Ch. 536..540
Chapter 536
Sylvia gave a troubled look They walked out of the restaurant together and strolled along a path leading back to the academy Sylvia spoke her mind, “Thomas, please let me pay the bill next time.” Although she was divorced from Odell, she still considered Thomas her younger brother
Furthermore, he had rescued her not once but twice in her times of greatest need She simply did not loow how she could ever repay the favor she owed him, and she certainly could not have Thomas paying for her food
“Yeah.” He grunted.
Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief.
After a while, they reached the academy office, beside which was his office
After saying their goodbyes, the two of them went back to their respective offices. Since Sylvia did not teach academic courses, her classes had a looser structure.
She had prepared everything in advance, and the students had very good dynamics with her as well. The two classes she taught turned out to be very relaxing and productive.
The two classes flew by in the blink of an eye. She returned to the office, ready to pack her things and head to the kindergarten to pick up Isabel and Liam.
However, she stumbled into Thomas again when she was leaving her office
He wore a crear-colored coat over his white shirt, the drape of the fabric perfectly complementing his lanky figure. He could easily pass for a model. Sylvia asked him with a smile, “Thomas, are you done for the day as well?”
“Yeah.” “Where do you stay?” “I stay in the school dormitory.” After a pause, he looked at her and asked, “What about you?”
“| live in the area.” Sylvia looked at the time and saw that she was running late, so she hurriedly said to him, “See you. | need to pick Isabel and Liam up from kindergarten.”
“See you.” Sylvia turned and trotted in the direction of the stairs,
Thomas stood like a statue and quietly observed her figure from behind.
Sylvia arrived at the kindergarten just as their classes ended.
Isabel and Liain walked out together holding hands as usual. They trotted toward Sylvia the moment they saw her
Delighted to see them, she kissed them on the checks and took them home
As always, Sylvia played with thein for a wuleafter dinner, then she told them bedtime stories and waited until they fell asleep before heading back to her room
In Carter Tower, Westchester City, it was already midnight, but the lights in the office on the top floor were still turned on There was a tall figure of a man sitting on a leather chair, illuminated by the ceiling hghts After reviewing the final document, he
looked at the watch on his wrist He zipped his lips into a line and swung the chair around to face the window He looked at the night view of the city. the tint in his eyes as black as the night sky
Knock knock There was someone at the door Odell called out, “Come in.” Cliff opened the door and walked in cautiously
“Master Carter, you've already arranged everything for the next half month Do you want to go back and get some rest?” Odell pursed his lips, “How are things over there looking like Cliff did not need any further elaboration to know that he was talking about Sylvia
Since he and Sylvia divorced, he had been in the office almost every day from top to bottom. everyone from the managers to the janitors was wracked with nerves, knowing that they had to face the man every hour of the day.
Upon hearing this, he informed in a servile way, “Noi much, the missus stays home most of the time as usual. She went to the art academy today. It seems like she was recently recruited as a guest professor at the academy”
Guest professor? That was hardly surprising. With her talent and reputation, she was more than qualified to become a guest professor.
Aglimpse of a grin appeared in the corners of his thin lips as he informed, “I'll be sleeping here tonight as well, so you can head back.”
Chiff answered curtly. “Yes, sir”
Sylvia only had two classes a week at the acadeiny, one on Monday and the other on Thursday. thus she had plenty of time to herself
Chapter 537
Chapter 537 After two days of staying at home, she went to the academy again on Thursday.
Just like Monday, she prepared for her lessons as soon as she got to the office. She focused on her work until her phone chimed.
It was a message from Thomas. In the message, he asked, “Want to have lunch?” Sylvia checked the time. It was already noon, so she answered, “Sure.” After putting on her coat, she walked out of the office and saw Thomas leaning against a wall, waiting for her.
He was wearing a long gray coat and tucked his hands in his pockets. His height combined with his refined looks drew the attention of several female teachers who passed and fawned over him
Unfortunately for them, he did not seem to take interest in any of them at all. He hardly looked at them and wore the same blank look as he always did.
“Hey, Thomas,” Sylvia greeted him.
Thomas looked at her and walked toward her.
She asked, “What do you want for lunch?” He merely answered, “Anything works for me.” “Alright, then.” As they walked outside, Sylvia went on her phone and searched if there was any good food nearby Meanwhile, several young teachers were spying on the duo from a safe distance.
“Who is that walking with Mr. Carter? Why haven't I ever seen her before?”
