ESS Ch 6

It was record-breaking rain. It had been pouring for ten days straight. The biting cold seemed to lift like a curtain, hinting at the arrival of summer, but with the downpour, the temperature plummeted again. Erratum’s winter was this harsh and tenacious.31fab9fae289816d

Walking from the dormitory 54c55591bc to the lecture hall, 55b6617621 the slanting raindrops touched b058578d2d my bare skin. The rainwater was so d865bcc494 cold that it made 7a6a60c1a7 me shiver. Nevertheless, many students were already b2073a6892 walking around in thin, short baa0b63118 uniforms.c6ee3c6186fe921c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

But I took out 6258299c4b my familiar cardigan and c979fa5321 put it on again. The sky was very 316e6c0ebd cloudy, and I was 50fa8fcf35 afraid of the rain ff1eb4b2e1 that might pour down becf0b3fd1 at any moment.dcf1770c6370f4dd

“…….”49c18ec55d52e6fb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

As I was taking my uniform out of the closet, Remington’s gloves, hanging by the door, caught my eye. I would occasionally touch his gloves carefully.1665859f9092f2c3

A surprisingly well-preserved scent of 8bb74f27f8 him emanated from inside the edfd71c725 gloves, and every time I 8e8af1e769 smelled it, the back of 86623de2d5 my neck would invariably grow 159cbe87c1 cold.60f97fa4451abd21

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The day I received the 6b4ce7d583 gloves, the chilly air of 665780766e the snowy field, his blue 03a0c16d23 eyes that gave me a 0c8163e7bc strange feeling. My constant efforts to 98eced39d3 return the gloves and 0150abe522 the ridicule that came c1f371c5b6 from him. His contemptuous eyes.5552f438a6b8f4f1

Even after going through all 37706e873a that, I was such a 5a504f75e8 fool to be deceived again.c566f8cc302ad0bc

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”eb5284d0eb6d0df8

I hung the gloves back where they were. When summer comes, I will put them away in a deep place with the winter clothes. In a dark place where they won’t be seen.f388760529f50011

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I put on my uniform d32f92aa5c jacket and left the dormitory.4e1f8439ed15e6f5

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️4046a0d7d7f71516

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

It was summer. It also meant exam period, and it meant that my father’s midterm election was just around the corner.36ed63b365fb79de

These days, I spent more fa42515b5f time checking the news and 6c3117641a internet reactions than studying for 1f83a98223 exams. After the exams, it would 75069d8e1b be summer vacation, which also 7e4ece19fa meant I had to go f1e985248f back home.001c6dd7d73603df

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

My father’s mood was a crucial matter directly linked to my peace. I prayed for my father’s peace every night for my own safety, but unfortunately, God didn’t seem to be on my side.22b09340c5bfc6e6

─Immigrant Solidarity, protests against Congressman Roderson’s immigration control policy… ‘Violence-friendly policy’859ec7a3afc64b57

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

─Midterm election poll results, Roderson falters under Hayden’s fierce pursuit… Red light for the Jua Party774511baf9f2077b

─Anteros transforms into the ‘biggest upheaval’ in midterm elections… Due to Bowen Roderson’s personal life controversy?a0de17d56a0ba836

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The news was noisy 9ad18403a3 with attacks directed at b612670b6f my father.39187fa29e993d8a

Maybe this is all because I kissed Duncan. The pastor always said that disobeying my father’s rules is like betraying the Lord, and that Satan punishes such acts.fb427d65420c83d2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What’s so serious?”73e014ffb24df5a1

While I was engrossed 10589385fe in reading the article, 4c1214e157 a thick hand reached cbe15b146e out from behind me 9e34d3dab1 and snatched my phone. It was Duncan, as expected.1564eba14e1b61c4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sighing and turning around, he f7a5b68bb8 raised his hand to the bfc7ed9815 ceiling, preventing me from grabbing b893f00809 it back, and read the 50f557ffc8 article. His mischievous face seemed more 1d7ebfe193 interested in teasing me than 958231b645 the content of the article.1748df3e58573df3

“Bowen? Isn’t that your sister? What’s this about a personal life controversy? I’ve never heard of this.”33ede5825008db3c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“My sister’s boyfriend is from the opposing political camp as my father. He’s also an undocumented immigrant. Give me back my phone.”119e0fe8a4d31282

When I stood 235d20137b on tiptoe and 89a16dbc95 reached out, he 664d68e93b grinned and raised 2127bb81c6 the phone even 4c0f985568 higher. The height difference was too bc88112df4 much for my hand to 1b1b88e876 reach. Between his raised uniform e939cec894 shirt, his nicely tanned, c2539c910a dark skin was revealed.200451f896cf49f2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“But why is that a personal life controversy?”be6941ac753a3d48

“If reporters call it a controversy, then it becomes a controversy.”85fbd18c22bbaf6c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Cool. My father also e469fc0be1 has very different 91a73170fc political views from 72993be45f your father. So if we 37a04810b3 date, will it 46a2ff7ae9 be in the 6559cd418d news? It’s my dream c5fc69811b to be at c53f2e2078 the center of ca7f076d63 a controversy.”c1a9b9b1b7f2b79f

“Sigh….”9111c011422c140a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I was tired of answering. Giving up on my phone and sitting back down, Duncan nudged me. I didn’t react. Then, with a deflated look, he sat quietly next to me.9a1cdf662bfd6be5

“Let’s go on a date. Then I’ll call 6a401db40e Fortenge and tell cb2dfe7d64 them to take 177f7e4fe2 down the article.”61627cf651485a13

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He returned my phone and b9ceb55863 moved closer. The smell of his 98914c990c sweat wafted over me, 8f7931901b fragrantly. I looked at him with 4b9aff9fcb a bored expression.3c3dc85740201a1d

“Do you have that kind of power?”31a5c8fcdbec831d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“The CEO of Forten is my mom’s new husband, so we’re closer than strangers. If I say you’re my girlfriend, wouldn’t he do at least that much for me?”14185cb809af3d43

“I appreciate the offer. It’s just a shame that Forten isn’t the only news outlet that published this article.”60e65145f3abed69

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Damn it.”18dbec94ad15756c

Duncan scratched the 8aaaedb981 back of his 9858dc6939 head and cursed afc2215f4a under his breath. His desk was bare, as bea0db52f0 if he had no intention fd1adc1a9f of taking out his textbook.dea126a54df50d2b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He’d been going on about the same thing ever since the ‘Night at the Dormitory’ incident. Let’s date, let’s be in a relationship, let’s become close, I want your face to be the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning, and so on.9935d41ec7842ff6

