suddenly sat up, revealing a beautiful face full of tears, and threw herself into Davids arms. The taxi drove off into the distance, leaving Logan still in a daze. Ryan pulled his sleeve. Am I seeing things? Thats our intern teacher Nancy, right? Their rtionship seemed unusual. Logan shrugged. Who knows? C The holiday time always flies by quickly, and before they knew it, it was time to return to school. Annabel came back on the afternoon of the first day of school, dressed from head to toe in designer brands, worth at least tens of thousands. She wore a duckbill cap and a pair ofrge sunsses, looking like she could score full marks for pretentiousness. Thomas specially arranged for a car to take them to school. Annabel went to drop off her luggage, while Logan waited downstairs for quite a while. She finally came down from upstairs sluggishly, wearing a different outfit. There was no one else in the living room. Annabel cleared her throat. Hey, Logan. Whats up? Do you think my outfit looks like a students? Logan looked at her for a moment. She was wearing a long red sweater, ck knee-high socks, a white windbreaker on the outside, and had removed the earring from her left ear. Her youthful face resembled a peeled egg, full of youthful vigor. Although simple, it looks great, which is what suits her Logan silently thought to himself, but he wouldnt say it out loud to avoid making Annabel feel too proud. Its alright, he replied. Annabel had a paper bag in her hand, inside of which was a gift box, presumably for David. The driver pulled into the parking lot, and Annabel spent ages fixing her hair and makeup in the rearview mirror. Could she really be interested in David? Logan looked somewhat annoyed for no apparent reason and lightly kicked her. Are you here to report or to go on a blind date? Hurry up! Annabel hadnt seen David for almost a month. As she approached the office, she could already hear his voice from inside. Suddenly, her heart started racing. She stood at the door for a moment, took a deep breath, and then went in. David was sitting in a chair, filling out a form with his head down. When he saw Annabel, he smiled and said, Why are you sote? the Grade Director asked me to wait for you. I just got back today. I took an afternoon flight and came straight here afternding, Annabel replied. She handed over the gift she had brought. This is for you, a New Years gift. David hesitated for a moment, but Paul quickly snatched it from her. YoooYooo, let me take a look for you. Opening the box, they found a basketball covered in signatures, almost all of them from NBA superstars. Paul eximed in awe, saying it was already impressive to get just one signature, let alone this many. Do you like it? Annabel asked. David nodded, touched more by the gesture than the gift itself. He carefully put it away. I really like it. Ill treasure it. Now, let me see your holiday homework, David said sternly. Annabel chuckled nervously a couple of times. David sensed something was off and, sure enough, when he looked at her work, it was mostly nk, except for halfpleted physics assignments. Paul teased from the side, I knew it would be like this. David felt he needed to be firm with her; otherwise, he would be doing her a disservice. He immediately put on a stern expression. Whats wrong with you? Are you just going to ignore the teachers instructions? Get your parents here! Annabels face froze for a moment, then she started to argue, I couldnt do it. Whats the point of copying answers? Besides, I havent seen my grandma in six months. I have to spend time with her. David wanted to help Annabel, but seeing her trying to justify herself made him somewhat angry. Well, I cant force you. Let me get the Grade Director here, he said, picking up his phone to call. Annabel panicked and snatched the phone, holding it close to her chest. Cant I take it back and do it again? She then extended one foot. Look, I even tripped over while trying to get these signatures. My ankle is still bruised. In fact, she was wearing ck thick socks, it couldnt see any bruise. Even without her saying it, David knew it wasnt easy for her to collect all these signatures. Seeing her distressed look, David softened again. He picked up a book and lightly tapped her forehead. Go home and finish it. Hand it in a weekter. If you dare to bezy again, I wont go easy on you! Yes, sir, Annabel saluted. Coincidentally, Logan was walking over at that moment. He had always seen Annabel with a cool and aloof demeanor. When had he ever seen her shy and submissive like this? He couldnt help but be stunned and find her shy demeanor also quite charming. David turned his head and happened to lock eyes with Logan. As a top student in both academics and looks, any teacher would take notice of him, especially since he was Annabels stepbrother. The boys face still had a hint of youthful innocence, but his eyes and eyebrows already showed signs of maturity. David wondered how brilliant his life would be when he grew up. At that moment, David thought he would be a teacher for the rest of his life. He never imagined that his life would undergo such a big change, and that the slightly naive teenager in front of him would be his greatest rival in life. Chapter 11: Nancy! As soon as they left the school gates, Annabel sent Logan home and made ns with her group of friends to go to the citys most upscale Japanese restaurant. Being tightly controlled by Thomas for the past six months, after the New Year, she had made another trip to New Avalon. Her grandmother had secretly given her quite a bit of money, so she naturally wanted to spend itvishly. After not seeing each other for a month, Masons hair had grown even longer, almost covering his eyes, looking particrly disheveled. Annabel teased, Its only been a month, whats with the mess? None of your business, Annabel! Youre too much! Mason retorted. What did I do? Why are you so mad? Did your dad beat you again? You He nced at O, who ignored him. She only kept asking Annabel, Is Logan at home? Did he mention me to you? Completely ignoring Masons fierce gaze. Annabel quietly asked Alex, Whats going on? Are you kidding me? Did you introduce O to Logan? Dont you know Mason likes her? Theyve been fighting over this. Mason even smashed his guitar, and theyre arguing to disband the band. She kept begging me, so I gave her Logans Facebook. Annabel nced at O, who was wearing a low-cut sweater that barely covered her short skirt, showcasing her curvy figure and long legs in high heels, looking very attractive. Annabel puzzled, Are she and Logan together now? He shouldnt like someone like her. What do you know? Why wouldnt a man like this kind of figure? Besides, O is actively trying to seduce him. I did it to make O give up. Who knew it would turn out like this. Annabel smacked her forehead, regretting her actions. She knew she had done something particrly nasty to Mason. She promised Mason privately, Dont worry, Ill break them up. Thomas came home early that evening, and naturally, he noticed Annabels absence from the dinner table. Logan solemnly said, She has a friends birthday today, so she said shed be backter. Thomas snorted coldly, but Brenna, afraid of him getting angry, hurriedly interjected, School doesnt start until tomorrow. She just came back from overseas, so she must miss her friends. Thomas wasnt angry either. He said casually, Its fine. Let her enjoy herself for a few days. When shes done spending that little bit of money she has, then Ill deal with her. Logan knew that at Annabels level, she wouldnt stand a chance against his father. Annabel spends money without restraint, and its likely shell run out soon. Logan, on the other hand, seems to have no special desires for food and clothing. The pocket money hes saved up over the years is probably enough for a down payment on a house. When Logan was fifteen, Thomas mentioned Annabels pocket money, and Logan asked if he could open an ount to y the stock market. Thomas was pleased and immediately arranged for him to open an ount. He didnt mind whether he won or lost since the Green Family wasnt short of money. asionally, Thomas would chat with him about financial investments, and Logan listened with great interest, much to Thomass surprise. After indulging in eating and drinking for a few days, Annabel eventually began to restrain herself, partly thanks to David. Ive been thinking about this question for a long time and still dont know how to solve it. Can you help me? Right after ss, Annabel, who is eager to learn and improve, came to David with her physics workbook. The teachers exchanged knowing nces; it was obvious that Annabel had taken a liking to this young and handsome intern teacher. Otherwise, why wouldnt she ask about other assignments? David was the most popr among this group of intern teachers C handsome, enthusiastic, and sunny. Annabel wasnt the first toe to him regrly, but she was the most special. Because, he was the strictest with Annabel, forbidding her from being inattentive in ss, not handing in her assignments, and skipping sses. It was strange, though. Even with someone as rebellious as Annabel, no matter how harsh David was with her or how he put her down, she would stille to him privately to ask him questions and y basketball with him, as if nothing had ever happened. Later, whenever Annabel caused trouble in any ss, the teachers would always turn to David to deal with it. David pulled out a chair for her, opened her workbook, and patiently exined the problems on the scratch paper. She sat to his left, catching a glimpse of his profile. Annabels attention was drawn to his high nose, lips of moderate thickness, and a pimple on his forehead. She thought to herself, Mr. Curry looks quite handsome. Are you even listening? David suddenly turned his head and lightly tapped her forehead. Annabel eximed and quickly nodded, Yeah, yeah, yeah After David finished exining and the bell rang for ss, he hurried Annabel to her next ss. Halfway there, she stopped. Would you like to y basketball after ss? David nodded. Annabel jumped with joy. Ill wait for you! She bounced out the door, only to collide with Nancying in. Some girls have gossiped about David and Nancy being a couple. Annabel heard about it and went to ask David if he had a girlfriend. He didnt give a direct answer, which left Annabel feeling frustrated. Actually, Nancy is quite good-looking, but she always acts arrogant, which makes her quite unlikable. Nevertheless, shes still a teacher, so Annabel decided to start the conversation politely: Sorry. Nancy rubbed her sore forehead from the collision and angrily asked, Whats wrong with you? Then she turned to David indignantly, Is this the kind of student you teach, without any manners?Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Annabel, who had intended to be polite, but unable to hold back after hearing what she said, pointing at Nancys nose with a fierce expression, she retorted, What did you say! Annabel, hurry up and go to ss! Seeing Annabel getting angry, David quickly stopped her. Annabel looked at David with a face full of grievance and dissatisfaction. She started it. David came over, pushing Annabel with her mane up, and softened his tone, Go to ss quickly, or youll bete. Reluctantly, Annabel left, but luckily it was ss time, so there werent many people in the office. David sighed, Nancy, youre not a college student anymore, youre a teacher. How can you lose your temper with a student? Nancy, venting her frustration, mmed her textbook heavily on the desk and sneered, Your students are really something. Dont tell me you cant see that she likes you. Or do you have a penchant for underage girls? Pedophilia, perhaps? David turned his chair away from her, saying, I treat all my students equally. Shes just mischievous, so I naturally have to discipline her more. Nancy scoffed, Yeah, your phone is on 24/7, tutoring her homework every day,forting her when shes upset, dealing with her mistakes, spending weekends ying basketball with her. Her parents dont even spend as much time with her as you do, and shes not even sixteen yet. Do you realize youremitting a crime? David couldnt be bothered arguing with Nancy and turned back to continue grading papers. Boring. Azy voice at the door chimed in, Out of the two sses David teaches, seven out of ten girls are secretly in love with him, not just Annabel. Are you gonna be jealous of everyone? Paul walked in with a stack of documents in his hands. Nancys face flushed red. Whos jealous? The three of them were college ssmates, and since Nancy is high maintenance, they usually try to amodate her. Chapter 12: Crushing on a Teacher is Normal! Paul chuckled and patted her shoulder, Yeah, yeah, you dont. But, dont you know that Davids graduation thesis is based on Annabels example? He made a bet with me that within a year, he would turn the schools most troublesome student into a top student. The results have been quite obvious in the past six months. Besides, its embarrassing for you to be jealous of a student. Nancy was skeptical but visibly relieved. She nced in Davids direction, wanting confirmation, but David didnt look back. He sighed, Nancy, this is my own business. Please dont interfere. Nancy turned pale, tears welling up in her eyes. She stood up and ran out. Paul sighed, Her dad is the vice principal of this school. If you want to stay here and work, dont offend her. Eastdown was a big city, and for someone like David without connections or background, the hope of staying wasnt great. David nced over, not particrly concerned. It would be best to stay, but I wontpromise my principles just to please her. Paul knew he couldnt convince him. But theres something Nancy said thats true. Youve done more for Annabel than her own parents. Annabel isnt L. Have you lost sight of that? - As the end of the semester approached, David and the other intern teachers took leave to return to school for graduation defense. With David absent, Annabels motivation to study suddenly decreased by half, and the ssroom atmosphere was not as lively as before. Students began to gossip privately that David was leaving, which made Annabel feel uneasy. Since returning to school, David hadnt paid much attention to Annabel, busy with the defense and preparing for the graduation party. He only left her a message telling her to study hard because he would check when he got back. On the day of the graduation defense, David and his friends gathered outside for a farewell. They were all somewhat sentimental, saying many words and drinking a lot of alcohol. There were several missed calls, all from Annabel. Although it was past three in the morning, he was worried she might be in trouble, so he hesitated for a moment before calling her back. Annabel. But there was no response for a while. David called again, Annabel. On the other end, came a soft Hmm, which waspletely unlike her usual personality. David softened his tone, Whats wrong? I miss you. In reality, it had only been a week, but Annabel felt like it had been much longer. David actually knew about Annabels feelings and dependence on him, as well as the crushes many girls in his ss had on him. He didnt see it as a bad thing; he could guide them to maintain an appropriate distance, which would eventually turn into warm memories as they grew older and matured. But when it came to Annabel, his feelings were moreplicated. He ignored her statement, You have school tomorrow. Get sleep now. They said your internship is ending, and youre leaving the school, right? The voice on the other end of the phone sounded somewhat disheartened. I want to stay, but it depends on your grades. Theres still a month left. If you do well on your exams, then I have hope. Annabel was skeptical, Really? If I do well, you wont leave? David couldnt help but chuckle as he held the phone, Of course. The voice on the other end immediately perked up, promising to study hard. David couldnt help but smile at her earnest expression, He felt a warmth in his heart, but at the same time, an inexplicable emotion stirred within him. She really reminded him of L. After hanging up the phone, David couldnt sleep. His parents had always hoped he would continue his postgraduate studies and stay in Magic City, but L was in Eastdown. How could he bear to leave her? His roommate, awakened by his phone call, peeked out from the top bunk and teasingly asked, Are you in love or something? No, Im not. You dont realize it yourself. Listen to your voice and look at your expression. Poor Nancy, liking you for four years. She must be heartbroken. David was startled, feeling like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him. Annabel was only 16, and he was no longer the high school student he once was. How could he treat her like L? After that nights phone call with David, Annabel seemed like a changed person. She was active in ss, buried herself in her studies after ss, didnt even go out with Mason when he asked her, and even took the initiative to find Thomas and ask him to hire a tutor to give her extra lessons. Thomas smiled like a flower in relief. After the tutoring sessions, often ending around eleven at night, she would continue to study, like a fighter jet.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Logan figured it was rted to the retention quota for the intern teacher. Only an idiot like Annabel would believe that the retention quota was based on work performance. At the end-of-month parent-teacher meeting, Liam represented David. The teachers took a long time to praise Annabel, noting her improved academic performance and attitude. Liam recited every word of the teachers praise to Thomas, who nodded in satisfaction. Finally, someone can keep that little lioness in check, Thomas remarked. Liam nced at his boss, hesitant to speak. Thomas calmly said, Go ahead, Ive handled her beating someone up and getting detained. What else cant I ept? Be seems to have a crush on their new physics teacher, David. Liam had been a loyal subordinate of Thomass since the Green Familys downfall, and he had also served as Bes guardian for many years, so he was considered like an elder member of her. Thomas chuckled. Its not a big deal. Having a crush on a teacher is quite normal, especially for Be, whos nearly sixteen. Itd be strange if she didnt like any boys. I remember even having a crush on my teacher. Shes changed for the better now, all because of David. I think David is good-hes responsible, knows how to guide her, understands boundaries. I trust him with Be. Liam agreed after hearing this. That night at the bar, David and Paul had saved Annabel, and as a token of gratitude, Thomas had given each of them a bank card loaded with five hundred thousand dors. For young men who hadnt graduated yet, this was a considerable sum, but they returned the money untouched. Thomas had chosen wisely; their characters were reliable. I should be thankful as long as she doesnt hang out with Mason and his bunch of spoiled brats, Thomas remarked, feeling that Annabel had learned bad habits from them. The Wolf Family and the Masters Family were once the two giants of Eastdowns household appliance industry. While the Masters Family had since declined and exited the market after facing closure, the Wolf Family was also on the decline. Only the Green Family remained dominant after ten years of operation. Jack is a sly one, who knows what hes up to. It was clear that Thomas was now on guard against Mason, afraid that he had his eye on his daughter. However, it was evident that Jack had a fondness for Annabel. It was said that Jack and Annabels mother were once lovers, but why she ended up marrying Thomas remained unknown. Liam still remembered Annabels mother, Essem, with her stunning beauty in her youth. Annabel must have grown into a beauty herself. Chapter 13: Impressive at Twenty-five! As the end-of-term exams approached, David finally returned. When his figure appeared at the lectern, the ss erupted in cheers. After school, George stood up, ready to leave. He noticed Annabel still sitting there with her workbook open. Arent you leaving? You go ahead. she replied. Once the ssroom emptied, she quietly made her way to the teachers office. Only David remained, seated with his back to her, absentmindedly ying with the pot of sulents on his desk, chin propped on his hand, staring at theputer screen. Annabel tiptoed behind him, nning to give him a little scare. Suddenly, David turned around, smiling at her. David knew Annabel woulde. In fact, he had been waiting for her. After a month, he admitted to himself that he did miss this girl a little. But he reminded himself that it was just a teachers fondness for his student. Annabel took out her test paper from her backpack and ced it on the desk. Take a look. David nced at the score on top. She had done remarkably well. He had heard as soon as he returned that Annabel had passed all her subjects, and her overall grades were now average in the ss, something unimaginable before. Naturally, David was pleased. His efforts over the past period had paid off. You did well, but no room forcency! David looked at her proud little face, silently asking for praise, and found it adorable. Out of habit, he wanted to ruffle her hair, but he stopped himself midway. You promised me. If I pass every subject, youll grant me a wish. We agreed it was for the final exams! She patted her chest earnestly. Dont worry, Ill do even better next time. You promised! She asked him quietly, So, does this mean you can stay now? David nodded. Shouldnt be a problem. Great! She was so excited she almost hugged him, but David quickly dodged. Alright, hurry home. I have things to do too. Annabels voice carried a tinge of disappointment as she uttered an Oh. At the end of the semester exams, Annabel finally escaped from the bottom ranks of the grade, advancing more than seventy ces. Logan still held the top spot, leaving the second-ce far behind. Thomas, upon seeing Annabels report card, jokingly remarked to Liam in private, Choosing David was the right decision. On the day before the holidays, to everyones surprise, David, without any connections or background, received a notice to stay on as a teacher at the school. In a couple of days, he could go to the education bureau toplete the formalities for his appointment. Paul, with connections at the Department of Education, staying on as a teacher was already a done deal. Annabel overheard Paul making phone calls in the hallway, mentioning treating someone, so she waited for him at the school gate and brazenly said, Sir, take me along. Paul nced at her helplessly. Its an adult gathering. What business does a kid like you have there? But there was no way Annabel would be easily dismissed. Though it was evening, the daytime heat still lingered, and the riverside stalls were bustling with activity. Paul and Annabel arrived first. After a short wait, David arrived with two other guys, all dressed in basketball jerseys, indicating they had just finished ying. Seeing Annabel sitting there, David furrowed his brow. One of the other guys spoke up, Were having a guys night out, and you brought a little girl along? Annabel smiled sweetly, Ill be sixteen in a month. Besides, I bet your tolerance for alcohol isnt any better than mine. Annabel had attended various gatherings since she was young, so her alcohol tolerance was quite good. Paul sneered, Right, almost sixteen, almost an adult. Since Davids return from the school trip, Annabel had sensed a change in his attitude towards her. He still cared for her, but there was a slight difference in their previous easy-going intimacy. Once like friends and brothers, he now treated her more like a real teacher. Annabel thought to herself, Hes already assuming the role of a teacher just because he got his diploma! Annabel didnt mind, How old are you guys anyway? Just a few years older than me. As she spoke, she deliberately moved her chair closer to David and leaned in, Mr. Curry, may I ask how old you are this year? David didnt answer her question. Instead, he disdainfully extended his finger to poke her forehead, pushing her away slightly. Sit properly! A guy beside them answered, Your teacher is twenty-one. Annabel looked disdainful. Just five years older than me. Whats so special about that? Paul took a sip of his drink, chuckling with a knowing look. On a summer evening, with barbecue and beer, the cool breeze asionally blew over the water, creating a pleasant atmosphere. They had known each other since high school, and the stories from the past seemed endless. They talked about girls, shared anecdotes, and although Annabel was usually talkative, this time she listened quietly. So quiet that Paul and the others forgot she was there, except when the conversation veered into inappropriate topics, prompting David to cough softly to silence them. It wasnt that Annabel didnt want to participate, but when it came to matters concerning David, whether present or past, she was interested. Well, she admitted it-she liked David. The weather was too hot, and Annabel also wanted to have some beer, but David refused and ordered her a ss of yogurt instead. However, halfway through, he received a phone call, and by the time he returned, Annabel had already joined them in drinking. David was somewhat annoyed. Are you guys crazy? Why are you drinking with her? Paul chuckled. Whats wrong with asionally having a beer? Moreover, Annabel is far from being a docile civilian. Annabel tapped him with chopsticks. Whos not a docile civilian? But youre right, whats the big deal with beer? Its practically water. David was speechless, his expression darkening. Who promised me to quit smoking and drinking? How long has it been? Youve already forgotten? Annabel tried to appease him again, leaning in with a yful smile and raising her hand. I promise not to touch a drop of alcohol. You guys chat, dont mind me, pretend Im not here.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Around nine in the evening, David felt it was time for Annabel to go home, so he bid everyone farewell early. David stood at the intersection, hailing a taxi, while Annabel leaned against themppost behind him, quietly watching him. A taxi pulled up in front of them. Annabel, get in. There was no movement behind him, so David turned around to look. Annabel was still standing there, unmoving, muttering, I dont want to go home right now. Will you apany me for a walk? David felt she was being deliberate. He was about to scold her when she said unhappily, I just dont want to go home. Thomas and his family went to Brennas mothers house. Ill be alone when I go back. Its the holidays, so whats wrong with me staying out a bit longer? David softened again, feeling sorry for her since even her own family seemed to neglect her. He gently advised, Its already past nine. You cant just not go home, can you? Annabel pointed to a shady path by the river. The lights were dim, and there werent many people around. Couples in love often liked to walk there. Lets take a stroll there before heading home. Chapter 14: I Like You! David was still a bit hesitant, but Annabel was already pushing him forward from behind. David deliberately walked very fast, just wanting to get her home as soon as possible. Annabel asked him, You saidst time that if I improved by fifty ces in my final exam ranking, you would reward me. Does that still count? David remembered she had previously mentioned wanting to go to the aquarium. Of course, didnt you want to go to the aquarium? In a few days, we can go with Paul. Thats not what I want. He asked casually, Then what do you want? She suddenly stopped walking and looked at him mischievously. David waited to see what new trick she had up her sleeve. Annabel smiled with her lips pressed together, still a bit shy, and mustered up the courage to say, I want to kiss you. David felt the blood rush to his face and immediately put on a stern look. Dont be ridiculous! Seeing that he was really angry, Annabel quickly backtracked, Haha, I was just joking. Why do you have to be so serious? This time, David didnt go along with her. He gged down a taxi and shoved her inside. Tranquility Vi, go. But Annabel, this rascal, stuck her head out of the car and shouted loudly at the street, David, I like you! I really, really like you! This drew the attention of many passersby. David gritted his teeth in frustration, wishing he could just strangle her! Its said that starting next semester, the workload will be heavy. Annabel ns to y recklessly during this summer vacation. Logan is busy with various sses, like painting and piano, while Annabel constantly looks for opportunities to ask David out. Shees up with all sorts of excuses, like ying basketball or eating out, but he always says he doesnt have time. She knows he is deliberately avoiding her. On August 7th, Annabels birthday, Thomas was on a business trip and had apparently forgotten. She spent the day out with her friends and called David, hoping he woulde. He declined, saying he was busy, but she saw in Pauls Moments that he was with Nancy, watching her with a smile as she made a wish and blew out the candles. Annabel felt a void in her heart. O didnt notice her unease and leaned in to ask about Logan, When are you going to help me ask Logan out? Annabel nced in Masons direction, thinking, If you two get together, Mason will kill me. He is with Aria now; its none of your business. O was a bit upset upon hearing this, but Annabel didnt care. Whats so great about Logan? My teacher is much more handsome than him. Annabel then shared her feelings for David. But hes been ignoring metely. What should I do? Hes your teacher, and youre only sixteen. Youre so forward, how can he respond to you? Annabel thought for a moment. What should I do, then? You need to take it step by step. Dont keep pestering him. Do things he likes to get him to notice you. Annabel found this advice reasonable and stopped seeking out David constantly. Masons band participated in a talent show, and seeing that Annabel was free, he had her act as a temporary assistant without pay. Thepetition, rehearsals, and studio sessions kept her busier than her schoolwork. One night, after returning from a business trip, Thomas found Annabel not at home and realized she was with Mason again, which made him furious. He scolded Brenna for this, leaving her in tears. Annabel always opposed her, so she couldnt control her. Thomas understood his wifes difficulty and refrained from further criticism. Seizing the opportunity, Thomas asked Annabel, Your foundation is weak, so youre going to find a tutor to help you catch up. You told your grandmother the same thing, right? Annabel paused for a moment. Okay. Logan couldnt help but look at her, knowing what wasing. Sure enough, Annabel said seriously, Mr. Currys sses are really good. Let him tutor me. Logan silently cursed her as a lovesick fool. Thomas nodded. Sure, ask him if he has time. Money is not an issue. Annabel, head down and seemingly casual, said, I heard he doesnt tutor students. Maybe it would seem more sincere if you called him yourself. Thomas, being a cunning old fox, knew what Annabel was up to. He smiled. Alright, Ill call him personally. But you must promise me to stay away from Mason and focus on your studies, deal? Annabel was thrilled inside but remained outwardly calm. No problem. Studying can be fun sometimes. Thomas smiled but didnt expose her intentions. Thomas personally called David, who surprisingly refused. Thomas was a bit displeased that someone of his stature was turned down by a high school teacher. However, from another perspective, he felt more at ease entrusting Annabel to him. He told Annabel the news, and her face was filled with disappointment. Thomas consoled her, Its okay, Ive arranged another tutor for you. Annabel turned and went upstairs, her footsteps loud enough to be heard downstairs, showing her anger. Thomas shook his head, holding back hisughter. The vacation days flew by, and before they knew it, the break was already halfway over.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . One morning, David woke up early and went to the cemetery. It wasnt a special day, but he had some free time and wanted to visit L. She had been gone for four or five years. The initial pain had slowly healed over time, but the longing remained just as intense. He sat there for a long time, talking about many things. When a light rain began to fall, he decided it was time to leave. The long flight of steps stretched all the way to the entrance. Not far away, dark clouds loomed over the mountainside, casting an air of emptiness and destion. A sense of mncholy washed over him as he turned to look in Ls direction, and he couldnt help but freeze in his tracks. There was a girl standing at the top of the stairs, wearing an oversized hoodie that made her look even more fragile in the wind. Her short hair was tucked behind her ear, revealing a delicate face. Was that L? The illusion vanished in a second. Of course, he recognized the girl. It was Annabel, the student he had put so much effort into mentoring this semester. He wasnt superstitious, but at that moment, he thought perhaps fate was something ordained by the heavens. She seemed tired from standing and squatted down. Even in the rain, she didnt seem to be leaving, pulling up the hood of her hoodie. That must be her mother. David couldnt bring himself to leave her there. Annabel. On the groundy a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine. Annabel turned at the sound of his voice, her face lighting up with unconcealed joy. She instinctively wanted to reach out and hold his arm but hesitated, thinking he might not like it. Instead, she just smiled at him, David. Her face looked pale and bloodless, clearly showing she hadnt rested well. Its raining. Lets go home. Annabel didnt respond, instead pointing to the photo on the tombstone and proudly saying, This is my mom. Isnt she beautiful? The photo was a bit old, but it was clear she had been a stunning beauty. The date on the tombstone indicated it had been ten years since her passing. Today was the anniversary, but why was Annabel the only one there? Yes, shes beautiful. Annabel sighed deeply. Its a pity she had bad luck and married someone like my dad. David didnt know how tofort her. After a moment, he reached out and patted her head through her hood. Annabel tilted her head to look at him. When she left, I was still very young and didnt understand what death meant. When I grew up, I got used to not having her around. Im not sad anymore. But since shes lying here all alone, I have toe visit. David looked a bit mncholic, which she thought was because he felt sad for her, so she changed the subject. Who did youe to see? A friend. What kind of friend? A very good friend. She looked up at him, her face wet with rain. He took her hand. Its going to rain heavily. Lets go. Annabel nodded in agreement. After taking a few steps, she pulled him back. She bent down and gently pressed her face against the tombstone, whispering something that he vaguely heard included his name. What did you say to your mom? She looked mysterious. Im not telling you. They walked down the stairs together as the rain intensified, pouring down in torrents. Annabel grabbed his hand and ran forward, a smile ying on her lips. David felt a bit helplessness towards the girl who always seemed to find ways to get close to him of the situation. By the time they reached the administration building, both of them were drenched, but fortunately, it wasnt cold. Chapter 15: Can’t Get Away From Her! The two found a ce to rest in the management office. Annabel was very quiet, leaning against the wall without saying a word. David assumed she was just sad about her mother and didnt say anything. After half an hour, a taxi arrived. Annabel climbed into the back seat, and David sat in the front passenger seat. The city center was quite far, and the car stopped and started along the way. The driver was a chatterbox, talking to David the whole time. Annoyed by the driver, David nced back to see Annabel curled up in the seat. Annabel, dont sleep, youll catch a cold. There was no response. Realizing something was wrong, he quickly had the driver stop the car and pulled Annabel up. Her body was cold, and she was clutching her stomach, her face covered in sweat. David touched her forehead, but she didnt seem to have a fever. Whats wrong? Where does it hurt? Her face was contorted in pain as she threw herself into his arms. So cold. David was very worried. Seeing her clutching her stomach, he asked urgently, Is it your stomach? Annabel didnt speak, making David even more anxious. Excuse me, take us to the hospital. She then whispered, I dont need to go to the hospital. Its just menstrual cramps. It will pass. Annabel was in severe pain but felt happy to be in Davids arms, thinking it was worth the pain. David felt a bit awkward. Was this considered an illness? He didnt know much about it. If he sent her home, she probably wouldnt go to her stepmother for help and would just endure it herself.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. He had no choice but to take her to his house and ask his mother, Iris, for help. David called Iris from the car, exining that Annabel had menstrual cramps and asking her to bring some medication. When they arrived, David asked, Can you walk by yourself? Annabels face was pale and she shook her head weakly, so he had to carry her. Annabels head was against his chest, her heart racing and the pain intense. Emboldened by the double stimulus, she said, David, carry me like this for the rest of my life. Stay with me forever, okay? L had also said, David, stay with me forever. His heart clenched. He looked down at Annabel, her soft hair covering half her face as she clung to his chest like a kitten. He tried to suppress his emotions and said in a light tone, By the time you graduate from college, Ill probably be married with children. I cant stay with you forever. Annabel thought of Nancy. If she was really his girlfriend, they might get married next year. This thought made Annabel sad. She said softly, You wont have to wait long. When I turn eighteen, Ill definitely be prettier than Nancy. You wont be at a loss. David ignored her wish, his face stern and his voice a bit harsh. Are you not in pain anymore? If not, then walk by yourself! Annabel quickly snuggled deeper into his arms. Iris was a doctor with a clinic near their home. She returned within five minutes of receiving Davids call. On the sofa sat a young girl, hugging a cushion with half her face buried in it. Excuse me? The girl lifted her head to look at Iris, who gasped, L! Iris quickly realized that if L were still alive, she would be twenty-three now. The girl before her looked much younger. Annabel raised her pale face. Auntie, Im Annabel. David emerged from the room, carrying a nket, looking a bit embarrassed. Mom, shes my student. Shes in a lot of pain. Can you help her? Iris shot him a disapproving look. Since when did male teachers deal with female students menstrual cramps? But since he had already brought her home, she couldnt ignore it. She gave Annabel some painkillers and advised her to take a hot shower. Then she went to the kitchen to prepare some ginger tea. Annabel felt much better and started to be more lively, continuously telling Iris how popr David was at school and how excellent his sses were. Iriss face lit up with a smile as she listened. She then asked Annabel about her daily habits and diet, exining what to be mindful of during her menstrual period and what girls should avoid. David felt a bit awkward and retreated to the balcony. Actually, I dont usually feel this bad. I guess it was because I had hotpot and ice cream yesterday and got caught in the rain today. You shouldnt do that in the future. Tell your parents so they can take you to see a doctor for some treatment. Annabel agreed outwardly but thought to herself that she was fine and didnt need any medicine. Iris, youre so good to me. How about I call you Iris Mommy? David is so excellent; its clear he takes after you. Iris was pleased with Annabels ttery. She liked Annabels straightforward and lively nature. However, seeing a face so simr to Ls made Iris feelplicated. She feared that David might develop inappropriate feelings, especially since Annabel was a minor and his student. After lunch, Iris had David take Annabel home. That evening at dinner, they talked about Annabel. Shes quite a charming girl, isnt she? David thought about all the troublesome incidents hed handled for her. Youve only seen her when shes behaving well. When shes being mischievous, she can drive you crazy. Shes a real problem student. Iris subtly probed, Really? She seemed to listen to you. If I cant even manage her, my four years of college would have been wasted. Iris smiled at her sons confidence. Yeah, youre amazing! But Annabel seems healthy on the surface, yet her digestion is poor, and shes not careful with her diet. Her parents are too careless. David paused, knowing Annabel had been smoking and drinking since she was young. Thomas was only strict and overbearing, while her stepmother didnt care at all. Mom, you know traditional Chinese medicine. Why not prescribe her some herbs to help her out? Iris gave her son a stern look. Her parents need to consent. I cant just prescribe medicine without their approval. What if something goes wrong? Thats unlikely. Its just a few mild tonics. You often make them for me. Iris looked seriously at David. David, she might resemble L, but shes not her. And shes still a minor. Dont lose your head. David paused, annoyed by the constant reminders of Annabels resemnce to L. Mom, what are you thinking? Dont you know me? Her father is always busy with work and has no time for her. She doesnt get along with her stepmother. Im her teacher, and her family situation is unique, so I just look out for her more. Seeing her son getting upset, Iris knew she should trust him. The next day, she prepared a few mild herbal remedies for Annabel and asked David to take them to her. Iris Mommy is so nice. David didnt mention it was his idea. Doctors are like that. They care for patients like parents care for their children. Annabel then asked, Who is L? He answered briefly, A friend. To avoid further questions, he quickly changed the subject and reminded her to take the medicine on time. This semester, sses were being reassigned based on elective subjects. Annabel felt unlucky because Logan was now her ssmate. Seeing him at home, at school, and now in ss was too much. However, she was d that David remained their teacher. Chapter 16: Rotten Wood After bing a full-fledged teacher, Davids attention was spread across fifty-some students, leaving less time for Annabel. Still, he kept tabs on her-when she waste, how often she yed with her phone during ss, and who she argued with. As long as it wasnt too serious, he chose to tolerate her behavior. One reason was his busy schedule, and another was his intention to establish some distance between them, reinforcing their student-teacher rtionship and maintaining boundaries. Annabel, used to being stubborn and mischievous, didnt take to studying naturally. Last semester, her efforts were mostly to make David happy. Now that Davids attention had shifted to top students like Aria, Annabel felt frustrated. No matter how close she tried to get to him or how much she acted out, David remained at an appropriate distance, correcting her in a teacherly tone. Annabel felt a significant emotional gap. She used to think he liked her but was just restricted by their student-teacher dynamic. Now she genuinely felt he didnt like her at all. Coincidentally, Masons band drummer fell ill and was hospitalized two days before apetition. Knowing that Annabel was good at ying the drums, they recruited her as ast-minute recement. Annabel, feeling disheartened and seeing no way to win Davids favor, questioned why she should bother being a diligent student. After all, subjects like physics and chemistry seemed useless for her future. With only two days until thepetition, Annabel skipped sses without permission to rehearse with the band. Fortunately, she was familiar with their song choice, having yed simr tunes with a bar band before, and quickly got into the groove.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . O wrapped an arm around her shoulders, eximing, You should just join our band. Thepetition they were preparing for was a well-known talent show. O, being of legal age and the daughter of former live performers, had her parents full support. However, Guo Le and Mason faced strong opposition from their families, so they kept their participation a secret. Mason quickly interjected, Hey, stop! If she actually joins us, her dad will kill me. You have no idea-every time he looks at me, its terrifying. Annabel agreed, knowing her fathers disdain for Mason was no joke. Annabel waited all day for a call from David, but it never came. After rehearsing until the early hours of the morning, she checked her phone and saw that the only missed call was from Logan. A surge of uncontroble anger and despair welled up within her. She leapt up and hurled her phone against the wall with all her might. The phone shattered, its screen splintering into pieces. Mason winced; he had scrimped and saved to buy her thetest iPhone, and now it was ruined. Mason scolded her, With that bad temper of yours, dont expect me to buy you another one! Annabel slowly crouched down and buried her head in her knees, staying silent. O noticed Annabels shoulders shaking. Was she actually crying? She quickly went over to her, gripping her shoulders, while scolding Mason, Its just a phone. Big deal. When I get famous, Ill buy you ten to smash. Through her tears, Annabel choked out, O, Ive lost my love. The teacher? O thought to herself, it wasnt really a breakup, more like unrequited love, but she didnt want to discourage Annabel. Its no big deal. When I marry Logan, Ill introduce you to someone better. Mason red at her, while Alexander burst intoughter. Annabel, always one to bounce back, stood up, wiped away her tears, and said, Lets go. Weve got apetition tomorrow. The livepetition was the next evening, so Annabel, not wanting to miss anything, stayed with them at the Number Seven Factory. The next day, everyone woke up early. It was their first bigpetition, and they took it seriously, rushing to the venue for rehearsals without even stopping for breakfast. Brenna found out from Logan that Annabel had skipped a whole day of school. Early the next morning, Logan came to her again. Mom, Annabel didnte homest night, and her phone is off. Brenna was sorting some freshly delivered flowers, preparing to arrange them. I know. You go to school first. Seeing his mothers distracted demeanor, Logan insisted, We should tell Uncle. What if something happened? Brenna smiled slightly. Okay. Ill tell him. Though she said that, Brenna wasnt too concerned. Annabel staying out all night wasnt unusual. They had an unspoken agreement: Brenna wouldnt meddle in Annabels affairs, and Annabel wouldnt make things difficult for her. Of course, she still pretended to care in front of Thomas asionally. Eve came in to say the birds nest soup was ready. Brenna set down her scissors and examined her work. Does it look good? Yes, it does. To arrange flowers beautifully, you must first choose good materials. Its like with people. If theyre a piece of rotten wood to begin with, no amount of money will help. Eve paused for a moment, and it took her a while to realize that she was talking about Annabel. Logan arrived at school but didnt find Annabel anywhere. He called O. Given the critical timing of thepetition, O was afraid that if the Green Family sent someone to fetch Annabel, their performance would be ruined. She lied, saying she didnt know where Annabel was. Logan, worried that Annabel might be in trouble, decided to call David. Mr. Curry, Annabel didnte to school yesterday and didnte homest night. Did she tell you where she might be? David was away for training this week, leaving Nancy in charge of the ss. She didnte homest night? Have you tried calling her? Her phone is off. Alright, if you find her, let me know. Okay. Logan heard David muttering angrily on the other end, Whats wrong with Nancy! before the line went dead. Logan suddenly thought that David might be more worried about Annabels disappearance than he was. David couldnt take leave and searched all the ces where Annabel might be, even visiting her mothers grave. He was anxious and felt incredibly guilty, because he was afraid that he would not be able to resist the temptation and did not fulfill his basic responsibilities as a teacher to Annabel. Just when David was exhausted and at his wits end, Paul called, sounding excited. Where are you? Stop searching and turn on the live stream. Annabel is in apetition. Whatpetition? The third annual Original Music Competition. Annabel is the drummer for a band that just went on stage. David quickly opened the stream on his phone. Amidst the dazzling lights and intense rhythm, the stage lighting followed the sexy and charismatic lead singer. In the darker background, David easily recognized Annabel behind the drums. He let out a long sigh of relief, the weight on his chest finally lifting. The song ended quickly, and the lead singer introduced the band members one by one. Annabels hair was short, barely reaching her ears, cut in a deliberately messy style. She wore a loose yellow crop top, revealing a butterfly tattoo on her shoulder, paired with low-rise skinny jeans that showed off her long, slender legs. Her face, with a cool demeanor, exuded a rebellious charm. To David, she stood out as the most beautiful, different from everyone else. The judges gave their scores, mostly praising them, though Christopher, the central judge, pointed out their ws but still gave a high score. Since their band performed early, they had to wait backstage for the results. Annabel found a quiet corner and smoked a cigarette, then started to head back. Excuse me, please wait. She turned around to see the judge who had criticized them. He spoke kindly, a stark contrast to his stern demeanor on stage. Whats your name? Annabel. He looked at her intently. Is your mother Essem? Annabel nodded, Did you know my mon? He smiled warmly, I was a friend of your mothers. Chapter 17: My Wish Is to Marry You Someday You look a lot like your mother. I held you when you were little, Christopher said. He reached out to her, but Annabel instinctively drew back. His hand froze in mid-air before he clenched it into a fist, a look of disappointment crossing his face. To Annabel, even her own mother felt like a stranger, let alone her mothers friends. She felt no particr warmth towards him. Mr. Robins, were about to go live. You need to get to your seat, a staff member urged from behind. Christopher acknowledged the staff member and quickly scribbled down his contact information on a piece of paper. Heres my phone number and address. If you ever need anything,e to me. I can help you with a lot in this industry. He hurried into the live broadcast venue, but Annabel paid it no mind. She had no interest in bing a celebrity and crumpled the paper, tossing it into a nearby trash can. Oh my, do you know who he is? Hes a big shot in the entertainment industry! Do you know how many people are waiting for a chance like this, and you just threw it away? The speaker was Sebastian, Masons band manager. He retrieved the crumpled paper from the trash and pocketed it, his chubby face disying a shrewd businessmans grin. Annabel stuffed one hand into her pocket and saidzily, Whats it got to do with me? Sebastian paused for a moment, then asked, Annabel, are you interested in joining us? With your looks, youd have many opportunities in the entertainment industry. Annabel shook her head, Nope. Sebastian looked disappointed. No problem. You can alwayse to meter if you change your mind.