Chapter 63 Don't Care About Others' Gaze
Finally, it was time for the award ceremony. James stood there, calm and confident, in a sharp black suit. He handed her the certificate of honor, his tall frame towering over her.
"Jessica, don't worry about what others think. Do what you believe is right," he said, his deep eyes locking onto hers.
Jessica felt a rush of emotion. 'Is this his way of acknowledging my innocence? James's recognition means more to me than anyone else's,' she thought.
As she took the certificate, their fingers brushed, sending a jolt through her body.
James pulled back and stood beside her for a photo.
Jessica realized this was their first photo together in two years, aside from their marriage certificate. No wedding photos, no selfies, no travel pics.
Yet, today felt so memorable.
The ceremony ended, and the principal and other leaders quickly surrounded James as they left.
Backstage, Jessica was still reeling from the event.
"Jessica!" a sorrowful voice called out.
Kylie approached, looking utterly defeated.
Jessica was taken aback; she hadn't seen Kylie in ages.
"What are you doing here?" Jessica asked, not expecting congratulations.
Kylie's eyes were red. "Did you get me kicked out of the lab?"
Jessica frowned. "It wasn't me. Have you forgotten how you tried to ruin me? What right do you have to question me?"
Kylie started to cry. "I know I was wrong, but you didn't fall for it. You had your boyfriend help you, so why ruin me?"
"Do you know what it means for me not to do experiments? I can't publish my thesis or graduate!"
Jessica felt no sympathy; Kylie had brought this on herself. But she knew only James could have done this.
"I never harmed you, Kylie. Learn to be a better person first," Jessica said, turning to leave.
Kylie stopped her, pleading, "Jessica, I know it was you. I was wrong. Please, let me go this time!"
"My family isn't well off. My parents have worked their whole lives to send me to college. I can't lose my education now."
Jessica was moved. She imagined Kylie's parents sacrificing everything for her education.
"Okay, I'll help you," Jessica said. "But from now on, we stay out of each other's way. Don't bother me again, got it?"
Kylie nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Jessica. I won't be your enemy again. If you ever need help, just ask."
Jessica nodded. "I hope you keep your word."
After Kylie left, Jessica headed to the lab to finish her experiments.
But then the counselor approached her. "Jessica, why are you still here? The principal's car is waiting for you!"
Jessica was surprised. "The principal? Why?"
The counselor smiled. "You know Mr. Kelly, right? He's the president of the Kelly Corporation. He donated the lab building and was about to donate more equipment so that promising students like you could do better research."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
