Ch. 1611..1620

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1611

“Dear, Leslie had just gone to sleep, so why don’t you accompany me shopping? I want to buy a few things,” Joan implored coquettishly.

“Let me sleep for a bit more. I’ll go with you when I wake up,” Larry mumbled groggily.

Then, he rolled over and continued sleeping.

When Joan saw that he was ignoring her, she decided to resort to her ultimate means.

“Ouch, please let go of my ear! Darling, please have mercy on me! I’ll go, okay?”

Larry hurriedly pleaded for mercy when he abruptly sensed a bolt of agonizing pain assaulting his ear while still sleeping soundly.

“Hmph! I called you to get up, but you just wouldn’t listen! Serves you right!” Joan declared smugly, looking all proud of herself.

Ugh! What bad luck! Larry groused with a long sigh as he rubbed his red ear. Then, he grudgingly allowed her to drag him out the door.

Shopping was in a woman’s nature, and that saying was spot-on.

Despite her usually weak and fragile appearance, Joan became an entirely different person when she shopped. It had been three hours, but she showed no signs of fatigue, looking very much energetic instead.

“Darling, I don’t remember you being so fond of shopping before we got married,” Larry remarked on a sigh.

“That’s because I had no time back then. After having experienced so much, I really wasn’t in any mood to shop at that time. Besides, you didn’t have time to accompany me either. Later, I got pregnant, so it was out of the question to shop with a protruding belly. But now, we can come and shop often!”

Joan’s eyes darted around enthusiastically, seemingly just not having enough of it.

Upon hearing that, Larry almost broke down. Once or twice is fine, but to go shopping often simply won’t do!

However, Joan was enjoying herself, so he couldn’t bring himself to burst her bubble. Thus, he said nothing but continued to accompany her shopping in silence.

When Joan was feeling a tad tired, she sat on a bench by the roadside with Larry to rest for a bit.

At that precise moment, she suddenly glimpsed a familiar yet foreign figure by the roadside.

The sense of familiarity stemmed from the fact that she was once acquainted with her, but at the same time, it was foreign because she no longer bore any semblance to the person she once knew.

It was Gabriella.

After such a long time, she again spotted her among the crowd.

Presently, Gabriella was no longer dressed in the beautiful and dazzling clothes of the past, nor did she have a domineering air anymore.

She was merely an ordinary woman, and time had smoothened all her sharp edges. Dressed plainly, she was actually selling fruits by the roadside.

With a huge belly proceeding her, Gabriella promoted her wares relentlessly even as she chose fruits for her customers.

She was all alone, rendering her lonely and pitiful.

In truth, selling fruits was something she was forced to do. To secure a better life for her child when he or she was born, she wanted to find a lucrative job quickly.

Alas, she was pregnant, so even if she was willing to do menial and backbreaking work, no one would employ her. Having no other choice, she bought a bunch of fruits with the little money she had left and set up a roadside stall at a crowded place.

The issue of dignity and pride no longer mattered, for survival was the greatest problem staring her in the face.

Unfortunately, even when she was at the stage where she had to sell fruits by the roadside, she couldn’t make a living properly because an officer from the city council came over shortly.

“Who allowed you to sell fruits here? I’ve told you countless times that setting up a roadside stall here is strictly prohibited!” the officer asserted sternly while glowering at her.

“I got it! I’ll leave. I’ll leave right away!” Gabriella blurted in panic.

She once feared no one and nothing, but now, she was starkly afraid of the city council.

“Hah! You say that every single time, but I don’t think you’ll learn unless I teach you a lesson!”

Despite Gabriella’s huge belly and her downcast expression, the officer didn’t sympathize with her the slightest bit. As a trace of disdain flashed across his eyes, he overturned her fruit stall.

“You simply don’t learn, huh? Have you finally learned your lesson now? If I see you setting up a stall by the roadside again, I’ll overturn it without a single word!” The officer wore a cocky look.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1612

“No, please don’t!”

All at once, Gabriella got onto her knees and hastily picked up the fruits that were scattered all over the place.

The officer from the city council, on the other hand, ignored her pleas. After shooting her a glare, he then stalked away.

Kneeling on the ground, Gabriella burst into tears as helplessness swamped her.

Why? Just why are there still people who want to pick trouble with me when I’m already in such dire straits? I just want to survive and take good care of the child in my belly! It’s such a simple wish, so why can’t I even have that?

Desperation engulfed her. If it weren’t for the baby, she truly wanted to jump off a building right then and there.

However, she couldn’t do that, for life still had to go on.

