Ch. 401..410

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 401

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Alright.”

They were both quiet throughout the rest of the journey. Hesper didn’t turn around to see who 013 was because she had a feeling that it wasn’t the right time to know yet.

“I hope you have a good life in Fredonia. I’ll be seeing you around.”

Hesper went through nerve-wracking ten-plus hours before the plan finally landed.

Roberto was waiting at the airport. Hesper walked over with her luggage. It took about half an hour from deplaning to leaving the airport.

Fredonia was a romantic country, and every Fredonian was born romantic.

Winter in Fredonia was warmer than in Genecity. Hesper was ready for the weather and was dressed appropriately. Roberto saw her from afar and waved at her.

“Mr. Sanchez.” Hesper walked over with her luggage.

Roberto said, “Welcome to Fredonia, the place where your dreams begin.”

“Thank you.” Hesper nodded. “Is my hostel far from here? You came to pick me up so late. Your schedule must have been affected.”

Roberto waved his hand and smiled. “No, even though it’s nothing compared to the young people, I do stay up late to design sometimes. Inspiration doesn’t wait.”

Even though what he said was true, Hesper still felt guilty.

Since she brought some daily necessities, she had two large bags. She insisted on carrying them. by herself, but when it started taking a toll on her, she finally let Roberto help.

“…I guess I need to start working out.”

Having been on the losing end due to her lack of physical strength, Hesper realized that she should start learning self-defense.

She had left the Lane family. Even though Matthew said that she didn’t have to worry about expenses and that he could afford it, Hesper still preferred not to have to use their money.

She had some savings from the few years of staying with them; it was enough for her to live in Fredonia for a few years. She hadn’t had to worry about money before, but things were different

now.

“The apartment is near the city center. Fredonia University is tolerant and values its students.”

Roberto led her to the car. She got in and looked out the window before switching on her phone.

Matthew’s message came in, asking if she’d arrived safely. Hesper saw the massage and was silent for a second, then said, “Mr. Sanchez, I have a new number now.”

“Alright… What happened to the previous one?”

Hesper logged out and started using her new number.

“I stopped using it.”

The road was long and never-ending. Hesper looked down.

‘I’m sorry, Matthew… I’m a liar.

‘I’m going to disappear.’

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 402

The hostel Fredonia U arranged for the students to stay in was a good area. Even though Hesper had never been to this city, she knew it just by seeing how busy the area was.

“Other than students, there are private units here too. However, people who live in the university town are mostly well-off,” Roberto explained. “However, Antellon isn’t a quiet city. Some members of Daybreak operate here.”

Daybreak?

Hesper frowned. Roberto knew she had issues with Zoya, but he didn’t realize that a psycho was lurking around her.

That was why 013 left so easily the other day. He managed to get into the lion’s den from a very safe place. It was perfect for 013 who was trying to attack her.

“Sigh…” Hesper sighed, but she didn’t say more to Roberto and settled down in her room.

She knew that even if she told Roberto more, there was nothing that they could do about it. 013 was crazy. He was the second personality of a dissociative disorder patient. Hesper shouldn’t expect him to have moral values.

Roberto could tell that something was wrong, so he guessed. “Is someone from Daybreak targeting you?”

He was unexpectedly sensitive. Hesper didn’t deny it but said, “I have a personal reason, but… even if there were people from Daybreak here, I don’t think they would try to kidnap me.”

“Really?” Roberto felt that that was a stretch. When he remembered how many things Hesper brought over, he immediately realized something. “Are you out of money?”

Hesper didn’t expect him to figure that out, but she couldn’t lie to those kind eyes, so she nodded. I’ve cut ties with the Lanes. I don’t have enough money to get a safer home.”

“But I do.” When Hesper looked up, Roberto smiled at her. “You should remember that I’m wealthy. Getting a few extra houses isn’t that strange.”

Hesper didn’t want to rely on others; even if Roberto was her mentor now, she still felt embarrassed.

“Alright, I’ll give you a ride.”

Roberto didn’t ask her about her cutting ties with the Lanes. Hesper accepted his help, though still feeling guilty, and enjoyed the view while they drove.