“| think she’s the guest professor President Dendro invited. Her name is Sylvia Ross, 1 believe.”
“Oh, | know that name. Isn’t she Ms. Sunflower? She was involved in a couple of our academy’s activities in the past.” The other teachers seemed very surprised upon hearing this. There was growing envy among them as they gawked at Sylvia who got to spend time and have lunch with Thomas.
One of them noted, “But why does Mr. Carter only eat with her?”
“Who knows?”
Thry ate at the same restaurant they are at the last time, only this time it was Sylvia footing the buli Aller their ineal, they went back to the academy and binmediately relured to their respective
offices. During another short break, Sylvia lay her head on the table and prepared to get some brief shuteye. That was when another female teacher suddenly knocked on the door and entered her office
“Hi, Ms. Sylvia. My name is Leah, and | teach the elective courses.”
Sylvia smiled back kindly. “Hi, Mrs. Leah.” Leah approached the table and said in a sincere voice, “I heard that you are Ms. Sunflower. Would you mind if | asked you for some pointers?” Sylvia answered cheerfully, “Of course.”
There were a couple of chairs in the office, so Leah grabbed one and sat next to Sylvia She then procured her drawing book and handed it to Sylvia.
Sylvia looked through her work, taking it very seriously. Leah did not major in art, and it was evident in her painting since she seemed to slightly lack the fundamentals. Therefore, Sylvia decided to help work on her basic skills first.
After giving an honest critique with a healthy supplement of advice, Sylvia added, “Overall, | like the art direction of your work | believe that you will improve after working on your fundamentals.” Leah smiled nervously. “Alright, I'll make sure to keep that in mind.”
Now that they were done, it seemed like she had no intention of leaving just yet. Sylvia could sense that there was something more to this sudden visit and asked, “Is there anything else you'd like to ask?”
Leah tousled her hair with an air of embarrassment, and a strange look surfaced in her eyes.” Ms. Sylvia, what’s your relationship with Thomas?” Sylvia immediately caught on. Chances were that the primary reason she came here was to enquire about this.
She answered honestly, “I’ve known him for many years, and he’s like a brother to me.”
Although Thomas was several months older than her, she had been his sister-in-law since the day she met him and had always thought of him as something like a little brother. Leah was visibly surprised by this, “Like a brother? You two look around the same age though, and you two don’t share the same surname.”
“Our grandparents were friends,” Sylvia remarked.
She was not eager to discuss how she used to be his sister-in-law since it would only lead to more unnecessary gossip leading back to Odell. Besides, Tara had only done enough of rumor mongering, telling people that Sylvia had once dated Odell, and she did not need more such talk going around. She only came here to teach. These gossips were certainly neither helpful nor productive.
Chapter 538
Leah seemed to have obtained a satisfactory answer, so she remarked, “I see.” After some small talk, she took her things and left.
Sylvia got a little more rest after that.
There was only a single partition wall separating her office from the next office. At the same time, there was a lanky figure of a man leaning against the wall. The partition walls were made of wood and were not exactly known for having good sound insulation. He could overhear the conversation in the neighboring office just by leaning against the wall.
A brother? Did she still think of him as nothing more than a brother even till now?
Fast forward to Friday, around evening, Sylvia arrived at the kindergarten on time to pick up the kids. She led each of them in one hand. Since tomorrow was the weekend, Isabel was skipping along and seemed very happy.
Liam was the exact opposite of her. She trailed behind Sylvia without a word. There was no telling what was on his mind, and he seemed more like a miniature adult than a child.
“Isabel, Liam, where do you two want to go this weekend?” Isabel chirped merrily, “Mommy, | want to go to the amusement park!” Sylvia nodded and turned to Liam who answered without any visible change in expression,” I'll follow Isabel.”
The next morning, Sylvia had just finished breakfast and was about to pack up and take the children to the amusement park when Aunt Tonya slid in through the door and whispered to her, “Sylvia, he’s here.” Sylvia zipped her lips into a grimace. She suddenly approached Isabel and Liam, smiling meekly as she informed them, “Isabel, Liam, Mommy suddenly received an
invitation to join a certain art exhibition. Since your Daddy happened to come by, you two can go out with him today instead.”
Isabel pursed her lips and complained, “Mommy, why do you have something suddenly coming up again?”