She promptly calmed down and resumed picking up the fruits from the ground with anguish written all over her face.

All that was witnessed by Joan, and a mix of emotions overwhelmed her at the sight.

Indeed, she deserves such retribution after having committed so many evil deeds. In that, she didn’t pity Gabriella in the slightest, but she was currently with a child.

This is a fitting end for her, but the child is innocent. There’s no reason the child should suffer alongside his or her mother.

At that thought, an idea occurred to her, and she was increasingly resolved to put it into action.

Meanwhile, Larry had no idea about everything that had happened.

At that time, he was focused on something on his cell phone, so he didn’t notice the commotion that had transpired a near distance away.

But even if he did witness it, he probably wouldn’t have had any sympathy for Gabriella. After all, she shouldn’t have done all that if she hadn’t wanted to pay the price.

If she hadn’t schemed and plotted, hatching conspiracy after conspiracy, she would still be the high and mighty daughter of the Ward family.

When one’s motives weren’t right, it would only bring calamity upon oneself. After all, curses, like chickens, came home to roost.

“Larry, I’m a bit tired, so let’s go home,” Joan said to Larry beside her as she stretched wearily.

By then, Larry had also put his cell phone away. Smiling, he replied, “Since you’re tired, let’s go home quickly. Leslie might have woken up, and he might even be giving his grandmother trouble.”

“True, true. Let’s go, then.”

As Joan held his arm intimately, euphoria flooded her.

Contrary to the saying that one would only appreciate something after having lost it, she was particularly appreciative of everything she had right then.

The more trials and tribulations one experienced, the greater one’s cognizance of the preciousness of life.

As they held hands, both vowed to cherish each other until death do them part.

The moment they arrived home, Joan swiftly went to the bedroom to look in on her child.

Before leaving, she had specially informed Vivian that she was going out. Presently, Leslie was already awake, and Vivian was conscientiously feeding him milk.

“I’m back, Vivian. When did Leslie wake up?” Joan greeted respectfully.

“Just a while ago. He cried when he woke up, so I fed him milk. Now, he’s all docile.”

Vivian’s eyes brimmed with love as she looked down at her grandchild in her arms.

“I’m sorry for having troubled you, Vivian. I’ll take over.”

Joan was a tad embarrassed at having gone out shopping and leaving the child to her.

“Hey, why are you saying that? It’s my pleasure to take care of my own grandchild, so don’t always be a stranger with me!”

Vivian feigned disgruntlement.

“I got it, Vivian.”

Joan nodded obediently. Gosh, I’ve indeed been a touch too formal with her! I’ve got to remember not to do it anymore, lest it affects my relationship with her.

A while later, Vivian handed the child back to Joan and went about her own business.

After Joan had finished feeding the child and cradled him intimately for some time, he dozed off again.

Only a handful of days had passed since he was finally a month old, so his life was basically eating and sleeping. Rinse, repeat.

Placing him on the crib, she then quietly left the room.

“Where are you going, Joan?” Larry asked in concern when he saw her leaving the bedroom.

At that time, he was working in the study.

“Nowhere. I’m just going to the living room to watch television, so you don’t have to bother about me. Just concentrate on your work.”

After flashing him a sweet smile, Joan then went to the living room.

As she sat there, she took out her passbook and bank card from under the table in the living room. They contained the money she earned herself and the stipend Larry gave her regularly.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1613

Ever since Joan became Larry’s fiancée, he was afraid that she would be reluctant to spend, so he would transfer a hefty sum into her bank card monthly. And now, she was a rich woman who had a stipend of a few million.

After thinking for a long time, she transferred three hundred thousand from her bank card to her backup card. Pocketing the card, she then changed before going to the study and saying to Larry, “Dear, keep an eye on our baby, okay? I’m going out for a while.”

“Why are you going out again when we’d just come home? And where are you going this time?”

Although Larry trusted her completely, he still wanted to know where exactly she was going.

“I’ll tell you when I return, okay? Let me keep it a secret first, Dear,” Joan murmured mischievously as she kissed him on the cheek.

“I don’t mind letting it slide, but there’s a condition,” Larry drawled solemnly as he stared at her.

“Well? What’s your condition?” Joan inquired.

“Kiss me again.” Larry acted very much like a child who was throwing a tantrum.

“Alright, then.”

Giggling in exasperation, Joan kissed him lightly on the mouth once more.

In a flash, Larry hooked his arms around her neck and kissed her passionately.

After a sizzling kiss, Joan hastily pushed him away. Panting slightly, she then rolled her eyes at him. “You’re happy now, yes? I’m leaving, then. Take good care of our baby, okay?”