She wondered how everyone in Halwanest was doing.

All the messages Matthew sent didn’t go through. He had a bad feeling about it, but he couldn’t believe it because Hesper had promised him that she wouldn’t leave right before she left.

When he asked Jessie about her whereabouts, Jessie was hesitant at first but then said, “Mr. Lane, with your background, getting rid of me would be as easy as getting my number, but t

promised Hesper that I wouldn’t tell you anything. I’m going to keep the promise.”

So, Hesper was determined to cut all ties with him and even told Jessie about it. Only he had been.

unaware.

Matthew sighed and apologized. “I contacted you because I wanted to get some information about Hesper. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry for being impulsive, Ms. Jenkins.”

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Jessie spoke in a cold tone at first so that she could keep her promise to Hesper.

However, when she heard how respectful Matthew was, she felt embarrassed and her tone softened. “I’m sorry, I’m not blaming you… It’s just that I can’t tell you anything about her. I’m so sorry.”

Matthew nodded and didn’t bother her further.

Hesper decided to cut off communications with him so even if he pressed her friend, he wouldn’t be able to get in touch with her. It was too easy to just disappear. Hesper was a smart woman. She’d find a way to do it if she wanted to.

“Mr. Lane.”

Matthew suddenly heard Jessie’s hesitant voice right when he was going to hang up. “I… Before Hesper left, we had a long conversation. She really thinks of you as her brother.”

“I know.”

Jessie paused, then said, “Alright, Mr. Lane. I’m sure you can find her, right? She took a lot of things into consideration before she left, and she must have struggled before she came to this decision… She just didn’t want to see you hurt.”

“Alright, I will.”

Matthew hung up then frowned.

As long as Hesper was still studying in Fredonia U, it wouldn’t be difficult for Matthew to find her at all, so why was she trying to avoid him?

Meanwhile, Hepser unpacked her bags.

The place that Roberto let her stay in was slightly further from the city center but the security was tight, which was what Hesper needed.

“So, you asked me to locate that person so you could get their help to avoid your family?”

Hesper heard there were people who could change how people looked in a very short duration, and it would look as natural as makeup. She was curious because she heard that Roberto knew someone like that, but she never thought that she would need the service one day.

“Yes, my relationship with the Lanes is complicated… But I don’t want them to find me.” Hesper had decided to leave Matthew, and her conversation with 013 made her more determined.

The Lanes were a mess now, so before she found out what was actually going on, it was best not to have any contact with them.

“Alright, if you’ve decided, I’ve made an appointment with my friend for tomorrow. I’ll come and pick you up.”

Hespr nodded.

It was already very late, so Roberto said, “Have a good rest. I’m going to head home… You don’t look too well. You didn’t sleep on the flight?”

“…Mm.” Hesper nodded and figured that she must have looked exhausted. She did a quick. calculation and realized that she had been awake for twenty-four hours.

However, she wasn’t sleepy at all, probably because she was too anxious when she was tired, but now that she was more relaxed, she was tired but not sleepy