Every time he did, I got a headache trying to gauge when I could finally be cold to him. Because of Eleanor, who’d been acting like my protector since the incident at the dormitory, I didn’t want her to find out that I’d been ‘pretending to like’ Duncan. I wanted to appear as if my feelings were gradually cooling. It just didn’t work well when I was in front of Duncan.27463fc9297e867e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What are you doing during the break? Let’s go to the beach. I’ll send a plane for you.”0500bf058787a52a

“…I have one of those too.”0f0d0df0de3d83cc

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“When you see the night sea of Nol Beach, you’ll want to kiss me again.”c55291ec94c5d8a6

“Stop!”5c4c6065616e5ea2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I barely managed to 4dc67bcd20 hold back the words 21cc56a2b6 telling him to get b931a43035 lost, and pushed away 72b952fb95 his face, which was 8c271403e9 close to my ear. It felt like I 51f4792ced had a huge beast 6553e4d327 tied up beside me. His gaze was sticky dea3436c59 and unpleasant, as if c6df3f41c2 he were licking me 6790c08af6 with his tongue. I tried to 0f512c6043 ignore Duncan and 29d50f0c4d focus on the f1d09ef3d4 class.4c5ca05a11d0b8b2

Since the night at the dormitory, Duncan had been attending history class regularly. That was the only subject we had in common. But Duncan’s diligence only extended to attendance. He kept poking me throughout class or just stared at my face with his chin resting on his hand, bothering me. When I glared at him and turned around, telling him to stop, he laughed, amused.0663f6a155e9da97

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I hoped Mr. Harper would reprimand Duncan, but as if he didn’t want to get involved with such an uncontrollable student, he only occasionally threw out quiz questions to change the atmosphere and didn’t impose any other sanctions.27b796c0ce4c3a67

“Do you not like Nol Beach? It might be hot 4e576de0a2 because it’s summer, but d1d80979c0 it’ll be fun. We can party every 6c85791090 day and go surfing. I’ll make sure 7f4add6676 you have fun d1493526c7 all day long.”999e6846a45f9801

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Even after class, Duncan persistently followed me. Instead of answering, I quickened my pace towards Cafe Terry, but Duncan’s stride was much longer than mine, and he wasn’t the type to be discouraged by being ignored.365baa1787f73add

Duncan snatched my backpack like he was pulling on a pet’s leash and growled.29bfa0c44db6bd28

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Our cute Dani, what are you doing keeping your earphones on when someone is talking to you? You have to answer, e12f900286 whether you like it dc09478e3a or not. Do you know how much 8062b67ac9 I’m holding back right now?”0d56b24594a616f9

“…I’ve been telling you I can’t go.”90ab5bdf26c74547

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“There’s no reason you can’t go, so when you say you can’t, I don’t understand. Give me a plausible reason.”4f0d50c4dba1645f

“My father won’t allow it.”41e2726e152c8994

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Why would he object? I’m Graham. Should I talk to ce12b13067 your father?”a0902bc102c92eb6

He suddenly put on 495ab65638 a British accent and 274806799a smirked. My face instinctively crumpled. The inflated egos 7f2f1733b7 of boys who dd2a60dad9 have never lacked b452dbe7b8 anything.97686f84dd6fccac

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Annoyed, I slapped 8bc190fbcb his hand away. But Duncan gripped b5ecada777 my backpack tighter, c81d0798fd preventing me from 5b41940871 escaping.d0a621ee505a6e18

“Dani, we like each other, so why do we have to make things difficult?”e35e1bb319430009

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“My bag….”f42ec5a6d75c50ea

“It’s not making things difficult, it’s that there’s no path at all, Duncan. That road is closed.”2d01e82706e489ef

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just as Duncan ef83422b65 was about to 900be17be1 corner me menacingly, 719524cc83 Eleanor stepped in 0d13bfbb16 between us.9c3fde0a8face471

“Are you okay, Dani?”583d1493f90a1fad

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Eleanor easily pushed Duncan away and took the spot next to me. My head ached even more. Eleanor’s high ponytail, as she looked at me protectively, hit Duncan’s face like a horse’s tail.359b2db39c1da0b0

Ouch! Duncan, who had been hit, 0cdf6a7248 clutched his face and glared 63a6533149 at Eleanor. It was a 00af7537e3 threatening look, quite 831eb57bf2 different from when 009dfb1215 he looked at 8fc2d5c576 me.2eedf75243286be5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“El! Can’t you see Dani and I are talking?”f3fd392ddd7b38d9

“Yes. I can’t see.”7c9c74d050f7a2e9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Eleanor naturally linked arms with 7fca1f115b me and glared at Duncan.8a956fc1ee1eaa40

“Dani is my friend, Graham. And have I told you before? If you mess with my friend one more time, I’ll cut off your dick and decorate it on the cover of Fortenge.”13985d9b18506f9b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’d be grateful if you did that. I’m confident, you know. What should we do? Should I mess with Dani right here, right now? Huh?”da838adf3a8cec0c

Duncan laughed loudly 27745bc0ee and unbuckled his 26daecb556 belt instead. He looked like he was c24d0c884e about to take his pants 496920d3a7 off right there and then.b1cd50d04da6e4b1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I don’t know how far I can mess with her. Can you bring me the Erratum rulebook? I’m curious about which positions are allowed in the hallway.”541a549d811bd3ff

“You pervert! Just zip up your pants!”bf0437efd4077749

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Eleanor’s hands fluttered busily over my face, unsure whether to cover my eyes or my ears.ece6efcb2421bbc8

“Dani, don’t listen to that! Let’s go. Remy’s waiting for us.”bbb194a2c85320b3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I was dragged by Eleanor towards the window like a child. I could hear Duncan shouting behind me, “She’s the one who kissed me first!” But Eleanor didn’t even look back, just pushing me blindly inwards.46087bab6255e603

“Remy! I brought Dani.”b1d32ed67992b5d5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Eleanor said triumphantly. Remington, who had spotted 9297fa11c8 us, put down the eb59e1b919 book he was reading 5ad078f6d1 and gave a slight c00ddee6da nod instead of a 767d995737 greeting.11fc9940904bbc26

He looked fresh in f82b91d143 his summer uniform. His naturally lengthened hair suited 38531dab6f him well, and his body, 61695f241d clad in a thin, light 2afadd890d white short-sleeved shirt, looked especially e9676ef8c1 toned and sharp.3105c42913c2bb53

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

<Wide Sargasso Sea>a7c191ec2c58a2a7

I glanced at the title of the book Remington was reading and sat across from him. I had read it before, but I didn’t let on. I didn’t want to talk to him first, and I didn’t want to establish common ground with him.e67fdcb2734bc8a9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Since the ‘Night at the Dormitory’ incident, we hadn’t had a proper conversation. We sat facing each other with indifferent expressions and ate, and if Eleanor wasn’t around, we didn’t even exchange words.d40eefe325d7e9d2

