Ch. 1621..1630
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1621
The reason was that she simply couldn’t stop worrying about that small family of three leaving for a city so far away.
Plus, she was used to seeing her grandchild every day. Hence, she was bothered by the thought of not being able to see him anymore for a long time and didn’t know what to do if she missed him next time.
It was only after much persuasion by Larry and Joan that Vivian finally accepted the fact without crying.
After saying farewell to both Finnick and Vivian, the couple got in the car and headed straight for Wildefield.
Nancy and Caspian were already in the car. They just had to accompany Larry and Joan for such a major event as Joan resumed her studies in Wildefield.
Apart from that, due to the long journey to Wildefield, Caspian had another task— to take turns driving with Larry.
The trip was a merry one with all of them enjoying themselves, talking and laughing along the way.
A new life was about to begin as they waved their previous life goodbye.
Throughout the way, Joan was exceedingly gleeful at the thought that she would be experiencing student life again very soon. She was even a little nervous.
“Larry, all my course mates would be younger than me by five to six years. Would they ridicule me because of that?” Joan asked Larry a little anxiously.
She was no longer the naive young girl she once was, and not only was she married, but she also had her own child already. What if my new course mates are judgmental about me? What should I do?
“Rest assured. You look just like before, and you won’t look older than the other young girls even if you stand together with them. Plus, it’s really common nowadays to have college students who were married and had kids. I’m sure they won’t judge you differently just because of that. Don’t you worry.”
Joan had to admit that what Larry said did make sense.
The college culture had become very open. Not only dating and being in a relationship was usual in college, but even getting married and having children were commonplace.
Even though Joan had left college for five to six years, but her skin was even younger-looking than the other girls. Coupled with her remarkably charming looks, she would definitely be the prettiest among them all.
Regardless of where and when, Larry’s words could always comfort Joan and give her peace of mind. Listening to Larry’s words helped Joan ease her nerves, and all that was left within her mind was her anticipation for college life.
“That’s right, Joan. I can guarantee that those boys in college would lose their minds when they saw you. If it weren’t because you were holding a baby with such a good-looking husband beside you, even I would be jealous!” Looking particularly envious, Nancy gave Joan a soft pinch on her porcelain skin and couldn’t stop praising her.
“You’re such a sweet talker. What can you get by complimenting me? You yourself are a beauty,” Joan returned the compliment as she was even elated after hearing what Nancy said.
Both Larry and Caspian took a look at each other and immediately, they understood the look in the other’s eyes. Together, they couldn’t help but chuckled dryly as they listened to the women exchanging flatteries among themselves.
Women are indeed complex beings.
The ten-hour-long journey gradually came to an end amidst the chit-chat of the four people. Finally, they reached Wildefield, and as soon as they hopped off the car, they immediately went for dinner. During their ten-hour journey, they only had some snacks. Hence, all of them had been starving.
After dinner, they sat for a while before heading to the house that Larry bought in Wildefield.
“Whoa, the well-offs are surely on a different level. You’re only staying here for a while, but you bought such a nice house,” looking at the small bungalow in front of him, Caspian said in a rather jealous tone.
“That’s right, Larry. You’re insanely wealthy and extravagant. If only Caspian were half as rich as you are, I’d thank god for his benevolence!”
Nancy turned to Larry with a face full of admiration.
“Hey hey hey, that’s too much. When have I ever got stingy with you?” Caspian protested as he was disgruntled at what Nancy said.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1622
“Yes, I’m saying that you’re stingy. What can you do about that?” Nancy stuck out her tongue smugly.
“Y-you… If it weren’t because Boss and Joan are here, I’d definitely beat the daylights out of you…”
Caspian and Nancy were at it again, and Larry and Joan were already used to it and didn’t bother about them. Larry carried the baby who was soundly sleeping in Joan’s arms over.
Traveling for ten hours in a bumpy journey was somehow a burden to such a young child.
