Chapter 38
Cordeliaâs face was with tension, a flurry of thoughts crossing her mind.
She stared at Everard, whose face was inches from hers, trying to decipher his intentions. What was he planning
If she couldnât refuse Everardâs demand, he couldâve easily made his move right after casting that bizarre âlove or dieâ speli on her. He could be after her money or trying to seduce her,
Yet, he hadnât for anything significant in the past month. The most heâd done was to forcefully sell Cordelia some overpriced coffee beans and fleece her out of three hundred bucks.
But was he genuinely interested in a romantic relationship with her if he had no ulterior motive?
As Cordelia was deep in thought, Everard leaned closer, his deep voice tempting her. âGirl, close your eyes.â
âNo way!â No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than a sharp pain flared in her chest.
She took a deep breath, fury tinting her usually calm eyes, but ultimately, she closed them.
With her sight gone, other senses seemed to heighten. She could feel Everardâs breath drawing closer until it hovered before her face.
Her body tensed, detecting a kiss that landed on her eyelids. His lips felt soft and cold.
Cordelia clenched her fists.
As she felt she couldnât take it anymore, the kiss broke, and he stepped back with a low chuckle. There, done.â
Bastard!
When Cordeliaâs eyes snapped open, she stepped back and clenched her fists, readying the boxing stance Little Fang had taught her. She was about to kick when Everard stood unflinching, not even blinking.
But Cordeliaâs kick halted just two inches from him.
Chest pain flared ! Son of a gun!
Stubbornly, she withdrew her leg. As the pain subsided, she switched to punch, fast and fierce. Just as her fis was about to connect, he reached out.
Thud! Her punch landed squarely in the palm of his hand.
Cordelia had put all strength into it, halfâexpecting to send this man flying. Yet he remained unmoved, catching her fist and gently pulling her into his embrace.
Everardâs hand rested on the back of her head patting it as if to soothe her, and he said with exasperation, Youâll feel it if you hurt me.â
Cordelia was totally speechless.
As Cordelia started to struggle, she gradually calmed down. She wanted to say something, but Everard reminded her, âYouâre going to be late.â
Realizing the truth in his words, Cordelia glanced at the clock. She had two minutes to spare.
She grabbed her backpack and sprinted toward the school.
With the speed of a sprinter, Cordelia arrived at the classroom door alongside her Literature teacher as the bell
rang
âGood morning,â Cordelia greeted, about to enter when the teacher spoke, âCordelia, youâre excelling in all subjects except Literature getting a B. Itâs mainly because of your essays. Canât you put a little more emotion into your writing?â
Cordelia looked puzzled, her large eyes fitted with confusion she thought he had been at NINGUN
Seeing her perplexed expression the teacher gave an example take the last say
was âAutumn, with one picture showing a farmer a bountiful harvest and other degerings emphasizing that effort doesnt always lead to success You described the au
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a seat wh
prose is good but devoid of emotion Can you imagine the joy of the term during the hervorr
Slowly, Cordelia shook her head.
Sighing the teacher continued, âWhat about the joy you felt when you won first place at the far Competition?
The teacher hoped for a passionate response, but Cordeliers innocence done through so sy het normal for me to take first place? Whatâs there to be excited about?
The teacher was at a loss for words.
With a sigh, the teacher, fond of this bright and pretty student, prompted again, Have you wewe tale ragyogs the bottom of your heart?!
Cordelia said nothing.
âOr deeply sad?â
Cordelia remained silent.
âSurely, there must have been times when youâve been angry?
Cordelia still hadnât said a word
The teacher, nearly giving up, said, âIâll give you a list of books to read. They might help you with preap
Cordelia nodded.
at her desk, she thought about the emotions the teacher had mentioned. Suddenly the realized she had felt anger during Everardâs kiss, the most intense emotion she had ever experienced
September brought increased pressure for the students in the bonors classes as they began to use regular class time to for the upcoming National Math League and Physics Competitions. These events could secure college scholarships for competitors and years of effort culminating at this moment
Cordelia focused on the competitions, eventually spending all days in preparation.
As for Everard, they seemed to have reverted to their interactions after that gentle kiss, as if as if they forgotten the incident.
A week went by quickly.
Returning home from school one Cordelia was about to enter when she heard Julianaâs excited squeals. âMom! Iâve missed you so much!â
off guard, Cordelia entered the living room to find an elegant and composed woman standing before Juliana. The woman looked capable and wore a warm smile. After embracing Juliana, she turned to Laurinda and said, âOh, Laurinda, look at Juliana Sheâs still our little princess!â
agreed, âIndeed, she is the gem of our family!â
From the corner of her eye, Rachel noticed Cordelia but acted if she hadnât seen her. She measured Julianaâs height and lamented, âAh, I remember when just this tall. Now sheâs grown up and even taller than me! Itâs incredible to have watched her grow up before my eyes.â
Cordelia ignored their maternal affection show headed upstairs to her room, brushing past the living room. Laurinda snorted, âYes, unlike some who werenât around to see grow up, which just feels like a strangerâ
hurriedly said as if she just noticed Cordelia, âOh, you must be Lia, right?â
Chapter 38
She plucked a giftâwrapped box from the couch and approached Cordelia with a beaming smile. âIâm your Aunt Rachell I was overseas with your Uncle Kermit when they brought you home. Itâs our first meeting, and my. arenât you a sight for sore eyes! Lia, here, I got you a little something!â
The box bore the iconic LV monogram, hinting at a designer bag inside.
Cordelia blinked in surprise. The phrase âdonât take a reward you havenât earned flashed through her mind, but before she could dwell on it, Rachelâs laughter cut through her thoughts. âLia, weâre all family here, and families help each other out, right? Could Aunt Rachel ask you for a favor??
Cordelia was puzzled.
Without missing a beat, Rachelâs smile widened. âYou enrolled in the math competition. But about the physics competition, could you step aside and give Juliana a chance?