But sometimes, even 4facd5cd85 when Eleanor skipped fc9319128c lunch, Remington consistently f6d0334b62 came to find a24cf37c3d me. He would silently place his 2c6357dd00 tray across from me, and b7d57d1598 we would finish our meal, 7e334849b7 each reading a book or 5dbff2929d listening to music.57c9ab85b39755b9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I kept a 68da1d226a calm face, but 2130d892e9 inside, I was 92d7c31316 quietly seething. Unresolved questions bubbled like foam, e90ce8479b and my heart seemed to ec9b4e66ec rattle like the lid of 5988b24b25 a kettle that had boiled 00b18b2a0b over.330674b411cd1637

Would Remington also be 14471361c0 hiding such turmoil behind 0fee13c5fb a seemingly tranquil mask?1d51a90f7e2fbf40

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I hope so.98932070e2b606d4

It wouldn’t be eabddc26b9 fair if I 1d4e430a8d were the only 31d60d830b one suffering.5fd811537748a3fc

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Remy, look at Duncan. Doesn’t he look completely crazy?”6ab663ddabe8cd0d

Eleanor nudged Remington’s shoulder, sitting next to him, and shuddered.bf1f9c60b8a58ecb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“He’s definitely doing that on purpose to get Dani’s attention. He gets even more obsessive 23037a0cdd when he can’t have what 88b94368f3 he wants, you know? It’s disgusting, really….”1bf7f5afa1f36a31

Remington also slowly f7c28177bc lifted his head e6108f52f1 and looked where 2d17281af6 Eleanor was pointing.9a988d6037aa22eb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Anyone coming to Nol Beach! Anyone coming to Nol Beach!”4cb5bb9afb467473

Duncan, with his shirt unbuttoned 4cdb500e16 halfway down his chest, boasted 1556b6c86a a physique that suited the 308578fd6b summer sun well and was e8a7b4a0e6 rummaging through the tables here 88061fcf7e and there.6436d599db5e344d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Cafe Terry instantly turned into 286ec9932f Nol Beach. Every time he spoke to 82defdbcbd someone, the girls, though flustered, bda2387ae5 couldn’t easily take their eyes 96f8ddf70a off him.cd3de7908b4660cf

Remington watched Duncan with 59995876d9 an impassive gaze. However, his brow was subtly f3e1a5e62b but definitely furrowed, and displeasure 68cd13c22a was evident in his eyes.9508af3ef6920f24

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

While everyone observed Duncan, 2897697c1e I observed Remington. It was truly incomprehensible. The more he expressed his 3c191ececb contempt for me, the less 8de7c1e33b I could take my eyes 6c6ce642b0 off him.1f40fc0a5dbdf502

I could still vividly remember Remington from that day. The bitter expression on his face as he looked at me, his lips confessing that my safety was none of his concern, yet his hand that wouldn’t let me go….150e6ca883c1f2ea

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’re right. I hate myself like this too.”a29cd46e482fc24f

The moment I recalled that d1e4ad8fdb voice, Remington’s eyes met mine. Our gazes collided instantly. I, who had been watching 99d0903cdd him with my chin resting a141c65f2f on my hand, quickly turned a808147092 my head away.2a9f70a9d6f10bbf

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

My heart raced like someone 547ba5139a caught doing something wrong. My ears felt hot. Was he still looking at e57ee53154 me? What was he 79fe09b9f7 thinking when he e21f59626f discovered me watching d8529b2991 him? I was afraid of such dc8c3cccff things, yet curious.e0ef7cc23b62134e

But Remington, in a nonchalant 8a279ce27a voice, replied only to Eleanor.8cb3ef45f0c09129

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Leave him alone. That’s Duncan’s charm.”4d2cc357dc81bb8e

I was conscious of Remington, 88c0e32e71 but he was never conscious c1fa58cdd6 of me. The fact that he showed f0be96b5a9 no interest in me reassured b908104f7a me, yet strangely dampened my 2a173f4574 mood.668f2ea8d7be3be8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Defending him as a friend. As the female student representative, I can’t tolerate him running wild like that. This is why you shouldn’t assign people to the Royal Dormitory just based on their family background. You have to consider their character too. I’m really worried about how the school will be run after I graduate!”e3d5c56ef7484a9c

Eleanor’s fists trembled as she retorted, her voice laced with a rather serious sense of righteousness.3aa56f45cf8add08

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Speaking of people who don’t belong in the Royal Dormitory, Dani, you should be careful of your roommate.”0ab92f49c340df1d

“Are you talking about Kat?”4a3c57bd3b6dc8b7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

My head tilted 96f181c890 slightly at the 7b243a357b unexpected name. Eleanor responded, not hiding 34f560cd9d her blatant contempt.653bf5be8d1dea8e

“Yes. Her. That girl might take pictures of you and sell them to Duncan. Or maybe she’ll collect your underwear that you put out to wash, or used sanitary pads from the trash can, and sell them. Duncan would definitely make that kind of request.”914ee12c7e27d556

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Thanks for the concern. But Kat isn’t the type to do that. We’re quite close.”0b069a7dc9f72b35

I said firmly, but Eleanor didn’t seem to trust my judgment. She snatched a blueberry from my tray with her pointed nails and pressed me.ca0bece98277b668

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You don’t know that she’s the girl who sold all of her parents’ wedding rings and heirlooms, do you? The Beers family wants to 6be81c385f kill her, even if it 40491f864b means hiring an assassin. I guarantee you, she f77fe85303 only cares about money. Her parents are 85675c8a94 such good people, 4751000786 I don’t know 6831404db6 how such a 7113bb1dd1 weirdo was born ba5b833806 to them.”c34c745866fa794b

“I don’t know about her relationship with her parents, but Kat likes me.”c7a60f883e93af75

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh, Dani. That girl is a Rat! She’ll do anything for money.”0b57b5bfb651e8a4

Eleanor dropped the 760d8acfff blueberry as if 920da60431 throwing it, frustrated. She added that f5ef9e2686 she calls kids 6f255710b2 who run errands af08ad71a1 for money ‘Rats’.6407ec356f1b5e7a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Rats are kids who will do anything for money. Taking pictures, getting drugs, taking exams for others, anything is possible. If they get caught, it’s the employer’s responsibility to deal with the aftermath.”3127aad4ed125594

“Hmm, I see.”39f9f4a24e85da82

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I know those kinds of kids well, Dani. Rats are a breed that doesn’t understand things like friendship or loyalty. They only know money! Say something too, Remy.”e6a6ec36ea33e6e0

