“Ah… Isn’t this an incredibly precious gift? It’s just a minor hand Injury. I… I really can’t accept it,” Lucas stammered.
Caught off–guard by this rather tricky present, he quickly took
a step backward, forcing an awkward smile as he tried to turn it
down.
But Kenneth stood his ground firmly. “A hand injury isn’t a small
matter, is it? Since you want me to apologize, I’ve got to show
some real sincerity, right, Eleanor?” He then turned to look at
Eleanor.
Eleanor gritted her teeth in sheer anger. “Who on earth just passes along a gift they’ve received? Is this how you handle
things?”
Kenneth shrugged nonchalantly. “I figured you’d want Lucas to get better soon, and you’d be glad to let him have this medal.”
“You…” Eleanor was now in a real bind.
This was the marathon medal I won, risking my life out there! It was also my best performance ever! When I gave it to Kenneth, I
had the best of wishes for him.
And now he just wants to give it away like it’s nothing… and make
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16:23
Chapter 3 Isn’t a Small Matter
It sound so damn reasonable!
Eleanor, who was usually so mild–tempered, was now absolutely enraged with Kenneth. She reached out and stuffed the box into Lucas‘ hands. “Here, take it. May you stay in good health from
now on! Consider this a blessing for you!”
“Th–thanks, Eleanor,” Lucas said as he took the box, his smile looking extremely forced.
Even though he’d gotten an apology, things hadn’t gone the way he’d expected.
Kenneth had given him a gift, but it felt more like something
Kenneth was glad to be rid of. And Eleanor had handed it over so
reluctantly.
Victoria scoffed, “Only a petty guy like you would use someone else’s gift to try and get in good with people. You used to say it was your lucky charm. Now you’re so quick to give it away. Maybe all those heart problems you’ve had were just an act?”
She let out a cold snort. “Lucas‘ dad has a heart condition too, but
he’s never been as weak as you. All those sudden ‘attacks‘… were you just trying to get our pity?”
Kenneth’s hand inside his sleeve trembled slightly, and his gaze faltered as he looked at Victoria.
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Chapter 3 isn’t a Small Metter
Every time he had an attack, It was because the pain was
unbearable. He’d be gasping for air and had no choice but to have them call an ambulance.
They’d also prayed for him again and again, hoping he’d recover
soon.
Now, Kenneth was being doubted like this by Victoria..
She was comparing him to Lucas‘ father. It was clear she’d
listened to Lucas! Just a few words from him had made her
question Kenneth’s character.
A chill ran through Kenneth’s heart.
Maybe all these years we’ve been together don’t really count as
true friendship. Lucas and the others seem to be on the same
wavelength.
Otherwise, how could he have so easily turned them against me
with just a few words?
“Alright, I’m outta here,” he said, giving a casual wave and turning
to leave.
Just then, his phone rang. It was his godmother, Harriet.
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16:24
Chapter 9 isn’t a Smell MERE
Kenneth picked up the call. “I’m at school.”
“I heard from your mom that you’re leaving?” Harriet sounded surprised on the other end. “Why such a sudden decision? Have you told Eleanor and Victoria?”
“Yeah, I’ve made up my mind.” Kenneth dodged the second
question.
Harriet asked again, “Leaving on the 8th, right? I gotta come back and have a meal with you. Once you’re overseas and I’m swamped with my business, it’ll be tough to see you again. God only knows how many years it’ll be!”
“Sure,” Kenneth smiled. Harriet, his mom’s best friend, had always
treated him like her own son.
Harriet added, “Bring Eleanor and Victoria along. Let’s have a get–together! It’ll be the night after tomorrow. I’ll book a table at our usual place.”
After making the agreement with Harriet, Kenneth glanced over at
the trio in the distance.
He hadn’t walked far when he whirled around and shouted,
“There’s gonna be a dinner at Kingder Restaurant the night after tomorrow. I’m footing the bill. I’m inviting you two!”
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Chapter 3ient a Small Mattal
Having given this announcement, he spun around and left, not bothering whether the two of them would show up.
Kenneth didn’t explain the reason for the dinner, nor did he plan to volunteer the fact that he was about to go abroad.
Anyway, they won’t give a damn. Why should I bring it up? It’d be like I’m craving attention and begging for a send–off.
Maybe they’d just look down on me all over again!
As they watched Kenneth’s nonchalant back as he strode away, both Eleanor and Victoria’s expressions shifted.
“What’s his deal? Does he think we’ll chase after him and ask
what’s going on?” Victoria pouted and grumbled.
“I don’t reckon so,” Eleanor said with a frown, her face grave.
She’d been miffed about the medal incident earlier, but now that she’d cooled off, Eleanor felt as though she’d missed something.
In the afternoon, Taylor ran some errands for Kenneth for his
transfer, after which Kenneth went around to bid farewell to each
of his professors.
Thankfully, he and Eleanor were in different colleges, so she didn’t
catch wind of the fact that he’d skipped classes.
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16:24
Chapter 3 isn’t a Small Matter
After completing the last procedure, It was just the end of the
class.
Kenneth joined the crowd of students leaving the school. To his surprise, Eleanor was waiting for him downstairs.
“I’ll drive you home,” she said in an uncompromising tone.
Harriet had bought her a car, and she was the only one in the family with a driver’s license. She usually drove to school, but since Lucas showed up, she rarely came to pick up Kenneth.
It was quite unusual for her to be here today.
“I…” Kenneth instinctively wanted to decline.
But then he thought that after he went abroad, he might never
contact Eleanor again, and probably would never have the
chance to ride in her car.
With this thought in mind, he agreed, “Thanks.”
“What for? I’ve thought about today’s thing. I really didn’t ask you.
Did you hurt your hand?”
Eleanor turned to look at him. Although her expression remained calm, her eyes were serious.
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Chapter 3 lant a Small MaNET
For a moment, Kenneth recalled the high–school Eleanor who fought for him, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
“It’s okay. It’s all in the past,” he replied.
“I haven’t seen you asking Tracy to make herbal medicine for your
these days. Are you feeling better?” Eleanor asked casually.
Kenneth was quite surprised that she’d noticed this.
Could it be that she actually cared about me?
“Yeah, I’ve been fine recently.”
Taking a deep breath, he considered telling Eleanor about his upcoming departure.
If she cares about me and I keep this from her, she might get even
angrier.
And perhaps I should also explain my impulsive act regarding the
medal.
Just as Kenneth was about to soften his heart and speak up, they
reached the car.
The passenger door, which he thought was locked, suddenly opened, and there sat Lucas inside!
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