After putting the baby to sleep in the bedroom, Larry and Joan came to the sofa and sat down.
“Take a good rest tonight. It’s late already. Joan and I will be going to the college tomorrow for registration, so I won’t bother about your itinerary tomorrow.”
“Go ahead and do what you need to. Don’t worry about us. Nancy and I will be having fun, going around and getting acquainted with the place and the people around here in Wildefield.”
Caspian held Nancy in his arms and said with a bright smile on his face. As for Nancy who was cozily lying in his embrace, a dazzling grin also crept up her face.
The four of them chatted for a while and then went back to rest in their respective bedrooms.
It was a tranquil night. The next morning, Larry who was still deep asleep was awakened by Joan. “Larry, come on, wake up. It’s time for registration at the college.”
Joan was so thrilled she didn’t really sleep much the previous night. Nevertheless, up till then, she was still very energetic.
She was too excited. It had been a long wait that lasted for a few years, her heart was already full of yearning for resuming her studies.
Larry struggled to open his eyes as he asked, “What time is it?”
“It’s seven o’clock already. Wake up!”
“The registration doesn’t start until ten o’clock. Why are you so anxious?”
Larry rolled over and wanted to continue his sleep, but Joan gave him no chance at all.
“It’s been so long since I left college. Why don’t you accompany me to take a stroll around the campus?”
Joan grabbed Larry by his shoulder fawningly.
Larry had no choice but to get up from bed and freshen up. After having a simple breakfast, they drove to Bainewich College.
Excitement was written all over Joan’s face upon reaching Bainewich College.
There wasn’t much change to the campus, but the people there were no longer whom she used to know.
Her course mates back then were either working or looking after their children at that point in time.
Joan was a little agitated. Coming back to college after five years is just like a dream.
Looking at the zestful and young faces around her, Joan had a mixed feeling apart from being nervous.
“Isn’t it good to be young, Larry?”
“Silly girl, you sound like an old lady. You’re still young yourself,” patting on her head dotingly, Larry replied with a gentle tone.
It brought back the memories of his college years as well.
Of course, among them, the ones where he was with Joan were the most vivid ones. He recalled how she used to watch him play basketball, the way she looked when she had a meal together with him for the first time, and how shyly she behaved as she accepted him after he confessed his love for her. His heart was filled with infinite tenderness as those memories flashed across his mind.
Those were their youthful and romantic days to which they held so dearly that nothing in the world could ever replace, not anything or anyone. It was unique and precious to them.
“Joan, let’s take a walk around the basketball court,” Larry suggested as he held Joan’s hand in his.
“Sure, let’s go,” it so happened that Joan was thinking the same thing so she agreed without even thinking about it.
Strolling down the pavement on the campus, both of them were so deeply engulfed in nostalgia and appreciation for their past glory days that none of them realized that, with their appearance, the campus was abuzz and lively all of a sudden.
“Look at that, quick. That man is so handsome; he looks just like a prince in a fairy tale!”
“I know, right? What a domineering aura. He might be a president of some company, who knows?”
“He’s too young to be a president. Maybe he’s the heir of some prominent family. No matter what, I just like him so much!”
A group of girls was staring at Larry with so much longing in their eyes that they were almost drooling.
“What a pretty girl. She’s totally my type!”
“Damn, so long as it’s a beautiful girl, it’s your type, eh? She’s my cup of tea!”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1623
“What are you talking about? The one beside her is clearly her boyfriend. Give up!”
When the group of boys saw Joan, they saw the friendly side of the goddess of their hearts.
The two chatted merrily as they walked toward the basketball court. Joan did not realize that more people were gathering around them, but Larry did. However, he did not mind the crowd; he was used to a scene like that.
After reaching the court, the two found a spot to sit down. As they looked at the moving figures on the court, various memories washed across their minds.
Yet, the blissful session was short-lived as someone who could not read the situation arrived.