“Don’t worry. But come home earlier!” Larry urged in contentment.

“Will do.”

Having answered him, Joan then left.

When she reached the place where they took a break after shopping earlier, she started looking for Gabriella.

However, she didn’t find any signs of her even after circling the spot where she had set up a stall just now.

At a loss, she could only inquire about her whereabouts from the proprietress of a grocery store by the roadside.

“Madam, I’d like to ask about the pregnant lady who was selling fruits by the roadside here earlier. Do you know where she went?” she asked the middle-aged woman who ran the grocery store politely.

“She was driven away by the city council just now, so she’s most likely selling fruits in the alley ahead. Ah, she’s quite pitiful! Her husband is really lousy to have her sell fruits alone while pregnant. Say, she has truly been dealt a bad hand in life!” the middle-aged woman lamented sympathetically.

“Thank you, Madam.”

After thanking the proprietress of the grocery store, Joan headed in the direction she had pointed earlier.

Finally, she caught sight of Gabriella in the alley by the intersection.

At that moment, Gabriella was doing her best to promote her wares. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much traffic here, so few were willing to buy fruits.

She then sat there dejectedly with her head hung low, seemingly contemplating something or other.

Joan silently walked over to her, but she didn’t realize that someone was approaching and kept her head lowered.

Joan was in no hurry either, merely standing there wordlessly.

Seemingly sensing a presence beside her, Gabriella then swiftly lifted her head and blurted, “Would you like to buy some fruits…”

When she made out who it was, she abruptly gaped in surprise. A moment later, something seemingly occurred to her, and she hurriedly dipped her head.

“Would you like to buy some fruits, miss?”

She wanted to pretend that she didn’t know Joan, but the obvious tremor in her voice betrayed her.

“Gabriella Ward, aren’t you going to look up at me when we were once best friends?” Joan murmured in a calm and unruffled voice as she looked at her.

“You’ve got the wrong person, miss. I’m not the Gabriella Ward you spoke of. I’m just a fruit vendor.”

“You’re Gabriella Ward, so stop pretending. There’s no point in doing so.”

At that, a bitter smile bloomed on Gabriella’s face. Knowing that there was no escaping the inevitable, she raised her head in a self-deprecating manner and remarked, “So what if you recognized me, Mrs. Norton? Are you here to mock me?”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1614

“I don’t have any intention of mocking you, nor do I want to hit you now that you’re down. However, I’ll still say all that’s needed to be said.”

Subsequently, Joan didn’t hold back her punches as she spoke. “You can’t blame anyone for your predicament now because you’re merely reaping what you sowed. You wouldn’t have been reduced to such a sorry state if you hadn’t had harbored tons of malicious thoughts and concocted so many evil plans. Therefore, I have no sympathy for you.”

Upon hearing this, the bitter smile on Gabriella’s face deepened.

“I know. All this is retribution for all that I’ve done, so I don’t blame anyone for my predicament now. I no longer harbor a single hint of hatred even toward you—Joan Watts—and Larry Norton, the two people whom I once detested to the marrow and whose relationship I tried my very best to fragment.

“Now, the only thing I want is to survive and have my baby, then give him or her a good life. So, if there’s nothing else, please leave so that I can continue with my business.”

Gabriella’s words came from the depths of her heart without any pretense, nor were they meant to garner her sympathy.

Presently, she was only the mother of a child. No matter how heinous she was, a mother was the noblest and most selfless individual.

Joan nodded in acknowledgment as Gabriella’s words diminished her enmity against her.

Indeed, she once committed a grievous offense, but she has now admitted to her wrongdoing. Should I not give such a dauntless woman an opportunity to turn over a new leaf?

After a long moment of hesitation, she made up her mind.

“Gabriella Ward, let me clarify that I’m not here because of you, much less because I pity you. I’ve seen your predicament, and while I think it’s what you deserve, your child is innocent. He or she shouldn’t be suffering with you. You weren’t a good person, but I hope you can be a good mother.”

Staring at Gabriella, she continued with a serious expression, “There’s three hundred thousand in this bank card, and I’ve removed the PIN. This money isn’t for you. Rather, it’s for a good mother. Take good care of the child in your stomach and continue living. Don’t deprive your child of his or her mother.”

Then, she took out a bank card and handed it to her.

All at once, Gabriella froze. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined that the woman whom she hated most would actually give her such a large sum when she was at her lowest and most vulnerable.

