Chapter 53
Alice never expected this welcome. She remembered Noah and Luke showing up after her exams last time, but all the attention was on Chloe. She was always overlooked. This time, someone had planned a celebration for “her“. It was touching.
Jack leaned against a car, his figure tall and lean. He looked at her, his handsome features more serious than usual, less languid. Alice bit her lip and walked towards him.
Jack’s gaze was warm.“Congratulations. It’s finally over.”
Garrett waved a banner enthusiastically.“Alice, this is my surprise for you! Do you like it?”
Alice laughed, a little shyly.“Thanks, it’s a bit much.”
“The more the merrier! Better than some insincere people showing up with just a bouquet of flowers, right?” Garrett knew how to deliver a subtle burn.
Alice saw Noah approaching from across the street, carrying flowers. Last time, Noah had brought flowers… for Chloe.
Noah crossed the street, his expression hopeful.“Alice, I wanted to park here, but all the spots were taken. I had to park across the street.” He hadn’t expected this.
Garrett teased. “If they really cared, they would’ve come early, not at the last minute. No sincerity. Right, Jack?”
Jack said calmly, “People who think apologies are so grand probably wouldn’t understand.”
Noah’s face was strained.
Chloe ran out.“Noah, you’re here! The flowers are beautiful!” She ran to Noah. Noah looked awkward; he only had one bouquet.
He coughed, bypassing Chloe to reach Alice.“Alice, congratulations on finishing your exams!”
Alice looked at the flowers.“Thank you, but give these to Chloe. People might think you favor me over Chloe, who’s adopted.”
Noah felt a familiar chill.“These are for you. I’ll get Chloe flowers later!”
“No, Chloe has been so kind to me. Her father saved my life! How can you be so biased? If there’s only one bouquet, it should be for Chloe!” Alice’s tone was calm but firm.
Noah froze. He’d said those exact words before. Whenever there weren’t enough things to go around, Alice always gave way. A sharp pain stabbed at his heart. He’d been incredibly wrong!
He stammered, “Alice, I used to…”
“The past is the past. You have to move on,” Alice said breezily. “I have a class reunion tonight. I’ll go.” She went to Jack.“Give me a ride!”
Jack looked at her, saying nothing, opening the car door for her. The red sports cars sped off.
Noah wanted to stop her, but his feet felt heavy. Alice’s words echoed in his mind, like knives piercing his heart.
Chloe watched the cars leave, seething with jealousy. How did that school nurse have so much money? Alice was good at getting favors.
Chloe said unconvincingly, “Noah, don’t be angry. Alice will understand. She’ll cool down.”
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( Chapter 53
You don’t understand! Noah felt Alice wouldn’t forgive him.
Luke arrived. “Noah, the exams are over. I booked a restaurant. Let’s celebrate?
Chloe nodded. “Great, let’s go.”
Luke looked around “Where’s Alice?”
Chloe, forcing a smile, said, “She left with the school nurse. I don’t know how he rented so many cars Ope show.”
Luke’s face turned grim. “Noah, why didn’t you stop her? The exams are over, but you let her run wild
Noah looked distressed. “Yes, the exams are over, Alice had said to move on. Was she leaving the Windham family?
Luke had hesitated before coming, but he’d missed Alice. Noah couldn’t accept this. He turned. Thave some business to attend to. You guys go ahead.”
“Noah, aren’t those flowers for Chloe?”
Noah gave the flowers to Chloe.“Sorry, Chloe. Good luck on your exams.” He was flustered. He’d only bought one bouquet to avoid appearing biased.
Chloe accepted the flowers, feigning gratitude.“Thank you, Noah. I’m grateful to have grown up here. I’ll move out after college so Alice won’t be upset. I know my place.”
Luke said, “Chloe, don’t be silly. You’re our sister! We’ll make up with Alice. It’s not your fault!”
Chloe lowered her head, looking vulnerable.
Noah said, “Your brother’s right. Stay here, don’t worry.” Noah left, feeling overwhelmed. He’d actually considered Chloe’s suggestion. That wasn’t fair to her. There must be another way to win Alice back. They were family, bound by blood!
Alice sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the wind. Jack stopped at a red light. “Text me after your reunion.”
“I’m going home,” Alice said calmly.“It’s time to end things.” Her plan was to leave after the exams. She didn’t want to stay a moment longer.
“How?”
Alice smiled.“I’ll cause a scene and leave. So they’ll stop haunting me.”
Jack rested his hand on the steering wheel. Alice wasn’t as weak as she seemed. Her patience with the Windhams was to avoid affecting her exams. She was clever. Unfortunately, they misunderstood, thinking she was just throwing a tantrum.
Jack dropped her off at the restaurant. After the reunion, Alice took a cab home.
The butler was shocked to see her.“Miss Alice, why are you back?”
“This is my home. Is that strange?” Alice retorted, going to her room. She found Chloe’s things there!
The butler explained, “Miss Chloe’s room leaked, so she stayed in yours. Noah said you’re both girls, you wouldn’t mind.”
Alice looked cold. She threw Chloe’s bedding and belongings into the hallway.
The butler was shocked and angry.“Miss Alice, how could you?!”