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Since there was an important appointment the next day, Hesper forced herself to sleep, but she only fell asleep when it was almost dawn.Roberto probably took that into account since he only went to see her when it was noon.Hesper had a long dream. She remembered that a lot happened in it, but when she woke up, all she felt was anxiety-That was why even though she had a sufficient amount of sleep, she still felt tired.Roberto looked at her and knew that she must have been through a lot. “You look tired. It could be jet lag, but you might need a few days to recover.”However, even though he was her mentor, he didn’t want to get involved with her personal life.Hesper nodded then sighed. Her beautiful eyes were still shining but they weren’t as bright as before.Roberto’s friend was Halwanese. Hesper didn’t know Antellon that well, but she knew that Roberto had been driving for a long time because it became less and less crowded.“He’s not very sociable, so he lives a little far away from town. He once broke his leg, and I had to go and get him. If I didn’t, there could have been terrible consequences.”Hesper could tell that Roberto and this friend of his were not ordinary friends. They were probably closer.Roberto paused, then continued. “He’s a little eccentric and can be very impolite, so if he said something that offends you, please forgive him… He’s not very careful with his words.”Hesper would know how to act even if Roberto didn’t say that. Roberto’s friend would be an older person and what she wanted to do wasn’t something that anyone could help with.About twenty minutes later, they finally got to their destination.Hesper thought that a place so far out of town wouldn’t just be a small house since the man was living alone. However, when she saw the vineyard, she went silent.“Cough…” Roberto parked the car, got out, and said, “My friend… is comfortable.”Someone who could live there wouldn’t just be affluent, they were probably a millionaire!Hesper walked into the hallway with Roberto. If Roberto weren’t walking very quickly, Hesper would think that they had passed the same place a few minutes ago.There were all kinds of plants there, many that were commonly found in Fredonia. Hesper didn’t know much about plants but she knew that it would take a lot of effort to grow plants that could survive through winter.“All of these are taken care of by the gardener. There will always be flowers here, no matter theseason.”The man was rich and had a lot of time on his hands.Hesper walked behind Roberto. If she weren’t his protege, none of this would have been possible.We’re almost there,” Roberto said. Hesper looked up and realized that they were now in a different garden.“Stephen?”Not far away, a man in white bent over the flowerbed. He looked up when he heard Roberto’s voice. When Hesper saw his face, she suddenly felt a sense of familiarity, but she didn’t know where she had seen him before.The man named Stephen had a beautiful face that you couldn’t have guessed his. age from. However, when Hesper took a closer look, he looked different from anyone she had ever seen.

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 405

“I almost couldn’t recognize you. Why did you change your face when you’re just staying at home?”

Roberto led Hesper over. “Hesper isn’t going to do anything to you. There’s no need to be so careful. I’ve told you that you should make more friends.”

It was a disguise.

Hesper quietly observed the man and couldn’t see anything unnatural with his face. She was amazed. If she really managed to change her face, Matthew probably wouldn’t be able to

recognize her even if he walked past her.

“Hesper, right?” The man looked toward her and observed, his calm eyes looking warm. “Such a beauty.”

The man spoke Halwanese when he said that, so Roberto didn’t really understand. He stared at the both of them curiously. “What did you say? You know I don’t speak Halwanese that well.”

Roberto sounded sad when he said that. Stephen looked over, then nodded at Hesper. “You, come with me.”

Hesper turned to look at Roberto, who nodded at her. “Even though he’s a little weird, he always keeps his promise, so don’t worry. I’ll be here waiting for you.”

“…Alright.”

Hesper was a little embarrassed because Roberto said that in front of him, and that was the first time she met Stephen. However, she still left with Stephen.

“Hesper?”

Hearing the man call her name, she nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”

Stephen and Hesper walked inside and he motioned her to sit down in front of the mirror. He took a good look at her face then his eyes smiled.

“You’re really pretty.”

“…” Hesper didn’t know if all the people with unique skills had unique personalities, but Roberto had warned her when they were on the way there, so she was prepared.

“I know why you’re here. Tell me how you want to change your face.”

Before she replied, Stephen put on surgical gloves and raised her chin with a finger and mumbled, Changing this face would be such a waste.”

Hesper could tell that he was giving her a compliment, but from his tone of voice, Hesper felt creeped out. It sounded like she was a work of art instead of an actual person.

“I want to look ordinary, like someone you can’t pick out of a crowd.”

“Oh…” Stephen sighed and looked confused. “People who come see me would usually want me to transform a less than perfect face into a beautiful one. Why are you different?”

Hesper was silent for a moment. “I need a convenient face because being too outstanding

doesn’t help.

“Oh. His voice trailed but quickly came back.

“Close your eyes.”

Hesper did as she was told.

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 406

The process was relaxing. Hesper just closed her eyes and felt Stephen apply something to her face. She couldn’t tell what the texture was, but it was cooling

“By the way…” Hesper said, but Stephen tapped her head. “Don’t talk.”

Stephen realized that she had something important to say, so he impatiently said, “Go ahead. Don’t talk during the procedure next time, or it might complicate things.