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Feeling a bit bored, Annabel flicked her cigarette butt away, bid goodbye to Mason, and headed home. Outside the venue, many fans who couldnt get inside were watching the performance on a big screen. They asionally waved light sticks and shouted their idols names, with many of the signs shing Mason and O. She doesnt feel anything about her friend bing a celebrity now, and she doesnt like the feeling of being chased. The night air was chilly, and she shivered as the wind blew, suddenly realizing she couldnt remember where shed left her jacket. In the taxi home, she removed her essories and wiped off her makeup, then tugged fretfully at her short T-shirt. She hoped Brenna could cover for her overnight absence, but she knew her outfit would still earn her a scolding from Thomas. As the taxi turned into the parking lot of herplex, she spotted someone standing under the streetlight at the entrance. His features were handsome, his stance rxed, and she felt her heart race. Before the taxi even came to a stop, she jumped out and ran towards the light, calling, David! Shivering in the cold wind, her exposed midriff showing, she looked up at him with eyes full of smiles. Most of Davids anger dissipated, and he swallowed the scolding words he had nned to say. He took off his baseball jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Why didnt you ask for leave? Annabel, feeling delighted, instantly forgot all about Davids recent coldness towards her. I wanted you toe find me. Realizing her little ploy, he flicked her forehead gently and feigned annoyance. Do you know what asking for it means? She grinned, Like me. David gazed at her intently for a moment. Annabel looked back at him cautiously, Dont worry, Ill be back in ss tomorrow. Suddenly, he asked her seriously, Annabel, do you dislike school? Yeah, I dont. Then do you enjoy music, bing a singer, like tonight? Its not that I love it. I just y around when Im bored. Her response surprised him. What do you like? Have you thought about what you want to do in the future? Youre sixteen; its time to think about that. Davids expression was earnest and serious. Annabel, however, raised her eyebrows and smiled, My wish is to marry you someday. This was the nth time she had confessed her feelings, but before David could reject her as usual, she turned serious. I dont like anything else. I just like you. If youre a teacher, I want to be a good student. If you were a manager, Id want to be a singer. David, I know you think Im too young. I know you dont like me, but can you allow me to like you? Please dont hate me because I like you, okay? David frowned, Annabel Fearing another rejection, Annabel quickly waved her hand. You dont have to answer. Im going home. She quickly walked into the gatedmunity, disappearing from his sight in no time. David watched her retreating figure and sighed. Fortunately, the bands drummer returned just in time. Thepetitionsted for a month and a half, and the band eventually secured third ce nationwide. Mason and O became overnight sensations, and Annabels impressive performance made her a celebrity at Shining High School. And her affection for Mr. Curry becamemon knowledge throughout the school, naturally leading to gossip among the students. Despite David never showing favoritism towards Annabel in front of the students, the perceptive girls still sensed a special bond between them. Even after being reprimanded by David, Annabel could immediately return to speaking with him cheerfully, and the young, handsome David always seemed to have a touch of gentleness in his expression when dealing with her. Annabels assertive personality and her rapidly improving grades made girls like Aria envious, resulting in the other girls banding together to ostracize her. David was concerned that Annabel might feel isted, but with her personality, she probably didnt care much for her ssmates opinions and would be unlikely topromise. At least she still had George as a friend. However, this didntst long. On Wednesday afternoon, during the first period, which was physics, Annabel, who had been fine in the morning, showed up with bruises on her face. George, on the other hand, skipped ss altogether. David, puzzled, finished the lesson and called Annabel to his office. Nancy, who was grading papers, turned around when she heard them. Your student never seems to settle down. David, ignoring Nancy, looked at the nonchnt Annabel and felt a surge of anger. Give me an exnation. The school had a semi-closed management system, so it was obvious she had snuck out during lunch. Wheres George? Was he with you? George was timid and usually followed Annabels lead. But no matter how much David pressed, Annabel refused to say what had happened. Frustrated and with a headache, David finally let her go home when it got dark. He nned to question George the next day, but Georges mother showed up first, furious. Mr. Curry, my son has a concussion. Are you teachers doing anything about it? Georges father was a high-ranking official, so his mother, Zara, always had an air of superiority and a loud, sharp voice. Her shouting could be heard throughout the corridor. David, suspecting it was about yesterdays incident, quickly offered her a chair. Please calm down. Tell me what happened. Zara mmed her hand on the desk, pointing at David angrily. How can I calm down when my son has a concussion? Dont tell me you dont know! David was irritated by such parents. George was seventeen, and if he identally hit his head on a door frame, she would stille and me the teachers. Yet no one seemed to care that Annabel had been visibly beaten up the day before. Zaras eyes widened with rage. Bring that Annabel from your ss here. I want to know why she dragged my son into this mess! David knew as little as she did and asked with concern, How is George doing now? Chapter 18: How Dare You Bully Her! He woke up with a headache this morning, and the hospital said its a concussion. Annabel got into trouble outside, and then someone came to the school. Why should George stand up for her? Mr. Curry, if you favor her again today, Ill go to the principal! Zara shouted, banging on the desk as she sat in the chair. The surrounding teachers tried to calm her down, and someone was sent to fetch Annabel from ss 3. Zara was relentless. You know Annabel is a troublemaker at this school, yet you paired her with my son. Georges grades may not be ster, but he was a good kid overall. Since meeting Annabel, hes started skipping sses and ying games. Now hes involved with street thugs. David could believe Annabel caused trouble, but George standing up for her? That didnt fit Georges timid personality at all. Nancy handed Zara a ss of water and gently advised, We dont know the whole story yet. Lets wait until Annabel gets here to ask her. Just then, Paul walked in with Annabel. Zara recognized Annabel; there were several instances when Annabel had dragged George to y games all night at inte cafes. Zara had found them and scolded them in the middle of the night. As soon as Annabel stepped into the office, Zaras finger was almost poking her nose. If you want to ruin yourself, why drag my son down with you? Hes lying in the hospital because of you! Annabel impatiently brushed her hand away. Get your hand off me. Just because youre older doesnt mean you can throw a fit. If George got beaten up, ask him why. Why are you asking me? Davids face darkened. Annabel, dont speak like that! Zara, infuriated at being called a shrew, shouted, George is in the hospital because of you. If not you, then who else? Annabel sneered, Did George say he got hurt because of me? Dont try to deny it. You always lead him into trouble! David, remembering how Annabel had refused to exin yesterday, started to believe Zaras usations. He worried Zara might say something even more hurtful and stepped between them, signaling Annabel to stay silent. Zara, whats done is done, and we cant change that. As their teacher, I bear a lot of responsibility. I apologize for that. How about this: Ill switch Georges seat to separate them. Ill also take care of Georges medical bills and help him catch up on any missed lessons. Is that eptable? Zara didnt respond, so David signaled Annabel again. Annabel, just apologize. You still have ss to get to. Seeing Annabels contemptuous expression and Davids obvious bias, Zaras temper red up again. She hasnt realized her mistake at all. My son got hurt, and instead of ming her, youre coddling her. Ive heard that this girl has been pursuing you, Mr. Curry. Are you favoring her because of that? Her grades used to be worse than my sons, but now theyre above average. Are you secretly tutoring her because youve fallen for her? The hallway erupted in gasps. It was break time, and a crowd of students had gathered to watch the drama unfold. The teachers in the office looked embarrassed. Annabel couldnt stand Zaras insults towards David and spoke up before he could. You crazy woman! What does this have to do with Mr. Curry? George borrowed money and couldnt pay it back. He was threatened and came to me for help. I got beaten up trying to save him, and he begged me not to tell anyone. Does your family have no conscience? Annabel felt angry and disappointed. She had always helped George when he was bullied, included him in her ns, and shared her thoughts about David and herte mother with him. Yet, he told his mother everything. Zara was incredulous that Annabel was ming George. Youre making things up. Lying through your teeth. No wonder a motherless child like you is so ill-mannered! That hit a nerve. Without thinking, Annabel swung her hand, aiming to p Zara, but David caught her wrist. Annabel, no! Annabel tried to yank her hand free, fuming. Do you believe her over me? David didnt believe Zaras story entirely, but seeing Annabels defiance and hurt, he felt protective of her. He wanted to shield her. Regardless, hitting people is wrong. Just apologize, and Ill handle the rest. Okay? Annabels eyes widened with anger. No! I wont apologize. I didnt do anything wrong!Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. Zara, stunned that Annabel had almost hit her, took a few seconds to recover before erupting in rage. Im going to the principal. Ill have her parents called in! Is that all you know how to do? Bully a student and call their parents? Arent you ashamed? Everyone froze and turned towards the voice. Logan stood at the office door, ring at Zara. He walked up to her, towering over her. Who do you think you are to bully her like this? The teachers were taken aback. Logan was the schools pride and joy, a model student. They were shocked to hear him speak like that. Zara had never been treated with such disdain and humiliation before. She grabbed her bag and swung it at Logan. He deftly dodged, causing her to almost stumble to the ground. Zara, seething with rage, eximed, Good, good, Ill make sure your school pays for this! She pulled out her phone and seemed to be calling her husband. The newly arrived dean of students was shocked by the scene, his face paling as he pointed at Annabel and Logan. Get back to your ssrooms. Ill deal with youter. Logan calmly interjected, Are you calling Director Grant? I heard hes up for a promotion. Just so you know, I recorded your tantrum. If I post it online, it might not be very helpful for his career. And about your son He paused, then gestured toward Annabel. Every time he gets bullied, this fool helps him. I used to think your son was just a bit dumb, but it turns out hes too cowardly to even admit his mistakes. Zara stared at him, speechless. His voice was low and calm, but the weight of his words was undeniable. Mrs. Still, you can go straight to the principals office. Your husband is probably already on his way. Logan was strikingly handsome, but his expression was cold. Paul noticed the slight, cruel smile on Logans face, and a shiver ran down his spine. Logan then turned to Annabel and smiled gently. Lets go back to ss. Seeing Zaras furious but helpless reaction, Annabel felt a surge of satisfaction. She nced back at David, who nodded reassuringly. Only then did Annabel follow Logan out of the office. Chapter 19: Am I Generous ? Feeling a cool sensation on her palm, Annabel realized that Logan was holding her hand. She immediately shook it off in anger. Dont think Ill ever be grateful to you. You ruined my family, and no matter what you do, I will always hate you. Logan didnt seem upset. Hezily followed her, replying in aid-back manner, No one asked for your gratitude. I just cant stand seeing someone act brainless, thats why I stepped in. Annabel spun around and shoved him hard, gritting her teeth, Who are you calling brainless?! Logan stumbled back a couple of steps butughed, Someone who only know how to use their fists are brainless. He pointed his chin at her, Like you! With that, he immediately ran past her. Logan, stop right there! When they finally got to ss, the math teacher had already started the lesson. Logan and Annabel entered one after the other. The students craned their necks, giving Annabel looks of schadenfreude and mockery, while they stared at Logan with curiosity. Annabel red back fiercely at everyone. Just as she sat down, Logan followed and began emptying Georges desk, throwing all the contents and even the books on top into his arms. The teacher was baffled, Logan, what are you doing? Without turning around, Logan replied, Taking out the trash! In less than a minute, Logan returned with empty hands. The math teacher sighed inwardly, realizing he had misjudged Logan before. The way Logan had confronted Zara in the office did not match the image of an innocent high school student. Thinking he could now teach peacefully, the teacher was proven wrong once again as Logan began packing his own belongings. Aria quickly grabbed his arm, What are you doing? He shook off her hand, None of your business. In front of everyone, he showed no regard for her feelings, causing Arias face to turn bright red as she fought back tears.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Logan didnt spare her a nce. He walked straight to Georges seat and started cing his books into the desk, making it clear he had imed the spot. He extended his hand toward Annabel, Hi, new desk mate. Annabel responded coldly, Logan, are you trying to make yourself even more annoying? She knew very well that Thomas must have intervened today; otherwise, Logan wouldnt have dared to act so brazenly. Logan stood there with his hand outstretched, stubbornly looking at her while everyone watched. Annabel red at him, then reluctantly extended her hand and gave his a symbolic shake. Aria red over angrily, noticing that Logan, usually so stoic, was now smiling softly and contentedly. The math teacher, a young man, realized he had misjudged Logan again. He never imagined that such a top student would so brazenly pursue a girl in ss. Though he acknowledged Annabels beauty, he wondered who could tolerate her personality. Annabel protestedter, but David didnt object to Logan switching seats, and so it was settled. When everyone thought Annabel would be punished, Zara brought George to apologize to her. George admitted that he had borrowed money and gotten into trouble, but out of fear of his parents wrath, he lied about helping Annabel. Annabel waved it off, Alright, I forgive you, but dont let it happen again. However, she probably wouldnt consider him a friend anymore. As soon as George and Zara left the office, Annabel turned to David and boasted, See how generous I am. David felt a mix of guilt and disappointment. He hadnt believed Annabel, and Logan, at sixteen, had handled the situation better than he had. Days passed by, with Annabel continuing to be a model student, and Mason and O pursuing their musical dreams. Thomas was busy expanding Greens Enterprises overseas. For the past six months, he had been focused on an overseas acquisition project that the government also highly valued. Today, the contract was finally signed, marking thepletion of the project. At the evening banquet, Thomas drank a lot, and the socializingsted until midnight. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling an indescribable fatigue. Liam, in the front passenger seat, nced back, Mr. Green, are you feeling alright? Thomas leaned back in his seat, Just a bit tired. I must be getting old, not as capable as I used to be. The driver chimed in, Youre not even fifty yet, still in your prime. Thomas chuckled, Yes, Be and Gan are still young. I cant retire just yet. Liams heart sank a bit. Was Thomas considering including Logan in the list of Greens Enterprises heirs? Brenna must be quite influential. Half-jokingly, Liam probed, Be is the future of Greens Enterprises. She needs to be well-prepared. Thomas smiled faintly, If Be has the ability, that would be great. If not, I wont force it. The industry of professional managers is quite mature now. Liam sighed internally. Thomas hadnt invested much thought in Annabels future with thepany. Instead, he had been nurturing Logan from a young age, clearly showing Brennas influence over him. The public perception of the current Mrs. Green is that of a gentle, beautiful, and considerate woman. Coming from a small town with no background or education, she doesntpare in appearance or figure to Annabels mother. Yet, she managed to push her predecessor to the brink and sessfully be Mrs. Green, which suggests she cant be innocent. Liam couldnt believe for a moment that she has no designs on Greens Enterprises. Logan, on the other hand, is promising. Despite his young age, he already shows signs of leadership and poise. Annabel, however, remains quite immature. If a conflict were to arise between them, how could Annabel possiblypete with Logan? Thomas asked Liam, Has Be caused any trouble recently? If she were half as good as Gan, Id be satisfied. Liam felt concerned for Annabels future. Be is doing quite well. Shes been putting in a lot of effort in her studies. Mr. Curry said her grades have improved significantly. In just one year, shes ranked in the top thirty in her ss, which is impressive. Thomas, who hadnt spent much time with Annabel over the years, mostly left her in the care of her grandmother, only seeing her on holidays and often scolding her. Thomas nodded, Annabels progress is indeed thanks to Mr. Curry. Liam nodded and then remembered something important. He decided to take a risk and bring it up, By the way, Christopher is back. Thomass face darkened immediately, and he asked coldly, What is he back for? He mentioned in an interview that he ns to develop his career back here. Christopher had been a judge at thepetition Annabel participated in, and they must have met. However, Christopher likely hadnt said anything about it, or Annabel wouldnt be so calm. Liam hesitated for a long time but ultimately didnt mention Annabels participation in thepetition. Keep an eye on him. If he causes any trouble, I wont hold back. Thomass eyes turned fierce, and Liam couldnt help but shudder at the intensity. He quickly agreed. Thomas didnt say another word for the rest of the drive. As the car passed under the flickering lights outside, Liam nced curiously in the rearview mirror. Thomas was deep in thought, staring out the window without a hint of sleepiness. Was Thomas thinking about that poor woman who had been so crazy about him, who had died for him? The car turned onto a tree-lined path, and from a distance, they could see Brenna standing at the gate, wrapping her shawl tighter around herself. The driver stopped the car at the gate, and Thomas smiled as he saw Brenna. He reached out to take her hand, I told you not to wait up. Its sote and cold. Its alright. I cant sleep when youre not home. The driver and Liam exchanged smiles. Liam greeted them and was about to leave when Brenna called after him, Thank you for your hard work. Be careful on your way home. The driver had great respect for Brenna. There werent many bosses wives who were so kind to their subordinates. Youre too kind. Its my duty. Brenna smiled, took Thomass bag, and scolded him yfully, Did you drink too much again? Ive made some soup to help you sober up. Have some before you go to bed. The couple walked into the house hand in hand. The driver, watching them, sighed, With such a gentle, virtuous, and beautiful wife at home, its no wonder Mr. Green isnt interested in any of the youngdies out there. Liam just smiled and kept quiet. After having seen Essems beauty, Brenna was nothing inparison. The house was quiet, with the servants and children already asleep. Brenna brought him a bowl of hangover soup and watched as he drank it. Ill get you your pajamas. Take a bath before you go to bed, she said. Thomas waved her off. You go to bed first. Im going to check on Be. She teased him, She should already be asleep. Shes not a little kid anymore; you dont need to tuck her in. Brenna could tell that Thomas had something on his mind ever since he got out of the car. Now, in the middle of the night, he wanted to check on Annabel, which seemed even more unusual. I just want to make sure shes home and not sneaking out again. Shes good at fooling the adults. Thomas had never done anything like this before, and he didnt know why he felt the need to check on her tonight. It seemed that only seeing her would put his mind at ease. On the third floor, only Annabel and Logan lived there. The right side had the study and living room, while the left side had two bedrooms. Annabels room was the innermost one. The door was unlocked, and Thomas quietly turned the doorknob. The light was on in the room. Annabel, wearing her ko pajamas, was sitting at her desk with her chin resting on one hand, doing her homework at thiste hour? Annabel heard the noise and turned around. Seeing Thomas, she frowned, Whats up? Her attitude was as indifferent as ever, but Thomas, who was suddenly feeling paternal, felt a pang of sadness. Itste. What are you doing? You should go to bed. Homework. I have an exam tomorrow. Thomas nced over. Sure enough, it was a physics workbook. He said casually, You seem particrly fond of physics. Its not good to be so one-sided in your studies. Her physics grades were in the top twenty of her ss, but her chemistry was still at the bottom. Thomas knew the reason very well. Trying to act like a normal father, he intended to pat his daughters head and say a few encouraging words. Annabel seemed to sense this. She snapped her workbook shut and stretched, coincidentally avoiding his hand. Thomas felt a bit awkward. This was his only child, yet because of adult grudges, he had never treated her well. Even now, living under the same roof, he rarely spent time with her. When he was younger, he didnt see anything wrong with this, but now that he was older, he felt regret. This weekend I have to go to the resort to meet a friend. Would you like toe with me for a couple of days? They have hot springs and nice scenery. He added, Just the two of us, no one else. Annabel yawned and looked at him. No, thanks. Im tired. It was clear she was dismissing him. Thomas felt a pang of disappointment. Was it toote to try and get closer to her now? Chapter 20: Have a Crush on Mr. Curry! The biology teacher was an old man in his fifties whose teaching skills were rather poor. Annabel propped her chin up with both hands, unable to absorb a single word. However, she didnt dare to fall asleep in his ss, so she discreetly took out her phone and started ying a game. Just as she was getting into it, a hand suddenly reached over from her right and snatched her phone away. Annabel turned her head and immediately tried to grab it back. Mind your own business, she snapped. Logan nced at her sideways andzily called out, Sir The biology teacher adjusted his sses, Is there a problem? Annabel quickly withdrew her hand and pretended to listen attentively. Logan then asked a highlyplex question, and the biology teacher enthusiasticallyunched into an borate exnation, almost veering off into outer space. Under the table, Annabel gave Logan a hard kick. Despicable! she muttered. He hissed in pain but continued to take notes as if nothing had happened. Logans insistence on sitting next to Annabel had caused many of his admirers to be heartbroken for a long time. They soon noticed that Logan, who never used to interact much, was frequently bothering Annabel. He would catch her sleeping in ss, ying on her phone, or arguing with others, and he would interfere every time. Annabel could never outargue him and would get so frustrated that shed resort to physical actions, but Logan was more agile. He would block her every move, and she couldnt even touch a hair on his head. One day, it was their turn to clean the ssroom. Annabel used to pay George to do it all by himself, but Logan was different; he couldnt be bribed. After ss in the afternoon, Annabel picked up her bag, nning to leave as usual. Its your turn to clean today, Logan said, stretching his legs to block her between him and the wall. The remaining students craned their necks to watch. Annabel felt humiliated. She had enough pocket money to pay off George, but there was no way to buy off Logan. Im not cleaning. So what? Are you sure you wont do it? Logan stood up and moved closer, forcing Annabel to press herself against the wall. What are you doing? she snapped, looking disgusted. Annabel had been practicing Taekwondo since she was a child and tried to kick him, but Logan was so close, with one hand propped against the wall, that he had herpletely pinned. Any movement she made could be countered by him. Annabel wondered when he had gotten so skilled. Logan seemed to read her mind. In a low voice, he said, I got better because you bullied me so much! They were struggling with each other, but to onlookers, it looked like Logan was about to kiss Annabel. Some boys started cheering, and someone even whistled. Logans good friend, Louis, seized the opportunity to fan the mes. Get together! Get together! Logan ignored them, acting even more stubborn than Annabel. I dont mind. I have all the time to wait. Annabel was extremely depressed. Seeing the crowd around them, and saw Aria standing a short distance away, her lips pursed tightly in resentment, made her even more exasperated. Aria, stop looking at me like that. Im not interested in him! Arias face turned red and then white. Lately, Arias grades had been dropping, and even a blind person could see it was because of Logan.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Logan paused for a second, then his face also showed disdain. Same here. Dont tter yourself. He suddenly leaned in, his warm breath tickling Annabels ear. I know you have a crush on Mr. Curry, but does Mr. Curry like you? Everyone at school knew she liked David, but it was clear he didnt feel the same. Recently, he had been getting closer to Nancy. During thest basketball game, Nancy wiped Davids sweat in front of everyone, and he didnt object. Yet, whenever Annabel got near him, he showed all kinds of disdain. Annabel suspected that the two of them were going to start dating, and she had been feeling depressed about ittely. Frustrated, she threw her bag at Logan, not wanting to continue the conversation. Fine, Ill clean, okay? Logan finally retracted his hand. Dont think about running away; you wont outrun me. Having experienced his persistence before, Annabel reluctantly cleaned the ssroom properly for once. ____ On Saturday , David spent the day in the countryside with some friends and returned home to find his parents having dinner. His father, y, beckoned him over. Today have your favorite grilled fish. Come and have some. Ive already eaten. Annabel came to the clinic today. Hearing this, David stopped in his tracks and turned back to the table. What happened? Is she okay? She said her stomach was upset. Probably from irregr meals, but nothing serious. David wondered if Annabel was up to her old tricks again. Ever since she participated in that talent show, she had made many new friends at school, but they were all ckers like her. Iris gave David a meaningful nce. I heard the vice principals daughter has had a crush on you for four years. I met her once; shes quite nice. Have you considered her? Annabel had been very sweet, calling Iris mommy nonstop at the clinic. She wouldnt leave even after getting her medicine and spent a long time chatting with Iris, mostly talking about David. Annabels enthusiasm for David left Iris feeling a bit helpless. To discourage her, Iris had mentioned that she liked Nancy, but Annabel had pouted and said, I like you a lot too. Dont you like me? This had made Iris feel a bit sorry for her. David frowned. Mom, Im only twenty-two. Whats the rush? I just mean you should try dating a nice girl. Im not saying you should get married right away. Do you like some girl already? David rolled his eyes and deflected her questions. He had already been distancing himself from Annabel and didnt look after her like he used to. That afternoon, he saw boys from other sses, all ckers, hanging out with Annabel after school. He had held back a few times but finally couldnt take it anymore and called Annabel into his office to scold her. David stood with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. Annabel wasnt afraid of him at all. She looked up at him with a mischievous smile. What are you doing after school, not going home, hanging out with them? David demanded. ying games. Theyre really good, but Im still better. Every time Stop. David cut her off, annoyed. Annabel immediately shut her mouth and put on a serious face, but he could see the triumphant gleam in her eyes. She was doing it on purpose to irritate him. Annabel smiled sweetly, We just y basketball for an hour, tops. Then we all go home and do our homework. Davids anger subsided somewhat, though he still looked stern. Why havent I seen you on the basketball court? We dont y at school. Besides, if you saw me, would you havee to find me today? David raised his hand as if to hit her. Sheughed and shrank back. Then he remembered what Iris had said about her visit to the clinic. Why was your stomach upset? Youve been ignoring me, so I lost my appetite. It triggered my stomach problems. David almostughed in exasperation. Are you ming everything on me? Though he kept a stern face, he couldnt help but smile a little. Annabel, acting like a lovesick puppy, quickly hooked her arm around his and rested her head on his shoulder. Dont be stingy. Just let me lean on you for a moment, really, just a moment. Before he could push her away, he looked up and saw the vice principal, Nancys father, standing outside the window, his face as dark as thunder. Chapter 21: Rumors! What happened that evening in Davids office spread quickly through the school. His colleagues began to look at him strangely, and Nancy mocking him with cold sarcasm for several days. Paul gave David a sympathetic look, knowing full well that Annabel was capable of such behavior. He couldnt resist reminding David, You need to reflect on yourself. David was annoyed. Ive done nothing wrong, what should I reflect on? Have you ever thought that Annabels behavior is your doing? You havent realized it, but youre spoiling her. Youre treating her like L! If you have no other intentions, youre harming Annabel. If you do have feelings for her, youre harming yourself! Pauls words sent a chill through David. Could it be true that he was unconsciously treating Annabel like L? Before the rumors could die down, things took a turn for the worse. A girl posted on the schools forum, iming she lived in the same neighborhood as David and had seen him carrying Annabel into theplex. She provided specific details-time, ce, and even the weather. The story of a teacher-student rtionship spread like wildfire, escting to ims that they were living together and had met each others parents. It was clear that someone was deliberately targeting Annabel or David. As the lunch bell rang, students rushed into the cafeteria. Logan, as usual, was surrounded by a group of ssmates. Did you hear about Annabel? They say shes dating her physics teacher. Is she the one who performed with the BO bandst time? Yeah, she used to act like a delinquent, smoking in the bathroom. I even saw hering out of a bar with heavy makeup. She only got into our school because shes rted to the principal. No way, she seems pretty normal. A year ago, she was totally different. Since getting involved with David, shes changed. David is really biased towards him. At a nearby table, a group of girls had been gossiping non-stop. Ryan, listening in, nudged Logan. Hey, is this true? You sit next to Annabel; you should know. Most people didnt care about the truth, just enjoying the gossip as a distraction from their monotonous school life.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. Louis, sitting nearby, rolled his eyes. This rumor has been going around for days, and youre just now hearing about it? He nced at Logan, who was quietly eating and seemed uninterested in their conversation. Louis elbowed Logan, Do you like Annabel? Arent you mad about these rumors? Logans expression darkened. Can you shut up? If she doesnt care, why should I? Louis mimed zipping his lips but turned to mutter, Yourre mad. Dont pretend. The gossip at the nearby table continued. Davids sses are interesting, and hes handsome. Why would he be interested in someone like her? Because shes pretty. All guys are the same. Pretty? She always looks like someone owes her five million. I still think Aria from their ss is the prettiest. Shes got good grades too. Ryan couldnt hold back and whispered to his friends, This girl has good taste! When David finished his internship, he didnt n oning back. He stayed because of Annabel. He even has her picture in his wallet. A female teacher in their office saw it herself. Ryans group listened intently, whispering, Mr. Curry definitely treats Annabel differently than he does us. To us, hes like a teacher. To Annabel, hes like Logans cold gaze interrupted Ryan, who swallowed back the word girlfriend and reced it with sister. The gossip abruptly stopped when Annabel appeared, tall and slender, in their line of sight. The girls immediately fell silent. She was a bitte, and the cafeteria was packed. Ryan, with a knowing smile, called out to Annabel, Annabel, Im done here. You can sit. Annabel looked around, finding no other seats, so she sat across from Logan. Neither of them spoke to each other. Annabel ate sparingly, drinking some soup, taking a few bites of rice, and then grabbing an apple. She took a bite and started to leave. Logan hesitated for a moment, then got up to follow her. Louis and the others exchanged nces and teased from behind, Bro,e on! Logan shot them a look that made everyone instantly quiet. Seeing Logan following her, Annabel quickened her pace and turned a corner. When Logan was almost upon her, she deliberately stuck out her foot, but Logan stopped and pulled her out from the corner. Chapter 22: Mind Your Own Business! Do you know what everyone at school is saying about you now? Annabel took a bite of her apple, her other hand stuffed into her pocket. Yeah, I know. I like David, and Im definitely going to be with him. Whether the rumors start now orter makes no difference. Besides, people can say whatever they want. What can I do about it? She rolled her eyes at him impatiently. And another thing, Logan, stay out of my business. Logan didnt believe the rumors either, but Annabels attitude infuriated him. You dont care, huh? Then why doesnt David y basketball with you anymore? Why doesnt he take you out for dinner after work? Why doesnt he look after you like he used to? Does he not care either? Youre a minor and his student, and this could harm his reputation. He might not be epted at the school anymore. The principal has already talked to him, asking him to be more careful. Annabel suddenly froze and then angrily asked, Whos spreading these gossips? Logan responded with a hint of sarcasm, Everyone in the school is talking about it. Are you going to fight them all? Your dad is Thomas; even if things escte, youll be fine. But David is just an ordinary person. If this gets any worse, his reputation will be ruined! Logan was subtly referring to Annabels bar fight and her time in detention, a sore spot for her. She hated it when people brought it up, but she had to admit that Logans words made sense. That afternoon, Annabel was distracted during her sses. After school, she didnt linger like she usually did, waiting for everyone to leave and find an excuse to visit Davids office. Logan knew she had taken his words to heart. She quietly left the school and stood at a nearby bus stop for a while, looking somewhat innocent and a bit forlorn. Several buses passed, but she didnt get on. Logan knew she was waiting for David, wanting to see him but also afraid to face him. Logan wondered just how much she liked David-enough that she couldnt go a single day without seeing him. As dusk fell, Annabel nced across the street at the quiet school gate, her face betraying her disappointment. After a moment, she turned and walked into the convenience store by the roadside. When she came out, she was lighting a cigarette and boarded the number 9 bus that was approaching-not the bus that would take her home. Without thinking, Logan followed her onto the bus. Annabel stared out the window, lost in thought, her cigarette forgotten put out in her hand. She was wearing her school uniform with her short ponytail tied up. The random assortment of earrings was gone, and she had quit smoking and drinking for a long time. She had even distanced herself from her old friends-all for David. If David ignored her from now on, would she revert to her old ways? Put out the cigarette. She turned her head, puzzled. What are you doing here? Are you following me? O invited me for her birthday today. Annabel frowned. Why are you everywhere? Wont it upset Mason if you go? Youre with Aria now, so why are you still in touch with O? Logan ced his backpack on his chest and said nonchntly, Didnt you mess things up with Aria? Besides, youre the one who introduced me to O. Annabel opened her mouth to retort but then closed it again. Logans lips curled slightly in a smug smile. Seeing his expression, Annabel huffed. Call Eve and tell her were together and will be homete. Eve was Thomass informant now. If Annabel wasnt home by seven, Thomas would call. Loganzily ced his hands behind his head. Beg me.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Annabel snorted and put out the half-smoked cigarette. He took it from her and threw it into the trash can. Annabel froze for a moment and turned her head away. Logan stretched his long limbs in the cramped space, easily touching her with every movement. Annabel, annoyed, kicked his leg, but he just gave her a resigned nce, not angry at all. Logan was far from a good-temper person. Annabel knew that his tolerance towards her stemmed from the guilt his mother and him towards her. This made Annabels retaliation feel guilt-free, often channeling her resentment towards Brenna onto him. To celebrate Os debut birthday, her agency organized a small fan meeting at a hotel. Annabel found a moment to slip into the bathroom, changing out of her school uniform into a simple, loose-fitting long T-shirt paired with extremely short denim shorts, showing off her long, straight legs-perfect for Annabels slightly wild aura. Logan frowned, struggling to resist the urge to cover her legs more modestly, and ultimately looked away. BO Band had recently skyrocketed in poprity. Not long after their rise, they terminated their contract with their previouspany and signed with Christophers agency. Given Christophers status and resources in the entertainment industry, BO Bands future seemed limitless. Logans appearance filled O with surprise. She looked at Logan with a shy smile and said, I thought you werenting. Was this a surprise? She opened her arms, ready to hug him. Mason stepped between them just in time, speaking harshly to Logan, What are you doing here? We didnt invite you! O was a bit annoyed. Mason, mind your own business! Logan remained indifferent, pointing at Annabel. Im here because of her. Annabel red at Logan. Clearly, it was his own interest that brought him here, yet he med it on her. To avoid further wounding Masons fragile pride, she chose to stay silent. Mason tightened his grip around Annabels neck, So now youre ying matchmaker? Annabel winced, Ouch, ouch! It really has nothing to do with me. O! O! A shout came from the front desk as staff urged O to go on stage. O linked her arm with Logans, Come with me. Suddenly, someone shouted, Oh my god, Christopher is here! Annabel looked over to see a group of four or five people approaching from the front. Leading them was a man in a white shirt and faded jeans, his features sharp and well-defined, with a cold, intense gaze-an embodiment of walking charisma as described by the media. Chapter 23: Christopher! Mason and O were both visibly ttered, greeting him with utmost respect, Mr. Robins, youre here! What was supposed to be a small gathering turned into headline news with a big name from the entertainment industry personally attending a neers birthday celebration. Christopher nodded and pointed towards the stage, Youve worked hard recently. Happy birthday, go on. Annabel followed behind Mason and Alex when suddenly, Christopher called out to her, Be, do you remember me? Yeah, the judge. Sebastian, smiling ingratiatingly, corrected her, How can you speak like that? Hes Mr. Robins. Annabel couldnt stand Sebastians sycophantic attitude, thinking to herself, Hes just a singer, whats the big deal? A sharply dressed woman standing nearby gave Annabel a piercing look, but Christopherughed and waved his hand dismissively, Im a friend of your mothers. You should call me uncle. Are you free the day after tomorrow, its the weekend? Annabel was about to refuse, but he added, Could you apany me to visit your mother? If not for the hint of weariness in Christophers eyes, Annabel might have thought he was under 30. It was hard for her to psychologically ept him as a senior. Seeing her hesitate, Christopher sighed and spoke gently, Its been so many years. Ive forgotten where she rests. She must be very lonely. Would youe with me to visit her? Logan noticed Annabel hadnt followed and saw her still talking to Christopher. The public image of Christopher was that of a cold and aloof person, yet he was looking at Annabel with a fervent, almost undisguised, eagerness. Logan walked back and overheard Annabel saying, You have my number, right? Call me when youre free. A sense of unease washed over Logan. He inwardly cursed Annabel for her naivety, thinking shed probably help someone count money even if they were selling her out. Lets go, Os calling you, he said, grabbing her wrist and leading her away. Annabel waved at Christopher before disappearing through the side door. The elegantly dressed woman beside Christopher whispered, Thats Brennas son, Logan, Annabels stepbrother. Christopher responded with a faint hmm, his eyes following the teenagers with a thoughtful expression. Os birthday party was lively, with dozens of fans in attendance, all wearing BO Band themed T-shirts. The staff rolled out a massive two-tier cake, and Christopher made a special appearance. The fans, not expecting to see such a big star, were ecstatic, creating an electric atmosphere. After taking some group photos and saying a few words, Christopher left the stage. Before leaving, he specifically approached Annabel, whispering, Dont forget our appointment. Annabel nodded. As soon as Christopher left, everyone became even more uninhibited, turning the fan meet-and-greet into ate-night party. sting music and wild crowds surrounded Annabel. She thought she could temporarily forget her worries, but the louder the chaos, the clearer Davids face became in her mind. She realized he probably wouldnt like seeing her like this.