“Hey, the one sitting over there. Do you have the guts to win against me, one-to-one? If you lose, I want to take the girl beside you out for a meal,” a tall boy provoked after walking toward them.
Clearly, the boy was interested in Joan. Despite the fact that Joan already had Larry beside her, the boy refused to give up. He still wanted to try his luck in this way.
In the past, Larry would not have bothered himself with such provocations. After all, the capable ones would never provoke him in this way, and he looked down on such actions.
However, he was in his old college and reminiscing his youthful days. Thus, he found himself feeling impulsive.
He did not blame the boy for provoking him. To Larry, the boy was just inexperienced in life.
Impulsively, Larry agreed to it.
“Sure, I can go up against you one-to-one, but the girl beside me is mine. You won’t win against me, nor will you take her away,” Larry enunciated, feeling ardent about the situation.
“Who knows what will happen?” the boy huffed. “I like the girl beside you. I hope we can have a fair fight, so even if I lose, I won’t be reluctant to admit defeat.”
The boy was bold, and Larry fancied his character. There was nothing wrong with being daring, and Larry was more than willing to fulfill his request.
“Quit babbling. Come, you’ll be the one to set the rules,” Larry uttered solemnly.
Now, he had the opportunity to relive his youthful days in college.
“The rules are simple. We’ll be going up against each other. Whoever gets ten balls into the hoop first will be the winner.”
As he spoke, the boy proudly lifted his head. Although the man in front of him seemed intimidating, he was confident about playing basketball.
The boy was the best player in the school’s basketball team and had various achievements in the game. Therefore, he was also confident of winning the man in front of him.
Unfortunately, the boy’s confidence was bound to be crushed. Even when he was in college, Larry was already more than skillful in playing basketball.
Furthermore, after joining the special forces, Larry had become even fitter.
With the combination of a fit body and his basketball skills, Larry felt that he could even go up against a professional basketball player.
“Come.”
Like the boy, Larry was full of confidence. He then stood up and handed Joan his jacket.
“Dear, hold on to this for me. I’ll be right back,” Larry whispered before pressing a kiss on Joan’s face.
Larry’s actions infuriated the boy, but there was nothing he could do; he could only grit his teeth, swearing in his mind that he would destroy Larry in the match.
“Okay. Hurry up, then. I’ll be waiting for you here.”
It seemed like Joan understood what he was trying to do, for she smiled at him with a loving look.
“Cut the crap and come over,” the boy yelled when he saw the two being intimate with each other.
Without waiting for Larry, the boy then strode toward the court.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1624
“Let me show you what humility means,” Larry calmly muttered to the boy.
“Don’t be so full of yourself.”
Ignoring Larry, the boy then took his first shot.
The boy’s shot from behind the three-point line landed right in the hoop. Upon seeing that, Larry then took a shot from behind the line as well.
However, it seemed like it had been too long since Larry played basketball, for his ball did not enter the hoop.
Instantly, the boy scoffed; he was certain that he was going to win.
“You lost, so I’m going first,” the boy huffed proudly.
With that said, the boy walked to the top of the circle. At that, a faint smile grew on Larry’s face as he moved to a defensive position.
Right as the boy was about to make a breakthrough and while he was dribbling the ball, Larry swiftly stole the ball from him.
When he saw the smile on Larry’s face, the boy cried out, “Hmph! You were just lucky. Again.”
Larry said nothing to that. Quietly, he began dribbling the ball as he stared at the boy. With a quick turn, he managed to move past the boy and tossed the ball in.
The boy was silent as he focused harder on the game instead.
Once again, Larry turned and changed direction. Before the boy could react, Larry had gone past him and took a shot.
Larry took the ball from the boy in the third round and took another shot from behind the three-point line. Like before, the ball entered the hoop.
Finally, the boy tucked away the proud look of his face. It seemed like he now knew the difference in skills between Larry and him, but still, he continued to stay in the defensive position.
In the fourth round, Larry sped past the boy and dunked the ball. The surrounding people instantly cheered.