Hearing that, Hesper cut it short. “It has to somewhat look like my face or my student ID won’t work.”

“What?” Stephen smirked. Tm just giving you a disguise, it isn’t magic. I’m not going to change your face… If I knew that was what you were going to say, I wouldn’t have let you speak.”

Hesper could tell that Stephen wasn’t a young man and would be around Roberto’s age, but his current face wasn’t his original one, so Hesper couldn’t tell his exact age.

However, his personality was so childishi

After some time, Hesper was on the verge of falling asleep. Stephen removed his glove and tapped her shoulder “Alright, you can open your eyes now.”

Hesper was surprised because it was quicker than she expected.

Opening her eyes, she saw her reflection in the mirror and was shocked.

The person in the mirror gave a shocked expression too, and that was when Hesper linked that face to herself

“How about it? Is it ordinary enough?”

Stephen leaned against the wall Hesper took a closer look at her new face. There wasn’t a huge difference, but it was somehow different. She had to admit that she looked so ordinary now, no one would be able to point her out from a lineup

“This face won’t last very long You’ll have to resculpt it after half a month and be very cautious. You can wash it but don’t use any chemicals on it. That includes makeup because makeup removers would ruin it Stephen paused. “But I guess you won’t need that.”

“Thanks,” Hesper was very thankful. Without this skill of his, she would have a tough time getting around. “Even though you’re Mr. Sanchez’s friend, I have to ask, do I need to pay? I’ll pay whatever you ask for.”

Stephen shook his head. “Do I look like I need more money?”

Hesper was silent.

Seeing that she was feeling awkward, Stephen frowned, then asked, “What’s your family name?”

Hesper was confused.

Even though she didn’t know what her actual last name was when people called her Hesper

Rivera, wasn’t it obvious that her family name was Rivera?

“Oh, I’m sorry… I’ve seen a face with such perfect bone structure before but he has long passed. Could you be his child? As for how long it has been… I don’t even remember.” Stephen shrugged.

Even though he was apologizing, his expression was indifferent. “I’m sorry, my memory isn’t as good as it used to be.”

“That’s fine.” Hesper shook her head. After a pause, she continued. “Even though I don’t want to admit it, I don’t know what my actual last name is, so I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 407

“Oh…” Stephen wasn’t very curious. He tossed the gloves into the trash can. “Alright, we should head back out. The Fredonian who only has beautiful eyes is probably anxious.”

Hesper didn’t know what to say.

Did Roberto know that was what his friend thought about him?”

Seeing Hesper and Stephen walking out, Roberto looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar face of Hesper and was stunned. “You’re really good at this. If I hadn’t seen her go in with my own eyes, I wouldn’t be able to tell that this was her.”

“Alright, I’ve done what I promised, so I can get my peace now. Before you leave, please tell my gardener that a few flowers in zone A have wilted. I want a solution by tomorrow.”

Stephen didn’t show any expression when he said that, but Hesper could tell that he was actually angry.

“Alright, your flowers are more important than your life. I’m heading off.”

Roberto left with Hesper while Stephen stood in the spot. He picked up the watering can and tilted his head as he mumbled, “What was the name? I can’t remember…”

After getting used to her new face, Hesper could be sure that Matthew wouldn’t be able to recognize her even if they really crossed paths.

Changing her face was such a unique skill that Hesper wouldn’t have believed it if she didn’t see it for herself.

After getting home, Hesper poked around and guessed that the ‘disguise’ was just adding some substances to her face. Even though it sounded simple, creating a face that looked normal based on an existing one was a huge puzzle.

That would mean that Stephen knew human anatomy very well.

Fredonia’s winter break was soon coming to an end. Hesper was done with her enrollment application.

With Roberto’s help, information about her enrollment was hidden to make it impossible for Matthew to find her.

“Thanks, Mr. Sanchez.”

Hesper walked next to Roberto on the campus. The spring breeze blew and it was starting to feel

warm.

“There’s no need to thank me. You’ve been successfully enrolled now so you can finish the course in the next two years without interruption and make a name for yourself in the design industry. I’ll support you throughout your journey.”

