Chapter 10
She jerked awake, startled to find Emmett carefully placing his coat around her.
Seeing her awaken, he apologized, “Sorry for waking you. The carriage gets cold at night-wouldn’t want you catching a chill.”
Jordan stared at him, her eyes suddenly warm with unshed tears. She quickly lowered her head and whispered, “Thank you.”
Emmett smiled softly before returning to his seat and resuming his reading.
The next morning, the train finally reached its destination..
Jordan gathered her belongings, preparing to disembark.
Before parting, the middle-aged woman pressed a package of food into her hands. “Take care of yourself, dear girl!”
Jordan nodded gratefully. “Thank you for everything.”
“Don’t mention it! A college girl like you has a bright future ahead!” the woman beamed.
After saying goodbye, Jordan was about to leave when Emmett stood up. “Would you like to head to campus together? We’re both going to Ashland, and my friend can give us both a ride.”
Jordan hesitated, but something in the man’s kind eyes made her nod. “Thank you, Professor. I appreciate it.”
Stepping out of the train station, Jordan took a deep breath. Sunlight warmed her face, dispelling the weariness of her journey. She looked toward the distant cityscape, a newfound strength surging within her.
“This time, I’m living for myself,” she whispered, stepping toward the beginning of her new life.
Following Emmett’s guidance, Jordan successfully reached Ashland University.
The campus was lined with lush trees, students bustling about energetically.
She stood at the entrance, gazing at the golden letters spelling “Ashland University,” her eyes glistening with moisture.
“Hey there! Are you a freshman?” A friendly upperclassman approached.
Jordan nodded. “Yes, I’m here to register.”
nior smiled, taking her bag. “Let me show you where to go!”
Emmett, being a professor with his own responsibilities, saw she was in good hands and pulled out a small piece of paper with his contact information. “If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to come find me.”
Jordan accepted the note and tucked it away carefully. “Thank you, Professor Calloway.”
Reassured, he nodded and took his leave.
With the senior’s help, Jordan quickly completed her enrollment and received her dormitory key.
Her room was on the second floor-clean, neat, with sunlight streaming through the windows, warming the bed.
E
beautiful.
By evening, as she finished organizing her belongings, there was a gentle knock at her door. Jordan opened it to find Emmett standing there.
He held a bag, smiling warmly. “I heard you’re settled in. I wanted to check on you. These are some basic necessities that might help.”
Jordan accepted the bag, finding towels, a toothbrush, notebooks, and other everyday items inside. A warm feeling spread through her chest, her voice slightly choked. “Professor Calloway, you’re too kind…”
Emmett shook his head. “It’s nothing, really. If you need anything else, just let me know.”
Jordan nodded, displaying her first genuine smile since her rebirth.
As night deepened, Jordan stood by her dormitory window, gazing at the starry sky.
She knew that from today onward, her life would completely change. The pain and betrayal of the past would remain just that-the past.
From now on, she could live for herself, pursuing her own dreams.