Only a few minutes had passed, but Larry already had ten successful shots. In the end, he won the boy with a score of ten to zero.
When he stared at the boy, the latter fell silent.
After a beat, the boy declared, “I lost, but I’ll do my best to train myself. I’ll work hard to win you one day, so I’ll definitely keep challenging you.”
Realizing the boy had good sportsmanship, Larry nodded. “I look forward to future challenges from you.”
With that said, Larry turned around and returned to Joan’s side. With Joan’s hand in his, they then left the court.
The surrounding boys and girls were reluctant to see the two leave, but there was nothing they could do. The two were like a match made in heaven, and they could never compare to them.
Without hesitating, the two headed to the registration desk for freshmen.
Although Joan was in her second year, she still had to go through the procedures that were necessary for all freshmen.”
“Larry, he’s just a boy. Why didn’t you just go easy on him? You were embarrassing him.”
Joan could not help but feel pity for the boy earlier. She was sure that the boy would be depressed for a while after the major shock to his confidence.
“I don’t care. He only has himself to blame for the humiliation and shock for trying to lay a finger on you.”
Then, with a smile, Larry continued, “But the boy seems like a nice kid. At the very least, he’s a bold boy who has good sportsmanship. I’m sure he’ll get better with more training.”
Although the people around them were still whispering to each other about them, none came forward to talk to them anymore. Thus, both Joan and Larry finally had a moment to themselves.
As they walked down the campus roads, they soon found the spot for freshmen to report their attendance and the person in charge.
“You must be Mr. Norton and Ms. Watts. Jesson has sent me to help you with the procedures. You can call me Lee,” the man said with a smile.
When the man saw Joan and Larry walking over, he stood up.
“Jesson is too kind. I’m sorry to trouble you, Mr. Lee,” Larry politely responded with a nod and a smile.
“Mr. Norton, it’s no trouble. Follow me.”
Then, Lee led them to their destination.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1625
As they followed Lee, Larry soon helped Joan complete her registration.
As Joan could not stay on campus, they managed to complete the relevant procedures with Lee’s help.
After bidding farewell to the lecturer, Joan then went to look for the school counselor, who was supposed to be in Joan’s class.
With the help of various students on the campus, the two found their way to Joan’s class.
There was barely anyone in the class. That day was the day was freshmen orientation; the students had left after reporting their attendance.
By the stage was a woman who looked like a lecturer, and she was reading some documents.
After knocking on the door, Joan said, “Hello, may I know if you’re Ms. Callow?”
“Yes, that’s me. You’re…”
The woman raised her head when she heard Joan’s voice. Then, a look of surprise flashed across her face when she saw Joan. The next look that crept onto her face was a joyous one.
“Joan, it’s really you! Are you back to study again?” the woman asked.
“I’m a freshman. You’re… Jaylene Callow?” Joan guessed as she stared at the familiar face.
“Yes, that’s me! I was just thinking of you when I saw the name Joan Watts. I thought someone had the same name as you, but it turns out that it’s really you. What a coincidence!”
Jaylene then hurried toward Joan, wanting to see her old friend.
Jaylene used to be Joan’s classmate. Both Gabriella and Jaylene had been her best friends back then. When Jaylene found out that Joan was leaving at that time, she cried buckets.
“It’s been a few years, and now, you’re a teacher,” Joan said wistfully.
Time went by in a blink of an eye. The innocent young girl was now a teacher of many.
“Yes, after graduating, I chose to stay at Bainewich College and become a lecturer. After all, this has always been my dream. This is my first year as a school counselor. I never thought I’d meet you.”
Jaylene sighed. “What a small world for us to meet in this way.”
After a moment of silence, she continued, “By the way, Joan, why did you think of coming back to study? I recalled sobbing miserably when you left.”
As Joan was her old friend, Jaylene looked nothing like a lecturer at that very second. Once again, she was the energetic, bubbly girl she used to be.