Hesper was going to say something when a hesitant voice was heard.

“Hesper Rivera?”

Hesper was surprised.

Roberto and Hesper exchanged looks, then she frowned and turned to see someone unexpected.

“…Pennleigh?”

Hesper remembered the name even though they only met once at the station. She thought that no one would be able to recognize her, but someone who only met her once was able to tell.

Pennleigh walked over and looked shocked. “I saw your back and thought it looked like you, but when I looked at your face, you looked unfamiliar, so I thought I was wrong.”

He only called out to her because he saw her back…

Hesper gave a sigh of relief and told herself to calm down.

“I didn’t expect to see you so soon. Are you here for work?” Pennleigh turned around and was surprised to see Robert. “Mr. Sanchez?”

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 408

Robert looked up and stared at Pennleigh for a moment, then said, “You look familiar but I can’t remember your name… Have we met?”

“Yes, I’m surprised you remember me,” Pennleigh said. “On the spring and summer show three years ago, you said that I’m a talented young designer, and that became my motivation to start my own company and achieve what I have now. You changed my life.”

Roberto had met so many designers throughout his life, and there were a few who were talented. He was always generous with his compliments, so he nodded and said, “You’re the reason behind your own success. If you didn’t have the mindset and determination, what others say wouldn’t have helped. I didn’t change your life; you did all the work.”

Hesper didn’t know that there was a history between Pennleigh and Roberto, so when Pennleigh followed her, it was probably influenced by Roberto…

“Ms. Riviera, are you working at Antellon? Maybe I could be of help.”

Hesper was still zoned out, but when she heard his voice, she snapped back and shook her head.” I’m still a student. I’m studying in Fredonia U and will be living there in the near future.”

“Oh, Fredonia U is the best school for design. You’ll do well,” Pennleigh said. He looked at the time then at the two. “Do I have the honor of buying lunch for the both of you? I have some partners here. If you don’t have time today, we might not have the chance anymore.”

Roberto looked at Hesper. Hesper saw the anticipation in Pennleigh’s eyes, so she agreed. Alright.”

Firstly, it was because she had a good impression of Pennleigh after meeting him twice. He was a gentleman, so Hesper decided to give him another chance. Secondly, he was now someone who was out of her plan because he didn’t ask questions even though he had seen her face change.

That was suspicious.

Hesper didn’t want to be negative about it, but after all that she had gone through, she knew she should be more cautious so no one would be able to take advantage of her.

Hesper wasn’t at all familiar with Antellon or Fredonia, so she quietly listened while Pennleigh and Roberto made plans. The mist dissipated outside the window and Hesper saw that it was turning dark outside while her mind was blank.

“We’re here.” Pennleigh got out of the car and then held the door open for Hesper. “This way, Ms. Rivera.”

Hesper wasn’t very used to how polite he was, so it felt like romantic gesture in the night breeze. Hesper didn’t say anything but just nodded. “Thank you.”

It was a quiet meal. Hesper sat and ate her food while Roberto and Pennleigh discussed about what was going on in the industry. That all felt distant to Hesper, but she was happy to listen in.

In contrast, Hesper knew how the market was doing better than the two men because Lane Holdings was involved in a lot of industries. She was more sensitive about how things were gonig

to change.Hesper missed the carrot with her fork and it scraped the plate, making a screech and pulling her back to reality.“…I’m sorry.” Hesper looked at the two men and was a little embarrassed. “Carry on please.”

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 409

Hesper would observe Pennleigh, but every movement he made was gentlemanly and he wasn’t paying too much attention to her. Even though he said that Roberto changed his life, he didn’t flatter him.

He didn’t look like a bad person.

Even so, Hesper was still prudent because bad people wouldn’t always show it. Roberto had class the next day, so he left earlier.

“It could get dangerous at this hour, so why don’t I drive you home?”

All of Daybreak’s actions were known by the people in Antellon, so Hesper nodded. “I’m staying at Mr. Sanchez’s home. He has helped me a lot since I got here.”

