Ch. 63: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 63

Chapter 63The two shared a laugh.

Gloria had a meeting to attend, so after a brief chat, they parted ways.

Norah didn't head home. Her mind was blank as she aimlessly wandered to her old junior high school.

It had been more than ten years since she attended. Over time, the school had undergone significant changes. The interior was renovated, the campus had expanded, and several new buildings had been constructed. However, the stone at the entrance remained unchanged, still bearing the name "Minlan Middle School."

This was where she first met Kevin.

She would never forget August 13th—the day she nearly died.

It happened right outside the school gates. After school, she and her classmates were leaving when several masked kidnappers with large bags and guns appeared.

The environment back then was chaotic. Guns were illegal, but human greed was rampant. Many students were taken hostage, including her.

A kidnapper grabbed her by the neck, pressing a gun to her head.

He warned her not to move.

She was only fifteen years old.

It was the first time she had faced such danger. She heard screams, the sound of people running, gunshots, and then cries of despair.

She was so terrified that her palms were sweating, and she couldn't utter a word.

The kidnappers forced her and other hostages into a shopping mall. One of their bags tore, spilling cash everywhere.

She realized they had robbed a bank.

Having already killed someone, the kidnappers were desperate, knowing they were on death row. They didn't care about the hostages' lives.

Trapped inside and surrounded by police, they planned to kill all the students, ensuring that even in death, they wouldn’t be alone.

Gunshots echoed in her ears, shaking her to the core.

She saw blood everywhere, her classmates falling one by one.

She was frozen with fear, her eyes wide open, knowing she would die that day. She couldn't fight back, couldn't even cry.

Just as the gun against her head clicked—

"Bang."

A gunshot rang out, but she was still alive.

When she opened her eyes, she saw a handsome boy holding her, pressing her tightly beneath him. His forehead was drenched in sweat, and he whispered urgently, "Don't make a sound!"

She hid behind a pillar, barely breathing, and watched as the boy risked his life for her.

He quickly got up, unhesitatingly charging at the kidnapper. They struggled, guns fired, glass shattered, and blood splattered. Norah was certain he would die, her fear nearly breaking her.

Then, the police shot and killed two of the kidnappers, gradually closing in on the scene.

She frantically searched for the boy, finding him still alive, pinning the last kidnapper down.

He was panting heavily, blood gushing from a wound in his abdomen.

He had been shot!

She wanted to help him, but the doctors and nurses arrived, placing him on a stretcher. She heard someone shout, "Anthony, you were incredible today!"

The boy, lying on the stretcher, relaxed and smiled confidently, "No big deal!"

Doctors and nurses surrounded her as well.

She watched him being carried away, further and further, without even having the chance to thank him.

But she would remember him for the rest of her life.

That brave and selfless soldier had left a lasting mark on her heart.

The tragedy of that day was etched into her memory.

She was the only survivor.

Her classmates had died in a pool of blood, beyond saving.

The trauma haunted her, and it took a long time for her to heal.

She became determined to find the boy who saved her, refusing to let the darkness consume her.

She took a six-month break from school, returning only to search for him.

Eventually, she discovered that he was attending the city's top high school. His name was Kevin. It puzzled her, but she assumed it might be a nickname. She never learned Anthony's last name.

She worked hard and was admitted to the same high school.

But she never approached him, only watching quietly from afar.

He was a basketball player.

One of the top students.

He came from a wealthy family.

He was so remarkable that she felt unworthy of him, so she kept her feelings hidden.

Even when she walked past him, he didn't acknowledge her, having long forgotten the girl he once saved.

"Norah."

Lost in her memories—bittersweet, terrifying, and filled with love—Norah was startled by a voice.

She turned and saw Steven approaching.

Norah quickly composed herself, offering a small smile. "Steven, you're here too."

"I came back to see you," Steven said. "I didn't expect to run into you here. How have you been?"

"Not bad."

Steven glanced around the school, sighing. "It's changed so much. Over a decade has passed in the blink of an eye."

"Yes, everything has changed." Norah looked at the students inside, reflecting on how young and innocent they were—just as she once was.

Steven studied Norah, his eyes deep and contemplative, savoring the moment together.

Her serene expression always carried a hint of gentle calmness, making him smile unconsciously. He quickly hid his emotions, saying, "I thought you'd never come back here."

Norah looked at him, "Why wouldn't I?"

"Mr. Lord!"

At that moment, Principal Norman appeared and enthusiastically greeted Steven, shaking his hand. "You found time to visit the school today! What a wonderful surprise. Come in!"

He noticed Norah, recognition dawning on him. "And this is Norah! A talented student. It's been a long time."

Principal Norman had been her class and head teacher.

Over a decade had passed, and his hair had turned gray, his face lined with wrinkles.

Norah greeted him politely, "Principal Norman, long time no see!"

Principal Norman beamed, "No need for formalities, call me Teacher Norman. Today is a good day—I’ve run into two of my students at once."

He continued, "Steven went abroad and never came back, which I understand. But Norah, you haven't visited since graduation. I must give you a little criticism for that!"

Norah smiled as she walked behind them, "I've been busy with work. That's on me, but I'm here today to make up for it!"

Principal Norman sighed, speaking earnestly, "I understand. Times have changed, and such a tragedy will never happen again."

The incident weighed heavily on Principal Norman's heart.

After that day, they gathered their class. Among the five students taken, three were in their class.

At the time, Steven had already left for abroad and was unaware of the tragedy until he later saw it on the news.

Fearing the past would reopen old wounds for Norah, Steven said, "Teacher Norman, let's not dwell on the past."

"Yes, yes, let's not bring it up. I'm getting old and forgetful!" Principal Norman agreed, turning to Steven. "Steven, you've accomplished so much and haven't forgotten your alma mater. Thank you for your generous donation of 50 million to the school."