Chapter 14
Third person’s POV:
After seven days in Northbeech, Ruben wanted to go home.
The new year was around the corner. Lacey insisted on staying till after New Year’s Eve because there would be a celebration.
Ruben subconsciously wanted to object.
The school staff was on an annual leave, and his work for this year was done.
But somehow, he felt he had left something behind on this trip.
The past seven days seemed extremely long.
He began making an excuse to go back.
Before he could say anything, Mason spoke softly.
“If you like it here, we can come again next time.
“I have work to do at the company. We must go back.”
Lacey was having a good time. Mason’s words upset her.
“You told Grace Parrish the other day that you had no work during New Year’s Day holidays!”
Mason fell silent. He looked out the window, seemingly guilty.
Chapter 14
After a while, frowning, he tried to change the subject.
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“I’ve told you many times not to refer to Grace by her full name. She’s your elder sister.”
Lacey pursed her lips disdainfully. She dropped her new doll and ran away.
Ruben looked at the bear on the ground.
Inexplicably, it occurred to him it was Grace’s favorite when she was little.
What was she like back then?
Ruben tried to remember, but he couldn’t.
There was only a vague scene where Grace was crying and shouting, asking Lacey to get out.
When Grace grew up, she kept to herself.
She barely talked to him and Mason and came home less and less, always telling them she was busy at school.
Occasionally, Lacey broke Grace’s things.
Grace would lose her temper. Then, she would calm down and say indifferently, “Never mind.”
Then, she lived in the dorm more and more often.
Ruben ran into her on campus, sometimes.
She was talking to her classmates cheerfully. But when she saw him, she became quiet and awkward.
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Chapter 14
Ruben picked up the doll.
He had the feeling that he had lost something.
But when?
When was the willful and spoiled Grace gone?
Mason’s cold voice broke his train of thought.
“I’m going home tonight.
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“Lacey wants to spend more time here. You can keep her company.”
Ruben looked up abruptly. There seemed to be unease in Mason’s eyes.
Ruben felt the same way.
Almost by instinct, he said anxiously, “I’m going back tonight, too.”
Mason said no more and began packing.
Their plane landed in Bluewell the next evening.
On their journey back, Ruben’s eyelids jumped nonstop. He didn’t know why.
Back home, he didn’t see Grace.
The houseworker received them.
Ruben handed his overcoat to her and asked with feigned carelessness, “Isn’t Grace back yet?”
Chapter 15