Oh my God, is she for real? It’s three hundred thousand! To my past self, it would’ve been a pittance, but now, it’s a king’s ransom that can save my life and that of my child’s! With this money, I won’t have to starve anymore. At the very least, I can give birth with peace of mind and find a better job in the future. I’ll no longer have to worry about food and shelter.

“A-Are you seriously giving me this money?”

Gabriella’s voice trembled slightly, for she didn’t dare believe the truth that was right before her eyes.

“To your past self, perhaps this amount is negligible, but I now hope that you’ll put it to good use and be a good mother,” Joan emphasized once more.

Taking her hand, she then gave her the bank card.

As Gabriella clutched the bank card that was still warm, she was overwhelmed by gratitude and regret. Recalling everything she did to Joan back then, tears streamed down her face.

“I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I shouldn’t have done all those things in the past. I shouldn’t have been blinded by my desires and given in to greed, let alone hurt you with a myriad of ruthless ploys. I was wrong, so I’m really sorry. I don’t dare hope that you’ll forgive me, but I hope you’ll accept my apology.”

She wept bitterly, for she was truly regretful. She regretted having wasted her most precious youth on plotting and scheming, the wrongdoings she shouldn’t have committed that led to her current predicament, and most of all, the trouble and hurt she had caused others.

Out of the blue, she thought of her father. As his only daughter, not only did I not take good care of him, but I even did so many things that put our family in jeopardy!

 

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1615

Having a child of her own and becoming a mother gave her the emotional dimension to deeply grasp the anguish and despair of her father, having been forced into doing what he didn’t want to.

I’m so sorry! But it’s too late.

There was no more chance for her to redeem herself, nor could she make up for the damage she had caused to everyone.

Looking at Gabriella, Joan knew that she had finally realized her mistakes. Without saying anything else, Joan turned around and left.

“Look after yourself and take good care of your child. Don’t repeat your mistakes.”

With that, Joan disappeared at the corner of the street.

Listening to the words Joan left for her and watching Joan’s figure getting smaller and smaller as she left, Gabriella nodded solemnly.

There was no turning back to what happened in the past. The only thing she could do was to live the rest of her life well and look after her child, just like what Joan said to her—be a good mother.

After settling the matter which had been bothering her, Joan returned home in a bubbly mood. The way Gabriella looked when Joan left assured her that her painstaking efforts didn’t go to waste, after all.

When she reached home, she tiptoed back, trying to avoid catching Larry’s attention.

Nevertheless, Larry noticed her right from the minute she entered the door. Just when Joan was about to walk into the bedroom, Larry started, “You’re back.”

Joan was notably astounded. She thought she could go back to the room without being discovered, but she was still uncovered in the end.

“That’s right, Dear, I’m back,” with a smile, Joan replied.

“Where did you go? Didn’t you promise to tell me about that when you reach home?”

Larry put aside the things he had been occupied with and looked at Joan with an ambiguous half-smile.

“Hey, you were the one who told me you’ll let me know what you were doing outside when you come home, and now you’re trying to slip past me without telling me what you were up to. How guileful. If you don’t give me a proper explanation, I’ll teach you a lesson.”

Larry rubbed his palms together as though he was going to tan Joan’s hide.

“Alright, alright, I’ll tell you, okay? But you have to promise not to be angry after I tell you about it,” Joan answered helplessly.

She was going to conceal it from Larry lest he disagreed. However, seeing as such, there was no way she could shy away from it anymore.

Hence, she gave an honest and exhaustive account of what she encountered when she went shopping that day, particularly that she saw Gabriella selling fruits at the roadside and that she gave her three hundred thousand.

Listening to Joan’s description, Larry broke into a smile and brushed his finger softly down her nose as he said, both amused and annoyed, “Silly girl, why would I be angry over such a matter? Since Gabriella regretted her actions and was pregnant now, lending her a helping hand is understandable. Nevertheless, with her temperament, are you sure it was genuine repentance?” Larry uttered rather sternly as he was afraid that Joan might have been fooled.

“Probably.” Joan was a little uncertain as well. “Because the way she looked convinced me that she was indeed remorseful about her past misdeeds. Even if she was deceiving me, we’re only losing three hundred thousand. Just think of it as I’ve slipped up helping an ingrate.”

Laughing, Larry held Joan in his arms and let her sit on his leg.

“Nonetheless, we have to discuss the money you’ve stacked away without my knowledge.”

Larry grinned wickedly at Joan. “Well, if you can’t provide a reasonable clarification, you’ll have to get prepared for some bodily torture.”

Brushing his palm against Joan’s haunch, Larry was a little turned on.

“That’s not some money I’ve stacked away from you. That’s the allowance you give me every month,” Joan countered discontentedly with her face flushed red as she felt Larry’s palm on her.

