Chapter 18
The office had this wall with a bookshelf crammed full of all sorts of books.
David plopped Alice down on the sofa and grabbed a book called "Interpersonal Communication" from the shelf, plopping it in front of her.
Alice stared at the book for a bit, then looked up and asked, "David, what's this supposed to mean?"
David shrugged off his suit jacket and tossed it on the sofa. Hearing Alice's question, he asked, "Is the title really that hard to get?"
It wasn't that it was hard to get, but she couldn't figure out why she needed to read this book. Wasn't she the queen of socializing?
"I've got work to do. You read the book for a bit," David said.
Alice pouted, cracked open the book, and read a few lines, instantly getting a headache.
If it were a textbook, she could dive right in, but these books about how people should interact and all these philosophical principles—she couldn't get through a single word.
Alice peeked up at David, then lay back on the sofa and used the book to cover her face.
Garrett soon brought in some freshly brewed coffee. Before leaving, he sneaked a glance at the sofa, quickly looked away, and walked out of the office.
The office was left with just the occasional sound of keyboard clacking and pen scratching on paper.
Listening to these subtle sounds, Alice closed her eyes. She was vaguely conscious and drifted off to sleep.
She didn't know how long she had slept, but in a daze, she felt a hand on her forehead. It was a bit cool but super comfy, and she couldn't help but lean into it.
David watched as the sleepy Alice, like a little kitten, pressed her face against his hand. A barely noticeable smile crept onto his face. Alice didn't even know that David had carried her home.
The next morning.
"I know you don't want me to control you, but now, as your guardian, I have to," David said, feeling the need for a serious talk with Alice, "I don't want to know how many times you've skipped class, left school, gone to nightclubs, or whatever. First, I need to make sure you're safe."
Alice placed her hands on her thighs, her expression serious, and nodded sincerely, "David is absolutely right!"
Ignoring the weird feeling, David continued, "I only have two requirements for you: First, you must not lose contact with me; second, your grades."
Alice's expression stiffened. "My grades?"
What did this have to do with grades?
David said flatly, "Your grades will determine whether I take special measures with you."
Alice looked at David expressionlessly, thinking that the gentle David she had seen earlier was an illusion. The current David was clearly a devil! A devil!!
After breakfast, David went to work. He had arranged for her to take a day off from school so she could chill at home.
Alice lay bored on the sofa, with snacks and water on the table and music playing on her phone. She stared blankly at the chandelier above, and the image of David touching her forehead came rushing back.
Alice pressed her lips tightly together, furrowed her brows, and held her breath. She suddenly sat up, crossed her legs, and leaned against the sofa in distress.
At the moment David's hand touched her forehead, she truly felt her heart skip a beat. That feeling of sudden excitement—could it be that she had fallen for David?
Could a small act of care really make her moved?
Alice curled her lips into a self-mocking smile, "If that were the case, I would have fallen for Simon a long time ago."
But then, Simon hadn't contacted her today. He hadn't even sent his usual spam messages. 'What is going on?' Alice wondered.
Alice dialed Simon's number, but no one answered.
"What the heck is this?" Alice scolded.
Yesterday it was David, today it was Simon. Neither of them answered their phones. Didn't they know this was basic courtesy?
She didn't know how many calls she made before it finally connected.
Alice immediately scolded, "Simon, what the heck are you doing? Why aren't you answering my calls?"
There was a moment of silence on the other end, followed by a stranger's voice, "Mr. Williams is drunk and passed out at the bar. Can you come pick him up? Please!"
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