Chapter 14
Zack caught up with Lillian and said, “Hey, I’m sorry for dropping by unannounced. I hope I didn’t disturb you” Unlike earlier, when he had been fiercely defending her, he now had a warm smile on his face.
“Why did you transfer to Jerisburg all of a sudden, especially with the SATs coming up? I just visited Zoey, and she didn’t mention anything about this,” Zack asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ever since he found out Lillian was going to school here, he had wanted to see her every day. Today, he finally came up with an excuse to visit, even if i wasn’t the best one.
Lillian kept walking, her voice flat. “I already dealt with that question. What more do you need?”
“You must have another approach to tackle it, right?” Zack asked,
Lillian shot him an annoyed glance, feeling a bit annoyed by his greediness,
Tm not asking for other solutions, Zack quickly clarified, feeling frustrated with himself for not expressing his thoughts more smoothly.
“Get to the point.” Lillian didn’t feel they were particularly close Kevin had helped her get into Fillcrest High, and today’s test felt like enough of a favor in return.
On top of that, she had often helped them out, answering tons of questions over time. Aside from the gifts they insisted on bringing, she hadn’t taken anything else from them.
In hindsight, if she had known how troublesome this grandfather–grandson duo would be, she wouldn’t have bothered solving that pointless issue on the Jerisburg University forum–it just invited trouble her way.
“Can I eat with you? I went to Fillcrest for both middle and high school, and I kind of miss the cafeteria food here,” Zack said, his usual confidence seeming to slip as he trailed awkwardly behind her.
Lillian didn’t reply, but that didn’t stop Zack from sticking close to her. They walked to the cafeteria, and as they went. curious looks and whispers followed them.
Zack grabbed the same food as Lillian and took a seat across from her. After a bite, he said nostalgically, “The food hasn’t changed a bit.”
Lillian remained silent.
Feeling ignored, Zack glanced at Lillian, trying to think of a conversation starter. Noticing she was glued to her phone, he settled into his meal quietly.
Lillian looked at the picture of Jesse’s lunch from preschool and realized he had started kindergarten. She quickly took a photo of her meal and sent it back.
Jesse texted back: [Are you feeling better?]
Lillian, multitasking, replied: [All better.] while still eating
For the past few days, Jesse had been checking in on her almost daily, even calling her on video chat. He didn’t speak, but his
concern was clear.
After a bit, Lillian put her phone down.
Zack saw his chance and asked, “Can Zocy handle everything out by herself? If she needs help, I can bring her to Jerisburg
“I have a house that’s empty and great for retirement–plus, it’s close to Jerisburg University. You’ve done so much for me,
1/3
12:47 Tue, Dec 31 @ tie.
Chapter 14
and I’d really like to repay you”
Lillian shook her head. “Thanks, but it’s really not necessary.”
Just then, the students nearby noticed them and started whispering to each other.
“Is that Zack? Why is he eating here? And who’s that girl with him? She’s gorgeous”
“Haven’t you heard? That’s Lillian. She transferred here for her senior year. They say she’s the secret daughter of the head of Wilson Group.”
“Come on. She’s the real deal. Yolanda is the fake one
“Wow, he’s so handsome! Can you believe he graduated in our senior class? Even after his leaving, we still get to see him”
“Isn’t he supposed to be unapproachable? I’ve seen his competition videos online–he seems so cool and distant. But he’s not like that in person.”
“Seriously, with such a pretty girl across from you, you’d be all smiles.”
“Did you guys hear about that crazy question in Class A? It totally blew my mind.”
Lillian finished her meal quickly. While Zack still had food in his mouth, he jumped up to follow her. She needed to get back to class, so he had no choice but to tag along.
“Lillian, I’ll be waiting for you at Jerisburg University. Zack watched until Lillian disappeared, a big grin on his face. “Zack!” A sudden voice cut through Zack’s thoughts. He turned to see Mindy standing behind him, and his smile faded. He didn’t recognize her at all, so he chose to ignore her and walked away, treating her very differently from the others.
“Zack?” Mindy called again
“Yeah! What’s up?” Zack asked, his voice icy.
Mindy felt a wave of disappointment wash over him–it seemed he didn’t even remember her.
great at
She explained, “It’s me, Mindy. We’ve met before. I even went to your house. Fiona likes me, and Kevin said I’m great math and that I should study together with you sometime,”
“Sorry, but I’m busy” Zack wasn’t interested in her chatter.
Seeing that he was about to walk away, Mindy panicked and blurted out, “Lillian is my sister!” She never would have said that under normal circumstances, and even saying it now felt awkward.
But it worked–Zack stopped in his tracks. However, this only fuelled Mindy’s frustration. “Zack, how do you know Liftian Why do you care about her so much?
“She had been in Mesville. Why did you say her math skills are better than yours and Kevin‘ Are you sure she’s not your leg? She barely even goes to school-
pulling
“Can you just chill?” Zack interrupted firmly before she could ramble on
Mindy was taken aback and fell silent instantly under Zack’s intense gaze.
Do you really think it’s your place to meddle in my relationship with her? If I remember correctly, you were the one accusing Lillian of cheating in class earlier, right?” Zack said, his voice cold as ice.
T–I was just… Mindy’s eyes welled up, looking like she’d been wronged.
12:47 Tue, Dec 31 tio.
Chapter 14
Zack was confused. Tve never heard Lillian say she has a sister.she doesn’t like you, maybe you should just leave her
alone.”
That sounded like a warning, leaving Mindy both furious and shocked.
73%
Zack’s unexpected visit made Lillian an even hotter topic among the students. What shocked them more was that both Kevin and Zack, two big names, resorted to using test papers to ask Lillian for help.
All afternoon, Mindy heard nothing but the names Zack and Lillian. She was on the verge of tears several times but managed to hold herself together. Finally, when school ended, she followed Lillian into the bathroom.
“How do you know Zack? How did you trick him? It was Prof. Slth who got you into Fillcrest High, right?” Mindy fired off her questions, shaking with a mix of anger and jealousy.
Lillian washed her hands at the sink, flicked the water off her fingers, and looked at Mindy. “Want to know! Come here and I’ll tell you.”
Mindy marched forward impulsively. As she got closer, Lillian suddenly slapped her hard across the face, making her stumble back.
After a moment in shock, Mindy raised her hand to hit back, but Lillian quickly grabbed her wrist, twisted it behind her, and shoved her head into the sink.
The
pain jolted Mindy’s senses, and her face burned as a metallic taste filled her mouth. It was the first time she had been slapped, and she was furning.
ever
“How dare you hit me, Lillian! Not even Dad has ever hit me. I’ll kill you. I’ll break your hand!” She struggled violently, trying to break free, but it was no use.
Lillian turned on the faucet, and cold water sprayed over Mindy making her scream. The water cascaded over Mindy’s head and splashed into her face. She was choking, trying to yell in anger but soon lost her voice.
The sink filled with water, and Mindy gasped for air, desperate and miserable. She flailed her arms, trying to reach Lillian. but it was no use.
Lillian watched her struggle with an indifferent expression. Just as Mindy seemed about to suffocate, Lillian pulled her up and tossed her to the ground. Then Lillian washed her hands, tumed off the faucet, and walked out.
By the time Mindy finally caught her breath, Lillian was already gone.
SEND GIFT