Remington, who had 2cf4f85269 been eating quietly e62a500d5a without joining the 60d0672795 conversation, reacted a ca7da35acb beat late.0d87eb3354e2f017

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Sorry. What were you talking about?”fe12baf1b032fc6d

“We were talking about Rats. Dani doesn’t seem to 30677bdae3 understand how dangerous Rats fa2c140af9 are.”780bc6788d2510be

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, Rats.”4780e27b81a7be8f

Remington wiped his mouth with f4fcfee2df a napkin and muttered indifferently. He sounded completely uninterested.f5b1570e5f6302cb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But El, you give a Rat $100 every week to get the limited-edition afternoon tea set that comes out on the last Saturday of the month, don’t you? If it weren’t for the Rat, you would have had to wait in line.”5fc66fca4cab068c

“That’s different!”00711cf80f13cd60

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

When she didn’t get the desired reaction, Eleanor went on and on about the dangers of Rats. Her conclusion was that for the sake of the Royal Dormitory’s prestige, dormitory assignments should be made considering students’ personal lives.1a67da409cab1ba9

“You’re not going to hang out with that girl during vacation, are you?”e0eedf5b4fc6b4a9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Well….”32687608c657e212

I was getting tired of Eleanor’s controlling behavior. As I turned my head slightly to avoid her persistent gaze, I made eye contact with Duncan in the distance. He beckoned to me as if he had been waiting, and mouthed the words,a990d58ef9ed98aa

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Let’s go to Nol Beach together.’91d6dbca9fabb2e0

Ignoring Duncan, who 1b95e4b80e wiggled his eyebrows 384027359f suggestively, I looked 0b83a6be64 back at Eleanor. I immediately snitched.3ad7bcb7418c839a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Duncan invited me to Nol Beach.”0e9a32218b579397

“Oh, dear….”5ad26d345880472f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Eleanor grimaced in horror. It was then 4c32664850 that Remington, who 3fe748dcce hadn’t shown any 3609be1133 interest in our 352749cd8e conversation, lifted his 8bd5650087 head. I noticed his gaze but 4928e58c69 pretended not to see, deliberately 9ff9755975 keeping my eyes fixed on b04b7442ff Eleanor and continuing the conversation. But my face grew hotter d8d5641cd1 and hotter.aa2ab7e762368085

“He’s having a party at the Nol Beach villa. I haven’t answered yet.”626282204ff8cadf

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“But Dani, why is your face getting redder as you say that? Are you that happy cf6dc25e30 to be invited by d4a90794f5 Duncan? Do you still aa0a3b4b1f like him that 58c1fd7b9b much?”c834fdc966d0687e

“It’s not that….”561c34b490af65eb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Damn it. And I’m the host of that party! It’s my graduation party!”446c5d11c851cc52

Eleanor gripped her fork and looked back at Duncan. She looked like she wanted to run over and rip out Duncan’s short hair.4efb8583d6d4d0e6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Duncan beat me to it. I was originally going to 57998c3436 give you the invitation first! But….”8ca0f943bb8bd005

“But?”8d4e169a1b6ac3e4

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Remy stopped me. He said you wouldn’t even like the invitation, and that you’re the type who can’t easily refuse an invitation, so I shouldn’t invite you at all.”6d4370cc426cd5c0

Eleanor whispered, lowering her voice. But it was pointless since 722ee80dce Remington was sitting right next 9cb76a2786 to her.a12f7c49eb5dd4a1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Don’t even invite me? Flustered, I immediately looked at Remington, but he avoided my eyes, drinking water.ac43b7ed7ba9ef2e

“That’s right, Dani. It’s better this way. I’ll get rid of Duncan somehow, so let’s go to Nol Beach together! I’ll introduce you to some true elites with excellent family backgrounds and things to learn. You seem to need to change the people around you.”345fb2694d182fd0

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Thanks for the invitation, but….”835d489a69704c7f

I trailed off, thinking. Knowing that Remington tried 4e76b7ea70 to stop me from 94e3e89d50 going made me want e1c3d163ec to go to the 50cec7b72d party even more, but 6b213c7eb2 I wondered if my 93eb62c8fd father would allow it.02a2f95ce71ff6a4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I’m not sure if my father will allow it. It’s a very sensitive time b6d371c609 for him right now.”32c74198ab26241e

“True. The election is coming up 4a95970140 soon. Still, if you 9a363b4c42 change your mind, 30ec4dbf55 let me know. We’re planning to stay 7b769b305a for a month. Right, Remy?”d080280abed7ad4c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Remington nodded blandly. I rested my chin on 4e7dab5c85 my hand and stared at 5e3db306d0 him intently. His face was filled 45392df039 with boredom, not at def639fa2f all like someone who 58ab7f4b81 had a trip to b2a0492d9d a beautiful resort planned. Is that his happy expression?63e2f6eb01dc985b

Just then, Remington suddenly looked d9e842c531 at me, only his eyes 1a85b6c627 moving.93997cf533470edd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Don’t come.’2485da8c9a3722cd

His lips formed those words.41252f0c98ec1d7c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What?”38d626b622e6e94a

I asked back in surprise, but Remington had already turned his head away. Only Eleanor expressed her curiosity, asking, “Huh? What?” and I shook my head as if it was nothing. Remington calmly went back to cutting his steak as if he hadn’t said anything at all.dc549ba47de2c849

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️e793ca59e5834b87

After Eleanor left first because 257922f154 of a special chapel for 466f90a4af the graduating class, only Remington 2d2328baa5 and I remained at the f9c38c40ac table.1d0a84bfc99d610e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Remington had already 30503e45a3 finished his meal, d9790d64f7 but he waited 0d6c6b9524 for me. He always did that. He’d wait for me ccfb95c2ed until the very end, 5fe33e4ccb even with a look aad3645e09 on his face like bf9c04a0ef he was bored to a2698aa652 death. He might be f32019a7bf doing it on 6def1d1e06 purpose, knowing that a4cb2772aa it makes me 2ac4f3e689 even more uncomfortable.bd371cc840f0bbc1

I wanted to 384b51855c eat faster, but a58f3ce351 no matter how e57e42b793 hard I chewed, 5a6ec85e7a the mashed potatoes 35434a66a5 filling my mouth 04297a59f0 wouldn’t go down bdc2931ffe easily.f7d1dca3f1e85aca

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Eat slowly. We have plenty of time.”5cd265934a05e0d8

Remington said casually, pushing a 6e9a3b500e sparkling water towards me. He had already 543ecbb8ed opened his novel 8e48c17475 and was reading f15840e7a8 again.1866dd48a0c2205e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Now even his nonchalance was e660903282 irritating. I was also embarrassed that 1483214653 he had caught me trying d88d965808 to eat quickly. I swallowed what 4ab6be4f41 was in my 437a3e1537 mouth without touching 4dae974c56 the water he 09c01c0052 offered.d5a81f4f9e693880