“I don’t care. The money I give you is for you to spend. Any residual is considered a secret stash.”

Larry had made it clear that he wanted to take advantage manifestly, so it was impossible that he would compromise.

Joan got up hurriedly from Larry’s embrace and straightened out her clothes which had been mussed up by Larry.

“Hmph, how could you say that I have a secret stash? Hasn’t that always been men’s privilege? All your money should be kept and managed by me. I don’t care. Hand over all your possession to me now!”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1616

Complacently, Joan threatened Larry, “From now on, I’ll be in charge of the real finances of this family. You should have no objections, am I right?”

Looking at how snobbish Joan was behaving, Larry’s eyes were filled with affection and tenderness. “Well, of course, I do have an objection to it. Why don’t you reconsider that?”

“Objection overruled, and motion dismissed. My decision is final.”

Joan returned to Larry’s embrace and rested on his chest kittenishly.

“That depends on how well you behave then.”

Seeing that Joan willingly yielded to him, Larry waited no more. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he carried her and paced toward the study.

“Hey, hey, what are you doing? Aren’t you going in the wrong direction? That’s the study!” Joan quickly reminded Larry.

“Our baby is sleeping in the bedroom. Let’s not wake him up. Besides,” with a sly smile, Larry continued, “we haven’t tried it in the study before. Let’s try that today.”

“You’re such a pervert and a total jerk!”

After finding out Larry’s real intentions, Joan struggled for a bit, but it was all a show and to no avail. Putting her down on the desk which had been cleared, Larry closed the door behind him…

After their love-making session, Larry carried Joan back to the bedroom thoughtfully.

“Darling, you take a good rest. I shall continue working,” pecking softly on Joan’s forehead, Larry muttered mischievously.

Still with a dash of faint blush on her face, Joan rolled her eyes at Larry.

“Run along now, pervert!”

Larry did not say anything else and with a gentle smile, he got up and prepared to leave for the study.

Out of the blue, Larry heard the ringing doorbell, so he went to open the door with a rather puzzled look on his face.

“Who would be here at this hour?” Hesitantly, Larry mumbled.

“Who else? That couple of lovebirds, of course!” As though she had already known who was at the door outside, Joan chuckled as she said.

Larry nodded mindfully and opened the door. There standing at the door were none other than Caspian and Nancy.

Seeing Caspian, a sharp glint flashed across Larry’s eyes instantly.

“How dare you come over to my house? I swear I’ll tan your hide!”

Larry was still holding grudges about the previous incident where Caspian schemed against him. How could such a scathing brainiac accept the fact that he had been tricked? He would never feel satisfied if he didn’t get even with Caspian.

“Boss, forgive me. I had valid reasons and difficulties at that time! My dear wife, quick, put in some good words for me,” as he pleaded, Caspian also retreated and hid behind Nancy.

“Who’s your wife? We’re not married yet!”

Nancy was rendered speechless. Nevertheless, she still interceded.

“Larry, let’s not bother him for today. You can clobber him when I’m not around next time,” smiling, Nancy said to Larry.

Larry had to do Nancy a favor since she had asked him to. Hence, Larry didn’t make life difficult for Caspian, but he was still glaring at him.

Caspian acted as though he didn’t see that and spoke very naturally, “Let us go in and sit down.”

As they entered the living room, Joan was already sitting in the sofa waiting for them. As soon as she saw them come in, Joan stood up and greeted them politely, “I knew it was the two of you. Come on in and have a seat.”

Joan then turned to Larry and instructed, “Larry, make them some drinks!”

Larry was flabbergasted for a moment. This woman is getting bolder by the day. She’s actually instructing me now.

Crossing his arms, Larry just stood there and looked at Joan without the slightest willingness to do what she said. That gave Joan a fright and she quickly added, “Alright, let me do it. What a dummy. He can’t do anything.”

Larry facepalmed and was rendered utterly speechless by Joan.

Looking at the impish duo, Caspian and Nancy broke into a hearty laugh.

Especially Caspian who was gloating at what happened.

Intimidate me all you want as you’ll still have to succumb to Joan in the end. Such is the circle of life. Caspian was contentedly immersed in his thoughts.

Very soon, Joan came back with some tea. Looking at Caspian, Joan gasped in surprise, “Caspian, what happened to your face? There are bruises all over. Were you beaten up by someone?

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1617

Hearing that, Larry turned around quickly and took a closer look at Caspian. He didn’t even notice that despite staring at Caspian the whole time. Eventually, it was owing to Joan’s attentiveness that Caspian’s injury was pointed out.