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. O, in the middle of the crowd, spontaneously started a hot dance, then pulled Logan, who was standing against the wall in a daze. She used him like a pole in a provocative pole dance, driving the fans wild with screams. Any other man might have lost control, but Logan stood there with an unflinching expression. He tried to leave several times, but O kept pulling him back, and the fans intentionally pushed him towards her. Annabel, sitting on a high stool not far away, saw Logans tense face andughed so hard she almost fell over. O was bold and unrestrained in her pursuit of Logan, but what about her? The thought made Annabel feel disheartened. She had nned to ask O for advice since O imed to have countless experiences with men, but seeing her having so much fun now, Annabel knew she couldnt count on her. Be. Masons face appeared over the back of the sofa, looking equally disheartened. He had obviously seen the hot dance. The table was littered with beer cans. Annabel sat beside him and slumped into the sofa, trying tofort him. Im just like you, unrequited love. Over a year, and you still havent sorted it out? Yeah, its driving me crazy. Annabel recounted the school gossip. Mason scoffed, A little crush can cause such amotion. No wonder, your school is full of hypocrites like Logan. I say, just do what you want. Loving someone is your business, it doesnt affect others. Dont care what they say. Annabel frowned, Im not care about others, but David does. If he cares, then I have to care. Mason thought for a moment, a sudden realization hitting him. He sat up straight, Someone must be deliberately trying to harm you. Could it be Logan? Annabel shook her head, Logan might not like me, but he wouldnt do something like that. She had a vague understanding that, despite his harsh words, Logan was actually quite protective of her. She just didnt want to admit Logans goodness. Mason pulled her into a yful chokehold, pretending to strangle her as he gritted his teeth, Youre pretty nice to Logantely. Annabel quickly exined, What are you saying? What does he count for? Were lifelong buddies. Mason, satisfied, released his grip, If anyone bullies you, you tell me, Ill sort them out. Mason used to have many friends in the underworld, and Annabel used to hang out with them too. But now she didnt want to associate with those people anymore. Youre in showbiz now, you shouldnt mix with those people anymore. Mason snorted lightly, You really have changed. You wouldnt have said that before. He grabbed a beer from the table and took a sip. But, I have to thank you for signing with Christopherspany. He was only nning to sign champions, but he signed us because of you. He said that? No, he didnt, but I know. Annabel thought to herself, I havent even called him uncle yet, and hes already putting me in his debt. The birthday banquet didnt quiet down until after eleven. After the fans left, O wanted to find Logan. She had nned to confess her feelings to him tonight, so she deliberately drank a bit. He should have left by now. O was very disappointed. When her assistant noticed she was tired, they escorted her to her room upstairs. Theres no activity until tomorrow afternoon. Get some rest. O copsed on the bed, waving her hand weakly and closing her eyes. Logans expressionless face lingered in her mind, filling her with frustration. She tried to console herself, thinking Logan was indifferent to everyone, not just for her. Her phone rang, and the screen disyed Dream boy. O jumped up from the bed, instantly sober. O, did you see Annabel? Was she with you? A surge of disappointment flooded Os heart, but then she had another n. Shes in room 1006, she drank too much and vomited a lot. Go to the front desk and get the room key, then take her back. Chapter 24: Seduction! After hanging up the phone, O quickly went to the bathroom to touch up her makeup. She pulled her dress down a bit, then securely closed the curtains in the room before finally turning off the lights and getting into bed. O held her breath in the darkness, waiting. Despite feeling nervous, she reassured herself that no man had ever been able to resist her charms. Outside the door came a knock, followed by a beep-the sound of Logan swiping his card to enter. Os heart pounded nervously. Annabel. She softly responded with a faint mm-hmm and vaguely saw a tall, slender figure appear beside the bed. She heard him say gently, Looks like youve had too much to drink again. Lets go home. She could smell the heavy scent of alcohol on him. Tonight, he had been sitting alone in a corner, lost in thought, one drink after another. O had wanted tofort him, but she had been constantly surrounded by fans and unable to break away. Seeing him reach for the light switch on the wall, she quickly reached out and grabbed his hand. Logan chuckled softly, Whats wrong? O felt his gentle hand on her forehead. Privately, he was so tender with Annabel. In the darkness, his eyes seemed to shimmer like stars in the night sky, dazzling and bright. She longed for him to be closer, so she pulled him down, rolling on top of him. Without hesitation, she pressed her lips against his, feeling his body suddenly stiffen as he tried to push her away. But O couldnt let go. Her hands tightly gripped him. He hesitated for a moment, confusion flickering in his dark eyes, then he became more responsive. His kiss was awkward and inexperienced. Suddenly, the light switched on, followed by a voice from outside, Why didnt you close the door, O? Logan abruptly pushed O away, now half-sober. As the two in the room came into focus, Annabel and Mason were both stunned. What are you two doing Annabel felt embarrassed. How did it seem like she was catching them in the act? Os clothes were almost slipping down to her chest, Logans hair was disheveled, and his face was flushed, looking alluring. O had once joked about seducing Logan, but she hadnt expected to actually go through with it. While Annabel might have liked David enough to dream about stealing a kiss, she would never dare to think of such things. O was indeed bold and daring. Logan nced at Annabel and then back at O. How could it be you? Os enthusiasm was extinguished by the disappointment in Logans eyes. His momentary panic revealed a secret he dared not express, angering O. Of course, its me! Didnt you know it was me who came over? What are you pretending for? Im sorry! Logan apologized, picking up his school uniform from the floor and preparing to leave. You stay put! Masons face turned livid as he stormed over, grabbing Logan by the cor andnding a punch. Slowly rising from the ground, Logan wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth, his gaze towards Mason carrying a hint of menace. You want more? Mason lunged again, and O screamed, Stop! She stood in front of Logan, pointing at Mason and shouting, Mason, you have no right to interfere in my affairs! I like him, and Im willing to! You may like me, but I dont owe you anything! Mason flew into a rage, sweeping the teacup on the table to the ground with a bang and pointing at Logan fiercely, Am I the one acting cheap? Do whatever you want! Im telling you, this bastards ambitions are not something you, a little singer, can satisfy. Hes just ying around, do you really think hes interested in you? Daydreaming! Storming out, Mason mmed the door behind him. Annabel followed to the corridor, but Mason was too furious even with her. Get lost, you too! he yelled. Annabel froze in her tracks. Mason was beyond reasoning with now; she didnt dare to follow. Not long after, Logan came out of the room dejectedly, with low crying soundsing from inside. Annabel contemted going tofort O but couldnt quite grasp why she was crying. Was it because her seduction attempt failed? Just as she was about to turn back, Logan suddenly grabbed her arm. He said coldly, Go home. Annabel, feeling annoyed, retorted, Logan, youre so annoying! His anger suddenly red, and he growled menacingly, I said, go home! Before Annabel could respond, he forcefully pushed her into the elevator, tossing her to the side only after the doors closed. She muttered under her breath, yboy. He suddenly lifted his head, his eyes shooting daggers as he gritted his teeth. Say that again! Annabel wisely kept her mouth shut. There was no one else in the elevator, and it wouldnt be wise to provoke him into hitting her. Brenna and Thomas were still awake, sitting in the living room waiting for them. The sight of Logans injured face startled them. What happened? Brenna asked Logan, but her gaze shifted to Annabel, clearly suspecting her involvement. Annabel gave her a cold nce and ignored her. Logan wasnt in the mood to exin. He said coldly, Just a little ident. Im going upstairs. Logans half face was swollen, and his expression was extremely ugly. It seemed that he was on the verge of losing his temper. Annabel thought to herself, Logan always put on a cold face, but it turned out that he was also so easy to tease. He was clearly a man who is outwardly reserved but secretly passionate deep down. It was evident that he had been beaten up, and Brenna couldnt be fooled. She turned to follow him, but Logan, visibly irritated, snapped, Leave me alone. I want to sleep! With that, he went upstairs without looking back.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . This was unlike Logan. Brenna looked helplessly at her husband, Thomas, who intercepted Annabel still changing her shoes in the hallway. Exin what happened. Is it because of you? Thomass usatory tone made it clear he med her for causing trouble. Annabel nced at them lightly, somewhat amused, They say where theres a stepmother, theres a stepfather. Thats you. If I told you that Logan was flirting with a girl and got beat up, you wouldnt believe it. Well, why dont you ask him tomorrow? Thomas huffed, Youre just making things up! Ignoring him, Annabel hummed a tune as she went upstairs, leaving Thomas and Brenna infuriated. Chapter 25: It’s Great to Still Have You in This World! Christopher celebrating Os birthday became a trending topic,sting for two days. Opening your phone casually, you could see messages about the BO band everywhere, all positive news, showing Christophers intention to promote the band. Masons dream for many years was finallying true, and Annabel was genuinely happy for him. In her heart, Mason was her brother. However, Mason was currently ignoring her, not even picking up her calls, which made Annabel somewhat upset. On the other hand, O came to see her, saying she genuinely liked Logan, just like Annabel liked David, and she was determined to seed in dating Logan. Although Annabels heart leaned towards Mason, she couldnt force such matters, much like how she herself liked David, and it wouldnt work with anyone else. On Saturday, she rare woke up early. Logan was already up, and Eve had made eggs for her, along with milk and bread. Youre up early today. Yeah, I have something to attend to. Annabel sneakily nced at Logan at the other end of the table. She didnt know what Brenna had done for him, but his bruises had mostly faded in two days. Hey, Logan. Logan didnt even lift his eyelids, bowing his head to sip his porridge. What? Annabel vaguely felt he was upset with her, yet she found it ridiculous. Why should he be mad at her? You like O, right? Did you break up with Aria? Logan suddenly looked up, coldly saying, Who would like your friend? Hey, whats wrong with you? If you dont like her, why act like that towards her? He gritted his teeth and exined, Thats because Annabel stared at him, urging him to continue, Go on, because why? Logan, feeling powerless and indignant, mumbled, Because I drank too much! Annabel tossed the bread back onto the te, muttered jerk, and stormed out of the dining room. Christophers call came just in time. Annabel went upstairs to tidy up, grabbed her bag, and headed downstairs. A ckmercial vehicle was parked across from his house. As Annabel approached, the door swung open, and Christopher poked half his head out, smiling, I heard youre oftente, so I was prepared to wait for a long time. Annabel got into the car, rolled her eyes, Who told you that? nder. Besides Christopher and the driver, there was a young, pretty woman sitting in the front passenger seat, looking smart and capable. She smiled friendly at Annabel. This is my assistant, Lara. You can find her if you cant reach me in the future. Annabel nodded at the girl, then scrutinized Christopher from head to toe. He was wearing a white t-shirt underneath a ck cardigan, paired with linen casual pants, looking quite youthful. Are you married? Do you have children? Christopher chuckled. Didnt you search me up online? Annabel shook her head, looking ahead with a cool expression. Not interested. Why are you asking me now then? Christopher inquired. Annabel couldnte up with an answer. Christopherughed heartily, looking pleased. Im not married, of course, I dont have any children. Annabel just hummed in response and took out her phone from her bag, engrossing herself in it, her focused expression identical to her mothers. With a friendly demeanor, Christopher said, Although I dont have children, Id like to treat you as my own. Would you be willing? Annabel just stared at him in disbelief for a second before lifting her head. You look much younger than my dad. I think calling you brother would be more appropriate. It sounded like apliment but was a subtle rejection. Christopher didnt insist, probably understanding her character. You do have some traits like your mother. Arriving at the cemetery, Christopher asked Lara and the driver to wait at the entrance while he took Annabel inside. How did my mom die? she asked. Ignoring her question, he asked, How old are you this year? Almost seventeen. Ill tell you when you turn eighteen. Why wait until Im eighteen? Because by then, youll be an adult and can make your own choices. Annabels heart suddenly clenched. She could vaguely guess some things but was afraid of the truth. Christopher brought a bouquet of lilies and a bottle of white wine. He ced the flowers gently on the grave and ced two sses on the ground, filling them up. He sprinkled some wine on the grave, picked up one ss, lightly tapped the tombstone, tilted his head back, took a sip, then gently caressed the face in the photo on the tombstone, softly saying, Im sorry, Im only here now. For ten years, I thought I could let go, but I couldnt, so I came back. I miss you, always thinking of you. Annabel felt indescribable emotions. She felt her mom belonged to her dad, yet Thomas had never visited her grave, cold and heartless. And now, a stranger stood there expressing longing. She somewhat irritatedly reminded him, Shes my mom. Even though shes gone, she had a husband and children. Christopher paused for a moment, then calmly said, Before she died, Thomas had a lover, and after her death, Thomas had a wife and a son. Annabel suddenly felt annoyed, not wanting to see or hear anymore, and retraced her steps back. She faintly heard Christopher say, Be has grown up, shes a beautiful girl. Its ironic, he refused to acknowledge her before, but now she looks the most like him. Annabel shook her head and walked briskly towards the entrance. The driver was nowhere to be seen, and Lara was leaning against the car smoking. When she saw Annabel approaching, she hurriedly stubbed out her cigarette. Give me one. Lara was somewhat surprised, then shook her head. Mr. Robins would be mad if he found out. Annabel blinked. If you dont say anything, how would he know? Besides, hes not my concern.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Lara took out the cigarette pack, and Annabel took one, asking for a lighter, then lit it up, her movements even more skilled than Laras. So, whats your rtionship with Mr. Robins? Annabel blew out a smoke ring. He was my moms friend. I dont know him well. Annabels demeanor was cold and distant, and Lara couldnt help but think this girl was quite shortsighted. Many people wanted to get close to Christopher, and judging by her high-profile appearance, she was probably after Christophers money. Lara even suspected she might be Christophers illegitimate daughter. After all, he had gained international fame over the years, so news of an illegitimate child wouldnt be surprising. After waiting for almost half the morning, Christopher finally emerged, looking somewhat disheveled. Perhaps his earlier emotional disy had touched her, or perhaps finally having someone to share the same longing for someone made her feel that missing her mom wasnt a lonely affair anymore. Suddenly, Annabel felt much closer to Christopher. As their eyes met, Annabel sensed tenderness and contentment in his gaze. He reached out and ruffled her hair. Softly, he said, Its really good to still have you in this world. Chapter 26: Definitely a Bit Stupid! Due to rumors at school, Annabel hadnt approached David alone for several days. She could only watch him from afar through the crowd in the ssroom, and it was driving her crazy. In the morning, the grades for the mock exams were announced. Annabel scored over five hundred points. Although it couldntpare to Logans over seven hundred, it was still a significant improvement for her. She hoped David would say a few words to her privately, at least praise her a bit. However, after waiting all day, her phone remained silent. She did see David in physics ss, but the students who showed improvement were praised, and her name was just mentioned in passing. Annabel felt bitterly disappointed. She wanted to chase after him after ss, but she remembered Logans words and hesitated, eventually stopping in her tracks. As she turned back, she overheard a few girls whispering behind her back, Shes clinging to Mr. Curry again. Probably annoyed with hertely, he hasnt been paying much attention to her. Aria remained silent, looking towards Logans empty seat, and let out a sarcasticugh. Annabel began to believe David might truly see her as they described, and her heart sank halfway. But she didnt feel like arguing with them and pretended not to hear. When she returned home in the evening, her homeworky open on the table, but Annabel couldnt concentrate at all. She kept wondering how David really felt about her, the more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became. She reached for the cigarette pack hidden in the corner of the drawer, taking a deep drag to try and suppress her restless feelings. At ten oclock at night, her phone suddenly made a ding sound, and her heart leaped with joy as she found her phone lying beside her bed. Sure enough, it was a message from David. Did a good job, keep up the good work. Annabel was so happy she felt like she could fly on the spot. The oppression of the past few days had be unbearable, and she decided she couldnt bear it anymore; she had to go find him now. Thomas and Brenna were still out socializing and hadnt returned. Annabel quietly turned off the light in her room and tiptoed downstairs. Logan was about to turn off the lights and go to bed when he saw a shadow darting out of the yard, bending over. Logan gritted his teeth and cursed in his mind, Why cant she ever stay out of trouble! He quickly changed his clothes and chased after her, reaching the door just in time to see Annabel getting into a taxi. Half an hourter, Annabel got out of the car at the entrance of Shining High School. Because he had to oversee the boarding students, David usually lived in the staff dormitory on campus. The staff dormitory was located in the northernmost building, quite far from the teaching building. Annabel was in a hurry and chose to take a less crowded path through the shady woods. At this hour, there was nobody around, and most of the streetlights were broken, making the narrow path look eerie and spooky. David David Annabel walked for a while when suddenly she heard someone calling Davids name. She wondered if she was hearing things. Nancy, you Annabel froze and turned her head towards the voice. In the dim corner on the left, two figures were intertwined. Although she couldnt see their faces clearly, Annabel recognized David at a nce. He leaned against a tree, with Nancy pressed against his chest. Through the foliage, she couldnt see Davids expression, but she felt him nce in her direction before quickly looking away. Nancy tiptoed, her hands pulling down his neck, and he slightly bent his waist. At this height, Nancy could just reach his lips. Annabel felt something inside her copse, crashing heavily onto her heart. She clenched her fists tightly, anger and disappointment flooding her brain. She strode up to them, pointing at Nancy. Tell me, who is she to you? Nancy smiled slightly. Im his girlfriend. Annabel trembled in the wind, ring fiercely at Nancy, then turned her gaze to David, silently asking if it was true. Davids tone was indifferent as he avoided her question. Why are you out sote? Go back home. She stood still, pointing at Nancy stubbornly, looking at him. Is she your girlfriend? Suddenly, her shoulder was grabbed, and Logan appeared in front of her, forcing her to turn around. Go home. Logan forcefully hooked her shoulder and pushed her forward. Annabel pushed Logan away angrily. Get off me! She turned around and swiftly walked into the night. So, David had found a girlfriend and couldnt be bothered with her anymore, leaving her to Logan. Logan remained silent, silently following behind her. He thought she would cry for sure. But she remained quiet, which disappointed Logan somewhat. At this hour, there were very few taxis around, and they waited for quite some time with none in sight. Suddenly, Logans sleeve was tugged, and Annabel looked up at him. Lets go have a drink. Logically, he should have stopped her, but in the end, he nodded. Fine. They went to a nearby street food stall near the school. The weather had cooled down a bit, and they were the only two customers at this hour. Logan ordered a few dishes and a soup, while Annabel grabbed two bottles of white wine from the counter. She twisted off the cap, poured herself a ss, then nced at Logan and smirked sarcastically. I almost forgot, youre not like me. Logan pushed the ss towards her, gesturing for her to pour. Thendy brought the dishes over, eyeing the two of them with some ambiguity. She thought to herself, these two students are dating, but why are they still out drinking sote? By the time they finish eating, the dormitories will be closed. Are they nning to book a room? She murmured to herself for a while before suddenly meeting Logans gaze. The icy chill in his dark pupils sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly left. Annabel lifted her ss and finished it in one gulp, then mmed it back on the table heavily, her anger suppressed. If he have a girlfriend, why bother being nice to me? Why bother at all? Logan took a sip of his drink, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table. Its only natural for teachers to be kind to their students. The implication was probably that she was overthinking things. Annabel paused, letting out a self-deprecatingugh. Did you already know he was with Nancy? Now youre probablyughing at me for being stupid. Logan put down his ss and surprisingly said, Yeah, its definitely a bit stupid. After a moments pause, he added, So, dont be stupid in the future. There was a hint of disdain in his tone. Normally, Annabel would have retorted, but she didnt have the mood to argue with him now. Annabel ced the wine bottle on her side of the table, drinking silently with her head bowed, not touching the food on the table. Logan stared at her for a while, then reached out towards her, almost touching her head before pulling back, his lips twitching in a self-mocking manner. Thendy lightly nudged her husbands arm and whispered, Do you think that young couple is having a fight? The boss was engrossed in his mobile game and didnt pay her any attention. Women always love gossip. Thendy rolled her eyes at her husband, thinking that the boy was really good-looking. His every move exuded an air of elegance. However, his demeanor was too aloof, clearly not someone easy to approach. She couldnt help but nce at him a few more times, hesitating whether to go over and remind him that his T-shirt was on inside out. He didnt try to encourage more drinking. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, stretching out his long legs, but asionally nced at Annabel with a hint of resignation and annoyance on his face. Annabel staggered, obviously intoxicated. She lifted the wine bottle, shook it, and found it empty. With a careless toss, the ss shattered with a crisp sound, then she grabbed her own cup and threw it to the ground. Logan nced at her faintly and handed over his own cup. She threw that one as well. The loud noise startled thendy, and she stood up to intervene. Her husband pulled her back. The T-shirt hes wearing could probably cover our monthly ie. Do you really think he cant afford to pay for a few dishes? He had been in the clothing business before and knew some high-end brands. Thendy sat back down, reluctantly refraining from interfering and continuing to rubber-neck. With nothing left to throw, Annabel stopped, her expression blurry as she gazed into the distance. Logan finally stood up, turning her body towards him. Youve had your drink and your outburst. Whatever you want to do next, Ill apany you. But after today, put this behind us, okay?This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org . Chapter 27: Am I Someone You Lean On?! He doesnt like me, she murmured drunkenly, her mind hazy and heavy, feeling like there was a weight pressing down on her heart.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Tired, go home she slurred again. Logan leaned in closer. What? Annabel vaguely smelled the cool scent emanating from Logan. Her rationality had long flown out the window. Regardless of who it was, at this moment, she just needed a shoulder to lean on. Involuntarily, she fell into his embrace. Thendy saw Logan freeze for a few seconds before pulling Annabel away slightly. She shook her shoulder and asked her coldly, Is this where you lean to whenever you want? Tell me, who am I? With her eyes closed, Annabel mumbled, Logan. Only then did Logan reach out and pull her into his arms. He ran his hand through her hair and said, Youre such a troublemaker! Logans face remained expressionless, but a beautiful curve formed at the corner of his lips. When settling the bill, Logan intentionally paid double. Thendy looked excitedly at her husband, already pictured a romantic drama unfolding. Annabel was already fast asleep in the car. No matter how much Logan called her, she couldnt be woken up. Luckily, Thomas and Brenna werent home, and Eve was already asleep. Logan quietly carried her back to her room. After removing her shoes and coat, tucking her in, and making sure everything was in order, Logan nced at the clock on the wall, which pointed to 3 oclock. He shook his sore arm. The room was filled with the smell of alcohol, and he worried about Eve discovering it tomorrow. He went to open the window, but when he turned back, he found Annabel had kicked off half of the nket. With a sigh, he covered her again, but she impatiently kicked it away once more. Eventually, He simply pressed down on her through the covers. When she realized she couldnt kick it off, she settled down. Logan looked down at her and silently chuckled. Annabels face was flushed, her long eyshes like small fans covering her eyes, with a pouty and somewhat aggrieved expression. Logan reached out and pinched her cheek, You tired me out all night, what do you have to feel aggrieved about? His fingertips unconsciously brushed over her lips, warm and soft. Logan was reminded of his entanglement with O that night. Being a Virgo, just the thought of that made him feel ufortably vulgar. In the morning, Logan was awakened by Louiss phone call, only three hours after he hadid down. Check your phone, Annabel has be a trending topic on the Inte. Logan didnt sleep well all night, and he didnt think anything could happen to Annabel, cursed irritably, Damn, so early! Dude, Im not kidding you, its about Annabel and Mr. Curry. Our schools reputation is going to be ruined this time. Logan was suddenly shocked and quickly hung up the phone. He went online and saw that the top topic was How do you view the rtionship between a teacher and an underage girl? The article described the teacher-student rtionship in highly sensationalizednguage, exaggerating the facts. It even included nine intimate photos of Annabel and David, arm in arm, patting each others heads, her leaning on his shoulder. Both of their eyes were cked out with marker. These photos must have spanned at least half a year, from when Georges mother caused trouble to thest post by the girl, indicating that someone had been nning this for a long time. Who would spend so much time collecting these things to frame them? Because Annabel was a minor and it involved educational issues, it immediately ignited a hot topic on the inte. When Logan went to find Annabel, Eve was trying to get her out of bed. No matter how Eve pulled her, Annabel kept burrowing into the covers, still not sober from the alcohol. Forget it, dont force her. If you push her more, she might get sick, Eve said in surprise, looking at Logan. Then she looked embarrassed, What did she dost night? How do I exin this to Mr. Green? Logan shook his head irritably, Dont worry about it. Ill handle this. He couldnt resolve this issue; it had to be left to Thomas. Logan was unusuallyte, and David didnte to ss in the morning either, clearly affected by this incident. Annabels seat was empty again, and no one was studying; they were all enthusiastically gossiping. The two people in the back row were talking the loudest, and suddenly a book flew over, hitting the boys forehead perfectly. The boy wanted to get angry, but Logan pointed at him fiercely, Shut up! Logans momentum silenced the boy. Everyone stopped discussing, and Aria nced at him with a hint of malicious smile in her eyes, then lowered her head to continue writing her homework. Less than two hourster, the trending topic disappeared. As long as you entered rted keywords, they would all be blocked. Everyone suspected that the government had intervened, after all, Shining High School was a century-old prestigious institution. The schools efficiency was also high; in the afternoon, they issued a notice stating that someone was intentionally smearing the school and its teachers. Once the malicious rumor spreaders were identified, they would face expulsion. Furthermore, the school would take action against those who continued to spread rumors and negatively impact the school. Once the notice was issued, no one dared to discuss it in public. However, inevitably, people would still talk privately outside of school. Annabel didnt attend sses for a day, but David came to school in the afternoon as usual. However, the curious nces from his colleagues made him feel restless and uneasy, though he could only pretend that everything was normal. He opened cellphone but found no messages from Annabel. She hadnte to ss all day. He hesitated whether he should call her, but ultimately, he steeled himself and didnt make the call. During hisst ss, as he arrived at the office door, he bumped into Nancy, who stood in his way. She looked at him with a somewhat ambiguous smile. It seems that being handsome can also be troublesome, but its okay, I believe you. David was momentarily stunned, knowing that Nancy was trying to help him out. Behind them, some teachers joked, Oh, your rtionship is quite special, huh? Blushing, Nancy pushed David. Hurry up and go to ss; youll bete. This practically confirmed the teachers spection. In the hallway, David overheard Nancy and the other teachers discussing Annabels situation, and it became increasingly unpleasant to hear. Having cared for Annabel for so long, hearing her being talked about in such a manner was extremely jarring. Feeling frustrated, he burst out with a curse and then returned to the office door. Facing inside, he spoke, Shes just a lonely child who trusts and relies on her teacher. It took a lot of effort to guide her back on the right path. Do you know? Sometimes students cant distinguish right from wrong, but as adults, as teachers, how can you trample on a student so recklessly, baselessly? The office fell silent. Nancy stared at David awkwardly; after all, she had done all this to help him! David didnt look at her again and turned to quickly walk to the ssroom. Annabel woke up in the afternoon. Her memory was still stuck on the scene of David kissing Nancy yesterday, and the pain in her chest intensified. She couldnt ept the fact that David had a girlfriend. Eve brought her a bowl of hangover soup, but Annabel refused to drink it. She also refused toe down for dinner when it was ready. Eve felt quite helpless, and Brenna went upstairs to pretend to care, but never came back up. While chatting with visiting Elizabeth, Brenna looked full of pity as she talked about Annabel. If she continues like this, she might end up following her mothers footsteps in the future. Eve found this ominous. She didnt know what had happened to Annabels mother, but dying young couldnt be a good thing. Elizabeth nodded in agreement and continued with a hint of malice, Exactly, relying on her looks, who knows how many men she has seduced. Given Greens Enterprises current influence, these wives, including Elizabeth, were all actively ttering Brenna, so their words naturally echoed Brennas sentiments, especially since she disliked Essem. Though Elizabeth didnt like Annabel, Mason, who had grown up with her, was very protective of her. He spent the entire day trying to contact Annabel. When Annabel answered the phone weakly, Mason eximed urgently, Hey, What are you doing? Ive been worried sick! What could you possibly want from me? Its just some trivial matter, Annabel said without enthusiasm. Ignoring her tone, Mason exined the situation in the morning, then asked mysteriously, Your dad is in the next room; guess who hes meeting? Who? Your teacher, David. I guess your dad took the news seriously and wants to take action against him. Annabels heart skipped a beat. Oh no! Shit. But, I overheard him talking to Liam; he said he first met you in jail. Were you cellmatesst time? She had first seen him on the school basketball court; how could it be a jail? Chapter 28: Won’t Deal With Her Anymore! Annabel quickly got the address from Mason and headed straight to the hotel without even changing her clothes. Mason left her at the door of the private room, harboring a psychological shadow towards Thomas. The private room was not locked. Upon pushing the door open, there was a tea room. A folding screen separated it from the living room inside. Annabel peeked through the gap in the screen and saw Thomas, David, and Liam sitting together. Thomas had a cold expression, seeming somewhat unhappy. Liam had a smile on his face. Youve taken care of Annabel for the past year and a half, and weve all seen her changes. But we still hope youll leave Shining High School. It would be good for you and for Annabel. Of course, we wont mistreat you. You can choose any other school or even go to the education bureau. Well provide financialpensation, and if you have any other conditions, feel free to mention them. Annabels heart tightened, fearing that David might be tempted. David looked directly at Thomas withposure. Mr. Green, I have no inappropriate intentions toward your daughter. You dont need to doubt that. However, I want to stay at Shining High School. There are reasons I cant leave. So, forgive me, but I cant agree to your request.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. Thomas pinched his brow. Seeing his displeasure, Liam immediately chimed in, Young man, why be so stubborn? There are many ways to make you leave Shining High School. If David hadnt seen how dedicated David was to teaching Annabel, Thomas wouldnt have personallye to negotiate. Young people were either too ambitious or too clueless. David sensed the threat in Thomass words. Thomas didnt say much, but every gesture exuded imposing power. Under such pressure, David felt it, but he had his principles. He wouldnt easily change for profit and power. You have authority and influence, and naturally, there are many ways to deal with me. But I believe that you must be a person of integrity to achieve what you have today. I think our deal has been fair. Ive fulfilled what you promised me, and Annabel has be what you wanted. Its time for you to fulfill your promise. Am I right? I wont leave Shining High School, but I will apply to transfer to the senior year. I wont teach Annabels ss anymore. Ive fulfilled my responsibility to her up to today, and I wont deal with her affairs anymore. Whats your deal, is it me? A familiar voice came from behind, and the three of them froze simultaneously. Annabel walked out from behind the screen, still wearing yesterdays clothes, with a faint smell of tobo lingering on them. Her hair was disheveled, making her look like a little madwoman. Thomas frowned and spoke in a low reprimanding tone, Look at yourself! What are you doing here? Liam felt a headacheing on. If Be found out about this, it would be a big deal. He casually smiled and said, We were just having a parent-teacher meeting. Lets go home first, and Ill exin it to youter. She angrily shook off Liams hand, stubbornly tilted her head to stare at David, and asked again, Mr. Curry, tell me, whats the deal? David felt a little guilty. When he had agreed to Thomass terms initially, he hadnt thought much about it. But now, with Annabel standing right there, he couldnt bring himself to say it. Actually, before Annabel had arrived, Thomas had received a call from Brenna saying she hadnt gone to school and refused to eat dinner. Thomas had originally nned to go home and discipline her properly, but now, seeing her here because of David, he refrained from exploding and just coldly said, Its none of your business. Eve told me you slept all day and didnt eat. Go home now. Aunt and the others are waiting for you to have dinner. Annabel didnt even turn her head,pletely ignoring him. Thomas had never had much patience with Annabel, and now that she had caused such a big stir and was still acting so self-righteous, Thomass temper red up again. Annabel, listen, Either you go home now, or you nevere back home again! Annabel suddenly turned her head and red at Thomas hatefully, like a little leopard, her eyes shing with anger. Fine, I dont care about adult matters. Then you dont care about my affairs either. So what if I became a trending topic? Its my freedom to like whoever I want. I like David. So what? You drove my mom to her death because of your mistress. All these years, youve lived carefree despite that. Do you have to make me all alone to be happy? My mom was fine, but you forced her to death. My grandma was good to me, but you sent her abroad. You never liked Mason, my friend since childhood, and now David, you want to get rid of him too! Thomas, are you even my dad? Youre my enemy! Liam gasped in shock. Be was saying these things in front of outsiders. With Thomass temper, she was likely to get beaten again. Sure enough, Thomas raised his hand. David quickly pulled Annabel away. Her stubbornness and grievance made him feel very sorry for her, but he couldnt show it. He could only admonish her in the guise of a teacher, Annabel, you cant speak to your dad like that. Liam, contact Siling High School. Send her there tomorrow and let the teachers there teach her how to behave! Siling High School was a military-style boarding school. Only kids who were into drugs, fights, and brawls would be sent there. Every year, there were numerous news reports about students being punished physically. David was taken aback by what he heard. Looking at Thomas, it didnt seem like he was joking. At this point, he really couldnt just stand by. Mr. Green, give me half an hour. Let me talk to her, okay? Liam quickly added, Yes, yes, a teachers way of teaching students is always better. Thomas glowered at Annabel, and Liam quickly whispered, Let Mr. Curry talk to Annabel first. Besides, Christopher is still next door Thomas snorted coldly and then turned and left the private room. David approached her. There were still traces of hangover on her face, and her eyes were full of frustration and unease. He had studied educational psychology in college, and initially, his interaction with Annabel was more of a practical research attitude. She was his experiment, his subject. At first, he thought everything was going ording to n, from resistance to eptance, from eptance to trust. It seemed like everything was sessful. But at some point, things had gone sour. Later, he realized that it had never been sessful from the start. He had never changed her. Her change was merely due to her dependence and infatuation with him, always doing things to please him. Deep down, she was still the same unruly person. David wanted tofort her, but the words that came out felt feeble. Annabel, everything your dad did was for you. He loves you; hes not your enemy. Despite her stubbornness, Annabel was extremely intelligent. She had already guessed what was going on, but she still wanted to hear it from him before giving up. Did you two already know each other? Did he bring you to Shining High School, did he bring you close to me? David knew he couldnt hide it any longer and nodded. Did you meet me before you interned at Shining High School, or was it when I was still in juvenile detention? David fell silent for a moment, then uttered reluctantly, Annabel. Annabels eyes immediately turned red, tears swirling in her eyes. She bit her lip hard, clutching her clothes tightly, refusing to let them fall. Why? For money? He shifted his gaze slightly, pursing his lips without saying a word, looking somewhat embarrassed. She clenched her fists tightly, looked up at the ceiling for a while, as if finally making up her mind. Then Ill ask you onest question, and I wont bother you again. Is your kindness to me fake? David, despite being much taller than her, found himself almost pressed down by her tense body, like a taut bow. Her slender fingertips turned slightly pale from gripping too tightly. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she still looked proud. He felt sorry for her, but he couldnt afford to be soft-hearted. Yes, in my heart, youre the same as all the other students. Theres no difference. You dont need to give up on yourself because of me. Because the deal between your dad and me has expired. It doesnt mean anything to you anymore. She let go of his shirt, and tears began to fall, hitting the floor heavily. David didnt even offer herfort. He turned and left without a word. Liars, all liars! Chapter 29 Malice! She locked her bedroom door. After two days and nights without eating or drinking, when Thomas was almost going crazy with worry, she finally opened the door. The summer when she was almost seventeen, Annabel ended her bitter one-sided love in her heart. From then on, she seemed like a different person, doing things for herself, truly embarking on her journey as a top student. David was reassigned to teach the first year, separated from Annabel by two teaching buildings. Whether intentional or not, they never had any interaction, just asional nces on the yground. Annabel would then casually look away, nothing more. In the second semester of senior year, the atmosphere in the ss became tense and oppressive. The students desks were piled with thick review materials, everyone using the remaining time to its fullest. The most rxed students in the ss were Annabel and Logan. Their life paths were already nned out, waiting only to graduate and study abroad. Annabel had originally nned to apply to a school in New Avalon, not because she liked it, but because her grandmother strongly urged her to. Later, when she heard that Logan was also applying to that school, she changed her mind and applied to a school in Kend instead. Her principle in choosing a school was to be as far away from home and Logan as possible, where no one could control her. However, both Logan and Annabel insisted onpleting the exam. Logan just wanted to prove his abilities, while Annabel still harbored an illusion or, rather, a possibility in her heart that she was unwilling to let go of. The final bell rang for thest ss, and Logan finished a test paper before leaving the ssroom. The weather in April was somewhat hot and humid, hinting at the arrival of summer. Passing by the yground, he heard cheers from inside. He stopped by the wire fence, and on the left side of the yground, he saw Annabel. She had taken off her thin jacket, revealing a blue and white short-sleeved T-shirt underneath. She lightly jumped, firmly holding the basketball in her hands, then provocatively lifted her chin towards her teammates before passing the ball. The sun had not fully set yet, and the lingering rays cast a faint glow on her face, dazzling and radiant. The thought of little fairy crossed Logans mind. A boy saw him and waved, signaling for him toe over. He was a junior in high school and a gifted student in art. He had wanted to date Annabel ever since he entered the school as a freshman, and now, the two of them hadnt be a couple, but they had be brothers. Logan shook his head. Suddenly, Annabel turned her head, probably recalling the teasing from earlier in the morning, and her face darkened. She fiercely hurled the basketball at him, knowing she couldnt hit him through the wire fence, but just wanting to vent her frustration. The basketball hit the wire fence with force and bounced back towards Annabel with great momentum. Annabel was momentarily stunned, and the ball bounced off the fence, hitting her on the forehead with a loud thud. She grabbed her head in pain, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. Logan couldnt help butugh and walked away slowly. At the corner of the yground, under a osmanthus tree, with spring in full swing and branches lush, stood a figure with arms crossed, gazing into the distance. It was David. Logan then saw him suddenly smile and looked in the direction of his gaze. Annabel was sitting on the steps by the court, sulking. She seemed to be moved by something, suddenly looked up in his direction, and David, acting nonchnt, turned his back and slipped his hand into his pocket, striding away. David used to be on the schools basketball team, but for two years, he hadnt set foot on this court. If he had truly let go, why would he act so decisively? Less than half a monthter, a sensational event urred at school. Nancy was proposed to by a rich second-generation. During recess, six Lamborghinis formed a heart shape on the yground. Several people got out of the cars, all dressed very elegantly. The man in the middle, who appeared to be in histe twenties, of medium height and slightly muscr, was holding arge bouquet of roses. Annabel had seen this man at a party before. He was Ethan Masters, the eldest son of the former richest man, Jake Masters. Jakes family business was now managed by his current wife after he was imprisoned. Although they managed to keep the family business, they fell far behind theirpetitors of the same period. However, they seemed to have a good rtionship with the Wolf Family. The schoolgirls were divided into two camps. One group looked down on Nancy and sympathized with David, who was handsome and had a good personality but unfortunately had his girlfriend stolen. The other group envied Nancy; marrying into a wealthy family was the dream of many girls, and being handsome wasnt enough to sustain a living. The man held out a ring, kneeling in front of Nancy, and opened a red velvet box. Inside, the blue diamond sparkled dazzlingly in the sunlight, estimated to be at least five carats. Nancy, I love you. Will you marry me? Nancy hesitated for a moment, then turned her head to look at the bleachers behind her, her gaze falling on Davids face. He looked indifferent and averted his eyes. Nancyughed self-deprecatingly. The group of students who loved to make a fuss immediately burst into cheers, Say yes! Say yes! Nancy epted the flowers, nodded, and the man helped her put on the ring, followed by a romantic French kiss, which elicited a round of screams. The yground was crowded with onlookers. The male lead was too ostentatious, and the female lead was too annoying. Annabel found it boring and walked away. On Saturday evening, at a university ssmates birthday banquet, Paul, David, and the soon-to-be bride of a wealthy family, Nancy, were all present. Paul brought up the proposal incident involving Nancy, which elicited envy from the girls present. David remained silent. Over the four years of university, everyone knew how good Nancy had been to David. Some couldnt help but feel sorry for him, You regret it now, dont you? We told you to seize the opportunity early on, but you wouldnt listen. David smiled faintly without saying a word. Tonight, Nancy seemed to be in a good mood, drinking generously. However, as she drank more, everyone else became more reserved. Yet, she insisted on toasting each person individually. Everyone felt that something was amiss, but they couldnt dissuade her. When it was Davids turn, he didnt raise his ss but calmly said, Maybe you shouldnt drink anymore. Nancys face darkened, and she retorted sharply, David, what right do you have to interfere with me! The atmosphere suddenly became tense. Most of those present knew a bit about their situation. David responded coolly, I dont.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. David, four years in college, two years at Shining High School, how can six years of our rtionship lose to a little girl youve known for half a year? To be honest, you must really hate me now. The others at the table looked at Paul with curiosity. Paul felt awkward and worried that Nancy might say something inappropriate. Come on, Nancy, lets have a drink. The other female ssmates chimed in, Nancy is the happiest. Look at that huge diamond ring on her finger. They say a mans generosity is the measure of his love for you. Ignoring them, Nancy pounded the table and eximed, What does it matter if you treat her so well? She wont even look at you now. David furrowed his brows, Nancy, Ive repaid what I owed you. I really dont owe you anything anymore. Cant you be more sober? Yeah, youve repaid me, but you still owe her. If she finds out, shell probably hate you, she said, seeing Davids grim expression, then scoffed, David, you like her, but youre too afraid to admit it. Youre a coward. The others were curious, but it wasnt appropriate to delve deeper into their personal matters in this setting. David stood up and grabbed his jacket from the chair. Sorry, I have to leave early. Everyone knew it was an excuse, but they also knew that leaving was the best option. May came in the blink of an eye. One weekend, Christopher said he wanted to see her, but Annabel was busy preparing for the June exams and refused. As a result, Christopher sent someone to intercept her at the school gate and took her directly to thepany. Over the past two years, Christopher had often visited her, showing care for her like an elder. He had also been considerate to her friend, Mason. Annabel was not ungrateful, especially she hadnt received much paternal love from Thomas. Over time, she had developed some feelings of warmth towards him. Lara brought her a ss of freshly squeezed juice and a pile of snacks like chocte chips, saying, These are prepared for you by Mr. Robins. Annabel lightly acknowledged and popped some chocte into her mouth, then pointed to the ss wall and asked, How much longer? O, who was usually quite domineering, stood with her head down in front of Christopher. He asionally pointed at theputer screen with his fingers, looking angry. Actually, Annabel had guessed why. Over the past two years, with Christophers support, the BO band had gained quite a bit of poprity. The publicity team had paired O and Mason together, and the growth rate of fan base is astonishing. However, O had let slip in a recent interview that she had feelings for someone else, and her rtionship with Mason was just for publicity. Now, fans were in an uproar over this revtion, demanding to unfollow her. Im afraid it will take a while longer. O, she really shot herself in the foot. If she gets on the bosss nerves, what will she do if she gets sidelined? These days, theres no shortage of singer like her. Just as Annabel finished peeling a bag of walnuts, she pped her hands and walked towards Christophers office. She heard Christopher angrily say, If you dont want to seed, speak up now! I have plenty of other options here! Annabel pushed open the door, O looked up, her face full of despair. Annabel gave her a reassuring look andzily raised her chin towards Christopher. Im hungry. Are we still having dinner? Christopher, who had just been in a volcanic eruption state, suddenly changed to a gentle smile when he saw Annabel. The little fairy has arrived. O silently cursed under her breath. His facial expressions changed so quickly. Using the excuse of needing to speak with O, Annabel rescued her from Christopher. You always seem fearless, but I never expected you to be so timid in front of Christopher. Nonsense. If I offend him, I wont be able to make it in the entertainment industry. Does he have that much power? O gave a thumbs-up. In the entertainment industry, hes the one! But its strange. He has everything, but no girlfriend. There have been rumors outside that hes gay, but I heard from a senior that when he was a small actor more than a decade ago, he had a girlfriend. They were very much in love at the time, but for some reason, they broke up. He almostmitted suicide, but was saved and went abroad. Annabel lightly murmured, remembering his words at the cemetery with his mother, feeling increasingly puzzled. Have you ever noticed that hes especially good to you? My mom is his friend, and he has received favors from my mom before. Its natural for him to be good to me. Christopher had spoken highly of Essems kindness to him many times. It could be said that his sess in the entertainment industry today was built on the foundationid by Essem. O gave her a meaningful nce. I heard Christopher has a secret daughter. Annabels face darkened. Say that again, and Ill rip your mouth open! Chapter 30 I Have Someone I Like! The beginning of June finally brought the day of the exams. Annabel and Logan, as usual, took the bus to their assigned exam locations, although they were a bit out of the way. Just after finishing the morning exam, Annabel received a call from Christopher, instructing her to meet him at the school gate. Annabel was surprised by Christophers appearance; she hadnt told him where she was taking the exams. At the school gate, a group of parents anxiously awaited their children, their worry evident on their faces. Upon seeing their children, they immediately put on a nonchnt smile, asking about various things but avoiding the topic of grades, afraid of affecting their childrens mood. Annabel looked on somewhat enviously. If her grandmother were still alive, she might have waited for her like this. It had been almost half a year since shest saw her grandmother, and she missed her dearly. Parked on the roadside near the school gate was a ck RV that had been converted into a bedroom and a meeting room. Christopher had been waiting for her in the car for a while. There was no one else in the car. Christopher personally took out food from the thermal container-there were vegetables, soup, and fruits, rich and nutritious. Are you hungry? He handed her a pair of chopsticks. Eat up. After you finish, rest in the car. He pointed to the small bedroom. There arent any good hotels nearby. Ive beening here for the past two days. You can rest here. Annabel was indeed hungry. Christopher didnt eat, just watched her eat, asionally picking up food for her. Over the past two years, Annabel had grown ustomed to him doing these things for her. How did the exam go? Alright, I guess. You should do well and try to get into Magic City Normal University. Annabel muttered, Doesnt matter. I n to study abroad at Kend. Ive already applied to schools there. Christopher put down his chopsticks and looked at her quietly. David is resigning this semester. Annabel hummed in response. Christopher continued, Didnt he tell you he got epted into that graduate school? Hell be starting school after this semester ends. Annabel, biting into a peach, identally dropped into the bowl. She casually said, Whats it to me? Christopher chuckled. What are you pretending for? Believe me, David isnt a bad guy. Annabel was a little unhappy, feeling like she was being watched. Why do you always ask about my business? She hadnt really taken Os words to heart; she firmly believed she was a child of the Green Family. Christopher paused for a moment, reached out and ruffled her hair, then sighed. Im sorry. I shouldnt havee to the exam venue without your consent, nor should I have inquired about your affairs. Christopher appeared quite youthful on the surface, but whenever he sighed, Annabel felt as though he had lived for a long time and was nearing old age. He withdrew his hand and took out a cigarette from the side, but didnt light it. He held it in his mouth for a while before taking it out. Because no one else is doing these things for you. Essems child has no one looking after her, and I dont want her to be unhappy in heaven.