“I had to drop out due to some matters back then. I’ve always felt regretful about not completing my studies. To alleviate the regret, I did everything to improve myself. That’s why I’m back here at Bainewich. Jaylene, you’ve got to take good care of me here,” Joan cheekily said as she stuck out her tongue at Jaylene.
“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best as the counselor,” Jaylene responded proudly.
The two then chuckled.
“By the way, Joan, how were your past few years? Who came with you this time? Do you have a boyfriend? Quick, tell me everything!”
Jaylene’s rapid question was an obvious sign that she was close to Joan.
“Jaylene, I’m married. You know my husband too.”
Joan did not plan to hide anything from her old friend.
“Larry, come in quickly. She’s our old friend.”
Joan had been the only one to step into the room earlier while Larry stood outside, looking at the scenery.
When he heard Joan calling out for him, he strode into the room.
“Wow, Joan, this is your husband? Isn’t he the popular man among the girls, Larry?” Jaylene exclaimed when she saw Larry.
“So the two of you are the college sweethearts that others are jealous about. I didn’t know the two of you are married. It’s just great news! I’m happy for the two of you,” Jaylene sincerely told them.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1626
With similar enthusiasm, Larry uttered, “The tomboy that laughed so loudly back then is now a beautiful woman. Jaylene, I’m sure you have someone now, don’t you?”
She was Joan’s friend, so naturally, Larry would be friendly to her.
Larry’s praise made Jaylene feel shy. She quickly lowered her head to hide her blush from the two.
It was true that she was quite the tomboy back in college. For her, college was like a beauty salon. Once upon a time, she cared not about her appearance, but now, things were different.
In a way, she should thank Larry for her change. Back then, Jaylene was one of Larry’s fangirls. As she had a crush on him, she started caring about how she dressed, hoping that Larry would notice her one day.
Nevertheless, Larry ended up as her best friend’s boyfriend later on.
Although Jaylene was upset back then, she never directed those feelings toward Joan. Instead, she was happy for her friend.
“No way am I part of a couple like the two of you. I’m still single. Why don’t you introduce me to someone?”
Although Jaylene’s heart still skipped a beat when she saw Larry, she quickly dismissed her thoughts for him.
While it was fine for her to love someone, it would be immoral of her to intervene in someone else’s relationship. As a lecturer, Jaylene was exceptionally mindful of her behavior.
“Joan, Larry, it’s been a long time since you’ve been in a school. Give me a moment, and I’ll take you two on a tour around the campus soon,” Jaylene offered.
“Sure. I’ve always wanted to look around the school. Moreover, Larry keeps telling me to get close to the counselors. Why don’t we have a meal together later?” Joan suggested as she winked.
“Of course! I didn’t get to attend your wedding, but it’ll be great if you can treat me to a meal.”
Clearly, Jaylene loved to eat, as her eyes had lit up upon hearing the mention of food.
“Ms. Callow, we aren’t bribing you; we’re just inviting you to a meal,” Larry joked.
“Hahaha!”
The trio then laughed. Once Jaylene had completed her work, they then headed out of the room.
The housemaid that Larry hired had arrived the previous night. With the housemaid around, Joan would not need to worry about her baby. Thus, Joan spent a long while chatting with Jaylene before they reluctantly parted.
She still had plenty of opportunities to meet her, after all.
When Jaylene had heard that Larry and Joan now had a child, she was surprised again. She then teased that the two were advancing in their relationship a little too quickly.
After returning home, the first thing Joan did was to check on her child. When she saw the boy sleeping, Joan felt her worries melt away. After watching her son for a while, she then went to the living room.
Nancy and Caspian had reached home earlier than them. When they saw Joan, Nancy chuckled and asked, “Joan, how was your day?”
“It’s great. I even met my good friend from my college days. She’s now my school counselor,” Joan responded.
Nancy gasped in surprise. “Wow! That’s such a coincidence. What a small world.”