“Hehehe.”

Caspian scratched his head embarrassedly and turned to Nancy. He looked like he had something to say, but he was hesitant to speak.

Eventually, it was Nancy who broke the silence. “It’s me.”

Nancy smiled rather bashfully.

“What? It was you who beat him?” Larry and Joan asked in unison.

“What happened? Did you two have a fight?” Joan was a little puzzled.

“No, no. It’s not that.” Nancy waved her hand in denial and continued, “We wanted to spar with one another. But I didn’t expect him to be so dumb…” Scratching her head in an abashed manner, Nancy gave a clear account of what happened.

It was a couple of days ago that Caspian found out his fiancée was a black-belt Taekwondo fighter. Caspian was clearly dumbfounded by the discovery. He just couldn’t relate his adorable and gentle fiancée with a black-belt female fighter.

With the thought of testing Nancy’s skills, Caspian was ready to have a simple duel with her.

Being a former member of the special forces, Caspian didn’t really pay attention to Nancy’s black-belt capabilities, and he kept assuring Nancy to go all out.

Seeing that she was looked down upon by Caspian, Nancy was a little piqued and eager to prove herself.

As a result, Nancy leaped in the air and gave him a sidekick right in his face. Caspian parried her boot confidently but failed to ward it off, and so he was sent flying to the ground by his fiancée.

Listening to Nancy’s narrative, Larry burst out laughing, while Joan bore a faint smile on her face. Evidently, none of them expected that it would turn out in such a way.

Seeing the smile on their faces, Caspian was mortified and couldn’t hold it any longer. “You’re way over the line, the both of you. Can’t you laugh afterward when we leave? It’s so embarrassing!” Caspian protested.

Caspian’s resentful tone prompted Larry to laugh even harder.

Larry who laughed so hard until his stomach hurt, asked, “What about the result? Who won in the end?”

At that point, Caspian pulled an even longer face and replied in a helpless manner, “It was a tie, I think. I did my best after that, but I still couldn’t gain an advantage over Nancy.”

Now, even Larry was astonished. He knew Caspian’s abilities, and that just went on to show how terrific Nancy was as Caspian still couldn’t get the better of her even as he had given his best shot.

Looking at the zestful and lovely girl in front of him, Larry couldn’t really believe it.

Seeing that Larry and Joan were both stunned looking at her, especially Joan with her mouth wide open, Nancy’s face turned scarlet. Bashfully, she said, “It’s all because Caspian pulled punches, otherwise, there was no reason he couldn’t beat me… Oh, no, I mean it was a tie!”

At the side, Caspian was getting even more upset at that. “Boss, Joan, I really didn’t pull punches!”

“Shut up. You’re asking for a knuckle sandwich!”

Waggling her fist with a grimace, Nancy threatened Caspian as she saw that he wasn’t going to stop his grumble.

Caspian was so frightened that he held his tongue and looked at Nancy meekly.

Larry knew very well that although Caspian wasn’t able to defeat Nancy in a casual brawl, he would triumph if it were a deadly battle.

Caspian’s fighting skills derived mostly from actual combat, hence, his moves were steady, unerring, and lethal. However, in occasional dust-ups where he couldn’t really land heavy blows, he would definitely lose the upper hand.

“Serves you right. Finally, there’s someone who can contain you.”

Larry was very smug to see Caspian outgunned. There was an indescribable pleasure within his heart.

“Oh, come on, Boss, you yourself are so submissive to Joan, and yet you have the cheek to laugh at me!” Caspian responded with a disdainful look.

“I…” For a moment, Larry was tongue-tied listening to what Caspian said.

As he turned to Caspian, he felt that they were both equally miserable all of a sudden.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1618

As with Joan and Nancy, they were both laughing heartily.

After chatting for a while, Nancy announced, “Larry, Joan, we have good news for you— Caspian and I are getting married!” With a contented smile on her face, Nancy shared her joy with the other two persons in the room.

Seeing as such, Joan laughed as well. “Silly girl, do you really think we don’t know when you’re getting married? Rest assured, Larry and I have already prepared the cash gift for you.”

“Really? How much are you preparing, Joan?” As soon as he heard the word ‘cash’, Caspian’s eyes lit up with anticipation as he turned to Joan, drooling.

Cash gift from Boss! That must be a formidable sum! Caspian was gleeful.

“Look at you!”

Nancy gave Caspian a forehead flick. “We should be glad that Joan and Larry can be there at our wedding. The cash gift isn’t as important.”