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. In that moment, Annabel thought, if he really were her father, it wouldnt be bad. On the evening after the exams, the ssmates gathered for a celebration, marking the end of their high school lives. After three years of suppression, the group let loose, singing, drinking, and having a wild time, making such a racket that it seemed like they might bring down the roof. Someone started singing Farewell, causing a wave of tears among the girls, even the boys had teary eyes. Aria cried delicately, which made her particrly pitiable. Compared to Colleen, whose mouth was almost deformed from crying next to her, Aria looked much better. Ryan probably wanted tofort her but seemed somewhat at a loss. Annabel quietly approached Louis and said, You see, beautiful girls are different. Even when they cry, they look better than others. While speaking, she subconsciously nced at Logan, who was the calmest one that night. He drank plenty of alcohol, but it was unclear whether he was happier or sadder. Annabel wondered if he hadnt done well in the exams. But Logans excellence wasnt about whether he could get into a top-tier university; his excellence was about being the first. Louis seemed distracted and didnt respond to her. His gaze remained fixed on Molly, a girl from ss Five who was something of a special guest. Harry, with a face flushed like a monkeys bottom from drinking, nudged Annabels elbow. This guy has a crush on Molly and was nning to confess today. No wonder hes been bothering Molly all day. Turns out hes trying to get her attention, Annabel said. Molly had good grades and was pretty, but more importantly, she wasnt pretentious, which Annabel appreciated. She patted Louis on the shoulder. Dont be timid. If you like her, go for it. What are you waiting for? Harry and the others cheered him on. Thats right! Were all about to go our separate ways. If you dont say it now, youll never get the chance. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Louis felt a surge of blood to his head. He walked up to Molly and took out a piece of paper from his pocket. Everyone burst intoughter. Youre something, preparing so thoroughly. Is that a speech youre preparing? Thats a love letter, dont you know? And its handwritten. Amid their teasing, Louis became a bit shy, but Mollys shy expression gave him great courage. His love letter filled an entire page, detailing everything from their first meeting to Mollys likes and dislikes. Annabel was somewhat surprised; when a rough guy like Louis liked a girl, he was so attentive. He must really like her. Her peripheral vision caught Logan, who was resting his chin on his hand, seemingly listening intently. Even his cold features showed a faint smile. Amidst the cheers of their ssmates, Louis and Molly hugged, and Louis took the opportunity to kiss Molly on the lips, giving everyone a taste of lovey dovey. Annabel rarely showed a girlish side. Molly is so hapyy. Someone pped excitedly. Who else wants to confess? Do it now! And he pointed at Logan. There are so many girls who secretly like Logan. Come on, whos first? Firste, first served. Everyoneughed uproariously. Some boys stood up, pointing at a group of suddenly silent girls. You girls dont even have the courage to confess. How am I supposed to help you? Before they could react, a usually quiet girl stood up, her face red. Although I know you dont like me, I still want to tell you, Logan, I like you. But this is my own business, and it has nothing to do with you. The surrounding crowd cheered, but the girl felt embarrassed after speaking and buried her head on someones shoulder. Everyones attention turned to Logan. Suddenly, another girl said, In my opinion, Logan and Aria are the mostpatible, right? It wasmon knowledge that Aria liked Logan. They were very close in middle school, butter, she deliberately annoyed Logan and ended up with Ryan. They had been in the same ss for five years, so their feelings were definitely there. However, Logan was a cold person, and what others called closeness was just a few more words than usual. Aria blushed and said somewhat angrily, What nonsense are you talking about? She was reserved and wouldnt confess publicly no matter what. Annabel lowered her head and sniffed. She was craving a cigarette; she was feeling ufortable right now. Harry pretended to sympathize and pushed Annabel. Hey, you have a rival, and not just one. Annabel grabbed Harrys neck with her hand, gritting her teeth. How many times do I have to tell you? I dont like him! She wasnt really angry, just ying around. Harry cooperated by rolling his eyes and sticking out his tongue, pretending to be dead. Finally, hemented, You really have no taste. As the group continued to make a ruckus, no one noticed their little movements. The gaze of several tables was fixed on Logan, pressing him to choose one. Logan smiled helplessly. He had drunk the most wine that night, and everyone else was flushed and red-necked, but he still looked neat and clean, with a cold and aloof demeanor. He lightly tapped the table with his elegant and slender fingers, looking at everyone and saying softly, I like someone. The surroundings fell silent instantly, and many girls showed a look of disappointment. Arias face turned pale, and she bit her lip, remaining silent for a long time. This aroused even more curiosity among their ssmates. Although they often teased him and Annabel, Logan had never admitted anything publicly. Now, he had publicly dered that he liked someone. Everyone looked at Annabel. Annabel rolled her eyes helplessly. Its not me, you idiots! Who then? Speak up, who is it? Logan actually thought for a while before saying lightly, Wait four more years. Four years from now when we meet again, and if were still here, Ill introduce her to you as my girlfriend. For some reason, Aria suddenly felt relieved, just d it wasnt Annabel. Chapter 31: Garfield! When the exam results came out, Logan predictably took first ce in Eastdown. Brenna was overjoyed, and even Thomas boasted proudly about it. Annabels results were actually quite good, but overshadowed by Logans achievements, she naturally didnt receive as much attention. Often, after praising Logan, there would be a passingpliment for her. The schools for studying abroad were decided. Annabel quietly applied to a domestic university as well, only selecting one school: Magic City Normal University. She had already given up, but Christophers words seemed to nt a seed in her heart, quietly taking root and sprouting. With the exams over, Bonnie also nned to return to apany Annabel for a while. Annabel asked Eve to arrange for someone to tidy up the old house, nning to move in as soon as her grandmother returned. Unexpectedly, when Eve returned, she told Annabel that the house had changed owners. Annabel was furious and had a big argument with Thomas. You sold my home! Give it back to me! Because of David, Annabels rtionship with Thomas had be increasingly distant over the past two years, and there was some resentment in her heart. The day Bonnie returned, Annabel persuaded her to buy the house back, but Bonnie instead tried to dissuade her. Its already been sold. How can we buy it back? Others willugh at our family. Annabel pouted unhappily. We just need to pay a little more money. We isnt short of money! Bonnie, with a helpless expression, yfully poked Annabels forehead. Nonsense! Grandma is getting old and wants to live with your father and you, to enjoy family life. Her words deliberately ignored Brenna and her son. Brenna didnt mind at all, even responding considerately. Yes, a family should live together. I wouldnt know what to do if Be moved out. Bonnie looked at her coldly, smiling without saying a word. Brenna remained outwardly calm and gentle, while Thomas chimed in, Mom, try this. She know you like it and has been busy all afternoon. Angrily, Annabel went upstairs, and after a while, Bonnie followed. For the first time, she didnt coddle Annabel, her face serious. Be, this is your home. You should stay here. In the future, the entire Greens Enterprises will be yours. You must protect it. Annabel didnt quite understand. She didnt have much of a concept of family business, and she was innocent and naive. Logans test scores made the olddy even more wary. She was worried that Annabel would be taken advantage of in the future. Logan was young but deep and sophisticated. He was calm and collected in everything he did, and he was very scheming. She was afraid that he and his mother would join forces to harm Annabel. And Thomas was confused about this matter. Speaking of this, Bonnie felt that her son wouldnt be foolish enough to hand over the family business to an outsider. Although he was cultivating Logan, he probably wanted him to be Annabels right-hand man in the future. Logan was very talented and destined for greatness, but who could guarantee that he would be willing to y second fiddle to Annabel and serve Greens Enterprises? However, if Thomass idea was to treat Logan as a prospective son-inw, wanting to hand over Greens Enterprises to him in the future, she would never agree to it. At her age, Bonnie had seen all sorts of people and could see through what kind of person Brenna was. Only Thomas, who seemed to be under a spell, would believe that Brenna was a gentle and kind woman. Fortunately, Annabel disliked this stepbrother, so at least Bonnie didnt have to worry about her granddaughter being blinded by so-called love like her son. Annabel, however, didnt think so far ahead. She wasntcking money, so she didnt think money was important. She didnt understand the hardships of her ancestors entrepreneurship, so she didnt see Greens Enterprises as very important. Her mind was solely focused on whether she could sessfully get into Magic City University. Bonnies room was on the ground floor. After taking a shower and holding her pillow, Annabel went to find her grandmother. Passing by Logans room, he stood there with his arms crossedzily, leaning against the door. She teased him, Good Baby, seems like you havent been weaned yet! Logan was full of sarcasm. As soon as Bonnie came back, she hugged Annabel and called her good baby over and over again. Logan held back augh. Annabel was a little lioness, and even if not a lioness, she was still a Garfield cat with puffed-up fur. She had nothing to do with being a good baby. Annabel red at him angrily and continued walking. He calmly said from behind, Forgot to tell you, I also n to attend the university in Kend. Looks like we might be alumni in the future. Ive got offers from both universities, but Ive decided to go to the one in Kend. He smiled at her, his eyes shing with malice. Dont ask me why. I just dont want you to be too satisfied! Angered, Annabel threw a pillow at him, and the door was already closed. This damned Logan was bing more and more audacious, with no sense of living under someone elses roof. She pestered Bonnie to sleep together at night, and the two of them talked for most of the night, but most of the time it was Annabelining. In the blink of an eye, it was her eighteenth birthday. The Green Family organized a granding-of-age ceremony for her. She invited Mason and a group of childhood friends, but none of her ssmates were invited. She never wanted people to know about her rtionship with Logan. She received so many gifts that night, the most precious of which was a set of diamond jewelry from her grandmother and a piece of jade from Thomas. Mason jokingly suggested she rent a safe deposit box at the bank. O, on the other hand, looked envious. The gifts you received tonight, your worth must be over tens of millions. Alex disdainfully nced at O. Tens of millions? Thats nothing. In the future, Greens Enterprises will be hers. Alex had never liked O. He found her tacky, especially when he noticed that she was orbiting around Logan all evening, which annoyed him even more. Logan gave her a Garfield cat. Whether she epted it or not, he simply ced the cat in her arms without even wishing her a happy birthday. He just said, Heres a little sister for you so you wont be bored in the future. Annabel wanted to curse him in disgust, but seeing the chubby cat was just too cute, so she epted it. The BO band sang two songs to celebrate, and there was also an unknown singer at the scene. With shoulder-length hair and eyes full of stories, Annabel hadnt even heard of him, but his singing was particrly charming. After he finished singing, he suddenly said, I am honored to be here today at Miss Greens birthday party. I have a gift for Miss Green on behalf of a friend. Bonnie didnt pay much attention,ughing at the antics around her. Young people nowadays love these little tricks. The man walked up to her and ced a beautifully wrapped small gift box in her hand. Miss Green, please follow me. Thomas looked expressionless as he asked, Who is your friend? The man smiled faintly. Mr. Green will find out when hees with me.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Annabel actually guessed who hadmissioned him, and couldnt help but be curious. So mysterious. What is it? The guests followed along to see what was going on. In the middle of the courtyard was a brand new MINI COOPER pink limited edition. The man winked at Annabel. Miss Green, now that youre eighteen, you can drive. Annabel quite liked racing. She had obtained her track racing license at fourteen, so her driving skills were naturally good. Before living with Thomas, she used to drive, but she hadnt touched the steering wheel since then. Now, seeing this girly car, how could she not be tempted? Everyone spected about who had sent it. O eximed in surprise, It must be Christopher. Alex also said, Mr. Robins mentioned preparing a birthday gift for you half a month ago. Besides him, no one else would be so generous. Most people knew a bit about the feud between Christopher and the Green Family, so seeing Thomas remain calm, no one dared to say much. Thomas summoned Annabel to the study with a stern face. Annabel was a little afraid of Thomas. Over the years, she had secretly interacted with Christopher behind Thomass back, never expecting him to expose their rtionship to Thomas all of a sudden. Do you often interact with him? Annabel nodded honestly. Thomas stared at her expressionlessly for a while. Tomorrow, Ill have Liam return the car to him. If you want any car, I can buy you one anytime. From now on, dont interact with him anymore. Thomas was always like this, never exining, but always making decisions for her. Annabel shrugged. Im eighteen, I dont need you to make decisions for me. With that, she turned and left. Elizabeth and Mrs. Cross met in the bathroom. Mrs. Cross was a fan of Christopher, the third wife of the owner of Chengye Department Store. She couldnt help but ask, They mentioned Christopher, the movie star, right? Thats him. He sent such a valuable gift. Is he friends with the Green Family? Elizabeth lowered her voice. Impossible. This Christopher had a romantic rtionship with Mr. Greens ex-wife. No way? Elizabeth snorted. Do you know why Mr. Green married Brenna? Its because his ex-wife behaved improperly. As soon as she turned around, she saw Annabel with a ck face standing in front of her. If you werent Masons mother, I would have pped you long ago. You used to be friends with my mom, but now, to curry favor with Brenna, youre ndering her behind her back. Arent you ashamed? Elizabeth remained calm and signaled to Mrs. Cross with her eyes to leave first. Thetter, afraid of offending the Green Family, hurriedly left the scene. Be, what I said wasnt false at all. Your mom and Christopher have always had a romantic rtionship. If you dont believe it, you can go ask Christopher yourself. Youre eighteen now, and its time you knew some things. Chapter 32 Five Minutes! Hearing the doorbell, Christopher went to open the door himself, and sure enough, Annabel was standing at the door. Happy birthday. Do you like the gift? She looked indifferent. I do. At that moment, Christopher suddenly felt she resembled Thomas a lot. Even though she was burdened with worries, she appeared as if she had none. As she stepped inside, she hesitated, her gaze wandering over the flowers and nts in the courtyard. I have something to ask you. Lets talk inside. Lets just stay here. I have to go back home soon. Its gettingte, and Grandma must be worried. She took out a cigarette from her bag and lit it. Christopher frowned. Smoking isnt good for you. Annabel smiled, sounding casual but gripping her left hand tightly. You smoke too. Thats not fair. Christopher, who had been in the entertainment industry for over twenty years, couldnt miss her nervousness. You said that when I turned eighteen, you would tell me how my mom died. Well, Im eighteen now. Christopher looked at her deeply. Thomas and Brenna killed her. Do you have any evidence? He shook his head. No, I was abroad at the time, but I know they did it. Over the years, Ive been looking for evidence. The nanny at your house disappeared without a trace. Either they moved away or went abroad. If it has nothing to do with them, I cant believe it. Annabel fell silent for a moment, then shook her head. I dont believe it. My dad couldnt have killed anyone. Christopher sneered. You dont understand him. Do you know why I went abroad back then? I was escaping. And you, he once had someone leave you in the freezing snow. You almost died. I was the one who saved you. Annabels hand holding the cigarette trembled, and a strange expression appeared on her face. Then let me ask you another question. Whats your rtionship with my mom? Christopher hesitated, knowing he couldnt hide it any longer. What have you heard? Are you and my mom in a romantic rtionship? Christopher remained silent. Annabel looked at him meaningfully. So youre hoping Ill break ties with the Green Family? You want me to ally with you, right? Christopher said nothing. Suddenly, Annabel chuckled coldly. Youve all done so well, none of you are clean, none of you are good people! How could you say that about your mom! Am I wrong? She stared straight at him. Over the past two years, youve cared for me so much. Whenever I was in trouble, sick, or heartbroken, you were always the first to know. You said you owed my mom, so youre repaying her through me. Youre more like a dad than Thomas. I really thought of you as family. Now you tell me, am I your family? The implication was clear, but he remained silent. Regardless of whether she was being used to retaliate against Thomas or if she was his illegitimate daughter, Annabel couldnt ept either oue. At this moment, she felt restless and anxious, with no patience to wait for Christophers answer. Snuffing out the cigarette, she said coldly, If you dont want to answer, then dont. Think it through before you speak. Youll be responsible for every word you say! She turned decisively and walked away briskly, only herself knowing that she was fleeing in despair. On this midsummer night, a slight coolness lingered in the evening breeze, but it couldnt calm the restlessness in her heart. Annabel didnt hail a taxi; she walked along the main road, her mind reying many childhood scenes like a movie. Her mothers wrists always bore scars, self-inflicted with a small knife. Essem would hold her and say, Mom has nothing in this world except for you, Be. I feels so miserable, but I cant bear to leave Be. So I has to live in misery. At that time, she didnt understand what it meant. She thought her mom was always crying, always drinking. She had hoped that when she grew up, she wouldnt be a woman who cried every day like her mother. Her phone kept ringing incessantly-calls from Logan, her grandmother, and Thomas-but she didnt want to answer any of them. The city at midnight was still brightly lit, towering skyscrapers, intersecting roads like a winding gxy of lights. She felt small and helpless, forgetting time and her own existence. Now she didnt know whom to trust or whom to resent; she was lost in her own chaotic world. A faint scent of Chinese medicine in the air brought her back to her senses. Across the street was a pharmacy, familiar yet strange. The clinic should have closed by now. She mocked herself. From one swindler to another, She felt an inexplicable sense of grievance. Annabel took out a cigarette and lit it, squatting under a tree to smoke, smelling the faint scent of Chinese medicine. Suddenly, she felt her heart calming down. She didnt have faith, but instinctively, in moments of weakness, she wanted something to hold onto. Rows of neatly arranged streetlights on the long street, ringly bright, some pedestrians but not many. At the end of the street, there was a street stall with a few tables, where a few people were eating supper. The men grumbled about business and the various shorings of their wives, but as soon as the phone rang, their tone changed. Darling, Ill be back soon. Are you hungry? Ill pack something for you to take home. Annabel felt a bit envious. This was life. Her grandmother said she should hold onto the Green Family, and was her mother also unwilling to divorce because she wanted to hold onto the Green Family? But what did that matterpared to her own happiness? Over the years, she had been forced to ept Brenna and Logan. Did she now have to ept her mothers lover as well? She told herself that David had let her down, and it wouldnt hurt to lean on him for a while. So she took out her phone and skillfully dialed a string of numbers. It had been two years since she deleted his number, but she still remembered it by heart. The voice on the other end of the line sounded drowsy, Hello? Its me, at the entrance of your moms clinic. There was a brief pause on the other end, then the voice became clear instantly, Wait for me. She said, Wait for you for five minutes. After five minutes, Ill leave. The call ended, and she put down her phone, staring at the screen, counting the time. Exactly five minutester, he appeared in front of her, slightly out of breath. She looked up at him and smiled, feeling her mood lighten. Just now, she made a bet. If he showed up within five minutes, she would stay in the country to uncover the truth. If he didnt, she would go to Kend and leave behind everyone and everything here. The herbal scent is really soothing. It calmed me down. Leaning against the ss door of the clinic, with a pile of cigarette butts on the ground, David furrowed his brows, but didnt scold her. He lowered his head and asked, Whats wrong? Nothing. David was still wearing his pajamas, with a cardigan hastily thrown over. He took off the cardigan and draped it over her, Do you want me to take you home? She shook her head, Stay with me for a while. They stood side by side, neither speaking, silently smoking. He took the cigarette from her hand and stubbed it out, then asked her with concern, Stop smoking. Whats wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should I call my mom? Pointing to her chest, she asked him, David, do I look like a fool? David furrowed his brows, Who said that? Her voice was low, with a hint of loneliness, You lied to me, my dad lied to me, and now even Christopher is lying to me. I guess Im just a fool. David was taken aback, unsure how to respond to her words.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. Can I lean on your shoulder for a moment? Youre not a teacher anymore, and Im not a high school student. Theres no need to worry about what others might say. She suddenly turned sideways, her sweet and gentle fragrance enveloping him. David felt his heart skip a beat. Logan had told him that she was about to study abroad in Kend. He smiled, Ill give you five minutes too. Standing a step away from each other, her head tilted just enough to touch his shoulder lightly, as if symbolically leaning on him. Im so useless. I know you lied to me, but I still like you. I know hes not good enough for my mom, but I still want him to be my dad. Logan says Im always foolish, and hes probably right. David felt a bitter in his heart. He had deceived her, but he had also turned her into a top student. Even if it was obtained through emotional deception, he had also entangled himself in it because he could no longer distinguish between L and Annabel. You always advise me to be kind to Logan, but you dont know that Ive disliked him since the first time I met him. I hadnt seen my dad in six months, and I cried so hard that nanny take me to the park. Then I saw Thomas, who hadnt been around for half a year. He had his arm around Brenna and was holding a little boy in the other hand. Logan was so skinny and dark, he was downright ugly. But Thomas spoke to him so gently, with so much love. He was always cold to me, ignoring me. I felt like he had taken my dad away from me. I rushed over and grabbed Brenna, kicking and biting her, telling her to give my dad back to me. Later, Thomas put Logan down, and I pushed him over. He hit the iron railing and bled a lot. Brenna cried, and I was scared too. Thomas pped me, andter, nanny took me away. Less than half a monthter, my mom died. I often wonder, if I hadnt caused a scene, would my mom still be alive? When people talked about the Green Family, the most discussed topics were Thomass former wife and his mistress. He almost openly brought his mistress to various asions. After his wife died, he married Brenna within half a year, almost driving Bonnie crazy. David took her hand, feeling sorry for her when she was in extreme distress. She didnt cry or make a scene, but he felt her pain. Forget about the past. I cant forget. They wont let me forget. They want to keep fighting. David didnt understand the intricacies of the disputes in these aristocratic families, but he just felt sorry for Annabel. Annabel talked about many things from her childhood, and this time its all about what she wanted to say. As dawn approached, she left, gathering her strength as if she had made a certain decision, her eyes showing determination, like a little wolf cub. She said, Thank you, Mr. Curry. But this is thest time Ill call you Mr. Curry. Chapter 33 Surprise or Not! Annabel had been obedient for two years, and Thomas thought she had really matured, so he rxed his guard. Christopher had been quiet for the past two years, but Thomas never expected him would dare to have designs on Annabel. As soon as Annabel returned, Thomas called her into the study and securely locked the door. Thomas was not an impatient person, but he had particrly little patience when it came to Annabel. When he got agitated, resorting to violence was not unusual for him. Liam felt like he could already foresee the future days, which definitely wouldnt be peaceful. After all, Christopher was no longer the young singer who could be easily manipted. Trying to manipte him now wouldnt be easy, especially with Annabel in the middle. The soundproofing in the room was excellent. After entering, there was silence for a long while, with not a single sounding out. Bonnie was restless, fearing that Thomas might get violent. She kept knocking on the door, and even Logan seemed nervous, ncing towards the study every now and then. After half an hour, the door to the study opened silently. Bonnie pulled Annabel out and inspected her from head to toe. Are you okay? Annabel looked exhausted. Grandma, Ive received the eptance letter from the university. Ive decided to stay here for college. Bonnie was stunned. What did you say? Bonnie nced at Thomas behind her. He gripped the edge of the desk, his face ugly. The ashtray had fallen to the floor, indicating the intensity of the argument. Annabel had won.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. I dont want to go abroad. I want to stay here and attend Magic City Normal University. Bonnie panicked. How could these two schools even bepared? More importantly, the Green Family was supposed to groom heirs, not teachers. Be, you cant be so willful! Brenna also looked worried. Why refuse to go? Your father has put in a lot of effort to get you into that school. Suddenly, Thomas roared, Leave her alone, let her go! Everyone fell silent, and only Logan stood up silently and walked upstairs without saying a word. Ive made up my mind. Annabel turned and went back to her room, locking the door behind her, shutting out the argument downstairs. She slept soundly, but was woken up hungry in the middle of the night. As she prepared to go downstairs to find something to eat, she suddenly froze upon opening the door. In the dim hallway, Logan sat on the floor, leaning against the wall, one leg bent, the other stretched out, blocking her doorway perfectly. He nced sideways, his brows furrowed deeply like the moonlight filtering through the window, and he stubbornly stared at her for a long time. Annabel frowned. What are you doing sitting outside my door in the middle of the night? For what reason are you staying? Is it because of him? She felt no obligation to exin to Brennas son. Thats my business, Logan. He suddenly grabbed her hand and whispered, Annabel, just tell me this time, are you staying because of him? Annabel turned to look at Logan seriously for a moment. In his eyes, devoid of their usual arrogance and aloofness, there was a hint of vulnerability. After years of quarreling with him, she found it difficult to understand him at this moment. But her curiosity about him disappeared in an instant. She didnt want to bother understanding him, let alone have any interest in figuring him out. She turned away with a cruel smile. Yes, I want to hold onto my love and my home. In the utmost silence of the space, Logan let out a low, coldugh. He suddenly released her hand, stood up without another nce at her, and walked back to his room. A weekter, Logan changed his flight and went to Kend early, leaving Brenna for the first time, which reduced her to tears. Annabel watched coldly, but she also admitted that although Brenna wasnt a good step-mother, she was definitely a good mother. During the remaining days of summer vacation, Annabel went on a trip with Harry. While Harry painted by the seaside, Annabel sat nearby lost in thought, gradually finding rity on some puzzling matters. Christopher continued to contact her regrly, sending asional messages to remind her to stay safe, not to stay upte, and to eat on time. She never replied even once. Mason asked her why she was willing to spend time with Brenna every day but couldnt ept the fact that Christopher was her mothers lover. Annabel said it was different; she could dislike and hate Brenna without any burden, but Christopher had shown her two years of fatherly love, making it impossible for her to hate him, which made her even angrier. On the first day of September, Annabel went to Magic City. Her grandmother and Liam personally escorted her. Although Bonnie strongly opposed her attending a normal university, she couldnt persuade Annabel. The only thing she could be grateful for was that Annabel didnt choose an education major but instead opted for business administration. In fact, from sessfully arguing with Thomas to her choice of major, Annabel had already nned her future path decisively and wisely. Liam suddenly felt like he had underestimated the girl before. Before leaving, Bonnie settled Annabel and privately slipped her a bank card. Although Thomas had already given Annabel a credit card with no spending limit, Bonnie still worried that Thomas would be harsh on Annabel. The second day of school started with military training. After a month of exposure to the scorching sun, everyone had turned into ck balls, but Annabel remained unchanged. With her tall figure and delicate face, she stood out among the group of ck balls, particrly pleasing to the eye. Even though it was six or seven in the evening, the sun, though inclined towards the west, hadnt let up its scorching heat on the ground. After several days of forty-degree heat, people would break into a sweat with just a breath. On the shaded path, five or six students walked towards the convenience store, chatting andughing. Among them, a tall girl stood out, her loose military uniform emphasizing her slender and graceful figure. With her charming features and a touch of handsomeness in her gestures, she exuded a unique charm. Its so hot I feel like Im going to explode. As she entered the convenience store, sheined while grabbing a bottle of iced mineral water and poured it over her head. Her hair was short, just reaching her ears. She grabbed it with her hands and shook her head again, causing water droplets to fall all over the floor. A boy next to her quickly handed her a tissue and smiled, Cool! David and his roommate Perez came out to pick up a package. Perez suddenly stopped in his tracks, and gestured towards the convenience store, his eyes gleaming. Look how beautiful that freshman is. David chuckled and shook his head, following Perezs gaze, but his heart skipped a beat. Perez teased him for staring dumbfoundedly. Got you all tongue-tied, huh? The girl across the street noticed them and smiled brightly. Perez nudged Davids arm. Shes smiling at us. The other girls asked Annabel, Do you know the boy whos smiling flirtatiously? No, but I know the guy next to him. He looks pretty decent. Annabel felt a little proud. She took off her cap, smoothed out her messy hair, and then walked confidently towards David. She knew she would bump into David sooner orter and was actually waiting for it, so it wasnt a surprise. Perez extended his hand. Hi, Im Perez Annabel looked at him disdainfully. Im not looking for you. She stopped a step away from David and asked him with a mischievous smile, So, surprised or not? Unexpected, right? David looked at her quietly for a moment, his expressionplicated. Now, Im just scared. Her friends waved at her from a distance, urging her to hurry up. They still had training to do in the evening. Annabel shrugged, put her cap back on, nodded, and turned to leave, casually saying with her back to him, You can continue being scared. I dont like you anyway. David hadnt expected her to leave after saying just a few words. The probability of meeting her on this vast campus wasnt high. Wait! Annabel turned around, her face disying a haughty expression. Anything else? Hurry up, I dont have time. David approached her, took out his phone, and asked, Whats your phone number now? Why should I tell you? Who are you to me? He paused for a moment. Im your teacher, your teacher for life. Why dont you say youre my dad? David was left speechless by her remark. Several ssmates in the distance shouted again, Annabel, hurry up, or youll bete! Iming! She snatched his phone, quickly punched in a string of numbers, and handed it back to him. Keep it safe. Once you miss it, you wont get it again. Watching her walk away, David suddenly felt a bit flustered. Chapter 34: Cursed by Her! FUCK! Perez pounded his keyboard, making a loud ttering sound. David, trying to prepare materials for his mentors research project the next day, was feeling increasingly annoyed by the noise. Their amodation was decent; they shared a room. While Perez was a bit hot-tempered, David was generally mild-mannered, and they got along reasonably well. Damn it, its dead again! Perez cursed through gritted teeth. He took off his headphones and mmed hisptop shut. Im done ying. If she werent so pretty, I wouldnt bother with her. David nced at him. Perez had said that eight times tonight, but whenever he saw that girl, he couldnt help but try to please her. Before long, Perezs phone rang. Still seething with anger, he answered, Whats wrong with you? Cant you y properly? His voice raised a few decibels, and the room fell silent. David could vaguely hear the soft voice of the girl on the other end of the phone. Despite her apparent anger, her voice was gentle, and Perezs arrogance immediately disappeared as he chuckled and coaxed, Okay, okay, youre right, alright? She was a girl in their ss, petite and sweet. Whenever she spoke, Perez was utterly defenseless. After finishing the call, Perez returned to hisputer and asked her seriously, What do you think are the chances of me sessfully pursuing Sharon? David paused his typing. She already has a boyfriend. But shes not married, so whats the big deal? Youre interested in so many beautiful girls, why go after one with a boyfriend? Who doesnt like beautiful girls? But its different with Sharon. I genuinely like her. Her happiness is my happiness, and Im willing to do anything she asks. David smiled at this burly man. Come on, dont torture yourself. There are too many guys who like her. Itll be challenging. Perez grinned. I cant help it. I like this one. Then he asked David cautiously, You dont like her too, do you? David chuckled and shook his head. What kind of girl do you like then? I like girls who are natural and outgoing. Like L, he thought, feeling a faint sadness welling up inside him. Perez pressed on, Is the pretty girl we met this afternoon that type? David thought for a moment. Her? Sometimes shes carefree and confident, but other times shes quite willful. And when shes in the mood for mischief, shes full of mischief. Perez was called by the girl to continue ying games, and David stared at the data on the screen for a while. He had been stuck on these two pages all night; he couldnt concentrate at all. He calcted that military training would end at nine in the evening and tried calling her twice, but she didnt answer. The time in the bottom right corner of the screen showed 23:00. Unable to resist, he took out his phone to check. Hmm, good, she hadnt replied to any of his messages. David was getting annoyed. What was she doing? He didnt have any inappropriate thoughts about Annabel, and he had kept his distance from her for the past two years. But now that she was in front of him again, it felt like she had cast a spell on him. He couldnt help but feel a sense of responsibility and an inexplicable duty towards her. He convince himself not to care, yet find himself unable to resist the next second. He worried about whether she could adapt tomunal living, take care of herself, and whether she would be ostracized. Although it waste, the group chat with Davids university ssmates was lively. Nancy was getting married soon, and apart from congrattions, there was a lot of gossip. She was marrying into wealth, and there was a hint of smugness in her messages. Nancy had called him, inviting him to her wedding during the holidays. She apologized sincerely and reminisced about their college days, crying. She had spent the best years of her youth pining for him, and David eventually agreed to attend her wedding. Past midnight: Unable to resist any longer, he sent a message to Annabel. Are you asleep?N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. After waiting for a while, she replied, No, I have a headache!! He remembered her pouring ice water on her head in the evening, with her hat resting on her damp hair. It was no wonder she didnt feel well after being exposed to the cold wind. David was a little angry. How could someone her age not take care of herself? What will she do in the future? Is it severe? Are you running a fever? After ten minutes without a response from Annabel, he called her, but there was no answer. He felt disheartened. He sent another message, Which dormitory are you in? Ill take you to see a doctor. Still no response. Now he was getting really anxious. Subconsciously, he sent another message to console her, Be good, listen to me. He had used these words tofort her when she was sixteen, and she would instantly quiet down. But back then, he had seen her as a child. Now, saying those words felt inappropriate, and he quickly retracted the message. Seeing David pacing back and forth, Perez nced at him. Whats wrong? You look restless. He hesitated, Nothing. Nothing? Perez grinned and asked, full of gossip, Is the girl who didnt answer your calls this afternoon the pretty girl? David red at him, sat back down, and ced his phone on the table, feeling even more unsettled. He sighed deeply. Was she just here to tease him by enrolling in this school? As soon as dawn broke, David woke up and checked his phone on the table, feeling disappointed again. Since he couldnt sleep anyway, he got up, changed his clothes, and went for a run on the yground. The sounds of slogans echoed across the field as the freshmen began their exercises. David ran severalps around the field, subconsciously scanning the crowd. It was hard to find someone in such arge group all wearing the same clothes. As David reached the thirdp, he saw a group of freshmen sitting cross-legged on the ground in formation, seemingly sharing jokes andughter echoed around. Upon hearing theughter, David immediately recognized it as Annabels. She was casually leaning on the shoulder of a nearby girl, looking refreshed and carefree, without a single worry. Everyone surrounded her, chatting happily, showing how well she adapted tomunal living. Feeling like he was the one with the problem, suffering from excessive worrying, David made a decision he wouldnt bother with this little troublemaker anymore. Just as David resolved to ignore her, Annabel stood up and reported to the instructor before running over to him. She circled around him, then leisurely asked with a smile, Up quite early, arent you? Did you sleep wellst night? #####Chapter 35 – Little Wolf Pup! The month-long military training quickly came to an end, and in the blink of an eye, it was the holiday season. On the first day of the holiday, David and Paul, along with a group of old ssmates, attended Nancys wedding. The venue was the citys top-tier hotel, and guests from all walks of life were gathered there. It was said that the grooms family had either invited politicians or tycoons. The wedding scene was decorated with romance and luxury, with the groom holding Nancys hand and whispering softly in her ear, presenting a picture of a loving couple. Nancy maintained a smile in public, but behind closed doors, she looked tired. For the wealthy, this wedding was just a grand social party. Paul pointed to a middle-aged couple exchanging pleasantries among the crowd. The man, in his fifties, wore a handmade suit and was tall and thin. Despite his smile, there was a hint of fierce in his demeanor. He was Jake, the grooms father, once a prominent figure in the business world whoter went to prison. However, there had always been rumors about him in the business world. He was released from prison a month ago, and various media outlets werepeting to report on him, indicating his influence. The grandeur of his sons wedding was also a way to convey his intention to return to the scene. The woman, in her forties, exuded grace and elegance in her every move. She was Evelyn, who had been managing Masterss Enterprises for ten years while her husband in prison. See, Nancys inws. This stepmother has a son who just entered high school. On the surface, they seem harmonious, but in fact, she doesnt get along with Nancys husband. I overheard Nancys husbands rtivesining, saying he had no vision marrying a teacher. How will hepete with this stepmother in the future? Nancy seems to have married into a wealthy family, but her future may not be so bright. After Paul finished speaking, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he added, Annabels family is even moreplicated, right? Maybe shell have to contend with Logan in the future. David paused for a moment. You know everything, he said sarcastically. I heard that Annabel didnt go abroad to study, but instead went to our university? David nodded slightly. Is she still pestering you?Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. David frowned, displeased with Pauls choice of words. Shes not. Paul could tell from Davids expression that they had seen each other at school. He sighed and said, Youre in trouble. Shes clearly willing to risk her future to stay with you. David pped him hard on the back. Dont talk nonsense. You know how distant shes been with me these past two years. Paul hesitated, but couldnt hold back. After the exams, Annabel came to me, asking if you agreed to join forces with her father to deceive her for money. But, you even kept this from me, and Im a bit upset about it. Paul had always worried that Annabels face, so simr to Ls, would cloud Davids judgment. He also found it strange that Annabel hadnt spoken to David in two years. He had previouslyined that Annabelcked conscience, unaware of what was happening behind the scenes. How did you respond? David inquired. I didnt know the specifics at the time. I just told her about the incident where her father gave you five hundred thousand, and you returned it, Paul replied. David helpless. Why bother exining? Although it wasnt for money, deceiving her for personal gain isnt any different. Paul gave him a re. Why do you speak of yourself like that? Did you deceive her to harm her? It was for her own good. She could use more deceivers like you who lead her onto the right path! He sighed. But its still deceitful. You didnt see how she questioned me; I didnt dare look at her eyes. At that time, David was particrly worried that she would lose trust in people and give up on herself, but fortunately, she didnt. Paul paused. If Im not mistaken, your agreement with her father was to stay at Shining High School, right? Davids gaze sharpened. Did you tell her? No, I let her ask you herself. I scolded her and told her theres no way you approached her for money. She didnt say anything and left. Davids heart was filled with mixed emotions. It was no wonder her attitude towards him changed after their reunion. He now had answers to why she didnt study abroad and why she enrolled in a normal university. There was a hint of unwarranted joy in his heart, but mostly, he felt resigned to reality. He didnt know how to resist her in the days toe. He red at Paul with resentment. Youve caused me trouble! Paul knew he had made a mistake and could onlyugh it off. You should find a girlfriend quickly. Dont let that little troublemaker Annabel seed. David couldnt help but smile. Thats worth considering. Paul thought to himself, even if you find ten girlfriends, Annabel could still break you up. But I think youre doing fine now. Being a teacher at Shining High School was Ls dream, not yours. Even if you did what she wanted, it wouldnt change anything. Its good that you can understand that, Paul concluded. Chapter 36: Buying a House! On the 4th was the Mid-Autumn Festival, but neither Annabel nor Logan were at home, leaving the house feeling cold and empty. Bonnie hadnt been in a good mood these past few days because Annabel wasnting back. The argument between Thomas and Annabel about college had escted, and if it werent for Bonnies intervention, Thomas would have kicked Annabel out long ago. Now, the father and daughter were still in a cold war, and it seemed like they might not even reconcile by New Years. The biological ones dont care, but the stepsons are suddenly so beloved. No wonder Be doesnt want toe back, Bonnie said, pounding the table in frustration. Thomas and Brenna were in the study having a video call with Logan. Every now and then, Thomassughter could be heard from the study, which only made Bonnie feel more choked up and ufortable. Eve hurriedly poured Bonnie a ss of water and consoled her, Be just went to a new school; everything feels fresh to her now. Give her some time, and Im sure shelle back on weekends. Eve was the one Bonnie had hired to take care of Be, and she was genuinely concerned about both Bonnie and Be. Bonnie shook her head. Dont deceive me. I know Be doesnt like this house. Now that shes grown up, shell probably be even less willing toe back in the future. Her dad is unreliable. If I die one day, Be might not even have a ce to stay. We have to rely on ourselves for everything. Tomorrow, call Liam and tell him I need to see him. Eve understood what Bonnie meant; she was nning to buy a house for Annabel. At dinner, Bonnie had a grim expression, Thomas was forcing a smile, and Brenna was being extra cautious. Just now, who were you calling in your room? Bonnie asked. Brenna knew that this was a deliberate question, Even though she felt ufortable, she remained submissive on the surface. It was Gan calling back. I thought you were resting upstairs, so I didnt dare disturb you. Everyone could tell it was an excuse. Bonnie never liked Logan and didnt see him as her grandson. As expected, Bonnie brought up Annabel next, venting all her frustration on Thomas. Youre just going to abandon your biological daughter? Thomas felt his anger rising at the mention of Annabel. Mom, dont spoil her. If she doesnt want toe back, am I supposed to beg her? If you didnt scold and berate her all the time, do you think she wouldnte back? You care for your stepson so much more. Let me remind you, Be is already eighteen. If you dont get close to her now, you might never get the chance. Brenna gently tapped Thomass hand under the table, signaling him not to speak. With a helpless expression, she said, Mom, its not that Thomas doesnt care about Be. You know Bes temperament. Shes never been willing to get close to us since she was young, and theres nothing we can do about it. Bonnie sneered, Stop pretending. Be is a soft-hearted child. What does Thomas do to your son? If you treat Be the same way, she has long opened her heart to you. Youre just putting on a show in front of my foolish son. Thomas couldnt stand it anymore. Mom, you always assume the worst of people. Brenna and I have been married for over a decade, and shes always been obedient to you. Cant you treat her better?This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Brennas face showed a hint of distress, but she still forced a smile. Thomas, stop it. Mom doesnt mean it. I wont take it to heart. The meal ended on a sour note, leaving Bonnie furious. Fortunately, after dinner, Annabel called and shared many interesting stories from school, cheering Bonnie up. Sweetie, when are youing back? Grandma misses you so much, Bonnie said. Annabel had only been away for a month. Sure, How about you buy back the old house? Ille back to apany you once Im on break. Otherwise, I wont be back for New Years. Bonnie knew this cunning little fox would say something like that. We cant buy back the old house, but tomorrow Ill have Liame over to take me to pick out a new one. Ill buy you an apartment so you can have your own home, instead of wandering around like an unwanted stray cat. Annabel was ecstatic on the phone, cheering for her grandma. Chapter 36 She and Her! After dinner with his parents and a short walk, David had already returned home. He took a shower and went back to his room, taking out the collection of poems from the bookshelf. The title page bore a line of elegant handwriting C To my dear David. Running his fingers over the text, he still felt a faint ache in his heart. L was a sensitive and delicate person. She liked poets that David didnt particrly care for, feeling that their work was too heavy with mncholy. But at that time, he liked her and told her he liked those poets too. She didnt believe him, and insisted he tell her his favorite poem. In the end, sheughed at him and exposed his lie. After ss, he deliberately went to the bookstore and bought a collection of poems. He spent a week memorizing all the poems in the book, perhaps thats when he truly captivated her. Opening the book, he was greeted by a slightly yellowed photo of himself and L as teenagers, both wearing school uniforms. Her hand was tucked into his arm, her eyes blinking as she smiled in the sunlight, yful and adorable. Back then, everyone teased them, saying it was a wedding photo. He was quite proud, saying they would eventually take wedding photos anyway, so it might as well be sooner. She blushed in public, and he thought, life isnt that long, he should cherish her. But there wasnt a lifetime. She remained forever at eighteen. Another face floated into his mind, with a simrly shaped face, but arrogant and unruly. Two distinctly different people, yet he was increasingly unable to distinguish between them. In the past, it was always L taking care of him, doing many things for him, and ultimately sacrificing herself for him. Now, it was him taking care of another girl. He couldnt help but attribute everything he owed L to this girl. The little rascal any worse than you, did you send her to me to settle the debt? He whispered softly, unsure if he was asking the girl in the photo or himself. Suddenly, his phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. Snapping out of his reverie, he nced at the phone screen, feeling a strange sensation in his heart. It seemed that every time he mentioned her, her call woulde. Knowing she was alone in Magic City for the festival, he couldnt help but worry, but he forced himself to ignore her. He missed L, and seeing Annabel always brought him somefort, even if she did nothing. David, her voice sounded somewhat slurred, Ive had too much to drink. Can youe pick me up? That sentence instantly dispelled the sadness that lingered in his heart. ncing at the time, it was eleven oclock already, and the dormitory doors were closed. Yet she was still out drinking! The noise on the other end of the line suggested she was most likely at a bar. David gritted his teeth, Im in Eastdown, how am I supposed to pick you up? Its the middle of the night, and you, a girl, are out drinking. Is that appropriate? The voice on the other end mumbled, Oh, youre already home, forget it then. As soon as she finished speaking, she hung up. This wasnt the first time she caused trouble at a bar, and David inexplicably began to worry again. He tried calling back, only to be hung up on, just likest time. David cursed under his breath, little rascal. Deciding to ignore her, he waited for half an hour before dialing again. This time, she answered. Worried she might hang up again, he said urgently, If you dare to hang up on me again, see if Ill ever bother with you again! Laughter came through the receiver, Ill do as you say, I wont hang up. Then her voice softened, David, my legs are too weak to walk. What should I do? A male voice called her name from the background, Annabel, its your turn, hurry up. David frowned, Who let you go drinking? And who are you with? Its a holiday, Im out with ssmates. Im not in high school anymore, why cant I drink? Let me tell you, Ive already outdrank two guys. David couldnt help butugh at her audacity. How could she not worry at all about getting drunk and taken advantage of? No more drinking. Tell me where you are, Ill send someone to get you. She stubbornly replied, I want you toe. If you dont, dont bother sending anyone else. David suddenly felt that her dads discipline waspletely justified. He closed the book in frustration, identally creasing the yellowed photo. It was the only picture of him and L together, and he felt heartbroken. His tone turned stern as he spoke to the culprit on the other end of the line, Im in Eastdown, how do you expect me toe get you? Fly over there? His voice was harsh, and Annabel could probably tell he was genuinely angry. I was just joking, I can make it back on my own. Almost shouting, David demanded, Stop the nonsense and give me the address! There was a knock on the door from outside. Whats going on, son? Tomorrow was Ls memorial day, and during these days every year, David was always very silent. His parents were also cautious around him, and the atmosphere at home was always tense. Covering the phone, David suppressed his anger and called out to his mother outside the door, Nothing, mom. Once he heard her footsteps fade away, he returned to the phone, his voice tense, Give me the address! She gave him the location, her mind still clear enough to know where she was. I was just joking with you. I can make it back on my own. David was furious, Just stay put!N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. His roommate, Perez, didnte home during the vacation, and David didnt feelfortable leaving Annabel with him, a guy. So, he called his college friend ine, who was a graduate student. By the time ine brought Annabel back to campus, it was already early morning, and she called David. Thanks, I owe you one. Sure thing. Is this girl your girlfriend? I didnt expect someone so pretty to be so feisty. David sounded anxious, Did she get into another fight? Yeah, but this time she was the one throwing punches. Some guy was probably trying to take advantage of her, and she almost beat him to a pulp. How is she now? Shes okay, just seems a bit down, feeling pretty sad. Theres no one else in the dorms except her. You should give her a call andfort her. David sighed, Shes such a troublemaker. ine couldnt help butugh, remembering the brooding bald guy from the night before. She then asked David, Whats her rtionship with Christopher? I noticed his right-hand man, Boris, always seems to be following her around. ine had met Christopher a few times because of her sister. Boris always stood a few steps away from Christopher, looking menacing. He was both an assistant and a bodyguard, said to have followed Christopher abroad and was fiercely loyal to him. Davids heart skipped a beat. Im not quite sure about that. Now, the hottest topic online was Christophers serious injury from falling off a horse while filming. Could it be rted to the Green Family? In the end, emotion got the better of him, and he opened his phone in the middle of the night and booked a train ticket back home for the next afternoon. The next day, David rose early and bought a bouquet of roses near the station. As he was about to leave, he remembered Annabel saying her mother loved flowers, so he went back and got a bunch of hellebores before heading to the cemetery. He ced the hellebores at Essems grave. Annabel is doing fine now. Dont worry. After standing there alone for a while, he turned and walked toward Ls grave. He spent the whole morning there. As he was leaving, he nced at Essems grave and saw a familiar figure standing in front of it: Thomass assistant, Liam. They coincidentally made eye contact, and Liam gestured for him to wait. After saying something by the tombstone, Liam strode over to David. Seemingly aware of Davids confusion, Liam said, Her mother entrusted Be to me before she passed away, so I came to visit. The flowers were from you, right? Thank you. Youre wee. I was actually hoping to talk to you. Didnt expect to run into you here. As they walked down the steps together, Liam asked him, Here to see your girlfriend? David felt uneasy. Liams tone wasnt questioning; it was affirmative, indicating that he knew everything about himselfs background. Had the Green Family already investigated him thoroughly before selecting him to be Annabels tutor? Taking a drag from his cigarette, Liams gaze pierced through the rising smoke. You guessed right. After your professor rmended you, we looked into every aspect of your life, your experiences from childhood to adulthood, your temperament, your character. Because what Mr. Green entrusts isnt just a troubled girl; its the heir to Greens Enterprises. Naturally, we had to be cautious. David knew without Liam saying it how influential Greens Enterprises was in the business world. A hint of resentment brewed in David. He retorted sarcastically, Should I feel honored then? Thats not what I meant. Liam paused, giving him a meaningful look. Mr. Green has thought of everything about you, except one thing: your first love resembled Be. And people develop feelings, especially young folks like you. Liam saw through David, revealing the one thing David least wanted to admit to himself, but he couldnt refute it. David, I admire you. In this materialistic society, there arent many who maintain such sincerity. If you were to be my son-inw, I would be very happy, but for the Green Family is not suitable. Annabels future husband needs a strong background, financially and socially, to match the Green Family. He needs to be capable of supporting and defending Greens Enterprises because her future opponents will be formidable. He left the rest unsaid, but David understood his implication-they were worlds apart. Youre pursuing graduate studies, and Annabel worked hard to get into the university for you. Shes stubborn, and her family cant control her. So, I hope you stay away from her. Annabel is Mr. Greens only bloodline, and shes too important to Greens Enterprises. Shes too significant to be overlooked. So, ignore her, and consider it for your own sake. Is this Mr. Greens intention? Liam nodded. Ive been with him for over a decade, and I know him well. Be likes you, and even for her sake, Id advise you not to offend him. David scoffed. Did these high-ranking individuals have no feelings, no love in their hearts? Were they willing to send their daughters to prison just to cultivate the sessor they wanted? Wasnt Annabel too pitiful in this situation? David believed he had never harbored any inappropriate thoughts about Annabel or Greens Enterprises. Yet, Liams words still left him with an inexplicable sense of bitterness and destion. Chapter 38 The Interests of the Green Family! During the holiday break, all of Annabels dorm mates had gone home, leaving her to y games with a group of high school friends in the dorm. Youre slowing us down again! Louis had always been a diligent student, hed only recently started gaming. He enjoyed it butcked skill, often earning Annabels disdain. After less than half an hour of y, they called it quits. Annabel exited the game interface and shouted through her headset to Louis, Youre better off focusing on your studies. This isnt your thing. You underestimates me again. When are you going to y against Logan? I guarantee hell wipe you out. Annabel didnt put much stock in his words. Shed only seen Logan y once. Most of the time, he was busy with various courses, and when he did have free time, he was usually buried in a book. Louis sighed again. Ever since he went abroad, we havent been in touch. Hes really not being considerate. Annabel remembered the day Logan left for overseas. To avoid Thomas witnessing her being more angry, she stayed in her room, ying with the little Garfield cat. She heard the door close next door, the sound of a suitcase sliding across the floor. Logan hadnt been too friendly toward hertely, and she hadnt expected him toe say goodbye. Anyway not that she cared. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she heard a knock at the door. Annabel was sitting cross-legged on the recliner, feeding the kitten in herp when she saw Logan. She just looked up and said, Whats up? The grudges of the past generation were still unresolved, and her ability to maintain such an attitude was already her biggest concession. He pointed to the kitten in her arms. I came to see her. Annabel suddenly remembered that the kitten was a gift from him. She handed it over generously, feeling somewhat puzzled. It was strange that such cold person would also like small animals. It didnt seem to fit. He looked down at the kitten in his arms, stroking its back. She doesnt have a name yet? It lookszy and clumsy, just like you. Just call her Be. He was teasing Annabel, but his tone was serious, not at all like a joke. Annabel immediately retorted, Why not call her Logan instead? This time, he chuckled lightly. Fine, so you call her Logan. Annabel was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond. Brennas urging voice came from downstairs, and he handed the kitten back to her. Then, he reached out his hand again, but this time it didntnd on the kittens body; instead, itnded on her head, giving her a firm rub. Do not eat randomly; youll get sick. Dont drink; its dangerous to get drunk outside. Dont lose your temper all the time; its not attractive. Annabel stared at him, and before she could protest, he withdrew his hand, wearing that disdainful look again. Although Ive always known youre pretty useless, youre grown up now. You should learn to take care of yourself and stop worrying the adults. The key point Annabel heard was the phrase youre pretty useless. Youre the useless one! Youre the most useless! He seemed to be in a good mood, smiling lightly, and as he left, he left her with a parting shot, Youre the ugliest! Annabel didnt feel much when Logan left. They would inevitably end up on opposite sides someday. Whether he was doing it to repay Thomas or for Greens Enterprises, she refused. In this world, she didnt need to have any feelings for Logan. Annabel left the house when Brenna and Thomas had just left to take Logan to the airport, returning veryte. The third floor was quiet, not much different from usual, but it felt unusually empty and ufortable. It was the first time she voluntarily opened his room door. The room had been tidied up; the bed and desk were empty, and even the piano sofa was covered with dust covers. Only the wall full of books remained. Suddenly, she felt that although Logan was annoying at times, he wasnt that bad. Hey, Annabel, what do you think about Logan going abroad? The bustling voice in her headphones brought her back to reality, and she snorted, None of my business! Louisughed, Hey, a high-quality talent is lost; foreign women are benefiting. Dont worry, Aria also went to study in Kend. If she chases after him, I dont believe Logan wont be moved. This time, even Annabel was somewhat surprised. She didnt like Aria very much, and although she didnt think Logan was that great, she still thought Aria wasnt good enough for him. Besides, if she and Logan really became a couple, with Brenna added to the mix, it would be a lot for her to handle. Someone sighed softly, Enough said, Ryans here.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Ryan got into Eastdowns Law School and was going to be awyer in the future. Soon, his rxedughter came through the headphones, That part of our lives is long gone; weve all forgotten about it. Everyone knew that Ryan liked Aria. Even after they broke up, he silently followed her, just as Aria looked up to Logan. Annabel remembered the saying: the one who loves is humble, the one who doesnt love is reckless. Some continued to y games, some continued to chat. Just before nine oclock, Annabel said goodbye to everyone, I have to pick someone up. You guys carry on. Hey, who is it? Your boyfriend? She chuckled and replied, Yeah, thats right, my boyfriend. She took off her headphones, isting herself from the gossip, changed her clothes, and carefully applied makeup before heading straight to the train station. Annabel felt the most meaningful thing she had done in these days was getting to know Perez. Perez was a chatterbox. He asked Annabel, Do you like David? Annabel admitted it generously. Perez, seemingly experienced, thought for a moment. He rarely mentions you. And I know there are quite a few girls who like him, so it might be challenging. Annabel felt a bit disappointed. Perez added, David bought a train ticket for tonight and will arrive in Magic City at ten oclock. This gave Annabel a small surge of excitement. It was only the 5th today. Was he worried about her and came back early? She didnt tell David she was going to pick him up, wanting to surprise him. She arrived at the train station at half-past nine. By ten past ten, two trains had arrived, but David was nowhere to be seen. She checked the train schedule; there were several trains from nine to ten. She called Perez to ask which one exactly. I didnt ask him the specifics. Why dont you just call him and ask? You dont get it! Afraid David would find out there was no surprise, she continued waiting. By eleven oclock, he still hadnt arrived. Finally, she couldnt bear it anymore and sent David a WeChat message, When are youing back to school? After a while, a message came back, In a few days, when the break ends. Annabel didnt reply. She angrily put her phone back in her pocket, hoping like a bubble bursting instantly. Annabel was angry but didnt know who to be angry with, aimlessly walking the streets. Although it was gettingte, there were still many peopleing and going in thismercial center. The huge screen in the center of the square shed a line of text, Christopher, keep going! Were waiting for you toe back!!! Two girls passing by sighed, I heard Christopher still hasnt woken up. I hope nothing bad happens. What a pity. Hes a good actor and good-looking. There arent many actors like him. Annabels heart skipped a beat. The news about Christophers injury had been flooding the inte recently, and she was aware of it. The fact that Christopher was her mothers lover made Annabel feel uneasy. Christopher had always been reserved about their past, and she resented others specting that she was his illegitimate daughter. That day in the study, she had asked Thomas for the first time, Am I really your daughter? Thomas had been so angry that he gritted his teeth, Youre not my daughter. Are you Christophers then? Did you do a paternity test before bringing me back? Otherwise, if you hate me so much, you would have abandoned me to fend for myself on the streets a long time ago. From Thomass silent expression, she got the answer she needed. There was a moment of disappointment, but also relief. Thomas asked her, Hes just trying to drive a wedge between us. Are you going to let him continue to influence Green Family and even tarnish your deceased mothers reputation? She outwardly refuted Thomas, Is it any more honorable for you to be with a woman who has a child? But deep down, she had already sided with Green Familys interests. Christopher was a public figure, and if the media hyped that she was his illegitimate daughter, it would be devastating to Green Familys reputation. What she didnt know was that more than a decade ago, the scandals of Green Family were even more unspeakable than what she was worrying about now. Annabel stared at the screen in the square for a while, thinking about his kindness to her over the past two years. Finally, she sent a message to Mason to ask, Hows Christopher doing? Mason quickly called her back. Where are you? At school. Christopher is also at Magic City Hospital. Do you want toe and see him? They were all grateful to Mason for his appreciation and trust in their careers. Chapter 39: More Dispersed Than a Puzzle! Annabel felt conflicted. Mason sighed and said, Hes badly injured. The doctors say whether he can pull through this depends on his own willpower. Be, I know your thoughts. We dont know who was right or wrong in the past disputes of the previous generation, but Christophers kindness to you, I dont need to exin, right? Annabel stood in front of the huge screen, where red letters blinked alternately. She felt uneasy. Come pick me up. After giving the address, she waited a while until a car came to pick her up. There were arge number of media outside the hospital. Annabel followed Lara through a special passage. As they exited the elevator, there were bodyguards in ck suits stationed every ten meters or so in the hallway. Larained, A few days ago, some unscrupulous media disguised as doctors and sneaked in. We have to be careful. Dealing with these media these days is enough trouble. She led Annabel to the ward. Boris was standing by the window, head down. When he saw Annabel approaching, he frowned. Annabel was wearing a loose hoodie, a hat, and arge mask, with only a pair of bright ck eyes visible. It was evident that she was being cautious, but at least she hade. Holly. Annabel then noticed a womaning out of the doctors duty room at the end of the corridor, her face grave. Lara asked, What did the doctor say? Holly stopped in her tracks, her face pale. Same old, waiting. Holly, shes Annabel. Lara pointed at Annabel. This Holly forced a smile at her. I know you. Annabel had been in contact with Christopher for two years, but she had never seen his family or friends apart from his staff. Was this woman his girlfriend or his secret wife? Although not very pretty, she had an elegant and serene demeanor, indicating she was probably a decent woman. Seeming to sense her thoughts, Holly said with a hint of bitterness, I used to be Christophers agent, and I was also old friends with your mother. Any mention of her mother in connection with Christopher felt like a subtle hint, making Annabel ufortable. She asked expressionlessly, What about his family? He grew up in an orphanage, with no family. Annabel felt even more sorry for Christopher. Hollys expression was bleak. Thank you foring. To him, you are his family. Can you help me wake him up? Youre my family, Christopher had said this before, but Annabel had only taken it as a joke. Holly added softly, He made a will a long time ago, and youre the heir. Annabel was surprised, then moved. Boris, who had been serious all along, now turned to her with a casual tone, Its not just about inheritance, but his family, too. You have to wake him up; otherwise, youll have to take care of them in the future. Didnt they say he grew up in an orphanage? Annabel suppressed her doubts and followed the nurse to change clothes before entering the istion ward. The rhythmic beeping of machines echoed in the silent space, serene yet chilling. She knew he had been in hospital for several days, but she had never thought Christopher might die. Now, the cold machines surrounding his hospital bed and Christopher, whose face was covered in gauze, made her realize for the first time that maybe he really could die. At this moment, her resentment and wariness towards him suddenly became unimportant. She spread his palm and ced her hand inside, Hey, its Annabel. Long time no see. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered softly, You told me the grilled meat at that family restaurant was really goodst time. Ive been craving it for so long, and yet you didnt take me there. You better wake up soon. Your family is still waiting for you to take care of them. I wont help you take care of them, hum. I actually quite like you. If you wake up, we can still be friends. She talked for a long time, but he stilly on the bed, unconscious. Annabel felt afraid. She even felt that he might never wake up again. She let go of his hand and stood up, tears falling uncontrobly, None of you are good people, all liars. Youve finished deceiving me and now youre pretending to be dead. I dont agree! Wake up! The foolish girl! Boris saw Annabel crying heavily inside the room, tears falling on Christophers face. He wanted to rush in and pull her out, but was suddenly stopped by Holly. Dont go in. But she She interrupted him suddenly, No buts, hes waiting for her! The usually gentle Holly showed some forcefulness, leaving Boris stunned. Since Christophers serious injury and hospitalization, it had been Holly taking care of him. Despite her seemingly fragile appearance, she was extremely decisive in her actions. She could quickly soothe the hearts of thepanys employees internally and handle external matters adeptly. Boris held her in some respect and admiration. She could handle everything outside well, but whether Christopher would wake up was something she couldnt grasp, so she had Boris find Annabel several times. Christopher didnt wake up. Annabel was filled with disappointment, but Holly seemed oddly pleased. She pointed to the monitor screen of the equipment, He knows youre here. Three dayster, O called her to say that Christopher had woken up. Annabels heart finally settled, butpared to Masons gratitude and concern for Christopher, O seemed much colder. Os voice sounded a bit excited, In a few days, Im going to Kend for an event. Annabel had caught a cold these past few days and was lying in bed, feeling drowsy. Good, youre bing an international star. Since your university workload isnt heavy, why dont youe with me? No. I have sses. O knew that Annabel had given up the best university in the world for a man whose future was uncertain. O felt a bit sorry for her, but Annabel was born into privilege, so perhaps she only needed to fight for love, and whether it was worth it or not was not important. Come with me. Its only three or four days, O tried her best to persuade, but Annabel refused. Finally, O exploded, Fuck, are you on purpose? You know Logan is studying at Kend. Just apany me and help me set up a date with him, Cant you? Annabel chuckled inwardly, knowing Os intentions. Hes there, and Aria, who has been secretly in love with him for six years, has also gone. Guys probably like that kind of devoted bitch. Maybe theyre already together. Im just waiting for you to go over there and break them up. Oh, now you recognize my worth? Of course. Ten Arias arent worth one of you. If you dont break them up, Ill do it myself. If Aria married into the Green Family, Annabel feared she would have to sleep with one eye open. She remembered in the second semester of her sophomore year when they went to the countryside for a life experience. A group of people were ying by the river, and Aria fell in. It wasnt clear if she was pushed or if she slipped in herself. Annabel was closest to her and was the first to jump in to save her. Aria kept sshing and screaming for help in the water, and when Annabel tried to pull her to shore, Aria grabbed onto her hair and pushed her head underwater. At first, it seemed like Aria was panicking out of instinct for survival, but Annabel vaguely saw Aria treading water, suggesting she could swim. Annabel didnt think a high school student would be malicious enough to want her dead. Just as Annabel was about to suffocate, Logan pulled her out. No one would believe that Aria did it on purpose. But when Aria got out of the water, she tearfully pointed at Annabel and said she pushed her in.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Annabel was dumbfounded. This bitch was simply a drama queen. Annabel was so angry she wanted to p her. Finally, Logan pointed at Annabel coldly and said, I dont know who pushed you, but when you fell into the water, she was squatting on the side ying with her phone. its not her. Ten exnations from Annabel couldnt match one sentence from Logan. Even Aria looked bewildered and innocent. Did I wrongly use her? Immediately, someone said they did see Annabel squatting on the side ying with her phone. Aria appeared a bit flustered and appealed to the teacher leading the group, Regardless of who it was, it definitely wasnt intentional. Please dont pursue it. Her plea made everyone think Aria was truly kind, and whether Annabel pushed her became unclear. Annabel was so angry she felt like she had internal injuries. Oughed, You dont need to do anything. I guarantee Ill scatter them like a jigsaw puzzle. But you have to give me his address, phone number, and any other information. Come on. This left Annabel in a dilemma. I dont have any contact with him. Just ask casually, and youll find out. If you dont help me now, youll regret it when Aria marries into your family. Since that birthday party, Logan hadnt paid much attention to O. She was itching with impatience, as Annabel would say, like a hungry wolf seeing meat. Annabel agreed readily, Okay, Ill help you this time. Chapter 40: Body Inspection! Annabel got Logans phone number and address from Liam. Liam teased her about it, Whats up, missing Logan? When you two were together every day, you were always finding fault with him, and now that youre apart, youre thinking about him again. Isnt having a brother around nice? Annabel couldnt reveal the real reason, but sometimes she did wonder how Logan was doing overseas. However, she wouldnt admit it in front of Liam. Even if he went to Mars, I wouldnt miss him. She lived with Logan in the same house for three years. He wasnt that bad, but all his good qualities couldnt outweigh the fact that he was Brennas son. On the 8th night, David returned to school. Just as he stepped into the dormitory, Annabel walked in with a hot meal within five minutes. The dormitory door was unlocked, Davids jacket hung on the chair, his suitcase was beside the bed, and the sound of running water came from the bathroom. She knew David had already returned. She purposely didnt make a sound, intending to startle him when he came out. After a few minutes, the sound of water from the bathroom stopped. Perez, help me grab my clothes. I forgot them just now. Theyre on my bed. Annabels heart skipped a beat. She picked up the clothes on the bed and walked towards the bathroom, knocking on the door. The door opened halfway, and David stood with his back to her, reaching out his arm, revealing a partially exposed shoulder with well-defined muscr lines. Nice shape, she thought, boldly pushing the bathroom door open a bit more, now able to vaguely see his sturdy and slender thighs. David wiped his face with a towel, shouting, Wheres my clothes? With a mischievous thought, she handed him a T-shirt first. He took it, feeling something was off. When he turned his head and saw Annabel standing at the door, he froze. She was looking at him with interest, giving him a once-over. With a smirk, she said, Nice body. Davids face turned red instantly, and he quickly closed the door, fuming inside, Annabel! Annabel swore to heaven that she didnt have any impure intentions; she just wanted to see if Davids physique was as she imagined. Indeed, he had a good body. She was quite satisfied. Annabels shadow reflected on the ss door as she leaned against it, ready to peek inside. Although he knew she couldnt see anything, Davids face was still burning with embarrassment. Angrily, he shouted from inside, Stop looking and go back to your dorm! Annabel teased from outside the door, Dont you need your underwear? David felt like banging his head against the wall. The bathroom door opened a crack, just enough for David to reach out his hand. Annabel knew he was furious, so she deliberately touched his hand before handing over the rest of his clothes. David, now infuriated, mmed the bathroom door shut. He had been worried about her getting drunk and taken advantage of outside, but now it seemed she was just a female hooligan. He had been worrying for nothing. After showering anding out of the bathroom, David found Annabel sitting at his desk, chin propped on her hand, scribbling on a notebook full of his name. Hey, he said, trying to sound serious but blushing profusely. What are you doing here in the guys dorm? Go back! Annabel turned her head, looking at him mischievously. Done showering? Her words were clearly a reminder of what had just happened. David frowned, Do you even know what embarrassment means, as a girl? David had a towel around his neck, his hair still wet, droplets trickling down his slightly flushed neck onto his firm, t body. Annabel couldnt help but have some wild thoughts. She hadnt realized he was so thin; he even had abs and a V-line. His strong and sturdy chest must beforting to lean on.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Seeing that Annabel wasnt paying attention to his words, just staring at his upper body, David felt the heat rise in him again. Annabel! She looked up innocently, smiling. David felt shy but tried to maintain a serious demeanor. Annabel just loved it. Smiling mischievously, she asked, What did you say? Through gritted teeth, David said, Have you seen enough? With a wicked grin, she replied, What if I havent? Will you strip for me? David felt like he was going to lose it. How did he not know she was such a lecher? Seeing Davids expression getting worse, Annabel quickly changed her tune, tilting her head and grabbing his clothes yfully, I was just kidding, dont be mad. David shot her a re full of resentment. She cheerfully took out several takeout boxes from the eco-bag beside her andid them out one by one, offering a variety of dishes. Are you hungry? Hurry up and eat, or itll get cold. She moved a chair next to him, saying, Hows my service? Is it satisfactory? Im not hungry. Ive already made ns to eat out with my ssmates. Annabels smile froze for a moment, then she leaned closer, pouting, But Im hungry too. Cant you take me along? No. Im really hungry. Then eat these. I dont like that. David reminded himself not to be soft-hearted. Liam was right; since they couldnt be together, he should put an end to her fantasies as soon as possible. Then dont eat. Go back to your own dorm! He grabbed his jacket hanging on the chair and walked out, not looking back. When he nced back and saw Annabel still standing there looking upset, he said, Arent you leaving? She cheerfully followed him. He had just showered, and there was still a faint scent of shower gel on him, which smelled really good. David walked quickly, intentionally trying to shake her off, but Annabel stuck close. He could sense that David was a bit unhappy. Why are you so angry? I wont watch you shower anymore. Since they were all familiar faces in the hallway, when she said that, others made teasing remarks like, David, your girlfriend is very pretty. Arent you going to introduce her? Annabel felt a warm glow hearing that and yed along, pretending to be shy. David exined, Shes not my girlfriend, just a fellow student from my hometown. One chubby guy joked, Even after seeing you shower, you still deny it. With such a pretty girlfriend, why are you embarrassed? David couldnt exin further. He red at Annabel, who even said to the guy, Hes just thin-skinned. He snapped, Annabel, can you please shut up? Just as they reached downstairs, they bumped into Perez. I was just about to call you, and here you are. Turning to Annabel, who was standing nearby, Perez said, Were about to go eat. Have you eaten? If not,e along. Before David could respond, Annabel quickly chimed in, Nope, Im starving. Please let me join you. David rolled his eyes in resignation. She was like a stubborn ster; he couldnt peel her off. The restaurant was not far from the school, in a secluded private room where seven or eight guys were seated, a mix of male and female. The table was already filled with dishes, waiting for them to arrive. And who might this be? Annabel smiled at David, and Perez, being quick-witted, chuckled, Annabel, a freshman. Oh, and did I mention she He intentionally paused for a moment, sparking everyones curiosity. Used to be Davids student. Annabel greeted everyone with a smile, Hi, everyone. There was a flurry of questions from everyone, and Perez introduced Annabel to them one by one, as if she were his friend. However, David didnt pay much attention to her; instead, he seemed quite interested in the slim girl sitting beside him. Luckily, Annabel was outgoing, and after a while, she got along well with everyone. The girl next to David kept her gaze on Annabel for a while. When Annabel turned towards her, she introduced herself generously, Im Sara, also from Eastdown, and I graduated from Shining High School, but several years ahead of you. Seeing that she knew so much about her and that they seemed familiar with each other, Annabel deduced that she and David must have known each other for a long time. Annabel politely replied, Im new here. Ill need your help in the future. Sara turned to David and remarked, Your student is really well-behaved. David nced at Annabel from the corner of his eye. She had bright eyes and an innocent smile, looking sincere and obedient. This little rascal really seemed the part when she pretended. David restrained himself from exposing her. During the meal, there were lively conversations, asionally interrupted by Saras coughing. David took care of her all evening, reminding her not to eat certain fish or chili peppers, and kept pouring water for her, as if she were his girlfriend. Annabel felt quite disappointed, but she couldnt understand why David suddenly became so distant towards her. After the meal, everyone dispersed, leaving only the three of them. Ill take Sara to the pharmacy to get some medicine. You can go back first, David said. Im scared to go back alone. I want to walk with you guys, Annabel replied. The school gate wasnt far from here, and it was still early. The street was bustling, so who was she afraid of? Sara forced a smile, Then lets walk together. Chapter 41: I Don’t Understand! David apanied Sara into the pharmacy, and Annabel felt ufortable watching. She stayed outside and could faintly hear him advising Sara on what medicine to take and what not to. It seemed like David had feelings for Sara, and Annabel felt a bit panicked. If it were true, what should she do? Feeling restless, she walked to a deserted corner, took out a cigarette from her bag, and lit it. David didnt like her smoking, but it seemed like only smoking could relieve her anxiety. Annabel? Before she could finish her cigarette, she heard Davids voice from behind. She quickly stubbed it out, took a few deep breaths to make sure there was no smell of smoke, and then nonchntly emerged from the shadows. David frowned at her. Are you smoking? Annabel shook her head and lied earnestly, Ive quit for a long time. David didnt say anything more. Lets go back. On the way back to the dormitory, David and Sara chatted andughed, and Annabel felt like a third wheel. After dropping Sara off at her dorm, Annabel still followed behind David. Feeling frustrated that David was still upset over her identally seeing him showering, Annabel said, Just because I peeked while you were showering, youre still mad? Actually, I didnt see anything. Afraid he wouldnt believe her, she raised her hand and swore, Im telling the truth, I didnt lie to you! Seeing her still bringing it up, David said impatiently, Forget it, dont mention it again! She grinned, Okay, okay. We havent seen each other for a long time. Can you walk with me? Follow me, he said. There were things he needed to rify with her; he couldnt let it drag on any longer. Under the tree in front of her dorm, there was a row of stone benches and tables. Sit down, I need to talk to you. He looked serious, and Annabel couldnt help but reach out from her pocket and tug at his sleeve. I havent done anything wrong, can you not be mad at me? David stepped back, clearly avoiding her touch. Annabels smile froze for a moment, and she withdrew her handzily. Looks like its going to rain. Ill go first. Wait! She turned her head, smiling nonchntly, Cant bear to see me go? David looked at her coldly, arms crossed. Annabel, did I do something to make you misunderstand? Annabel shook her head, knowing what he was probably going to say. She yed dumb, I dont know what youre talking about? Ive already exined everything before. I have a deal with your dad, so Im nice to you. Everything has a purpose. You dont still think Im interested in you? Annabel hesitated for a moment, then shrugged indifferently. I know youre not interested in me, and I didnt think much about it. Then you dont need to cling to me all the time. I wont be with you. In my eyes, youre still the poor kid I saw in detention. Im just soft-hearted and cant stand to see anyone in need, David said sternly. She looked down at the ground for a while, blinking, then said, I never said I wanted to be with you. Whatever reason you had for being nice to me in the past, its over. Cant we just be friends? I came to chat with you, thats all. Youre the one who read too much into it. She could endure it to this point, and David decided to be firm. You bother me every day. How can I find a girlfriend? Annabel stood up and spread out her hand towards him. Feel free. Im not stopping you. Communication seemed impossible. David shook his head and turned to leave. She grabbed the corner of his clothes, hesitating. Did my dad say something to you again? Knowing that she was upset, so he stayed with her at the clinic for half the night; Afraid of being taken advantage of by others, he had someone find her in the middle of the night; Afraid of her illness and he worried all night, how could these be fake? He paused. Its not about your dad. In my eyes, youre still an underage girl. I cant see you as a woman. I worry about you, maybe its just a habit, not romantic feelings. Do you understand? She slowly let go of his hand and stared at him for a while, as if seeing through him. Feeling uneasy under her gaze, David turned and left as if fleeing. Suddenly, her voice came from behind, full of malice. I dont understand. Why should I understand? He walked a few steps faster, leaving her voice and his own troubles behind. Perez had gone to see a midnight premiere with Sharon, so it waste when they returned. David, still awake, stood by the window, lost in thought. The cigarette between his fingers had burned down quite a bit, indicating he hadnt moved for a long time. Perez was drying his wet hair with a towel. It had started raining when they back to school, and he didnt have an umbre, so they had to run back in the rain. I thought you didnt smoke. Whats wrong? David raised his hand, looking somewhat mncholic. I just wanted to try. Why is this thing so hard to quit? He had seen Annabel smoking in the pharmacy, hiding in a corner. She must have a strong addiction but never smoked in front of him. It must be incredibly difficult for her to resist. Smoking is like drugs. Once youre addicted, its hard to quit. Who doesnt have some bad habits? There are very few people as disciplined as you. David grunted and nced into the pitch-ck night. The rains getting heavier. He wondered if after saying all that to her today, she might go out again. The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Why were you so cold to Annabel today? It was hard to watch. Shes so headstrong, but she amodates you in every way. Are you really interested in Sara? How devastated will Annabel be? Perez asked. David threw the remaining half of his cigarette into the trash can. He hadnt seen her cry when she was bullied in detention or even when she was beaten up. The only time he saw her cry was when he lied to her. Feeling annoyed, he said, Just take your shower. Perez sensed that David was in a bad mood and didnt press further, turning to head to the bathroom. With the end of the break, the routine of ssroom to library, day and night, resumed. David was busy assisting his advisor with research on educational psychology. Annabel hadnt visited him much in the past half month. asionally, she would send a message asking what he was up to. Sometimes he replied after a long dy, and sometimes he didnt reply at all. David felt she must have given up. On the way to the cafeteria after ss, David ran into Sara. Are you feeling better? he asked. Much better. Your moms medicine really works. My mom said I have to personally thank her when we go back for the New Year, Sara replied. Dont mention it. My moms a doctor; its the least she could do. They chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the cafeteria door, where many people wereing out. Two young girls approached, whispering to each other as they nced at David. Sara chuckled. Girls these days are bold. David smiled but didnt say anything.