Liam fixed a stare on Sylvia with his large eyes that contained a countenance that made him seem older than he was.
e good and on DULILU VODU UC BUUU ILIUCIIULISTIC MILIL VUULUUV LUYOV
Jou two
DUULICITY CILI
JUII VOU LYYU
Sylvia blinked a few times and patted their heads. “Mommy didn’t expect it to come up so suddenly either. Both of
pend time with you tomorrow, alright?” Isabel grunted. “Okay.”
Meanwhile, Liam was silent The pair went out shortly after. Sylvia stood at the door and watched them leave. When she noticed
the tall figure of a man turning toward them, she immediately ducked for cover and no longer tried to steal a second glance. Outside the gate, Odell got out of the car and was waiting for Isabel and Liam to come to him.
Isabel was skipping toward him while Liam walked slowly with composure. As soon as they reached the car, both of them turned back to look at the house in unison.
Odell followed their gaze and looked at the house as well. He barely managed to catch a glimpse of a figure disappearing around the corner. He pursed his lips and concealed the dark look in his eyes, then he grabbed Isabel and Liam one after the other and put them into the car. Isabel seemed upset being carried this way and immediately voiced her complaint upon entering the car, “Baddie, can’t you be more gentle with us kids?” Odell sat between them and took her into his arms. “Did | hurt you?” “Well, no.” Isabel pouted, and said with her large eyes beaming, “But can’t you properly carry me and my brother into the car next time?” Odell shot her a look and grunted. “Alright.” Isabel leaned into his chest and announced, “We want to go to the amusement park today.” “Alright.”
11 “And we want ice cream.” “Sure.”
The father and daughter chatted candidly. As Liam sat quietly beside them, he would dart a glance at Odell from time to time throughout the drive.
Around evening when the amusement park was closing, Liam and Isabel walked out with Odell. The girl must have been exhausted from the day’s activity, so she put her chubby hand out toward Odell, clearly signaling what she wanted. Odell obliged and took her into his arms with one hand. She burrowed her chubby face into his neck and quickly fell asleep. It did not take long before they returned to the car.
Chapter 539
Odell hugged Isabel who was sleeping soundly. Liam sat quietly beside him, just like he did on the way here. The car followed the path down the lane. Out of the blue, Liam suddenly broke his silence. “Dad, did you and Mommy get divorced?” Though his voice was that of a child’s, he spoke with an air of composure uncommon in children.
Odell frowned and shot a look at him. “Who told you that?” “No one told me.” Liam lowered his head and continued, “Two of our classmates have divorced parents as well. They don’t live together, just like you and Mommy. They take turns bringing their kids out as well.”
Odell wore a grimace and fell silent. The atmosphere inside the car suddenly became unbearably uncomfortable. After what seemed like forever, he finally answered, “Your mother and | got divorced, but that doesn’t change the fact that we're still your parents.” “Why?” Liam frowned and looked at him. Odell replied, “Well, there are many reasons.”
It all came down to one thing in the end-he had wounded her too deeply to a point where he could not even justify what he had done or forgive himself for it. If not for this conscience within him, he would have never agreed to the divorce. Liam asked again, “Did you do something unforgivable?” Odell muttered meekly, “Yeah.”
Liam looked out of the car window.
Odell lifted a hand and gently patted the little boy on his head. “This is between your mother and me. You and your sister don’t have to worry about it.” However, Liam ignored him. Odell frowned. He cleared his throat and asked cautiously, “Liam?” “Understood,” he spoke in a very reticent tone.
Odell quietly looked at Liam’s troubled demeanor and added, “If you want to live with me, just call me and | will pick up both you and our sister, and you two can come to stay with me even if it's just for a short while.”
At the end of the day, the boy had grown up with his father and must miss him. Alas, as soon as Odell proposed this option, Liam immediately answered insistently, “No, | want to live with Mommy and Sis.”
Odell was speechless. Before long, the car stopped outside Sylvia’s house. The driver immediately got out of the car and opened the door for them. Liam stepped out immediately.
Isabel was still asleep when Odell carried her out of the car. She was sleeping very soundly and Odell was careful to not wake her up. He carried her in his arms as he walked toward the door with Liam beside him.
That was when Aunt Tonya heard their arrival and appeared. She smiled politely and beckoned.
“Master Carter, I'll take Isabel,” she said with her arms put out toward Odell. Odell frowned and obliged. Aunt Tonya hugged Isabel tightly and entered the living room as Liam followed her. Odell peered inside, then he proceeded to leave without much fanfare.