“Don’t mind me. You can go first.”f44922f4011a0f78

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“If I leave here, the whole school will see your puffed-out cheeks. That wouldn’t be good. As your buddy, I have to protect Roderson’s dignity.”795c75daecb1fe86

Remington smiled faintly 56445a98da and turned his cd6e1bc712 attention back to fa1ba07253 his book.2a99348b26f05d1c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

…He never lets a single thing go.2d57d07d61796ccf

I always feel like a child in front of him. Like I’m fighting a losing battle. I swallowed my frustration and asked him,6e046bdb142e3b9d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Do you hate seeing my face that much until vacation?”92921d4ad92f6407

“I never said I hated it.”77d14a3793097a39

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

His eyes, which had 6a79bafb22 lifted from his book, 2de47b3ce5 now held a hint 6e9ceddb0a of annoyance.367f903243f22fd8

“Then why are you trying to stop me from going?”16cae024949fcb0e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Why are you always so curious about the reasons?”e69c69b2550c6b0e

“I’m not your subordinate. I’m not a toy either. Don’t order me around without telling me the reason. I don’t believe you anymore.”02f3781ae568f6a1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I didn’t order you, I advised you. I’m worried you’ll, like last time, not be able to tell the difference between alcohol and juice, gulp down whatever, and kiss some innocent boy.”b4aa1e26a565e097

His tone was teasing b8ec959ce3 and mocking. Annoyed by his ee2fdefc00 smirking face, I 2cfad98c55 clenched my fists.1edcc0d88ef13cc1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Right. What can I expect from a boy who declared that he doesn’t care whether I’m in danger or not? I stood up abruptly, carrying my tray. The roughly pulled chair made an unpleasant screeching sound.a8704adad6f38593

“Want me to tell you the ending of that novel?”dbdad0100d402f4d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I took a small 06be6c06fe revenge on him.28a0125413859c3f

“The male protagonist betrays and abuses the female protagonist. He even changes her name without permission and locks her up in the house. In the end, the female protagonist dies. It’s suicide.”24053dba56a681d9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Remington’s expression turned sour, like someone who had been doused with cold water. It served him right.427c5285084fc7b3

— Why do you think we draw blood every two months? It’s to check if you’re taking your medication regularly, and if you’re healthy. It’s all for you, Miss.ebcea00a58d8d9a4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Yes, I know.”39bf5cffe20aa56b

I answered casually, holding the 1a151c5733 phone to my ear with 65fe8e1f0c my shoulder, and Anna on 7ee8567384 the other end of the b8fdc6325f line burst out in anger.3e73710514f2a986

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

— You’re not listening to me, are you?da7f403cab430afe

“No! I’m listening.”ed5e735d82cda5d1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I was sitting 4210ed8a75 on Cassie’s bed, 63d495e40f helping her package 7e7048b9df her pills. I put down the tweezers 69bd29d355 and properly held the phone.9bb8d0b61ef77e0b

“I’m taking my medication properly. But this time, I only e4cfd2e8a0 missed it once because I 369f1ebc19 had a presentation. And I had the 422d3750d9 blood test right the 870dde01b6 day after I missed a80b08e572 it.”c230adcff3bdc358

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

— What does the presentation have to do with your medication?1c10cd73702e8ca7

“After I take the medication, it feels like, how should I put it… like I just woke up. I can’t concentrate.”d264adca9f0845f6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

— Oh, Miss. Dr. Conil said that’s all….a36ca6c56101a47d

“Yes, I know. It’s all in my head.”06a64f59cb8fde4a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I cut Anna off and 63fa8092ab answered. Cassie, who was listening 270788bb7b to the conversation next a09787e7f9 to me, chuckled softly ab76d86fed as she picked up 33b9506b77 a pill with tweezers. Anna sighed on the 34e1304411 other end.5c2406be3ad3414d

— Miss, I’m really worried about you. If your levels are messed up by the next test, the Congressman will….f856116d547e4653

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”78f99c537047b7e7

I barely managed to soothe 2bee43d985 the tearful Anna and ended 02ab8744b2 the call. As soon as 37ac2e3e12 I put down fdcf7249a4 the phone, I c9adbc1abf immediately popped a 465278f691 pill into my 21938af5e5 mouth, afraid I e18c7dead2 might forget. A creepy feeling sent 7370793dfd shivers down my spine.04e3e03e5ff7f9db

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

After taking the medication, I 3eb7134c06 feel faint, like a ghost. I only skipped it a 13b85b2bcb few times because I hated b36394cb3d that feeling, but advanced medical 10107e7c59 technology can quantify how obedient d139e6b036 or rebellious I am with 501ba38178 just a few drops of 661696745a blood. My father and grandmother f37949eb1f placed great importance on 8e0aee7719 what they saw in f1f751614f numbers, so maintaining those 688e880d5d numbers was important to ac285bcab8 me.6fc80f8d950ecd84

“Are your parents as stubborn as mine?”549c0dc55acee47a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cassie asked, carefully dropping 72f8df83cd the pills into the f65ed6a796 medicine bag with a 44d36f6fcd thoughtful look. I climbed back onto Cassie’s 8307b72a5d bed, picked up the tweezers, ba17b6340c and shook my head.37965edff582c37f

“My father does this because he’s worried about me. I can’t make a mistake 94c24c254e in front of people if 0acf5b03e9 I skip my medication. It’s all for me.”21cad316161e5c85

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“How is that for you? It’s for him. It breaks my ee6ba657c4 heart every time 475e6fd39b I see you 9f446d09a8 dazed from the bf321f541d medication. Your father should see you be0cf6503e like that.”4d3541cd3b86af91

I smiled faintly at 75aecba4ce Cassie’s words.37d528945188b4a5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

To hate such a f5a8369326 kind girl just because 9cdfc0bd6b she acts in a d5a647a973 way that tarnishes the 7954bbe34e dignity of the Royal ef5b53a23f Dormitory… Eleanor is so edc12fe7cf simple. Simple and bad.1ffe04298d244827

Cassie was a girl who 499a17be8c would jump at any information 314935b86f that could be turned into 2b8d46e326 money, but she never pried 6d935f6e25 when I talked about my 410818ce0a family. And no matter e6d8e47ac7 what I said, 0516bcd0da she always took 54d0eb7592 my side. I liked that about Cassie.49cf533db142cfb0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But Kat, who takes all these pills?”3132a34c34828388

“Our grade is starting to prepare for entrance exams. It’s peak season.”ae77e735df96bf38

