Chapter 4
As soon as I exited the airport, I saw Davin waiting for me in the arrival hall. Surprised, I walked up to him and asked, “Mr. Slade, why are you here?”
He casually took my luggage and strode outside. I hesitated for a while before quickly following him.
Once in the car, Davin explained, “My grandfather and your parents both wanted me to be the first one you see when you arrive in Eastford, so I canceled my meeting and came to
pick you up.”
I was at a loss for words. Was he expecting me to compliment him?
“You’re very thoughtful. Thank you for taking the time to come get me.”
My words didn’t quite make him happy. Instead, the atmosphere grew even more awkward.
Just as I was about to say something to ease the tension, he turned toward me. His
expression shifted oddly and was tinged with a hint of shyness.
“Ka… Kathy.”
I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. Davin quickly shed his shyness as though it had been my imagination.
“We’ll be married soon. I’d prefer you to address me differently. Also, we won’t need to be
too polite between us,” he added.
Under his gaze, I replied hesitantly, “Alright… Davin.”
He nodded in approval and started the car.
I had known Davin for a long time. He was a legend at Eastford High. All the juniors had heard of his story and seen his photo hanging proudly on the honor roll.
I had seen him again at the banquet after Willow upset John. I was entertaining clients
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when he entered the banquet hall surrounded by admirers, like a star under the spotlight.
He had always been so dazzling.
When we arrived home, my parents were already waiting at the door. I excitedly went to hug them, but they brushed past me to welcome Davin instead.
I looked back in puzzlement. Mom held his arm and gave him a friendly pat, while Dad took my luggage from him and stood smiling.
“Davin, I made your favorite dish. You have to try it later.”
“This time, you must play a few good rounds of chess with me again.”
Davin smiled and replied, “Okay. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh.”
I awkwardly pulled my arms back and called out, “Dad, Mom, I’m back.”
Mom shot me a glare. “Alright, go inside.”
Sitting in the living room, I felt out of place, like an outsider. Mom was in the kitchen
food, and Dad was playing chess with Davin. I quietly slipped into the kitchen.
ugged Mom’s waist, I felt her stiffen.
steared up as I choked out, “Mom, I’m sorry.”
ghed, put down the spoon, and turned to embrace me.
t’s good that you’re back. ”
As I stayed in her arms, my empty heart began to warm.
After graduating from college, I had endured countless hardships on my own. Whenever I called my family, I only shared good news and kept the bad to myself.
Mom had always urged me to come home, but I would brush her off with countless excuses.
It wasn’t until she realized how badly I had been hurt by Tanner that she began opposing
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our relationship with all her might. After a huge argument, I stopped calling home as often.
A parent’s love was deep and far–reaching.
Only when I was truly broken did I understand the full meaning of that phrase.
In the living room, Dad watched our embrace in the kitchen and pretended not to care while wiping away a tear. He then looked at Davin.
“Davin, thank you for bringing Kathy back.”
Davin averted his gaze, his eyes carrying a subtle warmth. With an elegant demeanor, he poured a cup of tea for Dad and said with a smile, “Don’t mention it. It’s my honor that Kathy chose
me.”
Not interesting at all
