Chapter 36
Osric, ignoring the chaos he left behind, made his way with his assistant toward a quiet figure seated in the far comer of the cafeteria
The eyes of those who had placed bets were glued to Osric, trailing his every move. When he stopped in front of the serene figure, gasps rippled through the crowd.
It was Amaril
“It’s Amans! I won! Hand over the cash one student ermwwed, pumping a fut.
cold you so! Mr. Hale, of course, came here for his fiancéet another added songly
“That settles it—those rumors about him and Ismay were fake. What a relief the third one added.
Nearby, Ismay was furious, her hands trembling as she witnessed the scene,
Fury welled up, and she abandoned her half–caten food, matching her tray and storming out of the cafeteria
At the same time, Ome had already seated himself across from Amaris. She glanced up at him, her face calm and composed as if his presence didn’t surprise her at all
“Are you here to see Ismay! She she’s not around. Amaris stammered, her brow furrowing slightly.
Chric’s lips twitched in annoyance. Do I look like I’m here for Ismay?” he muttered.
His gaze shifted to her tray, where a neat selection of vegetarian options awaited–garlic roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, and vegetable salad. The sight was unexpectedly appealing.
Amaris ate with quiet refinement, but when she noticed him watching her, she paused, setting down her fork. Her eyes darted between her plate and One’s face as a hesitant realization dawned on her. “You you’re here for me?” she asked, incredulous
An amused smile crossed Cric’s face. “Finally caught on, huh?”
Earlier that day. Oric had been dragged by Noah to Thane’s office for a medical checkup when an old ailment flared up.
The ordeal had eaten up his entire moming. Now, knowing Amaris worked nearby, he had instinctively sought her out.
Oddly enough, the tightness in his chest that had been bothering him vanished the moment he saw her.
He leaned back in his chair, tapping the edge of the table. “Since your fiancé is here, don’t you think you should treat me to lunch!”
Osric happened to be feeling hungry and gestured to her.
Amaris blinked, dearly taken aback.
She couldn’t imagine Ouric eating cafeteria food
Still, she slid her newly issued meal card toward him. “You can help yourself.”
Ostic chuckled, picking up the extra fork on the table. “Til rather have a bite of yours.”
Before he could reach her plate, Amaris swiftly pulled it out of his reach. “No way! 1. I have a thing about gemps… I don’t share food
She glanced at her tray. Seriously, Ouriet With all his money, why is he after my food It’s not enough for me! she thought
Nearby, Nool could barely contain his laughter. It was a rare sight to see Chric so brazenly rebutted—and by a modest, unassuming country girl no
Geric shot Noah a sharp glare, silencing him. Gearing his throat, Noah grabbed Amaris’s card and went to fetch food. Amaris, suddenly remembering the limited balance on her card, called after him nerveusly. “Just just get a linte, okay? Don’t, don’t waste money!”
After all, Tin not as rich as he is, slur thought.
Osric thought, Great. I finally feel better, and now she’s talking about petites like we re destitude:
When Noah returned with the tray, Amaris had already fished her last bite.
She snatched her card back and stood. You two enjoy your meal,” she said.
1/3
11:01 AM ₫
Chapter
36
Noah gaped at her retreating figure, stunned. Ms Wynn, aren’t you going to keep Mr. Hale company! Hex
“He’s not a child,” Amaris replied, her voice soft but firm. She turned to Ostic with a pointed look. “You don’t need me to feed you, do you?”
Ouric’s deep voice rumbled, “No!”
Amaris nodded in satisfaction and looked at Noah as if to say, ‘See? He doesn’t need me.
Amans sat next to Oric, their presence drawing curious glances and hushed whispers from passing students. She never sought to be the center of such scrutiny. After all, she and Ostic were merely partners, not an actual couple.
“Well… I’d better go work on my lesson plans!” she blurted, practically bolting from her seat.
Noah watched her flee, his mouth half–open in disbelief. When he turned to Osric, a flicker of sympathy crossed his face
Arborfield’s golden boy, adored by every debutante in town, just got brushed off like nobody. This Amaris is something else. Noah thought. marveling
He cleared his throat and tried to find words to console Osric, but they came out stilted and awkward. “Mr. Hale, I’m sure Ms. Wynn is just really busy
Osric scowled. stabbing his food with unnecessary force. Busy my foot! I heard she’s supposed to be teaching physiology but keeps rambling about unrelated theories.
He let out a frustrated sigh. I should never have come here!
Back at home, Ismay burst through the door, tears streaming down her face
Her voice was trembling with anger as she recounted her grievances to her parents.
She cried, “She knows how much I care about Osric, but she keeps flaunting her connection to him! She even bought trending topics online, making it seem like they’re so in love. Today, Osric came to school to see me, and she deliberately got in the way, keeping us apart! And it’s not just Osrict She’s completely unqualified to teach. People at school are already gossiping, saying she only got into med school because of you, Dad”
Eira clutched her chest dramatically. This won’t do! Fintan, you’re a senator now. People will think you bribed your way into this! Amaris is ruining your reputation That girl is uneducated and arrogant! Just the other day at Fenella’s, she didn’t even bother showing respect to me or may Fintan, you need to do something about her!”
Fintan’s face turned stony gray as he listened to their complaints.