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Do these pills help you do well on tests?”e15c19e6184bf9b8

“They make you smart. They increase your concentration. Kids buy them, 72881d9e7a but parents outside 237543bcd6 buy them even c3e4779234 more. They give them to their 69d3166f7d kids ‘for their sake,’ just 9c3bb5f51f like your father.”8c76260f967d2431

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Are there many customers at school too? Everyone looks so c2f366a58b normal on the feac58e1be outside.”62fb0308ab36b6e1

“There are a lot. But who the customers are acda637781 is a secret. Believe it or not, I’m aa0a90b56e someone who keeps my clients’ 76a25cd9c3 secrets.”ce416d87ad5c9cdc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Cassie replied with an unusually proud look. Her eyes sparkled behind her glasses. I wanted to ask if Remington was one of her customers, but I stopped myself. Knowing wouldn’t change anything.58cacc4b9915e24a

“Dani, if you want to be independent, you need to save your own money. Then you can be free.”66b7f7730a3ff4de

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Cassie, who had been silently bc3d88ba98 packaging the pills, suddenly said d2c215450e that.1a3331d4c9b696fa

“You have to remember that your parents’ money is your parents’ money. When you obediently listen to your parents and spend their money freely, it feels like it’s all my money, but in reality, it’s not my money at all. That kind of money actually restricts me. If you truly want to be free, you have to save your own money.”dd29199e397c565a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Do you want to be free, Kat?”a9e21969c051c8a8

“Of course. Everyone wants that.”b599962f60232fe1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“But I think I’m free enough now, don’t you?”5db11eb1dac5fe9e

At my words, Cassie lifted 26a72b82bd her head and laughed heartily. The pills slipped 29e52139d3 from her tweezers, 1eb737a805 but Cassie didn’t 9800a3d95f care, just kept ab7987525d laughing for a c7156cc2b9 long time.a55bbd3cb0067bdd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Dani, after we graduate, let’s travel together. I’ll show you what real freedom is. Once you taste it, you’ll realize how unfree you’ve been living until now.”8b2c383858c1b71b

Cassie talked for a long 1bc47ea6fa time about the pyramids of ffd5c2ce86 Egypt, the ancient castles of 27ff4ca416 China, and the shining sky c07c35f22b of Iceland.da3dd9103548595d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“We’ll also go to Korea, where your parents were born. It’ll be really fun, Dani.”9ed7d7a62f10ff34

“Yeah. That sounds fun.”cfd647758d65df1d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I smiled happily. True freedom. For some reason, ae23f5d5b0 it felt like 084f998384 a distant word 7228b085bf to me.1df038fa4702a3df

✧˖🕯️˚࿔️62644af13be977e7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Summer vacation had arrived. The forest seen from 0ddadf1a21 the bridge as I 2b6955dc86 left Erratum was green. What had been black when f6b8c468f1 I first headed to Erratum fe3af24e23 had now turned green.0986c14d088ed6d4

From that moment, my chest ffc8f5dc00 felt tight. Whether leaving or 88382302b8 returning, I was ee5f39c53f still black.6cef965876140389

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I hated summer. Summer is like 4e1bb81337 a vampire, sucking 67c55f0b83 away my life 32753e59f9 force to feed bc7fbe4869 itself.19804282481bbd38

The red and 44e23b2a44 yellow energy of c6ee3c971e the sun, the be98a546ea especially deep blue d0d35f98f1 sea, the forest a28372b10f shimmering in deep 75ed3cef66 green… I hated ab9e66a40e all of them, c6b32841e1 becoming more and 2b81626e92 more abundant, in 1f496ebc77 contrast to me, 35ee5f1099 withering away. As if because of 88060ed8ee them, I was suffering 69f3363ca1 from this deep hunger.5529cee67760d275

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I stared blankly at the 29851d49ac deep blue scenery beyond the ebbfaa66b0 large window and pushed a ccbc4cb13b piece of white fish into 1f3372b80f my mouth.98262e7a4f2f5dcb

Thanks to the longer days, bad1d87e1e it was still bright outside, 2928f4a668 but my heart was cold 6ad36281dd and dark. It had been edb7caa4de like that ever 83da4ac7ee since I came ce090842f4 back home after 4cbc934032 the start of 49a32e89ad summer vacation. The atmosphere at home was 7b1aff1fe8 a rollercoaster depending on the 2c1bb60286 election polls, and I was d5700b6fc0 on the verge of dying 6891c54910 from motion sickness.6b6ca4834f7d8192

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You said you were having a lot of fun at school?”4fd091d68241dd77

“Well, it’s so-so.”509f268db2d50e5d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I answered my 6564e6f015 brother Maxwell halfheartedly. There was a time e399bd8dea when the existence of 5653f5fe41 my first brother felt 7a6fe863d3 awkward, but after realizing e62521f62e that diligently responding to f021e71c29 his provocative words only 2a8c53039b made me look foolish, f3c39b6326 he became the easiest 3b3a26a179 person for me to 9aa7101fa9 deal with. At the same time, 903a537d4e he was also the a4eaffbb2f most annoying person. As if my answer 9d29605061 was so funny, my 4f04c0528d brother let out a 5ff901961d chuckle. The artificial light d7e7a70d9d from the chandelier 2aad8b965b hanging high from 7f1dcd69f1 the ceiling cast a22ac55d71 even darker shadows 6c70d07c6a on his angular 03c86ab1ed face.3a02901fb43ab402

Both Daniel and Sister Bo took after our father, but Maxwell’s face was different. It wasn’t that he resembled his deceased mother either, but if I had to pick someone close, he resembled our grandmother. Especially his snake-like, sharp eyes.c2340a171369b3b7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Well, of course. With boys swarming around 533bdc7f07 you, it must be cbeb778d11 fun.”8f1059c2cafd8f74

“Who said that?”6633bcda3e7e9956

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Word’s gotten around, Dani.”492b7bc4f6e0d6fd

My brother raised 16ccdec9fa his eyebrows and b6cfc77e90 smirked obnoxiously. I wonder where he 746d94e9e7 heard such strange things. I narrowed my eyes and 62c99625ae glared at him. He pointed to 8844f4337a the second floor 6022e88ac0 with the knife d9cbbb6bc3 he was using e91eb8b94f to cut his 2e55c33e1c scallops.08707d51e9d4ac4a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You better watch yourself too. If you spread your legs f801466b4c for some strange guy, you’ll 3c91648ed3 be the one getting beaten fb0b953455 up like that next time.”e3dbb42ae6ac67d4

“Max!”7d0b1c7dad74d51a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Grandmother, sitting at the fef367eaff end of the table, cf5783aec0 clicked her tongue. Her upright posture, despite 6f2911b7e3 being nearly 80 years 8e9d189ce1 old, carried her suit ee8e3cc8ef perfectly.a99f5525adb454df

