Chapter 137: New Year's Eve
"I know, Mom. Don't worry. I'll think it through before deciding."
After chatting with Helen, it was already 2 AM. I yawned, climbed into bed, and my phone lit up.
I opened Facebook and saw a selfie from Brad in the same pajamas. "Baby, I wish I could wake up to see you every day. Good night, sweet dreams."
I felt a bit flattered.
I wanted to reply but couldn't find the right words. After a while, I sent him a thumbs-up emoji.
After sending it, I found it amusing. I thought about sending something else but decided it wasn't necessary.
I had the whole day free on Saturday. Before college, I would've hung out with Lillian and Amelia. But now, we live in different cities, and meeting up takes planning.
When I returned to Regalia on Sunday, Daniel was on the same flight.
From the moment we left home, he quietly followed us, saying nothing, just staring ahead.
After leaving the airport, Brad drove us back to school.
As soon as I entered campus, I saw Zoe under a tree, looking around as if waiting for someone.
"Should I drop you off here?" Brad asked.
Daniel's gaze fell on Zoe, his expression complex. After a moment, he said, "Okay."
As our car drove away, I saw Zoe throw herself into Daniel's arms, looking up and saying something playfully. Daniel listened with a blank expression.
I watched them grow smaller in the rearview mirror until they disappeared.
"Still looking? Can't bear to part?" Brad said jealously.
"Brad, are you jealous?"
"What do you think?"
"You really have no grace, being jealous of your own brother."
"Is he just a brother? He's my rival in love."
"Brad, I used to think missing out on someone like Daniel would leave me lonely forever. But after having you, I realized if I hadn't missed out on Daniel, I would truly be lonely forever."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, if possible, I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Brad's gloomy face finally brightened.
He stopped the car in a secluded corner, pulled me into his arms, and said breathlessly, "Baby, I'm your boyfriend now, right?"
"In the future, yes. But for now, it's still too early!"
"Too early? If it gets any later, I'll be old." Brad pouted, his eyes glistening with a hint of sadness.
I laughed heartily.
Brad in love was so adorable, I really liked him.
That night, I received a long message from Daniel.
"Jane, I'm sorry. I apologize again for the hurt I caused you. Seeing you find someone to spend your life with makes me feel lost. I don't know why, but even though I love Zoe, I keep thinking of you. I still dream about the time you tried so hard not to cry. I wanted so much to be close to you, to wipe away your tears, but I never dared. I think I missed my chance with you, and it's something I can never get back."
"Brad's always been better than me, and everyone can see how good he is to you. Giving you to him wasn't what I wanted, but it's the best choice for you. Brad will take good care of you, and you'll be happy. Jane, I regret not having a chance to turn back.
You're right, I should cherish the present. From now on, I'll be the best brother, caring for you, helping you, and giving all my love to Zoe. She's done many wrong things because of me. I sincerely apologize on her behalf. I'll keep her in check, and I hope you can forgive her. If not, that's okay; she deserves it.
Jane, goodbye. Be happy."
After reading the message, I felt relieved.
The days with Brad were filled with joy, and soon it was New Year's.
The school had a three-day break for New Year's. Zoe said she had family matters and her mom took her back to Northport. She left on the morning of December 31st, with Daniel taking her to the airport.
Brad had discussed with Hugh and Emma that since winter break was coming soon and there wasn't much going on at home, he wouldn't go back for New Year's to avoid the hassle.
On the night of the 31st, the students who stayed on campus were excitedly getting ready for the New Year's celebration.
Brad and I planned to have dinner first, then go to the amusement park, and finally welcome the New Year at the square.
Before we left, Daniel came to us, saying he didn't want to be alone and wanted to join us.
Although Brad and I weren't too thrilled, we couldn't just leave him behind since he was Brad's brother. So we took him along.
We arrived at the amusement park around 9 PM.
The usually quiet amusement park was crowded with people, mostly young students, each wearing glowing headbands and holding colorful glow sticks.
Brad bought me a pair of bunny ears, and the vendor gave us a purple glow stick for free. It was my first time celebrating New Year's like this, and I couldn't stop smiling.
I handed the camera to Daniel to take a picture of Brad and me.
As Daniel adjusted the focus on the camera, I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of my eye and was startled.
It was Zoe, and the person with her was John.
They were heading towards a hotel across the street, with John holding Zoe's waist intimately.
So Zoe didn't go back to Northport. She was deceiving Daniel, using the New Year's break to meet up with John.
I had to admit, they were bold.
And Zoe had written a confession letter not long ago. I thought she would behave for a while.
It seemed Zoe's malice was deeply rooted. She was rotten to the core.
Maybe I shouldn't have given her this chance.
I turned to Brad, seeing him also staring at John and Zoe with a dark and frightening look.
"Brad, there's some backlight. The picture isn't clear. Let's change direction," Daniel said, turning his head.
As soon as I heard that, I jumped up like a rabbit, circling around Daniel to block his view.
But Daniel's sudden stiffening told me he had seen them!
I broke out in a cold sweat and quickly looked at Brad. "What do we do now?"
"Don't panic. Just wait and see," Brad whispered, holding me close.
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