Chapter 277 Did She Ask About Anything
The exam was over. Eileen stood at the school gate, holding an umbrella. The rain was pouring down, soaking her trousers and socks. In the past, he would always come to pick her up and was rarely late.
She waited for nearly ten minutes, then decided to give him a call.
The voice prompt from his phone informed her that his mobile number was not in the service area.
Eileen rubbed her arms, lowering her head to send him a message.
Several messages went unanswered. Today was supposed to be the day for their engagement photo shoot, so he really shouldn’t be late.
Did something hold him up?
Eileen wanted to contact Fabian, but then she realized she didn’t have his phone number.
As the rain continued to pour heavily, Eileen found a convenience store and took a seat by the window. She pulled out her homework from her bag.
Time ticked away gradually, and a staff member came over. “Excuse me, it’s almost eight o’clock now. We’re about to close.”
“Sorry, I lost track of time. I’m leaving right now.
Eileen quickly tidied up her things, surprised at how long she had spent working on her homework.
Outside, the sky had turned pitch black.
Apart from the students who had just finished their evening study session at Cloudburg Public School, the streets were now practically deserted.
In reality, Eileen didn’t wait too long, just an hour and a half.
He didn’t come. Eileen couldn’t quite express her feelings. If she had to describe it, perhaps there was a hint of disappointment.
It seemed that waiting like this was a common occurrence for her.
At this hour, to catch a cab, she needed to walk a distance to Central Plaza.
Suddenly, an orange cat darted out from the roadside. Soaked to the bone, it rubbed against her feet. meowing from deep within its throat.
Eileen crouched down slightly. “Are you sick? I’m sorry. I can’t take you home. It’s already very late Ill come and ch*ck on you tomorrow, all right?”
The orange cat meowed again as if it was agreeing.
“Ms. Eileen.”
Eileen turned her head toward the sound, and there, not far from her, was that familiar car She didn’t know when it had pulled up.
It was Richard.
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14
She didn’t expect him to drive over himself today.
Eileen lowered her head to look at the cat. “Looks like I can take you home now.”
“She took off her school uniform and picked up the orange cat.”
She then folded her umbrella, letting the drizzle drench her as she dashed into the back seat of the car. As she closed the door behind her, she felt the warmth inside the car, which dispelled some of the coldness.
Richard pressed down on the accelerator. “Ms. Eileen, the stray cats outside might carry viruses. It’s better not to bring them home casually.”
Eileen pulled out a few tissues, lowered her head, and wiped its fur. “It’s okay. Once we return, we’ll get it vaccinated and dewormed. However, this cat appears to be nearly fully grown.”
Richard seemed deep in thought as he glanced at Eileen through the rearview mirror. She unperturbed. “Ms. Eileen, I hope you’re not upset about today. Mr. Jasper’s absence is purely due to some
appeared issues at the company,” he said.
Eileen’s hand paused as she was petting the cat. “I see. I understand.”
Seeing that she was still fine, Richard didn’t say anything more.
In less than an hour, they arrived at the Smith residence.
The housekeeper stepped forward to take Eileen’s schoolbag, “Ms. Eileen, your dinner is ready. Why are
you wet?”
“I’m fine. Marissa, could you please give this cat a bath and bring it to my room after drying it?”
“Sure.”
Eileen went upstairs for a bath, changed her clothes, and then had dinner. This was the first time she had sat alone at such a large table for dinner.
She held the study materials given by Benjamin in her hand, munching leisurely while memorizing them silently.
After finishing her meal, she went upstairs.
Eileen didn’t have time to think about anything else. With less than ten days left until the exam, she had to be in her best condition to face it even though she had already been accepted into Hulbury Central Art Academy.
She couldn’t afford to perform poorly.
At half past eleven at night, she jotted down a few words before bed, put down her book, and was about to turn off the light when the orange cat under the bed jumped up. It lay down beside her pillow at the head of the bed, kneading back and forth with its paws.
Eileen left only a bedside lamp on, patting its head. “How are you still kneading at this age? Goodnight. Orange.”
With her eyes closed and hands clasped together under her face, Eileen quickly drifted off to sleep.
When Jasper returned, it was already half past two in the morning.
2/44
“Mr. Jasper.” The wound on Jasper’s mouth caused the housekeeper’s heart to skip a beat. Having been. around the block, she understood all too well how such a wound came about.
When Jasper left today, he was perfectly fine. But upon his return, a wound had mysteriously appeared on his l*ps. The reason behind it was left unsaid, yet it was clear as day.
Jasper was exhausted, a heavy gloom radiating from him. “Where’s Eileen?”
The housekeeper said, “Ms. Eileen has already gone to bed.”
A mysterious light flashed in Jasper’s eyes. “Did she ask about anything?”
The housekeeper shook her head. “No, but… Ms. Eileen didn’t return until almost nine o’clock. After having dinner, she went upstairs to rest. I guess she must be exhausted. Mr. Jasper, have you eaten yet? The food is still warm.”
“No, thanks.” Jasper’s face didn’t betray much emotion as he ascended the stairs. “If she asks, just say I never came back.”
“Huh? A-All right, Mr. Jasper.”
The housekeeper watched as he ascended the stairs, lost in thought.
Did Mr. Jasper have another disagreement with Ms. Eileen? He was fine when he left this morning. But now that he’s back, it’s as if he’s become a different person.
As dawn broke, a hint of soft red sunlight ascended over the mountain peak.
The morning sun shone brightly, and the air was incredibly fresh after the rain.
With her hair tied in a braid, Eileen hurriedly descended the stairs. “Starting today, I will have two hours of exams every day. I won’t be able to have dinner at home. If Jasper comes back, please let him know. If he’s been busy with work lately, I can take a taxi by myself. I’ll be leaving first.”
She quickly finished her milk and grabbed a pretzel, using a napkin.
The housekeeper said, “Ms. Eileen, you’re eating so little. It won’t be enough. Why don’t you take a piece of toast as well?”
“It’s fine.”
Every minute of her time was now precious, and she couldn’t afford to waste it.
In the following days, Eileen rarely saw Jasper in the mansion. Most of the time, she was alone.
That night, as she went downstairs to get a drink of water, she found someone sitting on the couch. smoking. The air was filled with a suffocating smell of smoke.
“When did you get back?” Eileen asked lazily, squinting at his face, which was blurry to her.
“A while ago. Why haven’t you gone to bed yet?” Jasper put down his foot that was resting on the coffee table, stood up to put out the cigarette in his hand, and looked at Eileen with a somewhat indifferent gaze
“I want to have some water.” Eileen ruffled her hair, dressed only in a thin, knee-length nightgown Tm going upstairs now. You should get some sleep soon too.”
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3:4
“Tilen he called out to her.
Hmm” Eileen, holding the cup of water, paused in her tracks. She turned to look at him. “What’s the
matter
Tve discussed it with my grandmother. We’re going to postpone our engagement party for now!
The tone of this statement implied that regardless of Eileen’s agreement, Jasper had already made the decision for her.