“Watch your language. There are many ears listening.”5c217a2c1082e25b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Despite that, Father doesn’t seem to care much, does he?”50e3100d8529633f

Maxwell said, gesturing his chin 7e8847af0b towards the second-floor study. From beyond the tightly ac1e8f63eb closed door, the sounds 5d862136f8 of crashing, banging, and 92240fac68 collapsing leaked out.e10eab6c27125565

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Along with Sister Bo’s screams.488b0ee2ae407c42

“Katie? Could you turn 73582ec983 up the music a8b8bed2d6 a bit?”56434cd8bb06fe6e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Grandmother ordered the housekeeper. Katie increased the volume of the CD player. Chopin’s Piano Sonata No. 2 flowed from the expensive speakers. The piano music effortlessly covered Sister Bo’s screams and filled the dining room.8236318fd2705dec

“Nice choice of music. Sounds like someone’s about 82bdd761ac to die.”ba86ebb40f83ca07

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Maxwell chuckled, pushing a aa0fd9215c thinly sliced piece of 5e6813a54c scallop into his mouth.2072666c086af5f5

I felt increasingly nauseous. I put down my knife 964cd4be4f and picked up my phone. Eleanor’s social media caad80f637 was full of 32c8b86033 vacation photos. Kids laughing happily under d2209f8143 the leisurely Nol Beach 4f8cf05981 sun. Unlike me, on 6e80084f26 the verge of 2860aa1b9e suffocating, they looked 1588cacac0 free and lively. I envied them.029b47607399cd7a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Don’t come.’2d1a5982d21a0d4f

Why did Remington tell me c8b5e00123 not to come? Did he hate d37a086864 seeing me that 703b75872a much? Was I that much of dc29dcb23e a nuisance to him?c44eb307c773a7a3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I wanted to go to 2ef73a4e80 Nol Beach, even if it a0a6e86811 was just to spite him, df37594815 but I hadn’t said a 76eb39ecca word to my father about 4b7100b2f8 the trip yet. If I brought 152cbf1b6b it up, I 2da3c251fb might be the 1a4ba908d3 next one headed 1a01271d76 to the study, 1f4664aefb just like Maxwell fb02ec833e said.9626464fd1d6c9ef

It’s just as well…. As I was 552afe167d slowly scrolling, a 1f621c14e1 loud noise came 28a345219b from overhead.46ab299288861b9f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Bang!a83c7a7a65a97c4e

Startled, I hurriedly put 9f567a9275 my phone down on f71be61f3e the table.efe57e2efd741032

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Katie! Clear my plate and prepare 7ef5ea5949 the wine!”d85e25e2b75b8648

Father ordered the 96b9b78fe0 housekeeper as he 71c3986d90 came down from f86c0cba87 the second floor. Sister Bo was with him.2b38e7f9c20b2826

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Sister Bo’s brown hair, neatly tied when she first went up to the study, was now disheveled, and her exposed skin was covered in dark red bruises.f2e7c8a52f7176fc

I held my 6252a67634 breath and lowered 532af50663 my head.dca4a905e5af7593

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Katie filled Father’s 19a22b77ee glass with red 83842748e6 wine, then lowered 5901fcef57 the volume of 7689b479a1 the speakers back 5150ff1361 to its original 8abd492576 level and retreated. The piece, now 6446168a3e in the third d3fd5fa2ec movement, was filled d1af865840 with solemnity.30bdc635aab0c5c7

“Max, did you check Forten and Greed?”512291d12970e6f3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Father asked Maxwell. He answered immediately.0b6d3f39e7036c4c

“Yes, I confirmed. All three, including PensLane, have c18ad1371d published corrections. The main articles have 8d5382fe2e also been changed. Other news outlets ac9fa7142f will start posting 5b8e785253 articles soon.”808d5c1279986300

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Such a trivial matter is so troublesome.”0a86796258b90c84

Father lightly rinsed his 2c0883e2be mouth with wine. Sister Bo sat eb94d49141 next to me. Unable to look 26fdd2c1d6 at her, I 8800ef183a quietly pushed the 437abf767e salt and pepper 54acad4da7 towards her. But she just 490dc95fc6 sat still, leaving bbb967e1c0 her cooling soup fac07fbf0c untouched.289181bce89d2ede

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh! And PensLane requested a photo 0c9b7b99fe of you and Sister looking c85892d73c close. So I sent Greg some 25a3cb7529 horseback riding photos from the 800746e7cd year before last. And photos from the 6bc67748a8 Thanksgiving party.”63706519f5ec32e6

“Expressions. Did you check the 7c1f682f38 expressions too?”db7e1f6e5e41e6b2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Of course! Fortunately, Sister is smiling in all the photos. Now the claim that she’s dating an immigrant out of defiance against you will die down a bit. And Sister’s political science essay is also scheduled to be released. Greg said it doesn’t clash with our current platform regarding immigration policy or abortion rights.”cdae16d22c225893

“Tell him to keep monitoring the reactions. It won’t die down easily.”8680e5386e380a23

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Father shook his head as e61824a69e if it was a headache. Then, suddenly, the arrow flew 8e33ca2880 towards me.16f6720fac1e7964

“Duncan Graham.”7259bb0bd9cbf9c5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Yes?”4b95552fdd0b9515

Startled by the ddcab97631 unexpected name, I c5c2e58285 lifted my head. Father was sipping his wine dd8c14afd2 and looking at me.3c3f21c94f97d796

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What’s your relationship with him?”6c1e2c11e61f3f25

The question was too sudden. I wasn’t prepared at all. My mind went blank. I became even more anxious bffbf9779c because I couldn’t read his 24d843a1dc intentions. I scratched the back f279b8b237 of my hand under e2e5e3f360 the table and answered.0763e2fa5b52cabe

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“We’re… friends who take history class together. He’s also a ef3ebd2996 friend of Remington… ab46ba833b my buddy, Remington.”bca8da8a76c0f59a

“I didn’t know you were bold enough to give a cheek kiss to a boy.”a647ed9c4333538d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah….”f1184c60136acf10

Father chuckled, rubbing his chin. The thick gold ring on eb46895df7 his ring finger gleamed imposingly. Maxwell, sitting across from e5ac9ea0a9 me, whistled softly, watching ed2dfa6935 me with an amused d9f7358dc5 look.3ddee03e2d032b2f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I suddenly felt unbearable. So scared and 3aa60a96d3 tense that I 8932149f1b wanted to disappear 8c56f727ba from this place, afe448cc46 even if it 17ed680683 meant hurting myself.0e0d809af5c81333