Sylvia waited for the car to drive away before coming out. She put Isabel on the sofa and tucked her in with a small blanket, then she pulled Liam to her side and gave him a big hug. “Liam, where did you and Daddy go today?” Liam snuggled up to her and answered, “To the amusement park” “Did you have fun?” “Yeah, it was fun.” There was hardly any excess emotion on his expression. Sylvia pursed her lips and stopped pressing the matter. She switched to another topic instead. ” Are you hungry?” “A little.”
“What do you want to eat? Mommy will make anything for you.” As Liam looked at his mother’s gentle smile, something gleamed in his eyes, “I want to eat spaghetti.”
“Alright, coming up right away. Get some rest first for now.” “Okay.”
Sylvia gently ruffled his hair before getting up to cook while Liam sat next to Isabel and quietly peered in the direction of the kitchen
Chapter 540
The weekend passed in the blink of an eye. On Monday morning, Sylvia took Isabel and Liam to kindergarten, and after dropping them off, she went to the academy.
The weather was getting cold, and there was already a sheet of ice floating atop the surface of the lake near the school. Sylvia walked in the direction of the office. The surface of the steps on the stairs was glittering because someone had spilled water on the stairs.
After taking two steps up the stairs, Sylvia slipped and felt her body toppling backward. She was thrown off guard instantly and nearly shrieked when suddenly, she felt an arm reaching from behind and wrapping itself around her waist.
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She was already thrown off balance as she fell backward into a broad and muscular chest. “Are you alright?” She heard the voice of a man filled with concern. She composed herself and quickly stood up and thanked her savior with a smile, “I’m fine. Thanks, Thomas.” Thomas cautioned, “Be careful. The floor is wet.” “Alright,” Sylvia answered and walked up cautiously this time. While Thomas followed after her and walked by her side, his arm was pressed against her nearly the entire time.
Sylvia shot him a look
Due to the condition of the stairs, she had to walk at a turtle pace and move forward with him next to her side. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she promptly quickened her pace to create some distance between herself and Thomas.
When they got to her office door, she looked back at him and said to him with a smile,”
Thanks for saving me just now.I’m going to work now. Have a good day.” Thomas provided a nonchalant response, “Alright.” As Sylvia hurried into her office, Thomas glanced in the direction of the stairs and entered his office as well.
RILA
Sylvia sat down and shook her head to awaken her senses. She must be overthinking this. Thomas had only walked up the stairs with her as a precautionary measure in case she fell
again.
Meanwhile, at the stairwell, the female janitor appeared. She frowned as she looked at the water sprinkled over the stairs and muttered to herself in bewilderment, “That's weird. | just cleaned it up. Where did all this water come from?”
Around noon the same day, Sylvia received a message from Christopher.
He told her that there would be a seminar on Saturday that a lot of the teachers in the academy would be taking part in it, and in turn, invited her to join. Sylvia figured that Odell would pick up the children on Saturday, so she promptly confirmed her attendance. Shortly after that, she received a message from Thomas.
He asked, “Are you going to the seminar on Saturday?” Sylvia texted back, “I’m going. Are you?” He replied, “Yeah, probably.” “Okay, see you at the seminar then.” “Yeah.”
Just as Sylvia predicted, on Saturday morning, Odell’s car showed up as usual.
Snow was falling from the sky. Sylvia ensured that Isabel and Liam had thick layers of padded clothes before sending them off. Isabel suddenly pouted and asked her, “Mommy, are you not going out with us today again?”
Liam stayed silent and only regarded her with an expectant look. Sylvia explained with a soft smile, “Mommy needs to attend a seminar held at the school today, so | can’t go out with you two.”
Isabel grunted. “Hmph, why do you have to join these events every Saturday?”
Sylvia pinched Isabel’s chubby cheeks playfully and tried to appease her, “Be good, Isabel. Your Daddy will take you and your brother somewhere fun today. Go on, go with your brother.”
Isabel's eyes glowed at the prospect of going somewhere fun, but immediately after that, she grumbled again, “If you don’t come and play with us the next time, I’m going to get angry.”
Sylvia grimaced weakly. She was about to say something to Isabel when Liam suddenly interjected, “Sis, if we still don’t leave, the snow is going to pile up on the road.” “Okay, let’s go!” Isabel grabbed Liam and ran out. Liam glanced at Sylvia. “Bye, Mommy.”