“I heard that he’s a very kind man. Even though people might have exaggerated, without him, I’m sure I wouldn’t have had the courage to persevere in this industry.”

Hesper understood how he felt, so she nodded. “He helped me a lot too. If it weren’t for him, I might not be able to come and study here.”

They didn’t know each other that well, so there wasn’t a lot to talk about. The journey home was fairly quiet.

Before getting out of the car, Pennleigh parked by the road, and when he saw that she was ready to get out, he suddenly called her name as his ears turned a darker shade under the street lights. Ms. Rivera.”

“Hmm?”

Pennleigh finally let go of his tact and scratched his head, then said, “You look nice without makeup too.”

Hesper was confused. Did he think that the reason she looked different was that she didn’t have makeup on?

She didn’t know what to say. Even though that was possible, she was troubled because she didn’t know if he was simple-minded or naive.

“Thanks.”

Pennleigh nodded. He belonged to Fredonia because, under the night sky and street lights, his deep-set eyes were beautiful and passionate.

“See you soon.”

Hesper watched as he drove away and gave a tired sigh, then walked toward her building.

After tapping in, the security guard called out to her. “Ms. Rivera, you have a package.”

The guards knew who this new tenant was. He ran out of the security room while holding a package.

“Someone left this here and it has your name on it, so I held on to it.”

Hesper frowned when she heard that.

Only Roberto knew she was staying there, but if he had something for her, he probably wouldn’t send it.

“Do you know what the person who delivered this looked like?”

“No, when I saw it, no one was around,” the guard said, shaking his head. “What’s wrong? Should I call the police?”

Hesper shook her head. “No, but can I open it here? I suspect that something is wrong with the parcel.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

A Spoonful of Sugar: Don’t Beg for Love Chapter 410

Hesper knelt down and ran her key over the duct tape to cut it open.

She moved slowly because she had a feeling that there wasn’t anything good Inside. Fredonia wasn’t like Halwanest. It was possible that the package contained a highly explosive device.

After finally removing the wrapping, a loud bang came from the box. Hesper’s face drained of color as she pulled the security guard back. However, nothing happened after the loud bang.

Hesper was relieved. She was sure that the sender was 013. No one would do something so childish other than him.

However, Hesper still had no clue what was in the box.

013 knew that she wouldn’t dare check, so he did all that. Realizing that, Hesper looked angry and took a few steps forward impatiently, then opened the box wide.

A bunch of ribbons jumped out. Hepser looked down and saw that there were a few dead rats in the box and a plastic device that had already burst open.

“How childish.”

Hesper closed the box and turned to speak to the guard. “Could you help me get rid of the box, please? If anyone comes to see me or sends a package, please contact me immediately. Thank you so much.”

The guard recalled how Hesper had pulled him back too when she took a few steps back.

Even though it was just a small gesture, compared to some arrogant people who lived there, she was much better.

“Alright, I’ll remember to call you.”

“Thank you.” Hesper lowered her gaze and could guess that 013 was probably observing her from some corner. He might be laughing at his little trick.

This was Fredonia, Antellon, and that meant that Daybreak was everywhere.

That also meant that she was living in danger. Even though the building provided safety, wasn’t completely safe.

She had to figure out a way to get rid of 013… Hesper looked up and her eyes turned cold.

“No news at all?”

Matthew hung up and rubbed his temples.

He knew that Hesper wanted to erase all of her traces, so she wasn’t going to let him find her. He just didn’t understand why Hesper was avoiding him.

Renee walked over with a report and saw him frowning, so she gently laid what she had in her hands down. “No news yet?”

“…Yes.” Matthew knew that Hesper rescued Renee. Anyone else would start looking down on Hesper because she lost her status, but Renee would never do that.

“Do you really have no information about her?”

Ever since Hesper left, Renee was a lot calmer than Isaac. Even when news about Hesper disappearing got to her, Renee just did her work and was so calm it was as though nothing happened.

Renee shook her head and said in a low voice, “I trust her choice, so I’m not worried.”

*…Is she really that powerful to you?”