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. As they passed by, the girl with short hair suddenly spoke up, Youre David, right? David turned, a bit puzzled, and nodded. Were Annabels roommates. Weve seen your pictures. Her phone andptop wallpaper are all photos of you. Youre even more handsome in person, the girl said. David asked, Where is she? The round-faced girl looked surprised. Shes been in the hospital for almost half a month. Dont you know? She had severe stomach pain one night and was rushed to the hospital. She messaged us yesterday saying shes been discharged and went home to rest for a while. Her family wants her to go abroad, and shes troubled by it. The girl with short hair nced at Sara, then turned to David. Youre her idol. Give her a call tofort her. She might recover faster. Saras heart tightened, and she looked up. David lowered his eyes, his expression indifferent. Ill talk to her when I have time. Sara felt her heart settle. Chapter 42: A Teenager’s Secret It was exactly nine in the morning. Although it was winter, the weather was clear and the warm breeze was soothing. Annabel had been sunbathing in the backyard for a while when Eve brought her a bowl of dark-colored medicinal soup. She had been drinking it continuously for a week, and just the smell of it made her want to vomit. She took the bowl, intending to pour it out directly. Im not drinking this! But when she nced up, her grandmother was watching her closely from amidst the lush foliage. Annabel gritted her teeth, pinched her nose, and forced herself to swallow it down, sticking her tongue out at Bonnie. Her grandmother finally smiled satisfactorily and turned back to tend to her flowers. At that moment, Annabels phone vibrated in her bag. It was Christopher calling. He had already been discharged from the hospital and said hed arrange for someone to pick her up for dinner tonight. That night when she fell ill, the pain had made her faint. When she woke up in the hospital, the first person she saw was Christopher. He was sitting in a wheelchair, chin in hand, staring at her for a long time. His face was noticeably thinner. Annabel thought she was about to die, but seeing Christopher suddenly made her feel relieved. The two stared at each other for a moment. Christopher smiled faintly. Did youe to apany me on purpose? He was wearing hospital clothes, and it was only then that Annabel remembered he was also in this hospital. She felt a bit embarrassed. She hadnt visited him since he woke up. She shifted ufortably, and a sharp pain made her gasp. Christopher hurriedly said, Dont move. You had acute appendicitis and just had surgeryst night. She fell silent for a moment and then asked, Did you sign it? Christopher nodded and reached out to tuck the nket around her. Yesterday, I was walking downstairs and saw you being brought in by an ambnce. Doesnt my family know? He looked up, his voice calm and emotionless. When you were in surgery, Thomas and Brenna were on a flight to Kend and couldnt be reached. Your grandmother should be on a ne by now and must be worried sick. Thomas and Brenna going to Kend together must be to see Logan. Christopher knew what she was thinking. ording to your nanny, Logan got into some trouble in Kend, so they rushed over to handle it. She felt ufortable. In Thomass eyes, Logan always came first. Christopher nced out the window. It was already bright outside. He raised his hand and held it against Annabels forehead for a moment. His palm was dry and warm, making Annabel feel especiallyfortable. He said, Your fever has gone down. I have to go back for my injection. Ill leave now. He yawned, showing signs of fatigue. Annabel asked, Did you stay with me all night? What about my ssmates? Christopher nodded. I sent them back. You, this child, always causing trouble. Youve been causing trouble since you were little. Annabels eyes moistened. When no one paid her any attention, she was fine, but now that someone cared, she felt particrly aggrieved. Why not hire a nurse? If you copse from exhaustion, itll be on my head. Im the one wholl suffer. Annabel said this, but inwardly, she felt warmth. She had promised Thomas to cut off contact with Christopher, but people are easily swayed when theyre vulnerable, and she relied on him even more. It would be hard for her to harden her heart against Christopher in the future. Christopher chuckled. Im nice to you now, so you can support me in my old age in the future. Annabel weakly smiled. Then Im at a loss. Christopherughed and called out, Boris, to someone outside. Before Boris pushed him out the door, Christopher turned his head again. You can call me anytime you need. Im always here. I didnt protect your mom before, but now I will protect you. Boris once said that everyone in this world could ignore Christopher, except for her, Annabel. If it werent for him finding her in the snow, she would have died long ago. He loved her mom, so he loved her too. He didnt do anything to harm their family; it was her dad who abandoned her mom. Originally, she didnt really believe it. She always felt like he was using her against Thomas, but now she believed it a bit. Half an hour after Christopher left, her grandmother came with Eve. Seeing her lying alone on the hospital bed, her grandmother felt heartbroken. She immediately called Thomas and scolded him fiercely. Annabel stayed in the hospital for a week, and Thomas didnte to visit. He was said to have been in Kend all this time. She was curious about what happened to Logan, but Thomass attitude made her hate Logan even more. Originally, she could have been discharged after a week, but her grandmother insisted she stay for another half month. Even after half a month, she wasnt allowed to go back to school. She was brought home and given various soups for recovery, but she still became as thin as a rail, even thinner than before the surgery. Mr. Green is back, Eve suddenly said. When Annabel looked up, Thomas was already there, looking weary as if he had just gotten off a ne. Annabel was sitting in a rocking chair, swaying back and forth. Thomas stopped her and asked, his face as cold as usual, Feeling better? Annabel felt resistant to him. She nced at him and retorted, If Im not feeling well, can I sit here? Id be meeting God earlier! Thomass gaze turned cold. Cant you speak nicely? Yeah yeah, I can. Annabel nced behind him. Your wife didnte back with you? Thomas was about to scold her, but a cough came from behind him. Thomas forced a stiff smile. Mom. Bonnie looked sharp. Is everything settled? Bonnie knew that the rtionship between father and daughter was already strained enough, so even if she was angry, she couldnt say he favoritism toward his stepson in front of Annabel. Yeah, just got off the ne and rushed back. Thomas still had some awe for Bonnie. Annabels grandfather had passed away early, and it was Bonnie who held up Greens Enterprises. Later, when Thomas returned from studying abroad, he gradually took over Greens Enterprises. Although Bonnie had retired for many years, her influence on Greens Enterprises was still there. Bonnie nodded. Thomas then turned his gaze to Annabel and grunted, Appendicitis is just a minor surgery. Youve been resting for almost a month now. Its time to go back to school. Annabel sneered inwardly. Thomas continued, Your spot at the Kend school is still reserved for you. You can go next year. The cat had been ying in the bushes for a while. Now it jumped onto Annabelsp. Annabel nced at Thomas, then thought about Logan in Kend, and felt a bit disgusted with the cat. She suddenly stood up, startling the cat, which jumped off and meowed intively, looking at its owner. Annabelpletely ignored the matter Thomas brought up. Im going to take a nap. Ill go back to school tomorrow. She turned and left. The maid was cleaning the living room and happened to put Brennas most cherished vase aside. As Annabel passed by, she kicked it with her foot, and the ss shattered all over the floor. She didnt even look back as she went upstairs.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Eve eximed behind her, Oh my, dear Lord, what should we do!? Logans room and windows were wide open, letting sunlight pour in, illuminating the ivory-white wooden floor, bright and clean. Even though Logan wasnt there, Brenna still had the workers clean it every day. Logans books, his basketball, and piano everything rted to him Annabel found them all annoying and detestable at the moment. She walked into the room, mmed his basketball against the door frame, knocked over the decorations on the table, feeling still unsatisfied. She pulled books off the shelves and tossed them around. Eve was sent upstairs by Bonnie to check on Annabel, but as soon as she got upstairs, she heard the ttering soundsing from the room. Logans things scattered everywhere, and Annabel stood in the middle, pointing angrily at the little cat underfoot. If you jump up again, Ill throw you out! The cat was probably scared by her, meowing softly. Eve went over to pick up the little cat. Come on, Be, cant you calm down for a while? We just cleaned. The vase she had kicked earlier, who knows how much it cost, and now she had messed up Logans room like this. Wait until your stepmom reports you to your dad. Youll be the one in trouble, wont you? Although Annabel was rebellious, she never treated the household staff as strangers. So, Eve was protective of Annabel even in private. No matter how much Annabel opposed Brenna, she never explicitly told Thomas how she felt wronged. She always portrayed herself as the one at fault. In Thomass eyes, Annabel was always the willful and childish one, while Brenna endured humiliation. I dont care. I smashed it, what can she do to me? Annabel angrily turned and walked into her room, mming the door shut. Eve watched her go with a shake of her head and a gentle smile. If Logan were home, she wouldnt dare to smash things. After all, only Logan could restrain Annabel. Eve tidied up Logans room again. There was a leather-bound notebook on the floor, open in the middle, with Logans elegant handwriting leaping from the pages. It was a poem titled Annabel Lee. It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea, But we loved with a love that was more than love- I and my Annabel Lee- With a love that the winged seraphs of Heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsmen came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea. The notebook was thick, filled with only this one poem copied from beginning to end. The paper was aged, at least three or five years old. This was a teenagers secret, buried deep in the thick bookshelf, hidden in the dark years. Eve had always felt sorry for Annabel, but this was the first time she felt sorry for the deep and silent teenager. Chapter 43: The Temptation of the Playboy! WOO, how romantic, Perez pointed at theputer screen. The schools official website had selected the top ten most romantic things, apanied by a very sentimental text and a picture: In front of the girls dormitory, the ground was covered with roses in the shape of a huge heart, upying almost half of the area. In the middle of the heart shape, pink flowers were arranged to form the letters AG. The students watching spontaneously left a space for the confessing boy. The boy was ying the guitar and singing a love song, seemingly confessing to the girl in the dormitory building. David looked at the letters AG and unconsciously pronounced Annabel Green. Calcting the days, she hadnt contacted him in quite a while. Do you think the girl the boy is confessing to is Annabel? How would I know? Youre the gossip lover. Perez shrugged with some regret. Such a beautiful girl like her, shell probably be someones girlfriend in less than half a year. Shes in college now. Its normal for her to have a boyfriend, David stretched his legszily against the back of the chair. Perez looked envious. With such a beautiful girl, you dont even fancy her. What a waste! I heard there are many people who like her. I even saw her sitting in a luxury car once, and the guy was very attentive to her. David shook his head dismissively and didnt respond. He saw Annabel again at the end of November. It happened to be snowing lightly that day, and he, Perez, and Sharon were having lunch in the cafeteria. Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard, We still have sses in the afternoon. Can I just pretend to be dead? David turned slightly, she was wearing a loose caramel-colored down jacket with the zipper open, revealing a thin light gray sweater inside. Therge fur corplemented her delicate face, which, although thinner than before, looked lively. A boy came over with two trays, pushing one towards her and blinking, Your Majesty, please enjoy your meal. They chatted andughed together. Perez whispered, Isnt that Annabel? Sharon looked puzzled. How did Annabel end up with him? He has so many girlfriends! Sharon, having done her undergraduate studies at the same school, knew more about the schools affairs than they did. Do you know him? There are few girls at school who dont know him. Hes from a wealthy family, always showing off his luxury cars around campus. Hes a junior this year and the girls he dated can fill a truck with. Perez sneered, And yet girls still fall for him. You girls are so shallow! A handsome, wealthy, and romantic guy? Which girl wouldnt like that? Hes always giving away designer bags and watches worth tens of thousands. These young girls are very materialistic. Sharon had heard from Perez a while back that this girl was chasing after David. Unexpectedly, she had now hooked up with a rich kid. Sharon, amidst her disdain, felt a bit envious. Annabels bag was LV, her sweater was Chanel. Sharon couldnt afford those. She nced at Perez, feeling a bit disappointed. Sharon was torn between her current boyfriend and Perez, neither of whom was her ideal choice. Both men treated her well, but neither had money. Perez nced at David, who seemed indifferent to it all. The three of them finished eating quickly and got up. The round-faced girl walked ahead, with Annabel in the middle, yawning. The boy behind them tapped her head with his fingers, saying something that made herugh. David felt a slight difort. As they left the cafeteria, Perez headed to Sharons dorm. David went to the schools supermarket to buy some daily necessities. As he checked out, he saw Annabel and the boy standing at the supermarket entrance, as if waiting for someone. The boy was tall and handsome, with confident and assertive eyes. He was half a head taller than her and they were both wearing matching down jackets, like a couple. Annabel had a cigarette in her mouth, lit it with a lighter, took a deep drag, and exhaled smoke into the air. The boy put his hands in his pockets, stepped down the steps, and turned to face her. Its cold. Want to have hot pot tonight? I know a newly opened restaurant with good taste. Annabel nodded. Sure. Ive been eating sd all month. My face is turning green. Lets invite everyone from our dorm. Itll be lively. The boys smile paused for a moment before he smiled again. Sounds good. Lets go. We shouldnt wait. Wait, your shoce is loose. Before Annabel could respond, the boy had already knelt down to tie her shoce naturally. Annabel turned her head and caught sight of David. She grinned, David. He didnt say anything, just frowned, took the cigarette from her lips, and casually threw it into the nearby trash can. I thought you quit? Annabel smiled casually. I did quit for a while. David took a deep breath, speaking with restraint, Smoke less. Its not good for you. The boy beside them looked up, feeling something different between the two. Although David addressed Annabel, his gaze was on David, with some hostility. Whos this? Introduce us. She nced at him. David, my former teacher. Now a graduate student at our school.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Codys face rxed, and he greeted with a smile, Hi, Im Cody, from the Business Administration Department, Im her He paused, gesturing meaningfully towards Annabel. Annabel chuckled and interjected, Suitor, the renowned yboy of our school. The boy looked a bit embarrassed. You really dare to say that. Annabel ignored him, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her hair had grown, reaching just to her shoulders. Her big hat framed her elegant neck. After her illness, she seemed to have lost some of her boldness, gaining instead a touch of delicacy and fragility. David remembered her leaning against him before, and for some reason, it made him feel itchy. After a moment of silence, she asked him, Long time no see. Can I treat you to dinner tonight? No, I have ns tonight. Annabel didnt insist, nodding. Alright then, maybe another time. Ill be off. She checked her watch and turned to Cody. You wait here by yourself. Im leaving. Come pick us up before we head out tonight. Annabel turned to leave, and Cody hurried after her. Hey, wait for me. Chasing after Annabel, Cody exined, What yboy? Thats just a rumor. If I meet a girl I genuinely like, Ill be devoted to her. Cody had been interested in Annabel since he first saw her on the basketball court. What attracted him was her beauty and the confident, nonchnt air about her. His curiosity about her was genuine, but his understanding was limited. Annabel put her hand on Codys shoulder and pulled him closer. Hey buddy, maybe you should sort out your ex-girlfriend first. The boy nced at the hand on his shoulder, feeling uneasy. Did shee to see you? Did she bother you? She came to my dorm yesterday and caused a scene. That girl was dressed extravagantly. You spoiled her too much. But neither of you loses out. Shes after money, and youre after looks. The boy asked cautiously, Did she do anything to you? Me? I gave her a p, and she ran away crying. They say youre a yboy, but I think youre just a fool. What else can you do besides spending money to impress women? If you have the guts to dump a woman, you should have the guts to deal with the consequences. How dare she bring her drama to me. Cody was stunned by her assertiveness and was somewhat troubled by being called a fool. He had been in the dating scene for years, never failing due to his wealth and good looks. Why was he suddenly a fool? For the first time, he felt a bit at a loss with a girl he was interested in. This game waspletely different. But after her scene, I feel like I shouldnt be wrongly used. She suddenly reached out and pinched Codys chin, turning his head left and right. Im bored anyway, and youre not bad-looking. ying around with you for a while is okay. What did she mean by that? Cody waspletely bewildered by her actions. Wasnt he the one dating her? Or was she dating him? Cody looked at her nkly. What do you mean? Annabel chuckled lightly, tiptoeing, her hands resting on his shoulders, a hint of mischief in her voice as she asked, What do you think? Cody was stunned by Annabels dominance and captivated by her beauty. A sweet scent of womanhood drifted to his nose. Her lips were moist and full, and he instinctively swallowed, reaching out to hold her head, wanting to kiss her. Suddenly his hand was empty, and she was gone from his arms. In an instant, he saw Annabel being pulled back by another boy, shielded behind him. Cody was filled with rage. Who the hell are you? Cody had just felt that this boy seemed refined, but now he looked furious and menacing, pointing at Cody as if he was about to start a fight. Cody was seething. What does it matter to you? Annabel yfully swatted Davids hand away and chuckled. Yeah, Mr. Curry, she teased, are you getting a bit too controlling? David scowled at her and retorted, Just keep causing trouble, then! Chapter 44: Differences in Values! Cody wanted to pull Annabel over, but David stood between them, his eyes slightly narrowed, radiating danger. While Cody was a yboy, he was pampered from a young age and didnt dare to fight. He just cared about saving face, and it was clear that Annabel had made the first move, flirting with him. Annabel and I did it consensually, you better get out of my way! he eximed. Annabel was also taken aback. David usually had a gentle and rigid demeanor, but now, he looked quite fierce. Cody, despite hisck of wit, could sense what was happening. He turned to Annabel, his voiceced with anger, and demanded, Who the hell is he? Annabel chuckled behind them. Cody, just stay out of it for now. Let me talk to my teacher first. Well talk about our matterster. Cody wanted to argue a bit more. But Knowing that he was just trying to save face, Annabel cut him off. Only people with no brains resort to violence. Wheres your high IQ and EQ? Besides, hes my teacher. You should show respect. These were the words Logan often mocked her with, and now she used them on Cody. David couldnt help but find her words amusing. She was lecturing someone else about the stupidity of violence? Havent she caused enough trouble already? Yet again, he felt a surge of self-disdain. He had always tried to steer clear of her, but now that she was keeping her distance for another guy, he felt a strange stirring within him. Cody snorted coldly. Ill be waiting nearby. He turned and walked into the adjacent store. Annabel smoothed out her bangs and leisurely approached David. Didnt you say you wouldnt interfere in my affairs anymore? What kind of boyfriend I choose and who I like has nothing to do with you. Davids anger red, Dont you know hes a yboy? You dont need to bring him up to provoke me. I wont be the one hurt; in the end, its you wholl suffer. You need to learn some self-respect! His words carried weight. Annabel chuckled lightly, David, Im not a child anymore. I didnt approach him just to upset you. Yes, I like you. I used to think you liked me too, but you have too many concerns. I can wait, it doesnt matter how long. But now I understand, you dont like me. Me sticking around only burdens you and makes you resent me. So Ive decided to let go. With time, Ill naturally move on. This world is so big, there will surely be someone who loves me and whom I love. David was stunned for a few seconds, but this was quite different from her casually dating someone. But you cant just pick him as your boyfriend. There are plenty of good guys out there. In the cars of him, girls, even someone like me who doesnt like gossip, has seen at least three. To be honest, among those who like me, hes the most interesting. Even though you all think hes bad, I think being happy together is most important. Whether hes a yboy doesnt affect me. After all, Im not looking to get married or have a long-term rtionship. I remember you said you couldnt see me as a woman, and O said Im more like a guy, so I just want to see if I have any feminine charm in front of the opposite sex. Cody has had so many girlfriends, so he should be authoritative. She paused for a moment, looking at his face with a mischievous smile. Now Ill prove you wrong with facts. Davids face turned iron blue. What was she thinking, trying out a yboy to see if she had feminine charm? I only said I see you as my student, not that youre not a woman. If you want a boyfriend, cant you find a responsible guy?This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. She rolled her eyes helplessly. Well, Ive said I only care about being happy. Whoever I can get along with, thats who Ill choose. He snapped, You get along with a jerk? He almost forgot that she wasnt exactly the proper girl, now just revealing her true colors. She huffed, somewhat amusingly countering him, If you think hes a jerk, do you also think Im a bad girl? Is that why my dad chose you? She then put her hands in her pocketszily. Im done talking. Im leaving. Her attitude was clear: she could choose whomever she wanted, and he had no say. David looked up, seeing Cody not far away leaning against the store door smoking, obviously waiting for her. His anger surged, and suddenly he grabbed her hand, pushing her into the corner of the nearby corridor, conveniently blocking the view of the passing crowd. Pressing her hands against the wall, he lowered his head, gritting his teeth. So, what do you have to do to act like a decent girl? Davids icy gaze locked onto her, he was very angry, gripping her hands tightly without regard for whether he was hurting her. Do I have to confess my feelings to you, or beg you? She pursed her lips, looking cold, but she remained silent. He leaned in closer, almost nose to nose with her. The vibrant and bright eyes, the slender and delicate nose, the soft skin, the sweet breath He even had the illusion that L was standing right in front of him. They were so simr, their breaths intertwined, even their scents were the same. In his anger, he felt a trace of desire. For a moment, he was confused. Suddenly, he was pushed away, and David snapped out of his confused thoughts. She didnt have her usual petnce and stubbornness, her expression was gentle. You dont have to do anything. This is my life. Im an adult. I know youre a good person, but you shouldnt feel responsible for me anymore. Its unfair to you. He stared at her nkly, his eyes soft. He seemed to be looking at her but without focus. She always asked him why he treated her so well, and he always used Thomas as an excuse to shut her up. Paul said their deal with Thomas wasnt for money, it was to get into Shining High School. She didnt understand why he was so determined to get into Shining High School. With his abilities, was he afraid he wouldnt find a good job? And clearly, he had no romantic feelings for her, yet he always cared for her in various ways. He said it was the responsibility and habit of a teacher, but why hadnt she seen him care for other ssmates like this? Meeting him, Annabel didnt know if she was lucky or unlucky. You know how I feel about you. If you cant reciprocate equally, its better to keep your distance from me. Dont y the role of a good person. Annabels words were firm. She straightened out the coat he had messed up, turned around, and started walking away. He called out to her from behind, somewhat defeated. Annabel. She paused, but he didnt know what to say. She smiled faintly. After this semester, Im going to study abroad. We wont have many chances to meet in the future. I dont want any unpleasantness between us. David was somewhat surprised, feeling a hint of bitterness in his heart. He suppressed all his emotions in the end. Ive been crossed the line. She nodded slightly, making way for him. As David passed by Cody who wasing towards him, he overheard their conversation from behind. The guy was asking her, Did he do anything to you? Her voice soundedzy. The question you should be asking is whether I did anything to him. After all, Ive been wanting to possess him for a long time. Damn! You like him? Am I just a tool you use to provoke him? Forget it. He doesnt like someone like me. Ive given up and n to hang out with you. The guy surprisingly fell silent, then she burst intoughter. Silly, they all say youre a jerk, but aside from being a bit of a yboy, youre pretty cute in other ways. Fuck, are you really praising me? Absolutely. Can you stop leaning on my shoulder all the time? Have you seen any girl hanging onto her boyfriends shoulder all day long? The girlughed. Like this? She probably linked arms with him or snuggled into his embrace. David cursed under his breath and turned into a nearby corridor leading to the dormitories. A couple of dayster, Iris called, her voice somewhat excited. Son, let me tell you some good news. Your dad got promoted, hes now the deputy director of the sub-bureau. Really? y worked as a small section chief in a public institution, working diligently all his life. But how did he suddenly get promoted? Nheless, since there was this opportunity, David was still happy for his dad. But what Iris said next chilled him. It was announced this afternoon. Tonight, your dad invited their leaders to dinner. Their leaders said you are close with Liam from Greens Enterprises, and it seems he helped in this matter. You should thank him properly. If it was Liam who intervened, then this matter wasnt hard to exin. Im not close with him. How does my dad know him? How could such a big favor be epted just like that? Iris sensed that Davids mood was off. You know your dad. Hes not someone who would tter others. He only found out after the transfer order came down. There wasnt a word leaked from the bureau. But your dad is quite happy about it. Then she tentatively asked David, Liam works at Greens Enterprises. Do you think this matter is rted to Annabel? Do you still keep in touch with Annabel? David felt aplex and indescribable feeling in his heart. He didnt want Iris to overthink. We havent been in touch for a long time. Iris had always been afraid that David would get involved with Annabel. Regardless of whether Annabel was good or not, with her influential family background, how could they climb up to her level? Even if they were together by some miracle, her son would have to live under others shadows, which would be meaningless even if they were rich. Thats good. We cant afford to climb up to her level. I dont want a daughter-inw like her either. Chapter 45: Caught in a Dilemma! David took the initiative to call Liam, asking about his fathers promotion. Liam didnt deny it. Its Mr. Greens idea. He said that Annabel owed you a favor, and now hes repaying it, considering it settled. That matter was settled long ago. Each to their own. You really didnt have to do anything. David knew exactly what Thomas was worried about. It probably wasnt about repaying the favor but rather a warning, showing that they had the power to influence their lives. Thomas didnt even need to ask if he needed it; he just got things done, not even bothering to call David himself. David deeply felt the power that money and influence brought. Is Annabel still contacting you from time to time? No. Thats good. If she reaches out to you, just ignore her. Shes stubborn and doesnt even know what she wants. Shell understand what she wants when shes older. How could David not understand Liams meaning? That day, he had backed Annabel into a corner, and he admitted he had been a little bit greedy, but Liams words extinguished that desire. You dont need to say anything further. I understand. Please tell Mr. Green that he doesnt need to concern himself with my familys affairs in the future. He hung up the phone, feeling increasingly troubled. Hey back on the bed, closing his eyes. One moment, he saw Annabelughing and chatting in Codys car; the next, he saw Thomass grim face. The weather grew colder, and just before Christmas, it started to drizzle. Christopher had been discharged from the hospital but hadnt returned to Eastdown. He was staying in his apartment in Magic City to recuperate. On Saturday, Annabel was still sleeping in the dorm when Christopher called, inviting her over for dinner and mysteriously mentioning that he had a gift for her. Christophers apartment was on the top floor, spacious but feeling somewhat empty due to theck of people. Annabel arrived early and sat on the couch, chatting idly with Christopher. Holly and a maid were busy in the kitchen, making her seem like half the mistress of the house. When are you two going to get married? Dont talk nonsense. Shes my manager. Shes liked you for so many years, and you dont have any feelings for her at all? Christopher sounded mncholic. You dont understand. Its not right if its not the person in your heart. Annabel peeled an orange and gave half to Christopher. Who says I dont understand? Its true. If you dont like someone, nothing you do matters. So, men are heartless! Christopher chuckled. Is David not treating you well? She shrugged and sighed deeply. Noment. She hugged a pillow and slouched into the soft sofa, her eyes fixed on the TV screen. Soon, the phone rang. Christopher saw her answer it and only spoke four sentences in total. Hello? No time. Mm. Goodbye.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org. She hung up the phone, and before Christopher could ask, she spoke first, Thomas is in Magic City and says he wants to take me out for dinner. She paused, then added with self-deprecation, Its quite funny, isnt it? Im on bad terms with my dad, but I get along with my moms lover as if he were my father. My dad barely acknowledges me, yet he treats my stepbrother like his own son. No one else has such a messed-up family rtionship. But, I find that I can ept it now. Am I broad-minded enough? Christophers smile faltered,Are you going to see your dad? She picked up a ss of water and took a sip, feeling a bit defiant. Nope. He didnt even bother to look at me when I was in surgery. Annabel paused for a moment. I heard Logan had a car ident, but it wasnt serious. Christopher lowered his eyebrows slightly and said in a nonchnt tone, Why do you care so much about Brennas son? She straightened her back, a hint of worry evident on her face. I overheard them on the phone saying Logans brakes seemed tampered with, but fortunately, he reacted quickly and drove into the mud. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened? Do you think Thomas has offended someone, and theyre retaliating against Logan? Will theye after me too? Christopher patted her shoulder and analyzed the situation with her, If Thomas has enemies, theyde after you first, not Logan. So, its likely your stepmother offended someone. Besides, you have me. If anyone dares to trouble you, I wont let them off. His gaze turned dark and fierce, but when he saw Annabel staring at him nkly, he softened his expression. If youre worried, how about finding someone at school to protect you? If its Boris, then forget it. Hes always follwing around me with a gloomy expression, Im afraid Ill have nightmares. If you dont like him, find someone else. I dont need to. Dont forget Ive studied Taekwondo. Christopher chuckled. Christmas ising soon, and I want to give you a big gift. What? She thought it might be a car or jewelry, but it didnt excite her much. The doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. Christopher smiled. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Hurry and open the door. Maybe theres a surprise. She didnt believe him. Youre tricking me again! She got up to open the door, and as it swung open, she froze. David was standing there, looking as surprised as she was. He scratched his head. I might have gotten the wrong address. Christopher teased from behind, Why are you both standing there like statues? Hes not here to see you; hes here to see Holly. Holly hade over, having removed her apron. David,e in. David entered and saw Annabel and Holly in front of him, with the famous star Christopher standing a few meters away. Although he was somewhat surprised, he didnt show much emotion on his face and calmly greeted Christopher. He didnt pay much attention to Annabel and asked Holly, Is Jasmine here too? Shes recording a program today. I just wanted to treat you to a meal for helping me out so much, Holly replied. Exining to Annabel again, Christopher added, One of ourpanys actors is participating in a cultural program. Since I know Davids mentor, he rmended David to help us brush up on some knowledge. The program has been quite sessfultely. Christopher chimed in, Annabel just mentioned you, so I thought Ide over to meet you. Hope you dont mind. Annabel shot Christopher a fierce look. They hadnt talked about David at all just now. Was this his idea of a surprise? David might even think she was trying to get close to him. Christopherpletely ignored Annabels hostility and continued to be friendly. The contrast between Christopher and Hollys warmth and Annabels coldness was stark. As David took off his coat, Christopher handed it to Annabel and said, Hang this up. Muttering under her breath, Annabel reluctantly took the coat and hung it in the closet. The servant announced that dinner was ready. The dishes were all Annabels favorites and looked appetizing. Christopher brought out a long-coveted bottle of fine wine and insisted that David have a drink with him. Frowning, Annabel said, He cant hold his liquor. Id be a betterpanion for you. Christopherughed, No, you wouldnt. Christopher was not easy to get along with, stern and rigid, but it was evident that he treated David well. Christopher had even said a long time ago that David was a nice guy. Seeing the coveted wine, Annabels mouth watered. While Christopher and David were drinking and chatting, she quietly poured herself a ss. Just as she was about to lift it, a hand reached out and took the ss away. You cant drink, David said. Annabels attention was caught by Davids slender and elegant fingers gripping the delicate porcin ss. David thought she was eyeing the wine and found it amusing. Are you a drunkard? he teased. Christopher chimed in, Clearly. Pointing at Christopher, Annabel retorted, Hes the same. He spent more time in the hospital than I did. Why dont you stop him? Im not the one who likes him. Of course he doesnt care about me. Christopher said, then leaned closer to David. Shes liked you for a long time, you know? And shes very loyal. Shes liked only you for three or four years. David felt a bit embarrassed by Christophers blunt statement. Mind your own business! Annabel shouted at David. David softened his tone and asked her, Its only been six months since your surgery, right? Annabel smirked coldly. So what? Dont pretend to care! Even if its just an ordinary friend who knows I was hospitalized, they wouldnt ignore me like you do. Seeing the tension, Holly quickly intervened, urging Annabel to eat while chatting with David about Jasmines almost mishap on the variety show. There are still six episodes left in the program, with the final live broadcast being the finale. Shescking in cultural knowledge and needs you to tutor her. Their intentions were too obvious. It was clear that they only contacted him because of Annabel. Meanwhile, the Green Family would asionally hint and warn him, which gave David a headache. Chapter 46: Retaliation! After dinner, they both returned to school. In the elevator, Annabel spoke first. I didnt know they asked you for help. Her deliberate exnations were a thinly veiled attempt to distance herself from him. I know. On the way back in the car, he received a call. In the confined space, she could easily hear a soft female voice on the other end, whether it was Sara, Nancy, or someone else, there were quite a few people who admired him. After he finished caring for the girl on the other end, he hung up. She snorted lightly. Central air conditioning, take care of everyone.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. He frowned unhappily. Me? Annabel snorted, turned her head away, and looked out the window. The floating light and shadow asionally grazed her profile, which looked so beautiful it was intoxicating. Her phone buzzed incessantly in her pocket. She picked it up, nced at it, but didnt answer, then tossed it back into her pocket. He asked, Why arent you answering? Her gaze flickered past him as she answered the call, her first words being, Cody, whats up? Hearing that name made Davids teeth ache. Cody had waited for her for a long time. He said hurriedly, Whats up? We agreed to y games together today. Did you forget again? Only then did Annabel remember. Ipletely forgot. Wait for me at the school gate in ten minutes, Ill be there soon. She hung up the phone. David asked her, Where are you goingter? An impatient expression crossed her face again. Before she could respond, David frowned. Answer me quickly! He had drunk a lot, his face was not only red but his eyes were also bloodshot. She was always good at changing the subject. Rabbit. What? She pointed at his eyes and teased, I said you look like a rabbit. Your alcohol tolerance is really low. Seeing that she didnt take his words to heart at all and dared to mock him, he couldnt help but feel annoyed. They arrived at the school gate in no time, and David saw three boys and a girl standing next to the security booth. Cody was among them. The guys poprity at Eastdown Uni was no less than that of a celebrity. It was cold, and Cody was stamping his feet from time to time, indicating that they had been waiting for a while. As soon as the car stopped, Annabel pushed open the door to get out, but was suddenly pulled back by a hand. Dont go, okay? She frowned, clearly refusing. He softened his tone. Ive had too much to drink. Can you take me back to the dorm? She promptly pulled her hand back. Im busy. Call Perez. With that, she turned and got out of the car, jogging towards Cody, who was standing at the entrance. David saw him take off his scarf and put it around her neck. She hooked her arm around his, and the group chatted andughed as they disappeared from his sight. David felt all the alcohol he had just drunk churning in his stomach, making him feel extremely ufortable. *** December 24th, Christmas Eve Annabel rented out a bar in the downtown area and organized a Christmas party, inviting almost all the ssmates with whom she had good rtionships. After lunch, her roommates left with their boyfriends, and Annabel walked along the straight road towards the dormitory. She wanted to take a nap to rest up for the evening party. The ss walls of the supermarket were covered with various Christmas decorations, and the street echoed with a cheerful Jingle Bells. People were selling flowers, choctes, and apples on the roadside, and passing students were discussing topics rted to Christmas, filling the air with a strong festive atmosphere. However, Annabel felt lonely and deserted. It wasnt like the loneliness she experienced in high school. Many boys here tried to please her, and she got along well with her roommates. But she still felt lonely, even silly Cody couldnt keep her entertained. On the TV screen at the supermarket entrance, Masons show was ying. She stopped to watch for a moment. When she left, she unconsciously nced at the figure that shed past the ss wall opposite her. Logan? She took a closer look, but there was nothing there. She turned her head and searched the main road for a while, but there was nothing. She couldnt help but find it amusing. Even if it was an illusion, why would it be Logan? Her sleeve was tugged, and she looked down to see a seven or eight-year-old girl with pigtails, holding out a bright red apple. This is for you! The little girl was in the process of losing her baby teeth, and half of her mouth was missing teeth. Annabel smiled and asked her, Who gave this to you? The little girl pointed behind her. That guy. Apart from the chilly wind swirling at the intersection, there was no one else around. The little girl scratched her head. He was just here. Annabel lowered her head and rubbed the girls nose. Maybe the wind blew him away. To prove that she wasnt lying, the little girl insisted, Its true! He is a really handsome guy. She then raised the lollipop in her hand. See, this is what he gave me. What did he say? He said Merry Christmas to you and Merry Christmas to me too. The little girl took another bite of her candy, her voice crisp and pleasant. Annabel patted the girls head. Okay, thank you. She washed the apple under the tap at the supermarket entrance and leisurely bit into it on the way back. Although she didnt know who it was from, was giving just an apple for Christmas a bit stingy? Back in the dormitory, she couldnt shake the image of the glimpse she caught on the ss door. Curiosity really could kill. She called her grandmother, chatting aimlessly until she was about to hang up, then asked casually, Has Logan returned to the country? No, Brenna said he found a girlfriend overseas. He must be spending time with her right now. She hung up the phone, feeling inexplicably uneasy. At six oclock in the evening, Cody was waiting downstairs on time. When he saw Annabeling down, he looked at her with admiration for quite some time. You look really beautiful today. Annabel usually wore light makeup, fresh and elegant. But her makeup today was mature and enchanting, wrapped in an oversized down jacket and wearing a pair of light-colored high heels, revealing a glimpse of her straight ankles, sexy yetzy. Cody nced down Annabels slender white corbone, wondering what kind of sceneryy within. Suddenly, Annabel heavily tapped the back of his head. Lets go. His shy red sports car was parked at the dormitory gate. Annabel said, Ill drive. You can drive? When I was driving, you were probably still ying with mud. She took the keys he tossed to her and got into the car. Cody felt a bit frustrated. She asionally flirted with him, but there was no progress beyond that. His reputation was well-known, but there were still girls flocking around him, mostly because of his wealth and generosity. But neither of these worked on Annabel. He wanted to give her a handbag, only to find out that she used not only LV and Hermes but also limited editions. He wanted to give her jewelry, but her earrings were all diamond. He took her out for food and entertainment, but she was more knowledgeable about it than he was. He only yed with what she left behind. No wonder she called him a fool. Annabelzily nced at him. Hold on tight. As Annabel chuckled softly in his ear, before Cody could react, she had already floored the elerator, and the car flew over a small hill. Codys heart raced as his face was pressed against the window. Just as he was still in shock, she took another sharp turn, executing a beautiful drift. She shot him a triumphant look. Told you I wasnt lying. Annabel gave Cody a mischievous nce. Lets y something more thrilling. Cody swallowed back his saliva, feeling only fear at the moment. Oh God, what are you nning now? The road was under construction, and it had just rained at noon, leaving puddles everywhere. She was driving fast, and the car was bouncing vigorously. Ahead, there was a man and a woman, the man tall with broad shoulders and long legs, the woman petite. They were walking towards the school gate, chatting andughing. She floored the elerator again, turned the steering wheel to the right, and the car zoomed towards the couple. Annabel! Codys head spun, and when he saw the face of the boy in front of them, he knew it was over. Chapter 47 Is This Enough? The sound of brakes screeching against the ground echoed in his ears as the car made a sharp turn, racing away from the girl just half a meter away, kicking up mud and water in its wake. Instinctively, the boy pulled the pale-faced girl closer, sttering mud all over Davids white down jacket. Annabel showed no sign of stopping or apologizing. Several security guards in ck uniforms behind the car were shouting and chasing with electric batons. Cody, fearful, urged, Faster, drive faster, shake them off!Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Annabel, calm and leisurely, remarked, Dont worry, with such a shy car, everyone knows its yours. Cody:.. The car had long disappeared, leaving David in disarray. He squinted, watching the direction the car had gone and muttered under his breath, Annabel, little rascal! As the car sped towards Sara, she thought Annabel was about to hit her and eximed angrily, She did it on purpose! David silently epted the tissue Sara handed him, his neck and face sttered with mud. Seeing him not speaking, Sara grew angrier. Its outrageous! Shes just showing off with some rich yboy. Does she think shes so great? Superficial and vain, absolutelyck of upbringing! David found these words jarring, his expression shifting before he replied, Perhaps she didnt mean to. Theres no need to be so harsh. Sara knew Annabel liked David. She only went to that yboy after being rejected by him. But seeing David defending her made Sara inexplicably angry. Youre still defending her? Wasnt her behavior deliberate enough just now? He remained tight-lipped, unsure if it was because of her or because of Annabel. After a while, he lowered his brows. Regardless, it was her fault. Let me apologize on her behalf. She was just being stubborn. Dont be mad. Seeing the coldness in his eyes and the clenched fists, Sara felt he might be angrier than her. He held back until he parted ways with Sara before calling Annabel. Her behavior today was truly bad. But after several attempts, she didnt answer. She ignored his messages too, indicating she had made up her mind to ignore him. At eight in the evening, Perez called, his voice noisy and chaotic, with asional screams from both men and women. Hurry, Annabel went crazy today. Come and take her away, or who knows what will happen tonight! Davids heart tightened. Where? Perez provided the address, and David hailed a cab straight to the location. The bar was brightly lit, with intense music pounding against the heart. Young men and women on the dance floor were wildly shaking their bodies, the heat rising with each beat. David immediately spotted Annabel in the middle. Her hair was intentionally pinned up, a few stray strands falling on her cheek. She wore a ck tight-fitting mini dress with a suede off-shoulder design, her delicate skin exposed from her neck down to her chest. Below, a tight skirt entuated her long, slender legs, incredibly enticing. Her dance was seductive, fueling imaginations. Not just Cody, but many other boys nearby were gaping at her, eyes fixed on her, consciously or unconsciously wanting to get close to her. No wonder Perez called him. As her gaze swept over, she didnt pause when she passed him, as if she hadnt seen him. Instead, she turned and ced her hands on Codys shoulders. Codys eyes widened, his hand sliding onto her bare back, then down her bare spine. David felt a surge of difort throughout his body, his heart burning in his chest. He angrily pushed through the crowd, pulling Cody, who was dancing close to Annabel, away. He almost knocked him to the ground with his strength. Cody was furious, but Davids expression was ferocious. Cody didnt dare toe forward, just cursing from the sidelines. David ignored himpletely, his gaze fixed on Annabel, cold as ice. The surrounding people also stopped, whispering from time to time, Whos that? Her dream boy, his roommate whispered softly. Amy and Asha exchanged nces, whispering, The dream boy is angry. This was how they referred to David in their dormitory. Only those who couldnt have him could call him a dream boy. Annabel straightened up, a few stray hairs dampened against her lips. She lightly brushed her ming red lips, giving him a flirtatious nce. I thought you wouldnte. He didnt say a word, draping his coat over her shoulders. She flung it off, Im hot! He remained silent, his pale face indicating he was on the verge of rage. He bent down to pick up the clothes, then put it on her shoulders again. Amy felt her heart clench. If Annabel threw it again, she didnt know what David would do. Sure enough, Annabel was about to throw it again, but Davids hands sped her clothes tightly, making her unable to move, and she shouted,Are you crazy? little rascal! With a slight force from his hand, Annabel was pressed against him in the next second. His other hand held the back of her head, lowering his head. Annabel murmured, her lips sealed by him. It seemed deliberate, his hand holding the back of her head, preventing her from moving, his lips rubbing hers roughly. Annabel winced, feeling her heart pounding so fast she was almost suffocating. Nervous and at a loss, she grabbed the sweater around his waist, her body softening against his. He seemed to feel her surrender, bing gentle and meticulous. Annabel felt her heart melting. He slowly released her, his hands around her shoulders, gritting his teeth as he whispered in her ear, Is this enough? There was a scream around them, the intense heavy metal music seeming distant to Annabel. She only felt Davids lingering breath by her ear, even his hoarse voice strangely seductive. She looked at his distinct profile and smiled slowly. Not enough! Hmm? She tiptoed and kissed him firmly. When she released him, Annabels lips curved, a hint of mischief in her eyes. Now its enough. After secretly loving him for four years, today finally brought a happy ending. *** In the morning, after thest ss, David had just walked out of the teaching building when he saw Annabel trotting towards him, and a group of ssmates admired, Wow, what a pretty girlfriend, David, youre doing great. The incident at the bar that night had already been broadcasted everywhere by Perez, the loudspeaker. Now, not only the ssmates but also the entire dormitory knew about it. I told you not to gossip. Perez chuckled, Its not my fault. me it on the fact that the girl youre dating is too high-profile. Youve be a hot topic at Eastdown Uni now. The most lively rumor in the school was that someone stole Cody, the yboys girlfriend, and everyone was asking about who this David was. David was somewhat amused but also exasperated. Actually, he had always felt like he was being fooled by Annabel. He asked her if what she said to him at the supermarket entrance that day was sincere, if she really intended to give up on him? Annabel rolled her eyes, Of course it was true. Im carefree and generous. Boys who like me line up from here to the school gate. Why would I hang myself on your tree? As she said this, her eyes curved, smiling like a little fox. He had to be skeptical of her words. When Annabel was in her sophomore year, she once said to him, Even if I were given the whole world, it wouldnt be as important to me as you are. At that time, he just thought she wasnt studying properly, always saying these nonsense. She couldnt be considered his entire world now, but the gap in his heart had gradually been filled by her, real and warm. When lying in bed at night, he would also think about the future. Having to deal with the Green Family made him feel a headache, and the future seemed very uncertain again. David was a diligent person, with a lot of coursework. He was also helping out at several culturalmunicationpanies where his mentor worked. He didnt have as much time as other couples to spend together every day. Sometimes, Annabel apanied him while he was busy. Even if she was just quietly ying with her phone on the side, he couldnt concentrate. So, he made rule with Annabel: Dont disturb me when Im busy. Annabel was especially understanding, Its okay, you do your thing, I wont bother you. But what she said and what she did were two different things. Just after he finished ss, she came again. Annabel didnt care if there were people around or not, she hugged his waist and looked up at him, acting coquettishly, You have to have lunch with me at noon, or else I wont eat. He suppressed a smile, staring at her expressionlessly, Then starve to death. Annabel really let go of him, pouting unhappily, Fine, Ill listen to you, Ill starve to death. Annabel turned and walked away, and David shouted after her, Stop right there! But Annabel ignored him. Perez walked up with a sigh, Your little rascal really knows how to y her cards right, shes got you wrapped around her finger. David red at him, Get lost, Dont you dare call her little rascal! Sharon stepped past Perez, looking somewhat disdainful as she nced at him, Look at Davids confession, so exciting and romantic, and then look at yours. She imitated his rough voice, Ill never let you drink soup when I eat meat, Ill never let you drink congee when I eat rice. Are we still living in the ancient times?! The roommates beside them bent overughing, and Perez reached out to pull Sharon over, Mine is being practical. Im nning to marry you and have children in the future. I dont have so much fluff. Sharon clicked her tongue, Youre talking as if David is ying emotional games. Hes much more serious than you. Chapter 48: Salvador’s Annoyance! Sara stood with her arms crossed, looking at Annabel who stood before her, towering over her by half a head. Though Annabels face showed reluctance, David stood behind her, his gaze fixed on Annabel, not allowing her to retreat. Sara couldnt bring herself to like Annabel, but since David brought her here, she had to be patient. So, whats the matter? Annabel cleared her throat awkwardly. Um that day, I, uh What was I doing She turned to David, wearing a look of resignation. David reached out and tapped Annabels head, chuckling helplessly. Well. Im not going to help you. She braced herself. Im sorry, Sara. I was wrong that day. You can scold me if you want.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Sara barely paid attention to what Annabel was saying. She only noticed the affection in Davids eyes as he looked at Annabel, and her heart sank. You two? David smiled faintly, one hand in his pocket, the other stroking Annabels head, answering her question with action. She was being too stubborn that day. Today, I brought her here to apologize to you! He generously introduced his girlfriend, and Saras lips twitched, her expression somewhat downcast. She forced a smile. Actually, She should apologize to you. The mud all sshed over you that day. But you dont need to apologize for your rtionship now, right? Anyway, congrattions to you both. Sara understood his intention. He was rejecting her but also saving face for her, rifying their rtionship in front of Annabel. David watched Sara leave in silence, and Annabel snorted softly. What, are you going to miss her? He ruffled her hair. Were you jealous that day? Which day? He knew she was pretending not to know, but he didnt expose her. He continued, We happened to meet on the street that day. I didnt expect you to see us. Remembering Annabels craziness that day, David gave her a stern look. Youre a lunatic. If you act like that again, I wont want you anymore. Annabel stopped in her tracks, raising her hand to solemnly promise, Dont worry, I promise to be a gentle and kind woman from now on. Ill do whatever you say! David chuckled softly. You talk too much! And stop hanging out with that yboy. A few days ago, he heard from Perez that Cody got drunk at a restaurant near the school. Annabel hadforted him, draping her arm over his shoulder. Its okay, Ill find you an even prettier one in the future. Hmph, in my eyes, hes just like a brother. Im telling you, hes a fool. He only knows how to spend money on those vain women. None of them genuinely care about him. Yeah, yeah, youre the best in the world. She blinked. Im not perfect, but I love you the most. He smiled but said nothing, already ustomed to her daily derations of love. He chuckled but didnt reply, already ustomed to her daily derations of love. Annabel also hoped that he could say some sweet words like I love you, but every time, he would pretend to be clueless. Fortunately, Annabel, being easygoing, didnt mind. For her, having the person she had longed for by her side was satisfying enough. On January 15th, when the school started winter vacation, the two of them took the train back to Annabels hometown. When they arrived at the station, Annabel was reluctant to leave, clinging to David until he finally managed to get her into a taxi. Back home, Annabels grandmother was delighted. The room had been tidied up half a month ago. Thomas was still as strict as ever with her, always nitpicking at her faults. As for Brenna, she still liked to pretend to be a good stepmother in front of others. The New Year was fast approaching. Logan called to say he wouldnt being home for the New Year. When Brenna heard the voice of the girl on the other end, she felt a bit uneasy. After dinner, Brenna sat alone in Logans room, packing up. She might not have been mentally prepared for her son to leave her. Someone knocked on the door, and Thomas walked in, cing his hand on her shoulder. Thinking about Gan? Brenna sat on the edge of the bed, holding Thomass hand, sighed softly, Hes never been away from me since he was little. After what happenedst time, Im always worried. How about you go to Kend with Gan for the New Year? Brenna turned around, tilting her head up softly asking him, What about you? Although she was in her forties, the look in her eyes as she looked at Thomas was still as tender as that of a teenage girl in love. He felt a bit apologetic, My mom and Be are at home. I cant leave them alone. Besides, I cant take them with us, and Be probably wouldnt want to go. Brenna was stunned for a moment, taking Thomass hand and pressing it against her face, If youre here, Ill be here with you. Otherwise, I wouldnt be in the mood over there. Besides, it wouldnt be right to leave Mom and Be alone. Thomas really liked Brennas gentle and considerate nature. He pitied her even more, Alright then, after we finish dinner on New Years Eve, well go to Kend together the next day. Brenna was both surprised and happy, feeling guilty and conflicted after a while, But how about Mom? What should we say to her? Dont worry, Ill talk to Mom about it. Brenna nodded, feeling somewhat mncholic, It seems like Gan has a girlfriend now, it should be Aria. Thomas frowned, That girl is quiteplicated. Suddenly, there was a meow at the door. When they turned around, Annabel stood at the door holding Garfield, sneering, What a drama queen! Thomass face darkened, before he could reprimand her, Annabel spoke first, Why dont you stay until after the 3rd before leaving? Otherwise, Grandma will be really heartbroken. Its fine if you want to spend New Years with your wife and son, but Grandma has raised you, its not easy for her. Logan isnt even your biological son, your wifes fortune changed with my moms help, and now shes be the wealthy wife that many people at Eastdown court. Do you even know who you owe more to? Her words hit the nail on the head, even Brennas expression changed. Thomass face darkened, Shut up, who taught you to talk to adults like this? Annabel snorted, holding the cat, she returned to her room, leaving Thomass scolding behind. Although Grandma oftenined Thomas, what mother wouldnt worry about her child? The more Annabel thought about it, the angrier she became, leaving the little cat aside, she picked up the phone and called Logan. It took a while for the phone to be answered, and on the other end, there were cheerful voices, both male and female, mostly likely gathering outside. Logan, living it up, huh? The voice on the other end sounded surprised, Annabel? Why arent youing back for New Years? When your mom makes a move, Thomas will fly over right after New Years Eve to be with you. How sad Grandma must be. Are you really that busy? Busy enough to not even have two days free? When cant your drama queen girlfriend stay with you? Why are you so selfish? Annabel became angrier as she scolded, Brenna was a drama queen, even the son she gave birth to had the same taste. There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds. Well, I know. Annabel felt relieved in her heart and hung up the phone decisively. Salvadory on the pillow, looking intively at his owner before jumping onto her back, resting his head on her shoulder. She reached back to pat Salvador. These past few days, he had been listless and refused to eat. She had taken him to the vet, but the doctor had only said that he was in a bad mood, without giving any further exnation. This little thing was extremely reliant on her, and this feeling of being needed made her feel strange. After raising her for so long, their bond had grown deep. Opening the group chat with her high school ssmates, everyone seemed to be in high spirits due to the holidays. Despite Aria being in Kend, she wasnt attending the same university as Logan. But Kend was so small that it didnt matter how far apart they were. Taking advantage of the lively chat, Annabel snapped a photo of Salvador and sent it to the group for help. My Salvador hasnt eaten for two days, and its worrying me. The vet says hes in a bad mood. Does anyone have any suggestions? The group offered various dubious ideas. She must be heartbroken Probably just bad food. The most dubious was Louis, You should starve alongside him; maybe thatll move her. Annabel knew she couldnt rely on these people. Putting down her phone, she grabbed Salvador. Im feeling down too. Whos going tofort me? Salvador turned his face away, proud and ignoring her. She tapped on Davids profile picture. He had been ignoring her like Salvador for the past few days. She sent a message, My cat is in a bad mood. Her: Youve been ignoring me for days, and now Im in a bad mood too. David: I was busy the past few days. Ill be free tomorrow. Her: You have to kiss me tomorrow to cheer me up. David: While other couples have the boyfriend trying to seduce his girlfriend, these two are theplete opposite. Thinking about earlier, she asked, Is it true that once men marry, they forget their mothers? David: Why would you think that? I wouldnt. Annabel looked at the message and felt like her brain was malfunctioning. Her: David: Whats wrong? Her: University students can also get married. Lets go register tomorrow and have a graduation photo with our child after we graduate, thats perfect! David: Youre not of legal age yet Her: Oh, then you dont need to rush. Just wait for me for another year and a half. David: Im not in a rush Her: Arent you afraid someone will steal me away? David: Whos foolish enough to go after a ticking time bomb? David waited for her response for a while, thinking she might be angry. As he was almost at his stop, he suddenly received a message from her, When I reach the legal age, are you brave enough to marry me? I want to have a real family of my own. David chuckled; she was back to her usual teasing self. He replied happily, Sure, if you dare to marry me, I dare to marry you. It was just a joke to him, but she took it seriously. Chapter 49: It’s a Female Cat! On New Years Eve, Brenna was busy in the kitchen, while Thomas kept Bonniepany, chatting away. Annabel nestled into a corner of the sofa, engrossed in her game, while Salvador curled up at her feet,zily drifting off to sleep. By the time Brenna finished cooking, Annabel had just finished her game. Before dinner, she prepared some cat food for Salvador, who still seemed uninterested and lethargic. Annabel crouched down, gently poking him with her fingertips. Whats wrong? You need to eat something. Thomas chuckled. Im not even half the parent she is to that cat. Ie home once a month, and she doesnt evene downstairs to greet me. Bonnie nced at Brenna and sighed. You treat your stepson better than your daughter. As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. As soon as Bonnie finished speaking, they heard the front door being pushed open. Within seconds, Bonnies stepson was standing at the living room door, holding a suitcase. Bonnie looked puzzled as Brenna hurried over to hug her son, her eyes welling up with excitement. Why didnt you tell us you wereing back? Logan, looking tired, hugged Brenna back. Wasnt it supposed to be a surprise? Thomas, beside himself with joy, patted Logan on the shoulder. Perfect timing. You must be starving. Go wash up and have dinner. Logan nodded, his gaze briefly passing over Annabel, who was ying with the cat by the coffee table. Without stopping, he greeted Bonnie. Grandma. Bonnie nodded slightly in response. After putting down his luggage and changing clothes, Logan finally made his way downstairs. Annabel was already seated at the dining table, barely sparing him a nce as he walked in. She continued ying with her phone. It had been six months since Logan had seen her, and he couldnt help but notice how much thinner she looked. Her slender fingers flew over the phone screen, typing away at lightning speed. He wondered who she was messaging,pletely ignoring her meal. He pulled out the chair next to her, just as Salvador suddenly jumped onto hisp, snuggling into his arms. Only then did Annabel look up, her mouth slightly agape, surprised at the sight of the man and the cat before her. Was this a female cat? She quickly grabbed some cat food and handed it to Logan. He hasnt been eating muchtely. See if you can get it to eat. Before Logan could even feed him, Salvador approached and started eating eagerly. Annabel felt unhappy. How could even the cat she raised betray her? Brenna greeted them with a smile. Alright, stop fussing over the cat and lets eat before the food gets cold. Thomas poured some wine. Youre an adult now. Come, lets have a drink, just us father and son. Sure.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Annabel caught a whiff of the rich aroma of the wine, making her mouth water. As Logan poured wine for everyone, he skipped Annabel. She raised her ss, ring at Thomas. Im eighteen too! Bonnie chuckled. How can a youngdy like you act like a drunkard? But its a happy asion today, so lets all have a drink. Logan gave her a disdainful nce and then reluctantly poured her some wine. Thomas and Logan got along well. As they drank and chatted, Brenna smiled and asionally joined in the conversation. Annabel felt a bit out of ce, but she didnt want to disappoint her grandmother, so she kept trying to cheer her up with stories from school. After dinner, Annabel followed Bonnie to the living room. Logan noticed the bowl next to her. She had barely eaten anything during dinner-just a bowl of soup and a few dishes, even less than what the cat had eaten. No wonder she was so thin. Bonnie beckoned to Annabel from the sofa. Understanding, Annabel sweetly said, Happy New Year, Grandma! Wishing you good health and happiness every day. Then, she held out her hand. Red envelope! Bonnie pointed to her forehead and scolded with augh, Little one! There was no big red envelope as she expected. Instead, Bonnie ced a bunch of keys in her hand. Annabel was pleasantly surprised. Whats this, a house? Is it for me? Bonnie nodded. Its a house in Edenbridge. Youre eighteen now, and its time for you to start owning your own assets. Annabel hugged Bonnie happily and kissed her repeatedly. Grandma, I love you the most. Brennas gaze wandered over. Edenbridge was the most expensive area in the city. A single house there would cost millions. Was Bonnie nning to transfer her assets to Annabel in advance? She hadnt been in good health recently and might have been making ns. Annabel danced with joy, while Bonnies eyes, sharp as ever, nced at Brenna. Brenna concealed herplicated thoughts, smiling gently at Bonnie. Just as she had the good fortune of outliving Essem, she would also outlive Bonnie in the not-so-distant future. But there was still Annabel, bound to Thomas by blood, inseparable and unbreakable. In that moment, Brenna realized with a heavy heart that she could never truly be the mistress of the Green Family. After dinner, Thomas also gave Annabel and Logan each a red envelope and generously gifted them a car as a New Years present, letting them choose it themselves. Annabel was overjoyed. Are you joking after having too much to drink? Thomas retorted, Dont want it? I want it, I want it! Annabelughed like a sly fox. Meanwhile, David and his family were having their New Years Eve dinner outside. He didnt tell Annabel he wasing home until almost 9 PM. Annabel had missed David terribly over the past few days. She went upstairs to change, wrapped herself up tightly, grabbed the prepared gift, and headed out of the house. As Logan wasing up the stairs, she passed by him. Sote, where are you going? he asked. Got something to do. As she passed him, he grabbed her, turned his head, and asked coldly, Are you two together? Annabel lightly nodded. He let go of her, his lips curling into a shallow smile. Congrattions, you finally got him. His gaze was icy, more mocking than congrattory. Annabel valued her time and wasnt interested in arguing with him. After drinking in the evening, she didnt dare to drive. She took a taxi and headed straight for the road to Davids house. Lanterns adorned the trees on both sides of the street, but it was quiet and serene. Only Iriss clinic was still lit. This doctor was too dedicated; she didnt even take a break for the New Year. She and David had decided to keep their rtionship secret from their families, so she didnt n to go in and say hello. She took out her phone to call David. Before she could dial the number, she saw a familiar pair of figures through the ss door. Chapter 50: I’m Your Girlfriend! In private, the roommates would often discuss some R-rated topics in the dorm, such as how forward their boyfriends were, with requests for hugs and kisses and make love beingmonce. Annabel felt that her rtionship with David was like ying house; she even had to initiate the hugs. Amy said that David was the abstinent type. Annabel knew that David didnt really like her that much. He was slowly pushed into this rtionship by her persistence and force. He treated her more like a pampered younger sister or daughter than a girlfriend, which often left her confused. She tried to convince herself not to mind. Regardless of the reason, he ultimately became her boyfriend. She wouldnt let him escape, nor would she allow another woman to take him away. She pushed open the door to the clinic. What are you doing here? he asked in surprise, signaling her with his eyes. Annabel ignored him, ncing at Sara, who was dressed like a little princess. Sara, what are you doing here? Saras attitude was a bit cold. I came to get some medicine. Iris asked, Do you two know each other? Iris had a strong impression of Annabel, not only because she looked a lot like L but also because she was the first girl brought home by a male teacher due to menstrual cramps. Sara noticed the expression among the three and realized that Iris didnt know about Annabel and Davids rtionship. She naturally wouldnt reveal it. We go to the same school and have seen each other around. Iris gave David a meaningful look, and he frowned at Annabel. Little girl, what brings you here? Have you eaten? Iris asked. I have. Happy New Year, Iris Before she could finish, she felt a tug on her cor. Davids low voice whispered in her ear, Ill agree to all your requestster. Annabel smiled inwardly, then took Iriss arm affectionately. I was just passing by and saw your lights on, so I came in to wish you a Happy New Year, Iris. I think about you often, do you think about me? Iris patted her hand kindly. I think about you too. Hows your stomach now? Annabel nced quickly at David and Sara behind Iris. David looked like he wanted to shut her up. Annabel smiled slyly. Your medicine helped, and with someone always watching over me, I havent had any issues. Im on winter vacation now and have nothing to do. Can Ie here often to keep youpany and help out? Iris chuckled but also felt a twinge of caution. Theres not much to do here. Enjoy your vacation and have fun. It would be boring to hang out with an old woman like me. Iriss subtle refusal was clear, and Annabel understood. Even Sara smiled slightly, her expression tinged with mockery. The next second, Annabel nonchntly smiled and said, I know youre busy, but if I get sick, you have to take care of me. Your medicine works wonders for me now. Sara took her medicine and was about to leave when Iris asked David to walk her home. Both of them were well-matched in all aspects, including family background, and Iris was intentionally trying to set them up. As soon as David and Sara left, Annabel found an excuse to leave too. She felt a sense of grievance-who exactly was his girlfriend? At the street corner, David hailed a taxi and opened the door for Sara. Just as she was about to get in, Annabel ran over and grabbed the corner of Davids coat. Shall we both see her off together? David ignored her, handed the medicine to Sara in the car, and told her to be careful on the way before closing the door.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. He turned around, crossed his arms over his chest, and frowned at her. Who told you toe here without saying a word? His attitude was cold, which annoyed Annabel. She pouted, I missed you. Cant Ie to see you? Despite her pout, she moved closer to him and stood in front of him, looking up at him. You just said youd agree to all my requests. David nced at her, easily guessing what she might ask for, but Iris was just 200 meters away. He pretended to make a move to punch her. Cant you be a bit more reserved? Annabel hadnt expected him to change his attitude so quickly. She used him, You dont keep your promises. Dont think I cant see that your mom wants to set you up with Sara! The winter night wind was icy and piercing. He ignored her usation, stomped his feet, pulled out his phone, and called for a taxi, intending to send her home as soon as it arrived. She red at him angrily and turned to head back towards the clinic. David, rmed, quickly grabbed her. Where are you going? With a determined look on her face, she said, Im going to tell Iris that Im your girlfriend, and that were getting married in a couple of years! David saw the determination in her eyes and realized she wasnt joking. He quickly pulled her back. No, no, dont provoke my mom. Cant you just let me have a peaceful New Year? Annabel ignored his plea and instead snuggled into his arms, hugging him tightly. David was still talking, a puff of white breath escaping his mouth as Annabel stood on tiptoe and quickly kissed him. Fearing his anger, she stepped back a bit, touched her lips, and smiled. Tastes good. David frowned and beckoned her with his finger. Come here. Annabel pursed her lips and smiled. No. He strode over, took off his gloves, and held her cold face in his warm hands. When the taxies, youll go home, okay? Itste, and your grandma will be worried. Annabel frowned. David, youre really annoying. I only annoy you, no one else. Is that okay? Thats more like it. His hands were dry and warm, and his gaze was gentle. Annabel blinked as she looked into his eyes. David, can you kiss me? I have an illness that wont get better unless you kiss me. He chuckled softly, held her face, and kissed her, their lips and tongues entwining gently. A car approached the street corner, and he finally let her go. Have you had enough for today? Annabel blushed slightly and remained silent. He opened the car door, waited for Annabel to get in, and was about to follow. David. A voice came from behind him-it was Iris. David paused, didnt look back, and closed the car door. He smiled at Annabel. Go home. Text me when you get there, okay? Iris watched David silently, her face full of shock and disappointment. Annabel opened her mouth to say something but couldnt find the words. As the driver started the car, she lowered the window and looked back. The empty street corner now had only David and Iris. They were arguing, and she heard the name L again. Suddenly, Iris raised her hand and gave David a heavy p. Annabels heart tightened. Stop the car! The driver was annoyed. Even if you get out now, youll still have to pay the fare. She didnt respond and didnt get out. She just turned to watch. Annabel could only see Davids back. He walked away silently, not stopping even when he passed Iris, and quickly disappeared around the corner. Iris stood in the cold wind, trembling and crying. Annabel felt both heartache and shock. What had happened to make Iris so heartbroken and dislike her upon learning about their rtionship? Chapter 51: You’re a Selfish Person! Annabel got out of the car at the entrance of her Vi area. It was too cold; the security guards had long retreated to the warmth of the guardhouse. From the shadow on the right side emerged a familiar figure, standing tall and straight-Logan. His hands casually stuffed into the pockets of his coat, he walked towards her. The light cast on his face made him look somewhat pale. His gaze fell on her frostbitten cheeks, and he reached out to pull the hood of her coat snugly over her head. Cold? Or are you feeling warm after seeing your boyfriend? Logans tone was emotionless, making it unclear whether he was teasing or mocking her. Perhaps it was because she now had David, or maybe it was because Logan had distanced himself from her over the past six months, but Annabel seemed to hold less resentment towards him. She didnt want to discuss David with him, so she swiped her card and entered the gate. What are you doing here? He followed her inside. Just back after visiting a friend. Annabel thought of Aria. She knew O had visited Kend several times, even spending Christmas there. Every post on social media was filled with a deep sense of loneliness, indicating that Logan had ultimately chosen Aria. She turned her head and said disdainfully, Going to see Aria? He stared at her for a moment, his dark eyes hidden in the shadows, as calm as the moonlight. Instead of answering, he asked her, You dont like her? She turned back and continued walking. Only you guys like scheming girls. He quickened his pace to walk beside her. Everyone has ws. There is no perfect girl in this world. Aria has her strengths and weaknesses, just like you. You have even more faults. If David were as critical as you, he probably wouldnt be with you. Annabels mood was already bad tonight, and hearing Loganpare her to a scheming girl made her even more irritated. I didnt want to interfere in your affairs, but you and I are somewhat connected since you are still legally my family. If shes your girlfriend, shell inevitably be around, affecting my mood. And to be honest, I dont like you either, and because of Aria, Ill like you even less in the future. She heard him snort softly but he didnt respond. The two of them walked home in silence. The living room lights cast shadows through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the courtyard, creating a pattern of light and dark among the trees. Only a warm yellow hangingmp illuminated the steps at the entrance. Annabels hand had just touched the door handle when Logan, standing behind her, spoke through gritted teeth, Annabel, youre a selfish person! She was a bit confused. How was she selfish? Before she could respond, Logans warm hand covered hers, pushing the door to the living room open. He quickly released her hand and slipped inside. Thomas and Brenna were still in the living room watching TV. The actors on the screen were reciting trendy catchphrases and telling forced jokes. Thomas turned his head and waved at Logan. A momentter, Annabel entered as well. Thomas smiled, unusually refraining from questioning Annabel and calmly inviting both of them, Come on, join us for some TV. Annabel sneered inwardly. As long as she was with Logan, Thomas feltpletely at ease. Brenna, on the other hand, casually asked, Where did you two go?This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Just went for a walk and happened to run into each other. Logan, having shed his earlier cold demeanor, stood behind the couch between Thomas and Brenna, pointing at the TV screen with a smile. This show is so awkwardly acted, it makes me embarrassed for them. Isnt it? Getting worse and worse. Annabel didnt feel like watching TV with them, so she turned and went upstairs. Taking out her phone, she saw that David still hadnt messaged her. She felt guilty towards David, fearing that his familys New Year had been disrupted. She sent him a message, Im sorry. His reply came quickly, Theres nothing to be sorry about. It was bound toe out eventually. Sooner might even be better. Annabel feared David might ignore her because of this incident, but his message reassured her. She even felt it was good that Iris knew, preventing her from pushing David and Sara together. Your mom likes gentle, diligent, and considerate people. Ill be whatever she likes. On her way back, she had been thinking about how to get Iris to ept her. Just be yourself. I wont be able to see you for a few days, be good. Knowing she had caused trouble, Annabel didnt dare go looking for David for several days. In the following days, Annabel and her family were busy with various social gatherings. Thomas formally introduced her to the outside world, seemingly intent on easing her into the social scene. Todays party was at the home of a renowned international architect. Logan, due to a cold, wasnt attending. Annabel noticed he seemed frail, often getting sick. Before heading out, she visited his room. Has this female cat fallen for you? Logan gave her a cold nce. Hes a male. Annabel shrugged. Dont stay with him too much. When you leave, hell be upset again. Salvador, the cat, struggled in anger, clinging to Logans leg. Logan nonchntly petted Salvadors ear. Then take him abroad. You two wont work out. End it now while its early, so it wont hurt as much. Annabel paused, Its not early. Ive liked him for four years. She took Salvador from him, holding the cat protectively. David is mine, and so is Greens Enterprises. I want both! She was both defensive and warning him. Nobody wants your David, and I dont care about Greens Enterprises either. What I want, Ill get by my own ability. Just watch and see who will achieve their desires in the end. His tone was calm, devoid of any visible emotion. Annabel didnt believe him; both he and Brenna had always been ambitious. Thomas called from downstairs, urging her to hurry. Annabel ended their unpleasant conversation and left. Salvador eventually jumped from her arms and ran back to Logans door, paws on the door. You ungrateful dumb cat, is he better to you than I am? Chapter 52: Her Smoothness The banquet hall was already bustling with guests. As soon as they stepped inside, the first people they encountered were Christopher and the architect Matthew Harris. Matthew had spent many years abroad and was unaware of many events that had happened in the country. He was chatting with Christopher when Thomass family arrived. Naturally, introductions were made. This is my old friend Christopher. Hes been living abroad for over ten years and only returnedst year. Thomas smiled and responded, A famous actor-who wouldnt know him? Christopher, with a meaningful tone, said, Just an ordinary actor, nothingpared to Mr. Green. Those who were familiar with the old rumors were watching closely, curious to see what kind of sparks might fly between them. However, they observed that both men were courteous and polite, with no hint of past grudges. These powerful individuals had minds as deep as the ocean, not easily revealing anything to onlookers. Even Annabels demeanor toward Christopher was courteous yet subtly distant. If not for Hollys knowledge, she might have assumed Annabel wasnt well acquainted with him. Holly sighed, This young girl handles things very smoothly. Christopher turned his head meaningfully, watching Annabel. She was holding Thomass arm, asionally chatting andughing with him. Then she would turn and gracefully converse with a group of elders. The sight was somewhat jarring for Christopher. If Essem were still alive, what would she think upon seeing this? No matter how fierce her arguments with Thomas, she always maintained his dignity in public. Blood ties are indeed undeniable. As the gathering progressed, the men grouped together to discuss politics and investments, while the women talked about fashion, jewelry, and skincare. Over a decade has passed in the blink of an eye, Brenna, you seem to grow younger every year while we all age. The speaker was Alexanders mother, Mrs. Drummond. Brenna was wearing a light blue mermaid gown that entuated her graceful figure, making her look much younger than her actual age. The hall doors swung open, and a young couple walked in, arm in arm. They were the eldest son and daughter-inw of the Masters Family. Mrs. Drummond nced at them, her tone somewhat sharp. Ever since Jake got out of prison, the Masters Family has been very active. But the current situation is different from what it was ten years ago. Im afraid theres little Jake can do now. Elizabeth instinctively looked at Brenna, who appeared outwardly indifferent. She slightly turned her face away, her expression reflected in the ss wall showing clear disgust. Elizabeth pondered the truth behind Jacks drunken words. She chatted andughed with Brenna, evidently more intimate than with the other women present. I have a particrly good projecting up. Are you interested in participating? These wealthy women often had private investments, and involving Brenna would ensure ample resources and connections. Id love to, but I dont understand much about business. Thomas is traditional and doesnt like me doing business outside. Brenna gently swirled her wine ss, taking a small sip, and politely declined, her gaze showing a hint of pride. Elizabeth scoffed internally. She had mixed feelings about Brenna, simultaneously trying to curry favor while feeling contempt and admiration. This woman,ing from a humble background, not only took another womans husband but now has a wealthy husband who adores her and a sessful son. Her skills were indeed impressive. Elizabeth smiled nonchntly. Thats true. Mr. Green probably doesnt want you to suffer outside and protects you from everything. She nced toward the center of the hall, then leaned closer to Brenna and whispered, Is Mr. Green nning to groom Annabel as his sessor? Brenna looked at Annabel with a gentle expression, as if she were her own daughter. She just started college. Its too early for that. Were close, so Ill be frank. I overheard Bonnie talking to my mother-inw. It sounded like shes nning to transfer all her shares to Annabel. Bonnie holds 10% of Greens Enterprises, andbined with the 10% Essem left to Annabel, Annabel would be the secondrgest shareholder in thepany. If she wanted to get involved, even Thomas would have to consider her opinion. The Green Family will eventually hand everything over to her. Brenna appeared nonchnt on the surface, but she felt a heavier shadow looming in her heart. On the day she married Thomas, Annabel stormed into the scene and sshed hot water on her face, saying, When I grow up, the first thing Ill do is kick you out! Brenna still vividly remembered Annabels resentful and icy gaze. Later, Annabel started hanging out with a group of delinquents, skipping school, getting into fights, staying outte at night, and even getting involved in dangerous situations at bars. At that time, Brenna felt she was beyond help, and she believed Thomas would eventually give up on her. So, Brenna didnt pay much attention to her. But looking at Annabel now, she felt a sense of being deceived by Annabel. When did she start changing into the person Thomas hoped she would be? Elizabeth gently patted her hand and chuckled, Your son is outstanding. He will surely be the pir of Greens Enterprises in the future. Brenna felt resentful. She had spent half a lifetime clinging to others. Was she going to watch her son live under Annabels influence in the future? What are you thinking about so deeply? Brenna snapped out of her thoughts as Thomas gently ced his hand on her waist. Lets go, Ill introduce you to someone. The person was one of Thomass ssmates from abroad. They conversed amicably as old friends do, and Brenna apanied them gracefully throughout.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Meanwhile, Annabel was chatting with Matthew about something. Whatever she said made Matthew burst intoughter, indicating that the two were getting along well. One of Thomass ssmates asked, Is the one chatting with Matthew your daughter? She seems very poised and elegant. Thomas remained modest in front of his old friend. Shes just a freshman in college, still quite naive. But one thing about her, shes been talkative since she was little. Brenna let out a soft snort inwardly. Talkative? Annabel hardly says a word to him throughout the year. Chapter 53: I’m the Real Deal! Matthew, in his fifties, was a highly educated and sophisticated man with a wealth of experience. It was quite surprising to Thomas that Annabel, being much younger, could converse so effortlessly with him. Thomas had deliberately let her handle this asion on her own, fearing she might be too arrogant or unsociable. However, she navigated the situation with ease, even if she might not have enjoyed it. Her performance did not disappoint him, and he was quite pleased. Yet,pared to Logan, she still fell short. This made Thomas feel a tinge of regret, as he thought that if Logan is his son, he could confidently entrust Greens Enterprises to him. The gentle flow of music filled the air, and people mingled, exchanged toasts, and conversed with warm smiles. Beneath the surface, there were unspoken tensions, shes of interests, and strategic maneuverings. Outsiders only saw the vastmercial empire of Greens Enterprises, unaware of the heavy burden it carried.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Thomass gaze shifted to the eldest son of the Masters Family, who was moving through the crowd with his wife. Jake had officially taken over the management of his familyspany and would inevitably be a business rival to Greens Enterprises. The redevelopment of the old district in the West City was a project both Wolf Family and Greens Enterprises had their eyes on. The Wolf Family needed this project to make aeback, but Greens Enterprises could not allow them to grow, so they had already begun their operations. In the business world, it was often a matter of survival. Looking at his daughters still somewhat youthful profile, Thomas felt a deep sense of mncholy. He feared her heart was only set on the boy she admired, with no room for Greens Enterprises. Annabel encountered Nancy near the end of the party, in the restroom. Annabel was washing her hands while Nancy was touching up her makeup. When Annabel looked up, their eyes met, and both were momentarily taken aback. Nancy had be much thinner, her face no longer showing the arrogance and aloofness of their school days. Instead, her eyes carried a hint of maturity and world-weariness. She gave a meaningful smile and said, So, its Miss Green. Back in school, Nancy had thought Annabel was just a troubled girl. She had no idea she was actually the daughter of the Green Family, which was low-key. Nancy resented David, and upon learning about his rtionship with Annabel, her hatred grew. Because of Annabel, he had trampled all over her pride and self-respect. Her six-year-long infatuation had turned into aplete joke. Hmm, Mrs. Masters, long time no see. Congrattions on your marriage. Annabel greeted Nancy cordially, despite their past rivalry over David during their time at Shining High School. Now that David belonged to her, she didnt mind exchanging pleasantries. Nancy finished applying her lipstick and gave a satisfied smile at her reflection. David used to treat you like an experiment. Back when rumors were flying about your teacher-student romance, he swore he had no interest in you. But now, hes with his experiment. Its really quite ironic. Annabel dried her hands and crossed her arms. We might have been rivals before, but today the difference between us is that youre a married woman and Im still single. We actually dont have any grudges left unless youre still hung up on him. But Id advise you not to mention David too much. After all, youre married now. I dont think your husband would appreciate hearing about your past. Nancys expression faltered slightly. With no one else in the restroom, she suddenly spoke in a more sincere tone. My husband and I are doing well. Im just worried about you being young and possibly getting hurt. I thought you should know that David doesnt truly like anyone but L. I didnt give up because of you; I lost to L. Youre just benefiting from her absence. Annabel was taken aback but then shrugged nonchntly. Why should I believe you? I have no reason to lie. If you dont believe me, you can ask Paul who L is. They were high school ssmates, and he knows everything. Annabel recalled that Iris had called her L the first time they met and that Paul had mentioned the name before. She had suspected something but hadnt pursued it, thinking it pointless to dwell on Davids past. However, it seemed she couldnt avoid this person now. Seeing Annabels silence, Nancy sighed again. Annabel, youre the heir to Greens Enterprises. You could have any boyfriend you want. Why settle for being a substitute? And does your father know about this? Annabel found Nancys words somewhat amusing. Youre really just trying to ruin things for everyone else because you didnt get what you wanted. I think you even hope David to be unloved for the rest of his life. Since she and David had just started their rtionship, she knew Thomas would definitely interfere if he found out. She warned, You dont need to worry about me and David. But if you tell my father, I wont hesitate to make your life in the Masters Family even harder. Annabel knew Nancy wasnt having an easy time in the Masters Family. Without any background, Nancy often faced cold stares and mockery. Feigning nonchnce, Annabel turned and left, but Nancys words left her feeling uneasy. Calling her an experiment and a substitute for L infuriated her. She thought to herself, I am Davids real deal! Yet, deep down, she knew Nancy might be right, which exined why David treated her well but showed no romantic interest. She felt disappointed and helpless, she couldnt stop obsessing over him, even though he had never given her any indication that he felt the same way. A few days passed without David contacting her, and she stubbornly resisted reaching out to him. However, she eventually gave in and drove to Iriss clinic on a clear day. Who is L? she asked. Iris sighed. You were bound to find out eventually. Let me take you to see her. Annabel, puzzled, followed Iris out the door. Chapter 54: I’ll Take Care of Him for You! Annabel drove her pink MINI COOPER today. Iris frowned at her car, and Annabel didnt understand why, but she politely asked her to get in. The interior of the car was modified and exquisite everywhere. She probably just went shopping recently, and the back seat was still filled with shopping bags. Expensive high heels, bags, and coats could be vaguely seen. One pair of her shoes likely cost more than Iriss monthly sry. Iris sighed secretly. David should found someone like Sara who had a good personality, simr education background and family conditions, which would be the most perfect for their family and David. Annabel asked her, Iris, where are we going? West Suburban Cemetery. Annabel turned her head and looked surprised, Shes dead? Iris nodded silently, feeling a little sad, She died at eighteen, just your age. Though many years had passed, Iris hadnt forgotten, and she knew David hadnt either. This sense of guilt might haunt them forever. How did she die? Annabel asked. Car ident, Iris sighed. Do I look like her? Iris nodded again. Yes, you do. Nancysment yesterday had given Annabel some inkling. She remembered Paul mentioning that David hadnt dated anyone in college until he met her. She had once proudly told David that he had waited for the best, and he had smiled and agreed. Looking back now, it seemed almostughable. David had never initiated a kiss but liked to touch her face, often holding her cheeks as if he couldnt get enough of looking at her. Now she knew that when David looked at her, he wasnt seeing her but L. Knowing this, she felt like a weight had settled on her heart. David liked the face, not the person behind it. I dont approve of your rtionship with David. You two arent a good match, and now you know that David doesnt truly like you, Iris said bluntly, hoping to make Annabel understand. Annabel, usually chatty, remained silent, her lips tightly pressed together as she focused on the road ahead. Feeling a pang of guilt, Iris softened her tone. Youre a youngdy from a wealthy family. Being with David is a kind of injustice to you. Were just an ordinary family; we cant match up to yours. Annabel shrugged off her concerns. These arent problems for me. Iris, who had always seen Annabel as an immature girl, found it hard to make her understand theplexities of the situation. She felt a headacheing on. Annabel was frustrated. She liked David, that was all. Why did everyone feel the need to interfere? Outside, the scenery shed by as Iris continued to observe Annabel. Frowning slightly, Iris remarked, Youre driving a bit fast. Its not safe. Annabel chuckled softly. Dont worry. My mom was a model and a professional race car driver. She took me to go-kart clubs when I was five, and by seven, I was participating in track races with her. I started learning to drive race cars at ten, so I probably have more driving experience than David. Iris found it hard to believe. Taking a seven-year-old to race cars-what kind of mother does that? When they arrived at their destination, Annabel bought three bouquets of flowers nearby. She handed one to Iris and kept the other two for herself. Iris found this curious but refrained from asking. Following Iris up a long staircase, Annabel suddenly stopped midway. Auntie, wait for me here, she said, veering off to the right. She walked a short distance and stopped in front of a grave, cing a bouquet of lilies down. After speaking softly for a moment, she returned. Thats my mom. She loved flowers, Annabel exined lightly. Iris felt a sudden pang of sympathy for her. She then led Annabel to Ls grave and pointed to the photograph of the girl. This is L. Annabel ced her bouquet down. The girl in the photo was smiling serenely. Annabel thought she must have been a gentle and kind girl. Seeing how much she resembled L, anyst shred of hope in her heart faded away. She must have been wonderful, Annabel said. Iris sighed deeply. Yes, she was. David was a rebellious and unruly boy. It wasnt until he got together with L that he started to change. Iris recounted much of Ls past. She and David were high school ssmates. They started dating in their senior year but kept it a secret from their parents. During the critical period of their senior year, right before the college entrance exams, y and Iris had to return to their hometown to care for ill rtives, leaving David alone at home. They returned unexpectedlyte one night and found L and David in bed together. Furious, they said many hurtful things, driving L to leave in tears, with David chasing after her. The next morning, they received the devastating news that both had been hit by a car. David was severely injured and unconscious, while L died on the spot. She had pushed David away from the oing car, sacrificing herself. Iris spoke with deep regret about Ls death. Annabel remembered the p Iris gave David that night, and David must have said harsh things to her. In his heart, he might also resent his parents for this matter. Later, they found out that L had a high fever that night and, with no one home, David had brought her to his house to take care of her. Nothing inappropriate had happened. After graduation, he gave up his dream of studying architecture and instead applied to Ls favorite university and major, bing a teacher at Shining High School. For all these years, hes been living the life she wanted. Annabel didnt know how tofort Iris. She felt aplex mix of emotions towards L, including regret and admiration. L must have loved David deeply to instinctively protect him in danger. Annabel realized that to David, she was probably nothing more than a face resembling Ls. Iris continued, David might have eventually moved on if he were with any other girl, but being with you only keeps the pain fresh. Every time he sees your face, hes reminded of his guilt towards L. He treats you well because he sees L in you, not because he loves you-youre just her recement.