Chapter 99 Returning to the Orphanage
Quentin turned his gaze away, his slender fingers tapping out a series of words on the keyboard. "Don't worry. I have a plan."
Wendy had done something terrible, so she couldn't blame him for disregarding their past relationship.
Noah left Quentin's office dejectedly, resolving to be a strong support for Quentin instead. Since Quentin didn't want to share the details, Noah decided to stand by his friend quietly.
Several days after the divorce, Lauren settled into a simple life as if Quentin had never been a part of it. She read books, cooked, and lived comfortably, almost like a wealthy lady.
Lauren had indeed once been a wealthy lady, but it had never felt comfortable. Reflecting on those two years of marriage filled her with lingering dread. Perhaps her resolute decision to divorce stemmed from a deep fear of loneliness.
Lauren didn't plan to inform the Walker family or Grandma Robinson about her divorce from Quentin. The Walker family rarely visited her, so even though she had moved out of the Robinson family villa many days ago, no one from the Walker family noticed.
As for Grandma Robinson, Lauren really didn't know how to face her. She felt immense guilt toward Grandma Robinson, who had always been so kind to her. Now, she had let her down and felt too ashamed to face her.
Ethan was Lauren's only guest, which put her in a difficult position. Ethan, worried about her being alone, had suggested renting a place nearby and moving in, but Lauren refused. She didn't want to owe anyone any favors now.
But this didn't stop Ethan from wanting to take care of her. Almost every day, Ethan would visit, bringing a large amount of food as if he thought Lauren was a refugee.
One day, Ethan arrived again with a load of fresh fruits and vegetables. Lauren opened the door to see his warm, smiling face.
"Let me in quickly. These things are heavier than they look," Ethan urged, carrying a whole box of apples.
Lauren, her belly protruding, stepped aside and said, "Ethan, aren’t you treating me like a pig? You buy so much that I haven't finished the last lot before you bring more. These things spoil easily. It's such a waste."
Ethan didn't mind. "So you need to eat more. Besides, I brought these for the baby. You can't refuse."
Lauren couldn't help but laugh. "But I have to eat all of this! Alright, next time, don't buy so much. If I need anything, I'll get it myself. There's a supermarket right around the corner. It's very convenient."
Ethan waved his hand. "Don't be so polite with me. Remember, we're good friends. Let's not talk about this anymore. I see you staying at home all day. It must be quite boring. How about going to the orphanage with me? It's been a long time since we've seen the kids."
Lauren smiled and agreed, but her mind drifted back to the first time she went to the orphanage. To ease the tension between Quentin and Ethan, she had invited both of them there. They had a pleasant day together.
In the blink of an eye, dozens of days had passed, and they could no longer go together. They had once promised the children that the three of them would visit together when they had time, but it seemed they would break that promise.
Lauren and Ethan returned to the orphanage, greeted as always by the children's joyful smiles.
At that moment, Kim dashed over, running straight to Ethan. "Mr. White, you're here! I've been looking forward to your visit," Kim said, his voice clear and excited, his hands waving animatedly.
"Kim, I heard from the dean that you haven't been behaving well and didn't do well on your exams. Is that true?" Ethan said with a smile.
Kim scratched his head sheepishly. "It isn't that bad. Are you here to scold me for that?"
"You've learned to talk like that. It seems you've made some progress," Ethan said.
"Of course! By the way, why didn't that sir come? I still want to have a showdown with him!" Kim looked up at Lauren.
A strange look flickered in Lauren's eyes but quickly disappeared. "He is too busy to come. He'll visit you all once he's done with his work," Lauren explained with a warm smile.
"Alright then," Kim said, his young face showing a hint of disappointment.
The dean came over, warmly greeting them. "Alright, children, let them come in. We can talk inside."
"Okay," the children said, hopping and skipping into the room.
"Miss Walker, your belly is getting bigger. Are you doing well?" the dean asked kindly, looking at Lauren.
Lauren nodded with a smile. "I'm doing well. I appreciate your concern. I'm over five months pregnant now, and it won't be long before I go for a check-up."
The dean nodded. "Take good care of yourself. Pregnancy is a tough journey. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I know a bit about pregnancy."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you," Lauren replied.
Lauren and the dean chatted and laughed as they walked into the house. The children were delighted to see Lauren and Ethan again. They pulled Ethan into various games, and just like last time, everyone had a great time. But Lauren felt that something was missing.
During a break, Kim sat down next to Lauren. "Miss Walker, when will that sir come here? I can't wait to have a duel with him," Kim said, his emotions stirred at the thought of Quentin.
Lauren shook her head with a smile. "I don't know either, but it should be soon."
Adults' excuses couldn't fool children. Kim, determined to find out, asked, "Aren't you two married? Isn't he your husband? Why don't you know?"
Lauren looked at Kim helplessly and continued to explain awkwardly, "Kim, you're still young. You don't understand the adult world yet."
"No, I'm not that young. I'm almost nine. Does he not like us?" Kim, who had been staying at the orphanage, was extremely sensitive. He had finally met someone he connected with and was truly afraid that Quentin didn't like him.
Seeing a maturity beyond his years in Kim, Lauren felt a pang of sadness. If he had grown up in a normal family, he should have been carefree in school at this age. But life has given them great challenges, and it seems that the stronger and more sensible a person was, the more suffering they endured.
Lauren put her arm around Kim's small shoulders. "Kim, why would you think that? We all like you, and Quentin likes you too. Before I came here, he told me about your promise to him. He hasn't forgotten. He asked me to tell you that next time, he'll make sure you lose fair and square."