Father continued speaking ffade50f19 with an indifferent 712a4dc2ba expression.729f8c6b67d0f550

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Some fearless fellow sent a short video to the campaign office the other day, so I watched it. It was just a 536f01cf98 cheek kiss as a 69fe9a46e0 greeting, but I was 1c742325bd surprised. You’re not usually like that, b03db8b3c1 are you?”48216fb0f3149adb

“Oh, th-that….”33466f282e0da882

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Remember that someone is always watching you, wherever you are. I find it f238d4b87b hard to tolerate 7350ff5c26 carelessness.”fd4eede7131d47fb

Father tapped his wine glass b5ede4ec70 twice with his ring. Katie, upon hearing the signal, ae6e608cc4 cautiously approached and filled his f5a39471ec empty glass with wine.faea7e593926eb59

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I was almost in 6bf404219c a state of panic. I couldn’t gauge how 68117168fa angry my father was. Maxwell watched me, holding 0976d193d5 back his laughter, and 9ec08df580 Grandmother watched me sharply 30f1c10fd4 from behind her magnifying 574de4c56d glass. I was so scared d10a7a8042 that I felt nauseous. Hiding my trembling hand f7480972b4 under the table, I a0d4402d25 said,4d6156637ead8575

“I-It was a… mission. We played a 8454a24bb9 game in the 7c0157c0d8 girls’ dormitory… and 6c2a44207c I lost. It wasn’t anything serious. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again….”5c25653655e75a2b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“That audacious Graham boy called me this morning.”686e03553bae2f35

“…Yes?”62a1de263076afe1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I asked back with 4814d6e841 a dumbfounded look.f2bdb72a9a37345b

Father continued calmly.c735541eb4ff1101

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“He asked me to send you to Nol Beach for the summer.”0e35ba2a28a2d1c5

“Ha!”af8d53c38d099709

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A short laugh escaped 84d0f5b62e me involuntarily.17c6faef8527f0d8

That crazy bastard…. I wanted to grab f5cca589f8 Duncan by the collar 38879ed645 and curse him out 20e868959e right then and there. How could he do 1523f00d50 such a thing? Did he even 0d3a6feb78 know what he b1b68df055 had done? I hurriedly made excuses.b4c4d135dfd7a550

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You can ignore him. He’s talking nonsense. I never said I wanted 165ae20139 to go! In fact, I e51ff66e29 said I didn’t 014a38115b want to. He’s a really strange boy. He’s self-centered and reckless….”9d0421d94051bcc1

“Go.”f350863c588bd852

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Yes?”09bdd5c389d322e3

Once again, I had to d276956562 look at my father with 5d828d9dd8 a stupid expression. My mind was blank, as 7ed68027cf if I had heard something 329e524499 I shouldn’t have.e50c13c200642ba0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What did you just say…?”181218dbe53c83e0

“I said go.”f7cd842eec2ff16f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Father answered, still leisurely drinking ea14a01470 his wine. It was unbelievable.ef7be49e845cda35

“Wouldn’t a month-long vacation at Nol Beach clear your head a bit? Besides, it would be a b851cabfd4 shame to pass up the fd515f3c73 opportunity since the Graham boy d11cc40b3f likes you. Having Lester as the 3862b2d5ea host isn’t bad either.”7d26fb1394d71024

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Bu-But….”d37a2034361d6725

“Go upstairs with Anna and pack your bags. I’ve had Greg 8a326c2484 take care of 99713e3e31 the rest, so 12a808e6c3 leave tomorrow. No delays.”d8846a6c866bd355

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”c5a574bad3fb9766

I stared at my father blankly. Even Maxwell was looking at him with a puzzled expression. Although he couldn’t readily ask the reason behind the decision, he clearly had the same question as me. Because this was truly strange.5ce026b71b38f8d0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

If it were b09cbd9be4 the usual Father, 6c9ebb4c8e he would never 1734298884 have let me acf440cac2 off the hook. A cheek kiss with 39465ac71e a boy? In front of everyone! And even though there 956941fb12 was careless evidence left 34de16b25b behind in the form db87bdd419 of a video, I 7c557935fe was safe.1bae71bbb56c1fd6

I didn’t hear any 552a67b6d0 shouting, I wasn’t beaten. I wasn’t dragged away, and 734bbc8af3 I wasn’t locked up. Instead, I would be afc4670de8 going to Nol Beach a69456e284 tomorrow. Standing under the fb8015d200 sun as if 2278710524 nothing had happened. As if all my e2162b8cf0 sins had been forgiven.18015e7934f1319a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Was I being tested?06bcce298a2c7a1f

“…Are you sure it’s okay for me to go?”686fcffb2aa76313

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I asked carefully once more as I got up from my seat. Father smiled kindly. It was a bright smile I hadn’t seen in a while.c06258d704d23a67

“Everyone makes mistakes at your age. Go and send messages 760e3874d3 to Anna regularly. Make sure you take your 767386e1bc medication.”8fb5d9d77903e73e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…Thank you!”0613160478a2a765

I ran to Father and 6d8f33a4e0 hugged him tightly. He let out 3ccef9ae49 staccato bursts of 14ca9aeb5b laughter and gently bf9f138bef stroked my back. I finally felt relieved. As if all my sins b97af16501 had truly been washed away.2447450cc8dc5773

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As I went up to bc45218522 my room with Anna, I 68fcd3e6cd looked back down several times, 06a0edeb96 still in disbelief.68bf8006e3c2ef04

The family at efaafa8243 the dining table, 4ebfed25c7 seen from above, 8a299f39b1 were white and a3b181b01b pale like ghosts. Turning my head back, 0b9062a96b the portraits hanging on 4d67e3c496 the staircase wall were 3db6e97c88 black and red, as 7f4ce58d98 if they would devour a78e0ee110 me.2a82aedd6e244308

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

And when I looked e93a873712 back down again, I 983a1b4b1a made eye contact with 5a3168a6eb Sister Bo. She was looking at 1503680db7 me worriedly and mouthed 39dc59273a these words:df1a88ec1f69733f

‘Don’t go.’e18eb99f34ef4e7c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Before leaving for Nol Beach, I went to see Sister Bo, but she didn’t seem to remember what she’d said. Why couldn’t she remember? Was it because she had been punished so terribly?07858017b6752f10

Maxwell had once been 8a33a1642a found banging his head 3829ffbc3e against the wall until cd9198c2e8 blood streamed down his 7fffb0445d forehead. That’s what Father’s existence aa755411be meant to us. He was someone who 43790921c8 made his children feel 4ec8fded6f like they had to 911ad2060d throw up everything inside 4b05f2e9e3 them.cf49b04e49ecba8c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com