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. These words struck Annabel deeply. Iris then said earnestly, Youre still so young. Dont waste your precious youth on someone who doesnt love you. Its better for both you and David. Iriss main point was clear. Annabel had suspected this all along-David didnt love her. Hearing Iris and Nancy openly confirm this made her feel both embarrassed and angry. However, she restrained her anger out of respect for Davids mother. Touching the photo on the tombstone, she said softly, From now on, Ill take care of him for you. Is that okay? Iris was taken aback. Annabel then smiled wryly, Your silence means yes. Iris felt a mix of resignation and surprise. No woman would willingly stay with someone who didnt love her, especially not someone as proud as Annabel. Annabel certainly knew what was best for them, but she couldnt bring herself to follow it. Anyone would remember such a sacrifice for a lifetime, especially if the deceased was a lover. Yet, being treated as a shadow and kept in the dark was deeply painful for her. Annabel drove Iris back to her clinic, feeling heavy-hearted. Iris almost believed she had convinced her. But Annabel turned to Iris and said earnestly, Ive thought about would I protect David like L did? My answer is Absolutely. David learned that Iris had taken Annabel to see Ls grave that same day. Furious and frustrated, Annabel ignored his calls and messages. Her inner world had always been empty, drifting in a lonely and deste wilderness. David was her lifeline, and now she was told that even this wasnt truly hers. From the moment she met him in her first year of high school, David had been her emotional pir. Now, everything was crumbling, leaving her feeling profoundly lonely. She thought that perhaps her grandmother was the only person who truly loved her unconditionally. That evening, Logan came home to see Annabel in her pajamas, hugging a pillow and heading to Bonnies room. He silently chuckled at her childishness but couldnt take his eyes off her. Bonnie was on the phone when Annabel threw the pillow aside and snuggled into herp. Logan could see Annabels profile, her jaw clenched in sadness and frustration. Bonnie gently patted her, seemingly asking what was wrong. Annabel lifted her head and forced a smile, pretending nothing was amiss. Logan suddenly realized that her sorrow wasnt caused by Thomas or Brenna, but by David. Chapter 55: Feeling a Sense of Crisis! Today, David was going to a high school reunion and decided to drive Paul and his girlfriend Stacy there as well. As soon as Paul got in the car, he startedining, The invitation clearly said to bring a partner, David. Youre not following the rules. David nced in the rearview mirror. Mind your own business! Stacy, having heard some stories about them from Paul, was curious about Annabel. I heard your girlfriend was your student. Why didnt you bring her? David was already troubled by the fact that Annabel had been ignoring him for days, probably still upset about the L situation. He could only smile nonchntly in front of Stacy. Shes busy today. Stacy, full of gossip, continued, Did you fall for her at first sight and then carefully cultivate her? That kind of love story is so romantic. Davidughed it off. No, no, dont listen to Paul. Stacy kept asking questions, and David patiently responded until they drove into the underground parking lot. Finally, she quieted down. He always thought Annabel talked a lot, butpared to Stacy, Annabel seemed reserved. As they got out of the car, Paul whispered to him, Are you and Annabel doing okay? I saw her a couple of nights ago, racing with a group of people. They were going crazy, with several police cars chasing them. Stacy immediately chimed in, So, it was them we saw that night! Which one was Annabel? The one drinking on the sunroof or the cool one driving? Davids face darkened instantly. Annabels friends were all into gaming and clubbing, and she was no different. She had toned it down a lot since they started dating, but whenever he was too busy to keep an eye on her, shed still sneak out. Even the recently popr Mason had picked her up from school a few times. Now that she was on vacation, being around those unruly friends, she must be like a wild horse freed from its reins. He could tolerate many things, but street racing was something he couldnt ept; she had solemnly promised him she wouldnt do it. Paul, annoyed by his girlfriends nosy nature, pulled Stacy back, signaling her to stop talking. Stacy realized she might have said too much and stuck out her tongue in embarrassment. David suppressed his anger and tried to stay calm. Shes just yful. Ill find a time to properly talk to her. Stacy was surprised. You treat her like a daughter. Paul added meaningfully, I noticed youre not that attentive to her. If you dont contact her for days, you better watch out. What if she finds someone else? Where else are you going to find a girl as loyal as her? David felt a bit stifled. Not attentive? Over the years, Ive worried about her so much that Im almost growing gray hair. Thats different. You used to care about her as her teacher. Now youre her boyfriend; its a different role. Stacy chimed in, A girlfriend is someone you pamper and care for. Have you ever given her flowers, created romantic surprises for anniversaries, orforted and supported her? Have you done any of that? David was dumbfounded. Hed never done any of that stuff before. Annabel had even been the one to confess her feelings. She was a pampered youngdy who would sit in the cold bathroom scrubbing his shoes, albeit not very cleanly. When he returned to the dormte, she would soon bring him a hot meal. When they went shopping together, she never demanded anything extravagant. After doing this shedtched onto him, demanding he repay her with hugs and kisses. He had grown ustomed to these things. Paulsment brought him back to reality. He stretched out an arm and pulled Stacy closer, teasing David. I dont know what to say about you. Its a miracle you have a girlfriend when I had to work so hard to woo mine. Stacy turned her head, feigning a threat. What do you mean by that? Paul quickly adopted a sycophantic tone. I mean, you were hard to win over, which makes you great. Thats more like it. As the couple snuggled up, David seriously wondered if he needed to reflect on his role as a boyfriend. It was dinnertime, and they waited at the elevator for a while. From a distance, they saw a pink MINI COOPER pull in. The car stood out, and Paul couldnt help but nce at it. That car is so girly. I bet a cute girl will step out. Just as he finished speaking, the drivers door opened, revealing a tall young man with a casual, stylish outfit. He stood with his back to them. Stacy chuckled, and Paul looked puzzled. What? Its a guy? But within seconds, Annabel jumped out of the passenger seat, mmed the door, and Paul nced at David. No way, speak of the devil. The young man turned around, revealing a striking face and a cold demeanor-it was Logan. He opened the car door, took out a coat from the back seat, and handed it to Annabel. She didnt put it on, instead, she draped it over her arm. The underground garage was chilly, and her face was flushed red-who knows what they had been doing. Logan gestured towards her coat, saying something they couldnt hear from afar. Annabel gave him an impatient look but still put on the coat.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Paul nced at David with a gloating expression. You may not care, but someone else does, and they live in the same house. Davids eyes were fixed on the scene. As the elevator arrived, David pointed towards it, expressionless. You guys go up first. Ill be there soon. Paul, noticing Davids foul mood, chuckled and pulled Stacy into the elevator, not forgetting to tease him. Starting to feel a sense of crisis? David grumbled, You talk too much. Annabel and Logan headed towards the opposite elevator. David pulled out his phone and dialed her number, watching as she looked at the screen and then shoved the phone back into her pocket. They both entered the elevator. Grinding his teeth, David took a step forward, intending to follow, but they were already out of sight. He called her again, but her phone was off, clearly determined to avoid him. Feeling helpless, he went upstairs to look for her but couldnt find her. His phone buzzed non-stop with calls from old ssmates urging him to join the reunion. Reluctantly, he headed to the private room for the reunion. Most attendees had brought their spouses or girlfriends, and as soon as he walked in, someone teased, Wheres your little girlfriend? Why didnt you bring her? David, distracted, brushed off the question with a few casual remarks. The group exchanged drinks and reminisced about their school days and current lives. The evening passed quickly. After dinner, everyone decided to go to a karaoke bar. David, not in the mood, was about to excuse himself when a chorus of voices insisted he stay. The karaoke bar was next door. They booked arge private room and continued drinking and singing. David, feeling a bit irritated, soon stepped out. The borate crystal lights cast a kaleidoscope of colors on the glossy marble floor, creating a dazzling scene. From the other end of the hallway came the familiar sound of high heels clicking on the floor. Davids heart leaped with joy, and he walked toward the source. Annabel was leaning against the railing. She was wearing a ck knee-length skirt, matching stockings, and stood with her long legs crossed. She held a cigarette in her hand, her gaze wandering as she stared at the ceiling. As he approached, she finally noticed him. She didnt snuff out the cigarette as usual, instead flicking the ash. She nced at him coldly. What? David didnt say anything. He took the cigarette from her and tossed it into the trash can, then stepped closer to her. He put his arm around her waist, feeling her slender, soft frame, but her body reeked of smoke. Dont smoke anymore, okay? Im upset. She turned her head and asked him with a hint of sarcasm, Do you know who youre holding? He hesitated, a bit helpless. Annabel. She pushed him away, her face cold. Leave me alone. Let me be quiet for a couple of days. Annabel turned to leave. When he tried to follow, she suddenly snapped, Im telling you, Im really mad right now. You better stay away. I dont know what awful things I might say! She was truly angry this time, but David couldnt just let her go. He caught up, pulled her into a hug, and pinned her against the wall. She struggled and fought back, but David firmly held her wrists against the wall, preventing her from moving. He leaned down to kiss her. But this time, it didnt work. She kicked him hard in the shin, making him grimace in pain. She knew karate and didnt hold back at all. Davids face twisted in agony. Chapter 56: Don’t Look at My Face! Before he could reprimand her, she burst out angrily, Dont kiss me, and dont look at my face! She bit her lip, her eyes turning red. He knew she felt hurt and wronged. Despite his guilt, he couldnt bear to see her like this, so he pressed her against the wall and held her tightly. She didnt resist with force this time. David looked at her steadily, while she turned her head away, proud and stubborn. He asked, Do you really not want to see me? Should I just leave? She responded coldly, Suit yourself! He lowered his head slightly, seeing a graceful curve of her neck, where faint blue veins could be seen. He felt a stirring in his heart and wanted to soothe her, so he leaned down and gently kissed her neck. She stiffened and tried to pull away, shrinking against the wall. David felt a throbbing sensation, the smooth texture of her skin tempting him to bite. He couldnt help but apply more pressure. She kept avoiding him, pushing his head away angrily. It hurts! Are you a vampire? He looked up and teased, If Im a vampire, then youre a little puppy. Havent you bitten me enough before? Suddenly, there were faint footsteps behind them. David let her go and looked towards the hallway, where a shadowy figure stood.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Annabel stood against the wall, one hand on her arm, head bowed, looking dejected. Ive been thinking these past few days, how do you really see me? If I didnt look like her, would you treat me well? Would you be with me? This topic was unavoidable. If Annabel didnt look like her, he wouldnt have had special feelings for her from the start, wouldnt have poured all his time and energy into her. Over the three years of high school, she had been a constant source of worry but also a greatfort to him. He owed L, and he had repaid it all through Annabel, to the point where he couldnt distinguish his feelings for her. His expression showed hesitation. Annabel suddenly straightened up, helping him adjust the cor she had messed up. David, I dont want to hear lies. Even if the truth is harsh, I want to hear it. Sheid her hand on his chest, looking at him intently. He had always treated her like a child, but this time, it wouldnt work. He often found himself looking for traces of L in her. No matter how much they resembled each other, they were twopletely different people. He had poured his heart out for Annabel all these years; how could he not love her? He thought carefully about how to phrase it. There are no ifs, so theres no need to consider hypothetical situations. I admit that because you look alike, I treated you differently from others, leading to many things. But whatever the reason, we ended up together, and I like you and care about you. Isnt that enough? He met her dark eyes, like making a big decision. Since were being honest, I wont lie to you. I owe L too much, and Im afraid I wont be able to forget her in this lifetime. If you cant ept that, I wont me you. She was stunned, her expression turning cold. What do you mean? His gaze fixed on her, showing some guilt. Ive confessed everything; you make the decision. Sheughed coldly, standing up straight, eyes zing with anger. Youre really fucking honest and understanding! Thanks a lot! She cursed, full of fury. At that moment, David felt a tension in his heart suddenly rx. Her reaction had given him the answer. He stood close to her as she shouted, Get away from me! She started to explode again. In the past, she often cursed and provoked with a wild attitude, but would calm down upon seeing him. He instinctively wanted to hug her andfort her. She pushed him away forcefully. Go away. She turned and walked into a private room, and he subconsciously followed a couple of steps. She suddenly turned around, her face full of murderous intent. Dont follow me! David watched her walk to the end of the private room, where she kicked the door open and then bent over, seemingly in pain. Just as he was about to go over and check, someone came out of the room to support her. David couldnt see the persons face, only their long fingers around Annabels slender waist, which made him ufortable. Annabel impatiently pushed him away and soon disappeared into the doorway. The person poked their head out, looking in Davids direction with a cold expression. It was Logan, who nodded as a greeting and then turned to follow Annabel inside, and closing the door behind him. With Logan there, David felt he didnt need to worry about her getting drunk and causing trouble, but for some reason, he felt even more depressed. Inside the room, people were singing, while others yed truth or dare. Annabel wasnt in the mood and hid in a corner, pulling out her phone to vent her frustration by ying a game. Most of the high school friends present were Logans buddies. Besides Aria and Ryan, the rest inexplicably became Annabels friends. They had apanied her through the darkest period of her high school years. Although Annabel appeared fierce, she still appreciated them deep down. With Logan around, it wasnt surprising that Aria was there too. She kept following Logan with her eyes, and it was clear their rtionship was good. But with Ryan there, everyone was too embarrassed to tease them about it. Ryan pretended to be indifferent, but his awkwardness was evident. After all, on one side was his friend, and on the other, the girl he had always secretly liked. When it was Logans turn to y truth or dare, Louis didnt believe Logan had genuinely fallen for Aria and asked him a long-standing question, Honestly, did you like Annabel in high school? Logan nced at Annabel, who was curled up in a corner ying the game and swearing angrily. He suddenly felt annoyed; she only pretended to be gentle in front of David, but she was just a little rascal. Everyone urged him to answer quickly! Logan lightly traced the rim of his wine ss, casually saying, Shes my sister, my stepfathers daughter. He neither confirmed nor denied it, leaving the onlookers surprised, their mouths agape, all turning to look at Annabel. You kept it well! We couldnt tell at all. Annabel finally looked up from her phone, clearly annoyed, and red at them. What are you looking at! A warm light shone on her, highlighting a distinct bite mark on her fair neck. Oblivious to it, she kept tapping on her phone, looking frustrated. Everyone noticed the bite mark. Louis vaguely remembered hearing rumors that Annabel and Mr. Curry were together but had never verified it. He was about to ask for gossip. Aria whispered, Mr. Curry is here. I saw him earlier. She didnt say it outright, but her meaning was clear. Someone chuckled, Annabel was gone for a while earlier. That bite mark on her neck must be from Mr. Curry, right? Aria sighed, Mr. Curry got into grad school at his alma mater, and Annabel followed him there. Honestly, I admire her courage. There arent many girls as devoted as she is nowadays. Her tone seemed genuinely admiring of Annabel. Louis teased her, I remember you didnt like her. Now that you know shes Logans sister, you admire her? Is it real admiration, or are you just relieved to have one less rival? Aria retorted angrily, None of your business. Someone still doubted and asked Logan, Are they really together? Is she really with Mr. Curry? Logan looked away, coldly replying, I dont know. Louisughed, Why guess? Just ask directly. He called out loudly, Annabel, wheres David? Why didnt you bring him? Annabel was most annoyed by hearing Davids name. She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Dont mention him! Louis made a gesture of surrender, then turned to the others and said, Not only are they together, but theyre also having a quarrel! Logan frowned and warned him, Stop gossiping about her. He nced at the time. It was gettingte. Its about time to wrap up. With that, he got up and walked over to Annabel. Annabel and her childhood friends yed a few more games, with Mason consistently dragging them down, not winning a single game. Annabel got even more upset, tossing her phone aside in frustration. Itste, lets go home. She was about to agree when Mason called. She was furious, scolding him harshly. Logan listened to theughter on the other end of the call with disgust. Annabels bad temper and habits were partly due to her grandmother spoiling her, but mostly because of Mason. They were kindred spirits, close as can be. It was unclear what he had said, but her anger subsided, and she remarked in a dejected tone, Im so detest with my face right now. She nced at Logan, who was watching her with a cold expression. He had no intention of leaving, his eyes fixed on her neck. She instinctively touched her neck, remembering Davids bite. Feeling ufortable, she snapped, What are you looking at? Mind your own business! She took her phone and went to the bathroom. Logan stood there, feeling defeated. He couldntpare to David, or even to Mason. To her, he was always an outsider; what right did he have to be disappointed? Chapter 57: “Bit by Your Son!” Annabels phone callsted almost an hour. By the time she emerged, the lights in the private room were dimmed, casting a shallow blue glow from the big screen. Most people had already left, leaving only a couple in the corner of the sofa. Aria was pinned into the sofa by Logan, who was almostpletely leaning on her, his head buried in her neck. Was this really the usually aloof Logan? Aria tilted her head back against the cushion, one hand around Logans waist, the other under his shirt. Sensing someone watching, she opened her eyes to see Annabel standing by the bar, her left hand in her pocket and a cigarette in her right, the tip glowing in the dim light. She watched them coolly from a vantage point. As Annabel approached, Aria didnt look embarrassed; instead, she smirked, a mix of seduction and challenge, as if dering her territory to Annabel. Annabel, uninterested in watching others intimate moments, stubbed out her cigarette in an ashtray on the coffee table. Im heading back. You two carry on. Her voice was calm, not the least bit embarrassed by catching them doing that. Logan drove her here. Her license is suspended, so she got him to be her chauffeur. Now, it seemed he couldnt be counted on. Logan suddenly lifted his head from Arias shoulder and called out, Annabel? He frowned, struggling to shake off Arias hand from his shoulder. He looked at her for a moment, then stood up, nced at Annabel, and tried to steady himself. But his legs gave way, and he fell back onto the sofa. Aria reached out to help him, but he pushed her away. Annabel had left to make a phone call, and Logan had been perfectly sober then. Now, after the call, he was drunk. Logan was usually a disciplined person who never let himself lose control. Annabel suspected he might have intentionally gotten drunk to have an excuse for inappropriate behavior, and she had stumbled upon it. Aria sneered, What are you looking at? Never seen a couple fight? Annabel chuckled, leaning on the bar with her right elbow, watching with a teasing expression, but she said nothing, much to Arias frustration. Annabel had no intention of staying to watch. She slipped her finger through her keychain and twirled it as she walked out. You, Stop. Logans low voice came from behind. It sounded weak, and Annabel stopped, raising an eyebrow. Logan hung his head, pressing his hands against his temples. Be,e here. Logan rarely called her by her nickname. His voice was low, and she detected a hint of resentment? What the hell? He had taken advantage of another girl, so what was there to be resentful about? Aria was clutching a pillow so tightly that her fingers dug into it, her face pale. Logan ignored her, using the sofa for support as he stood up. His cheeks were flushed, and his dark eyes were hazy, like a clear stream shrouded in a thin mist. Even Annabel, who usually held deep prejudices against him, found him less annoying at that moment. Logan was handsome, easily attracting admiration from women at first sight. Logan swayed as he walked towards her, and several thoughts raced through Annabels mind. She asked Aria, Why dont you take him? Aria retorted, Hes mad at me. Isnt he your brother? Annabel smirked, I dont acknowledge him. Arias face turned even paler. She suddenly stood up and quickly walked out, her high heels clicking on the floor and then fading into the hallway. Annabel genuinely intended to give Aria a chance. Why not seize a good opportunity? She looked helplessly at the big problem before her. Logan was standing just a step away, looking at her with innocent puppy-like eyes. He leaned against her, and Annabel, couldnt support his weight, causing them both to crash to the floor. Her back hit the cold marble floor, while Logans warm breath brushed against her neck. Before she could push him away, she felt a sharp pain in her neck-Logan had bitten her!N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. She shoved him off and stood up, kicking him, What the hell is wrong with you? She turned and walked out of the room. Looking back, she saw that he hadnt followed. She gritted her teeth and turned back. Logan had fallen asleep on the floor. After much effort, she managed to support him, but Logan was much taller, with most of his weight pressing on her. She felt like her shoulder might copse. I should just leave you on the street! She cursed but couldnt bring herself to abandon him. The KTV was a long T-shaped design, and the elevator was still far away. Annabel walked a bit and was exhausted, so she propped Logan against the wall to rest. She heard Paul wailing faintly down the hallway, and the fourth door was half-open. If she remembered correctly, that was where David and his group were. She was still angry and had no intention of asking David for help. Struggling, she continued to support Logan as they walked. As she passed the private room, she instinctively nced inside. With just one look, she locked eyes with David, who was sitting directly opposite the door, as if he had been waiting for her. He stepped out, frowning. Why are you two the only ones here? Wheres everyone else? She responded coolly, They left. David had hoped Logan would keep an eye on Annabel, but now Logan was the one who had gotten drunk. David helped her get Logan into the car. Just as he reached to open the front passenger door, the doors all locked with a click. Without saying another word, she drove off, leaving him standing there. David had waited all night, only to be left frustrated. She had insisted on hearing the truth, but telling her the truth only seemed to make her angrier. Did she want honesty or lies? Meanwhile, Annabel tossed Logan on the couch the second she walked in, totally freaking out Brenna and Thomas. Thomas frowned. Whats going on? Annabel rolled her eyes. ss reunion. He had a fight with his girlfriend and drank too much. You can ask him who his girlfriend is! Annabel deliberately turned up her cor to hide the bite marks on her neck. As she poured herself a ss of water, Brenna, ever observant, noticed the marks when Annabel bent over. Brenna quickly looked away and turned her attention to Logan. Annabel, unaware, shook her sore arms and went to Bonnies room to chat with her grandmother before heading upstairs. Logans door was open, and Brenna and Thomas had juste out. Brenna paused. Thank you, Be. Brenna liked to y the role of a gracious, caring stepmother in front of Thomas. Annabel sneered but held back a retort, seeing Thomass serious expression. She shrugged in response. Brenna looked at Thomas and smiled. Be seems to be in a good moodtely. Could it be love? Annabel froze. There was a hint of affectionate teasing in Brennas words, but the more affectionate she was, the more insincere it felt. Annabel felt uneasy. Sure enough, Thomas looked at her sternly. Annabel responded calmly, Thats not the case. She knew very well that neither Thomas nor her grandmother would approve of her being with David. Even without external obstacles, their rtionship was unstable, let alone if Thomas and the others found out. Brenna wasnt about to let it go. She pointed to Annabels neck and softly reminded her, It might be better to cover that up tomorrow. Thomass face immediately darkened. Annabel wouldnt take this lying down. She nced at Logans room and said, Your son bit me. Brennas mouth opened in shock, but she couldnt make a sound. The marks were in such an intimate spot. Annabel decided to reveal more, saying, It really was your son. He mistook me for his girlfriend. There was kissing and biting. It still hurts. Seeing Brennas doubtful expression, she added with a smile, Dont believe? Ask your son tomorrow. Annabel wanted to frustrate Brenna and Thomas. Brenna felt extremely awkward. For over ten years, Annabel had been a thorn in her side. If she got involved with Logan, things would only get worse. Annabel secretlyughed to herself, ncing at Thomas. His eyes first fell on her, then drifted thoughtfully to Logans room. But he said nothing. Sensing something, Annabel sneered. What was the old fox plotting? She would already consider it generous if she didnt find a way to get rid of Brennas son. Logan didnt wake up untilte in the morning. He remained as cold as ever, and Annabel didnt mention the incident. As for whether Brenna had questioned Logan about it, she couldnt care less. It was their problem, not hers. Chapter 58: Disappointment! On the sixth day of the holiday, which happened to be Valentines Day, Annabel was called to breakfast by Eve. As she went downstairs, she noticed a suitcase standing by the entrance and could faintly hear Brennas voice from the dining room, giving somest-minute instructions. Was Logan going back to Kend today? Even though they lived next door, she hadnt seen much of Logan recently. He seemed to be busy with something. When Annabel entered the dining room, even the usually busy Thomas was there. Logan really did get different treatment. Thomas nced at her disapprovingly. Do you even know what time it is? Bonnie, displeased, responded, Shes on holiday. Shes supposed to rest. Whats wrong with waking up a littlete? Thomas didnt dare contradict his mother and shot a re at Annabel, who smiled silently. Logan was eating homemade noodles Brenna had prepared while asionally ying with Salvador, who had taken her seat. Annabel picked up the cat and tossed it into Logansp. Get lost. Even the cat had turned traitor to her. What was the point of keeping it? Logans gaze shifted from her face back to Salvador. Brenna sighed with reluctance. Why are you in such a hurry to go back? Wouldnt it be nice to stay with Mom a little longer? Before Logan could respond, Annabel interjected, Its Valentines Day today. Are you going back to be with your girlfriend? Aria had flown to Kend the day before, supposedly with a handsome exchange student. Brenna, not knowing the details, looked between them, seemingly curious to find out more. Logan nced at her indifferently. I dont have a girlfriend. Your mom and I are attending a charity eventter. Be, why dont you take Logan to the airport? Youre justzing around anyway. I dont have time! No need for her to drive me! They both objected simultaneously. Thomas sighed, Alright, alright. The driver will take you. Logan quickly finished eating and got up to leave, with Thomas and Brenna following him out. Annabel went upstairs to grab her bag and then headed out the door.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content. Logans car was parked by the roadside, with the driver loading his luggage. From start to finish, he didnt acknowledge her presence. Since that night at the bar, Logan had been distant toward her. Annabel never cared about his moods, so she couldnt be bothered. She decided to visit Christopher, who had beenining about herck of concern for her elderstely. Christophers assistant, Lara, was ying with her phone in the outer office. When she saw Annabel, she didnt stop her. Boss is inside. There were only two people who could walk straight into Christophers office: Annabel and Boris. Everyone in thepany treated them with utmost respect. Did your boss give you guys the day off for Valentines Day? Lara smiled. Yeap. Why arent you off then? Single dogs dont get holidays. Annabel chuckled. Ill have a word with your boss about that. Sheughed as she pushed open the office door. Christophers office wasrge, with a half-partition in the middle: the outer area for guests and the inner area for work. She could faintly hear Christophers voice, Hows it going? This guy is smart; he even managed to track it back to us. It was Boriss voice. Annabel hadnt intended to eavesdrop, but the tone indicated it wasnt good news. There was a long silence before Christophers voice turned cold and harsh. Then we cant let him go. Didnt he just return to the country? It wont be hard to make it look like an ident. Annabels heart skipped a beat. Was Christopher nning to hire someone to kill? Boris lowered his voice. Theyre already suspicious. He might have told Thomas, and hes flying out today. We cant make a move for a while. Christopher sneered, Letting him go so easily would be too good for Brenna. Annabels mind buzzed. Was Christopher nning to target Logan? Her heart raced, and she suddenly burst out, You cant harm Logan! Hes not like Brenna! Christopher and Boris were stunned. Christophers face, full of shadows a moment before, instantly softened. What brings you here? He calmly gestured for Boris to leave. Dont touch him! Christopher smiled faintly. I dont understand what youre talking about. Im not stupid. When I was in the hospitalst time, I asked you if Thomass enemies were targeting Logan and if I might be next. You told me not to worry. I suspected it was rted to you, but I didnt want to believe you were this kind of person. Youve really let me down! He stepped closer, gripping her shoulders tightly. Beneath his calm facadey deep-seated hatred. There were three people who knew your mother died: your housekeeper, your father, and Brenna. The housekeeper disappeared after moving abroad with her family. Your mothers cause of death was asthma, but thats not fatal! Do you know how wonderful your mother was?! Christophers face twisted with anger, and his grip on her shoulders tightened. Then call the police! Why resort to these methods? Annabel knew he was angry. Christopher believed Thomas was responsible for Essems death, a notion she resisted because, after all, Thomas was her father. Would that help? he retorted coldly. Annabel leaned on the wooden desk and said eagerly, If Brenna caused my mothers death, I wouldnt let her off either. But Logan is innocent. Hes only neen; his life is just beginning. And I dont want you to throw away your future avenging my mother. Christopher clenched his fists. Dont be naive. Brennas son cant be innocent. Your mother was fooled once by Brennas innocent act. In the end, Brenna got involved with your father, and your mother died mysteriously. Logan is the same-hes ruthless and will be your biggest threat! Annabels voice dripped with anger. Even if theyre all bad, does that justify hiring someone to kill? How are you any different from them? You should focus on your own life. Aunt Holly is a good person. Christopher stood in the light, squinting as he studied her. He thought about how ruthless Thomas had been but decided against saying anything further. Seeing the anger and disappointment on Annabels face, Christopher softened his tone, worried she might fear him and avoid him. I promise you, this ends here. Annabel responded sternly, You have to keep your word. This is my principle. If something happens to Logan, I wont cover for you. And if my mothers death is truly connected to Thomas, I wont cover for him either. Christopher couldnt miss the implication in her words. She met his gaze with a firm, resolute expression. Shes gone so far as to defend Brennas son! Chapter 59: Wait for Her for Five Years! As Annabel left Christopherspany, the sky had cleared, but a chilly breeze wrapped around the sunshine, making her feel cold. She tightened her coat around her. Standing by the street for a while, she felt a deep sense of disappointment-not just in Thomas, but now in Christopher as well. Each of them seemed to have a world inside them as deep as the ocean, with no visible bottom. Annabel felt uneasy and lost. She didnt have the experience to handle this situation calmly, and she couldnt turn to anyone for help. She wanted to protect Christopher and couldnt even warn Logan. She wondered to herself: if this person, whom she had fought against since childhood, suddenly disappeared from the world, would she be sad? The answer was yes. Logan might be her future opponent, and she was prepared for the day theyd confront each other head-on, not for him to vanish quietly now. Mason called and asked, Do you have ns tonight? I dont think so. Im in a cold war with David. Perfect. We havent hung out in a while. Lets have hotpot tonight. Mason had recently starred in a popr idol drama. Thepany wanted to stir up rumors of a romance between him and the female lead. They attended promotional events together, acting ambiguously. Annabel wasnt in the mood for small talk. She set the time and ce and hung up. After driving around aimlessly, she gritted her teeth and finally headed onto the highway to the airport. There were many people at the security checkpoint, and the line was long. Logans tall stature and unique presence made him easy to spot in the crowd. He wore earphones, with the white cords extending to the ck coat draped over his arm. His expression was rxed, with a faint smile at the corners of his mouth. She called out to him, but he didnt react. Annabel was puzzled why he chose economy ss and stood in line instead of flying first ss. Thomas was very generous with him, even more so than with her. Logan could easily lead the life of a rich second-generation, but he was so self-disciplined that it bordered on boring. She walked over and took off his earphones. For a moment, she heard some noisy sounds from them; the music wasnt particrly good. Logan was taken aback and quickly snatched the earphones back, asking calmly, What are you doing here? Annabel felt she needed to do something to ease her conscience, but now that she was in front of Logan, she didnt know what to say. Logan raised an eyebrow. Whats going on? Not a snowballs chance in hell shelle to see him off. Annabel quickly found a suitable excuse. I came to see off a friend and happened to see you. Safe travels, take care. Logans gaze fixed on her dark eyes, trying to decipher something. Annabel felt anxious and guilty, and seeing Logan now didnt help. But she didnt want him to notice her emotions, so she forced herself to look impatient. What are you looking at? Forget I said anything, Im leaving. She put her hand into her coat pocket and turned to leave. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her cor, forcing her to turn around. Normally, Annabel would have fought back, but her feelings towards Logan wereplicated at this moment. She told herself that she wasnt the one trying to harm him, so she shouldnt feel guilty. Logan bent slightly, leaning in close and asking calmly, Youre here to see off a friend? Where are they going? Which flight? What time? Annabels mind was already a mess. His cold, probing questions left her stunned. Logan straightened up. You really came to see me off? He smiled faintly, and the cold, dark eyes suddenly became animated. Holding onto the cor of her coat with his long fingers, he said, Did you tell your dad that I kissed and bit you? Did that really happen? Annabel, unaware of the trap in his words, retorted confidently, You dont know if you bit me or not? I carried you all the way back, and youre repaying me like this? Youre heartless! He nced at her expressionlessly. It was tough for you, huh? I still have bruises from the kicks you gave me that night. Also, because you said I kissed and bit you, your dad wants me to take responsibility. I told him you have David. Annabel was stunned. Did you really say that? Logans eyes shed with a mischievous smile. So, you havent told your dad yet. It dawned on Annabel that he had tricked her again. Before she could react, he reached out and ruffled her hair, suddenly bing gentle. Happy Valentines Day, Annabel. She shrugged, feeling ufortable with this side of Logan. She was trying to figure out how to subtly warn him without making him suspect Christopher. Do you have a girlfriend abroad? No. Find one. At least you can take care of each other. Aria is okay; besides being a bit scheming and narrow-minded, shes fine. He thought for a moment. No, I have someone I like. Are you together? He looked a bit regretful. No, she doesnt like me. But I want to be with her. I want her to be my wife. Annabel had always thought he was cold-hearted, but his words carried a touch of deep affection. He then asked, Is five years enough time for a person to grow up? You didnt fall for a minor, did you? Thats a bit much. Shes an adult, but here. He poked her forehead. Hasnt grown up yet. Maybe Ill keep waiting until she gets tired of ying and finally sees me. Or maybe one day Ill feel tired and wont wait anymore. Logan poked her with enough force to make it hurt. She yelped, Why dont you poke yourself! He tapped her forehead with his boarding pass. Go ahead and chase after whatever you want. Try everything. It doesnt matter as long as you dont regret it. Hmph~N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner. He smiled, just as it was his turn to go through security. Go back. He turned and entered the security checkpoint. Annabel watched his back, feeling inexplicably heavy-hearted. As he was about to disappear from her sight, she suddenly called out, Logan. He turned and smiled. She paused for a moment and waved, Take care. He went through security, and she quickly turned to leave. This was probably the most harmonious interaction theyd had in a long time, not because of affection, but out of guilt-guilt that made here all the way here to find some peace of mind. Chapter 60: I Just Want to Find Him! Annabel had arranged to have dinner with Mason that evening, and she left the house early. The weather was cold, but this was amercial district and it was prime time. The area was bustling with bright lights and colorful scenes, filled with Valentines Day promotions and products. Women carried flowers, while the men beside them held bags and wrapped their arms around their girlfriends shoulders, chatting andughing. Annabel felt a bit down. Compared to others, her own rtionship felt like childs y. She had nned to make up with him if he came to find her on Valentines Day, but today was very quiet. Hes probably going to see L today. The more she thought about it, the colder she felt. At the corner was a hot pot restaurant, with a sign shing among the shadows of the trees. Annabel wrapped her yellow coat tightly around herself and pushed open the ss door. The waiter led her to the reserved booth, a corner seat by the window. The lighting was dim, providing some privacy. The two girls at the table in front had their phones propped up on the table, watching thetest hit idol drama. The lead actor was Mason, and Christopher had given him excellent resources. Annabel, feeling a bit bored, watched a segment with them. The scene showed the male lead finally finding the female lead after oveing many difficulties, leading to a romantic kiss by the sea. To be honest, the male leads acting was average, but he had good looks. I heard the lead actor really got together with the female lead. Really? Its true. Look at how close they are on the show. They seem like a real couple, not just acting. I dont care; I just like him. Hes handsome and has a rugged charm, so manly. Mason seemed rebellious on the outside, but he was sensitive and suspicious on the inside. Annabel had grown up without a mother, and Masons parents had fought for half their lives, always on the verge of divorce but never going through with it. So, these two love-starved people had clung together, considering each other their most important family. Annabel ordered some dishes she and Mason liked. They had simr tastes. The waiter brought her a steaming cup of red bean milk tea. Annabel drank it and absentmindedly chewed on the straw, waiting for a while before Mason arrived. He wore a baseball cap low over his eyes and a mask covering half his face, bundled up tightly. Annabel, feeling a bit low, raised an eyebrowzily and asked, Is it inconvenient for you toe out? Mason took off his mask and sank into the sofa opposite her. One look at her face, and he understood. Not bad, in a bad mood? Ill tell youter. Are you really seeing that girl? He smiled. Youve been around Christopher long enough; dont you know how things work in the entertainment industry? The waiter came to serve the dishes, a young girl who kept ncing at Mason. Mason pulled his cap down further. The girl hesitated a bit before mustering up the courage to ask, Are you Mason? Mason shook his head, and Annabel smiled. Miss, excuse me , please leave. The waiter, looking embarrassed, apologized and left. Wow, youre quite the national heartthrob now. Mason raised his chin proudly. What do you expect? Its me. Wheres O? You two seem to be spending less time togethertely. The three band members had all transitioned to acting. Mason had been lucky and became famous with his first role. Alexander was currently filming in the Northwest, ying a supporting role. As for O, there hadnt been any news about her for a while, even in entertainment news. Mason hummed dismissively, Shes probably about to be sidelined. What happened? Mason didnt want to ruin the mood. Ill tell youter. The hot pot was covered with ayer of red chili oil, and the dishes ordered were all quite spicy. Didnt I ask you to order a mild broth? That wouldnt taste good. I havent had this in over six months. Even if it kills me, I want to indulge today. She and Mason both loved spicy food, but since being with David, she hadnt eaten anything spicy in over six months. Is your stomach healed? Can you eat this? Yeah, I took the medicine Davids mom gave me, and it worked. Mason then ced the food into the pot. What about David? Youve been saying youd introduce him to me, but I havent met him yet. Annabel was upset about that. She poured her heart out to Mason while eating. Mason shook his head disapprovingly. We dontck anything; theres no need topromise for a man. The hot pot began to boil, and the steam blurred Annabels face. Just like you cant let go of O. Mason was taken aback, then smiled bitterly. Were both hopeless, arent we? They teased each other and continued eating until the restaurant closed. Both had drunk a lot but were still sober due to their high tolerance. Unfortunately, Annabels stomach began to feel ufortable, and the symptoms gradually worsened. After being with David, she had eaten a nutritious and nd diet, and her stomach had been fine for the past two years. But tonight, with all the spicy food and alcohol, her craving was satisfied, but her stomach couldnt handle it. Mason noticed her pale face. Is your stomach acting up again? She clutched her stomach and nodded. It hurts.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Mason scolded her, We should go to the hospital; itll be a rough night otherwise. Just then, Masons phone rang. He nced at the screen, looking annoyed, and hung up. Annabel noticed the name O on the screen. Luckily, Mason had already called for a car. As they left the hot pot restaurant, a ck business car was waiting outside. Mason helped her into the car, and to her surprise, Sebastian was also there. He smiled politely at Annabel, Miss Green. Ever since he found out about her close rtionship with Christopher, Sebastian had been incredibly polite to her. Mason was surprised. What are you doing here? You were being followed by paparazzi. How could I note? I told you not to be alone with female friends. Annabel looked up, and Sebastian gave her an overly enthusiastic smile. Miss Green, dont get me wrong; I dont mean to me you. Annabel closed her eyes and didnt respond. Mason ordered, To the hospital. The driver started the car, and Annabel leaned back in the seat, looking unwell. Mason crouched in front of her, looking worried. Does it hurt? He kept urging the driver, Hurry up! No hospital. Ill be fine after a while. Mason ignored her. To the hospital! Sebastians attention was on the two cars behind them. He decisively instructed the driver, Were being followed by paparazzi. Lose them! Mason was currently involved in a gossip, and if another rumor about a strange woman surfaced, it would ruin the publicity they had nned. Not only would it affect the dramas ratings, but it would also hurt Masons poprity. However, Annabel wasnt just anyone, and Sebastian couldnt afford to offend her. Mason got angry. This isnt the time for detours; just go straight to the hospital! Suddenly, Annabel grabbed his hand. Take me to David. Mason hesitated. Its better to go to the hospital. Annabel suddenly snapped. I said take me to David! Do you think he can cure you? Are you crazy? I just want to find him! Sebastian looked back at the two arguing, feeling a headacheing on. How would he handle the PR tomorrow? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!