It was so painful that tears almost streamed down Caspian’s face. Seeing that, he quickly declared his true feelings, “That’s right. We don’t need any cash gifts, but if you insist on that, we can’t turn it down either.”

Ignoring Caspian who was obsessed with money, Nancy asked Joan, “Joan, I heard that both of you graduated from Bainewich College. Is that true?”

All of a sudden, Joan was startled. College years, that’s such a long time ago.

During her first days in college, she was full of anticipation for a wonderful student life. And just as she had wished, she met the love of her life in college.

However, regrettably, she dropped out of college during her second year when she fell sick. Not finishing college was Joan’s greatest regret in life.

Joan’s heart sank at the thought of that. Smiling wistfully, she replied, “Yes, we were in Bainewich College then, but sadly I dropped out due to some personal reasons during my second year over there, and I’ve never returned ever since.”

“That’s such a coincidence. I graduated from Bainewich College as well. I can’t believe we went to the same college. It’s really a pity that you didn’t finish college, Joan. That’s an important stage in our life!” Nancy bemoaned Joan’s missed college life, and regrets were written all over her face.

Caspian, on the contrary, was cool about that. “What’s wrong with not attending college? I didn’t even finish high school, and yet, here I am, living so well. If you ask me, I’d say that going to college is just a waste of time. There’s not much of use.”

“What do you know about that? You haven’t even attended one, of course you won’t understand the pleasure from it.”

Caspian and Nancy were soon at loggerheads again.

Looking at the couple engaging in intense dispute, Larry ruffled his hair wearily while Joan was deeply absorbed in her memory of the past.

Larry knew that Joan didn’t get over the fact that she didn’t complete her studies in college.

After giving it some thought, Larry made a decision on his own.

After spending some time at the Norton Residence, Caspian and Nancy left.

After seeing the two of them off, Larry looked at Joan who still appeared absent-minded, and asked, “Joan, I have something to ask you.”

“Yes? Ask away,” Joan replied with a smile.

“Are you very bothered about not finishing your studies at college?” Looking deeply into Joan’s eyes, Larry asked in a solemn manner.

“Well, not really, but I do feel a little uncomfortable about it.”

Joan was trying to avoid having eye contact with Larry, but seeing the way he stared at her, she gritted her teeth and spoke the truth.

“I didn’t think I was worthy of you, and I didn’t even finish college. That’s as good as not receiving higher education. How would other people perceive me when I’m standing next to you? They’ll certainly think that I’m not good enough to be the wife of the president of Norton Corporation.”

Joan’s tone was filled with desolation. It appeared that her dropping out of college contributed to an even more self-abased Joan.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1619

The story of Cinderella and Prince Charming was indeed romantic, but no one knew how true to life it was exactly.

Seeing the way that Joan behaved, Larry knew that she was overthinking. This silly girl is beating herself up again.

Taking Joan into his arms, Larry said with his heart aching, “Joan, you’re overthinking again, aren’t you? How many times have I told you? I love you for who you are and not your identity or your educational background. Besides, does it really matter to us how people will look at it? As long as we’re genuinely in love with one another, we’ll only be showered with blessings and envy. There won’t be so much prejudice.” Larry’s voice was gentle.

Listening to his words, the bee in Joan’s bonnet quieted down, and she regained her composure by degrees.

When a woman overthought, the way her lover dealt with it and the words from him would often play the most critical and effective role.

“I know what you mean, but I’m still very regretful for not completing my tertiary education. Background and identity were given by parents; education level, however, is something I could have achieved on my own. Yet, I lost the opportunity.”

At that point, Joan lamented how impartial destiny was to everyone, as the more she got, the more she lost.

“There’s nothing to wallow about dropping out of college.”

Larry spoke his mind as he saw how dispirited Joan was, “Since you want to finish your studies, then let’s go back and finish college.”

“What did you say?”

Joan was at a loss for a moment as she heard what Larry said. “Going back and finish college? Is that really possible?”

“Why not? We can go back and let you finish your studies anytime as long as you want it,” Larry told Joan firmly.

During college years, there were a lot of students who had to defer their studies or drop out for some reason, and there were many among them who went back to complete their studies after getting their problems solved. Hence, to Larry, something like that was very common.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier if you knew that it’s possible?”

Joan felt much better in an instant, but she was a little displeased with the fact that Larry didn’t tell her earlier about it.

“I didn’t know you still had regrets over it,” Larry protested. “If I had known about it, I would have sent you back to college long ago. Well, even if I had told you earlier, you couldn’t really go back to college then. Too many things have happened.”

