Chapter 149
In an instant, the crowd erupted in jeers.
Caroline felt quite embarrassed and, fearing Joseph might say something foolish again, compromised, "Just to the door." The she turned to Sarah. "Let's go."
But Sarah was unwilling to leave. "You go ahead; I still want to play a bit longer."
Helpless, Caroline walked alone.
At the door, Caroline waved goodbye. "I'll leave you here. You keep playing; I'm heading out."
"I'll drive you home. Wait a moment, I'll get the car," Joseph said.
"No need,"
"I haven't had a drink just so I could drive you. Give me a chance."
Caroline declined again, "I'll just call a cab myself."
"Let me drive you. We haven't seen each other in so long; can't you even let me do this? Wait here, I'll be right back." Joseph said as he jogged off to get the car.
Caroline didn't wait and walked to the roadside to hail a cab, but none stopped for her.
Just then, Joseph arrived in his car, mistakenly thinking she was waiting for him. He got out and opened the door for her, inviting her in.
In this situation, Caroline had no choice but to get in.
Inside the car, Joseph leaned over to fasten her seatbelt, and the strong scent of his cologne made her frown slightly.
A man wearing such strong cologne? How ridiculous!
"I can do it myself; you're too kind," Caroline said, suppressing her discomfort.
"It's my pleasure." Joseph replied.
Joseph's approach forced her to lean back, a rather awkward posture.
The car window was open, and under a nearby streetlamp, someone with a professional camera was taking rapid shots in their direction.
The high-end camera and precise angles made it look as if Joseph was leaning over Caroline.
Finally, the seatbelt was fastened, and Caroline let out a long sigh of relief.
Had she known the trouble that would follow, Caroline would never have attended this gathering.
"Carol, how have you been these years?" Joseph asked softly.
"Very well. I'm married, and I have kids," Caroline intended to put an end to his thoughts.
"Really? Your kids must be adorable."
To Caroline's surprise, Joseph didn't seem too shocked by this.
He didn't even ask why she married and had kids so early?
Could he already know about her situation?
Caroline thought for a moment, but the possibility was slim.
Besides Sarah, she rarely contacted other old friends and never mentioned her current situation. How could Joseph know?
"They are adorable; I love my family deeply," Caroline said.
Joseph smiled meaningfully. "Who's your husband?"
"I don't want to talk about this, nor do I want to reveal my family matters."
Joseph chuckled. "I know you have kids, but you're not married."
He actually knew! But how?
"Who told you that?" Caroline was astonished.
"I just know. Carol, I don't mind that you have kids; I'm willing to help raise them. Over the years, I've traveled far and wide, met many people, but I can't forget you."
Caroline's heart tightened; he was starting to confess. What she feared was happening.
"It's impossible between us," Caroline firmly rejected, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Why? I have good financial conditions, and I can help raise the kids."
"I can take care of them myself," Caroline said firmly.
"Carol, don't be like this. I know you once had feelings for me; your eyes can't lie."
Despite the rejection, Joseph was not discouraged.
"Whether I liked you or not, I've forgotten. But I'm very sure I don't like you now. So, don't say anything more. This way, we can still be friends; otherwise, we can't even be friends," Caroline warned again.
"Carol, I know you have many concerns because of the kids, but I'll prove that I can help raise them."
Caroline was distressed; why couldn't he understand?
Nathan, dressed in casual loungewear, lazily nestled on the sofa in the study reading a book in the Elegant Mountain Estate. His glasses, which gave him an intellectual look, subtly masked the sharpness in his eyes, adding a touch of gentleness.
Beside him sat a miniature version of himself, Ryan, even holding the book in the same manner. A heavy computer science book had become his favorite.
Meanwhile, Sophie was immersed in her own gaming world, lying on another sofa, the battle songs in her headphones seemingly more captivating than the turning pages. She wondered to herself, how could reading such boring things be so enjoyable for Ryan and Nathan? The excitement of games and the allure of snacks were far more tempting, weren't they?
Could it be that boys were all hidden "masochists"?
Nathan put down his book, took off his glasses, and his gaze gently fell on the focused Ryan beside him. The weight of the book forced Ryan to place it on the sofa and lean forward, his concentration was heart-wrenching.
Nathan frowned slightly, gently took the book away from Ryan, and softly advised, "Take a break; this isn't good for your eyes."
Ryan looked up and smiled at Nathan, a smile as warm as spring sunshine and full of trust. It touched Nathan deeply, warming his heart and leaving him momentarily spellbound.
"Aren't you interested in children's books?" Nathan asked curiously.
"Not really, besides professional books, I also love reading comics and fairy tales," Ryan answered obediently and sensibly.
Nathan nodded gently and said earnestly, "You should read children's books sometimes. They can be fun. You're still young, and heavy stuff isn't always suitable for you."
"But Ryan can find joy in these 'boring' books," Sophie said, seeing the two taking a break, she immediately joined the discussion.
Ryan smiled and nodded.
"So did I, I was like this too," Nathan's eyes twinkled with a smile, as if seeing his past self.
"Nathan, are you also interested in computers?" Sophie squeezed between them, mimicking their posture, full of curiosity.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
