Chapter 33
Alice stared at the teddy bear; she never agreed to participate in the finals. She recognized the brand; it was a limited–edition bear she’d wanted. In her past life, she’d finally gotten one. But Chloe needed a teddy bear for a live stream giveaway. Luke forced her to give it to Chloe. In the end, the bear was given to a so–called fan, but that fan was a creep who dismembered the teddy bear, hid a dead mouse inside, and sent it back.
Looking at this bear, Alice felt as if she was witnessing the tragic end of her past life. She had almost forgotten all this, but it always seemed to resurface.
Nearby, one of Alice’s fans asked, “Will Alice participate in the finals? I heard she’s not on the team roster.”
Noah answered smoothly, “The roster isn’t updated yet. Alice’s a member of Welch family; she wouldn’t miss it. Besides, the finals are after the college entrance exams, so it won’t affect her studies.”
“How does Alice manage to excel in her studies and be so good at gaming?”
“I’m so envious that Alice has so many brothers who treat her so well!”
After hearing these comments, Alice felt a surge of irony. They’d stabbed her repeatedly, and now they thought a teddy bear could erase everything?
Alice’s tone was cold. “Noah, I don’t like teddy bears anymore. Don’t you know it?”
Noah’s expression faltered. “Really? I thought you used to love this.”
“That was in the past. I’m a high school student now; my interests change.”
After she said that, Noah looked flustered. He felt even guiltier; it seemed he hadn’t been a responsible brother if he didn’t even know she no longer liked teddy bears.
Chloe stepped in.“Noah, you’re busy, it’s normal to forget. At least you remember what Alice likes. I have no family; none remembers what I like. I envy Alice for having family care.”
Noah understood that Chloe was trying to give him an out, softening his heart a bit. Alice always felt he was biased, but it was hard not to be nice to someone as understanding as Chloe.“Chloe, you’re part of my family, too. I’ll remember what you like, and I’ll surprise you later.”
Chloe looked pleasantly surprised and turned to Alice. “Just accept this gift. after all, what you don’t like is something others envy and can’t have.”
Alice stared at Chloe; so she wanted everything from her?
Alice snatched the teddy bear and shoved it into Chloe’s hands:“Now you have it.” After doing that, she turned and walked away. Late kindness was worthless.
“Alice, where are you going?” Noah caught up with her. “I know you’ve been hurt. I was too busy, ignoring your feelings. I promise it won’t happen again.”
Alice felt it was pointless. It was for her past self, who’d sacrificed everything. It was true that the crying child the candy, but she wasn’t after that candy.
gets
Alice said calmly, “Just leave it. Don’t follow me.”
Noah blocked her path. “No. have to come back with me today. You can’t go with that school doctor. I talked to the principal today, Luke has already moved out, so this doesn’t violate any rules, and you won’t be in any danger.”
Alice’s expression was grim, she knew it would come to this.
DERMOD >
“Alice, I’m your guardian; that doctor isn’t. There are rumors at school. You can stay home and study.”
Alice lowered her eyes, hiding her anger. Her voice was hoarse. “So what you just said about not letting me be wronged means this?”
Noah sighed helplessly. I’m doing this for you! Family conflicts aren’t a big deal; can’t we resolve them peacefully? Why do you have to run away to force us?”
Again with this line, for her own good? Then why was she abandoned and died in her life?
past
Alice walked forward with a stern face; the only thing keeping her going was the countdown to the college entrance exams. She couldn’t cause trouble for Jack; even if nothing happened today, if Noah got serious, it could be a different story.
Once in the car, she texted him:“I’m going home; I’ll talk to you later.”
Noah sighed with relief when he saw her get in the car. It seemed she was still sulking. He’d shown weakness today, and she revealed her true feelings. He realized he needed to pay more attention to Alice to avoid her thinking he favored Chloe over her..
Back at the Welch family, Alice got out of the car first without acknowledging anyone. Noah watched her retreating figure, feeling helpless.
Chloe struggled to get out of the car with the teddy bear: “Noah, Alice will understand your good intentions.”
Seeing Chloe’s obedient demeanor with the teddy bear, Noah couldn’t help but say, “If she were as obedient as you, I’d be grateful.” Chloe looked down, docile and compliant.
That evening, only Noah and Chloe were at dinner. Alice quietly finished her meal and prepared to head to her room when she noticed Noah clutching his stomach, looking a bit uncomfortable. She knew he had a weak stomach and needed to take care of it. In her past life, she’d taken care of him, but Chloe’s simple rice porridge had surpad her efforts. She’d never forget Noah discarding her medicinal meal and gratefully accepting Chloe’s porridge.
Alice steeled herself and pretended not to see as she left the dining room. As she walked away, Noah watched her back, feeling a pang of loss. In the past, whenever he showed signs of stomach discomfort, Alice would be anxious, circling around him with concern. Noah held back his discomfort. So now Alice didn’t care about him anymore? His heart felt like it had been cut deeply. He left the dining room, his steps unsteady.
Chloe stayed behind, feeling that Noah’s attitude toward her had changed somewhat. She needed to find a way to salvage this situation.
Alice, back in her room, remembered Noah’s discomfort. She told herself not to be sentimental; he didn’t need her; Chloe’s porridge was enough.
She took out her phone and texted Jack:“Did my brother give you a hard time at school today?”
The next second, Jack called her, his voice cold: “I have the evidence of them hitting you, and there are lawyers present. What problems could there be?”
Alice smiled; no wonder Luke had been kicked out to live elsewhere.
“Kid, if they bully you again, I’ll come pick up you immediately.”
Alice bit her lip. “Why are you so good to me?”
She immediately regretted the question.