Visualizing the dream she once had and thinking about her chance of fulfilling it, even the smile on Joan’s face turned brighter.

Larry was right. Too many things happened in the past, and Joan herself was pregnant as well. Now that everything was resolved, Joan could finally set her mind at ease and enjoy the college life she didn’t get to enjoy fully.

“Since you’ve been longing to go back to college, then we should start preparing early and go there in a couple of days.”

It was easy for them to decide on going back to college and let Joan complete her studies, but there were still a lot of formalities Larry had to go through to help Joan get back to college.

Nevertheless, Larry didn’t think much about it. Money talks. That’s applicable regardless of whether it was in the past or now.

Larry graduated from Bainewich College himself, and he had contributed a lot to the development of the college ever since. Therefore, he was already an important figure at Bainewich College.

Soon, Larry managed to contact the president of Bainewich College over the phone.

“Hello, who’s there?” The voice of a mature and stable man came over the other end of the phone as the call was picked up.

“Jesson, I’m Larry. Do you remember me?” Larry spoke in a courteous manner.

“Ah, it’s you, Larry! How can I not remember you?” Jesson’s tone turned more amiable as he figured out who it was.

“Larry, is there anything?” After exchanging pleasantries, Jesson inquired directly.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1620

“As a matter of fact, I do have a favor to ask you,” Larry laughed lightly as he continued.

“Well, you can just tell me directly if there’s anything I can help with. You’ve contributed so much to the college; it’s our pleasure if we can return some favor.”

Jesson laughed as he was glad to be able to help Larry as well.

“My wife, Joan used to study in Bainewich College as well, but she was severely ill back then and had no choice but to drop out of college to treat her illness. She also didn’t manage to complete her studies. Now, she’s hoping to return to college to complete her education. I wonder if you can help fulfill this dream of hers?” Larry spoke very tactfully in a pleading tone. In fact, he knew very well that Jesson would definitely help in this matter.

“Ha, and I thought what a big deal it was. You can just be frank with me if that’s what you want—allowing your wife to continue her studies. That’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for that, and your wife would be able to come back to college soon,” Cordially, Jesson answered. For him, it wasn’t a bad thing to make Larry indebted to him at all.

“Oh, right, Larry, when did your wife withdraw from college? I can talk to the relevant professor right away,” Jesson added.

“Thank you, Jesson.” Larry replied appreciatively, “My wife dropped out of college during her second year.”

“Alright, let me get to it immediately. Anyway, Larry, there’s something you overlooked in this matter. How can you not inform me of your wedding? Are you looking down on me?” Jesson pretended to be displeased.

“Jesson, that’s simply not true. I was worried that you’d be occupied. That’s the reason I didn’t trouble you with it. Well, why don’t we have a meal together someday? Let Joan and I take you to dinner to make up to it.”

Larry had met all kinds of people, so as he heard that from Jesson, he knew exactly what Jesson was thinking.

“Haha, sure. It’s settled, then!”

…

A few days later, they received news from Bainewich College that asked Joan to return to the college before the new term started.

Joan had also been looking forward to receiving updates from Bainewich College lately. Hence, when Larry got the information, he relayed it to Joan right away.

“Joan, I was informed by Jesson that you should return to the college before the new term starts and prepare to resume your studies.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I can finally complete my studies!”

Having heard the great news, Joan hopped all around the room with joy. “I’ll pack up and get prepared immediately!”

“Don’t worry about that. Wait for me to come home, and let’s go together,” Larry said as he was worried that Joan would be forgetting and leaving things behind.

“Alright, Leslie is about to wake up soon, so I need to look after him as well. I’ll wait for you to come home, then.”

Giving him a sweet kiss over the phone, Joan hung up the call.

When Larry reached home, he helped Joan pack all sorts of necessities to be brought to the college.

Packing was easy. Their only problem was what they should do with their child.

I can’t possibly bring him to attend classes with me. What if he cries?

Judging from their current situation, it wasn’t possible for Joan to stay in the dorm. Therefore, Larry bought a house near Bainewich College where they would be staying and also hired a housemaid to help look after their child and manage the household chores.

As with Larry, he would be Joan’s chauffeur to send her to and pick her up from college.

After arranging for all these matters, Larry and Joan were ready to bid Finnick and Vivian goodbye.

Bainewich College was located in Wildefield which was a long way away from Marsingfill. They would have to wait till weekends or during the holidays when Joan had no classes if they wanted to meet in the future.

Finnick was fine about them leaving and expressed his wholehearted support for Joan’s decision to go back to college and complete her studies. As for Vivian, her eyes brimmed with tears upon their departure.