Nodding, Joan then asked, “How was yours? Did you have fun?”
“Ugh,” came Nancy’s response. “I can’t believe a certain someone’s from the special forces. He was too tired to walk after three hours of shopping, so we had to find a place to eat. After food, that idiot then wanted to go home to sleep. I managed to drag him around for two more hours before we came back.”
Caspian shrugged. “What can I do? You women shop like maniacs. I’m truly tired.”
Beside them, Larry nodded. Evidently, he was in full agreement with Caspian’s words.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1627
After a while, Caspian continued, “Boss, Joan, you’ve done everything you needed to do, and Nancy and I have enjoyed ourselves. We’ll be going to Marsingfill tomorrow to prepare for the wedding. I don’t want to be in such a rush so that we can avoid missing out on certain things.”
Back then, Larry had been hectic when he was preparing for his wedding. To avoid becoming like Larry, Caspian had to make preparations earlier.
“Sure. You should be meticulous in your preparations. You can call me if you have any problems. After all, I’m married,” Larry reminded with a somber expression.
“Don’t worry, Boss. I’ll definitely come to you first if I have any issues,” Caspian answered as he chuckled.
Caspian placed all of his trust in Larry. It was a result of having been around Larry for a long time.
On the following day, Caspian and Nancy then bid Joan and Larry farewell and left for Marsingfill.
Slowly, Joan had a routine of going to Bainewich College to study. While she was in her classes, she would have the housemaid take care of her child for her. When there were no classes, she would then take care of the boy herself. In the meantime, Larry was responsible for sending Joan to and from work. When he was less busy, he would then stay at home and work remotely. Time ticked away.
One day, Joan requested a week’s leave, planning to return to Marsingfill with Larry.
It was time for Caspian and Nancy’s wedding.
While the two were going to attend Caspian and Nancy’s wedding, they were planning to visit their parents for several days as well.
Thus, early in the morning after breakfast, they left for Marsingfill with their child.
In the afternoon, the family of three arrived outside Norton Residence. By then, Finnick and Vivian were already waiting outside.
When they saw Larry’s car come to a stop, Vivian was the first to greet them.
“You’re finally back. You must be tired from the trip. Quick, come inside and rest. Let me see my dear grandson.”
Excitedly taking the boy from Joan’s arms, Vivian then stared lovingly at the grandson she had not met for ages.
Finnick was silent, but he was all smiles as he walked toward them.
They barely exchanged any words, but it was a tender moment.
On the next day, Joan and Larry attended Caspian and Nancy’s wedding.
Although the wedding was not as grand as Larry’s, it was still a lively one.
After all, Caspian was Larry’s right-hand man in Norton Corporation, and Nancy used to be a socialite who was even more eye-catching than Gabriella.
When a suited Caspian appeared while holding onto Nancy, who was in a white dress, everyone cheered.
Larry and Joan both smiled. Both felt satisfied and delighted to see Caspian and Nancy finally marrying.
“Mr. Cassander Piers Angrave, do you take Ms. Nancy Barrymore to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“Yes, I do.”
Caspian’s voice was powerful and determined as he made his vow.
“Ms. Nancy Barrymore, do you take Mr. Cassander Piers Angrave to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
Nancy’s voice was tinged with adoration as she made her vow.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
As Joan and Larry watched the scene, they held each others’ hands. We will be like them. We will love each other until the end of our lives.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1628
A white airplane, destined for Marsingfill, glided across the sky. The milky trail left behind was like a brushstroke from an artist. In the first-class cabin was a man in a black coat, reading the headlines of the newspaper with a frown on his face.
“Would you like to have something?” the pretty stewardess queried.
“Just a cup of hot tea, please.”
Soon, a cup of steaming tea was served. The man put down the newspaper, looking as gentle as he always was.
The marriage of Norton Corporation’s president with a mysterious woman in Marsingfill.
After a brief moment, the man sent a text on his phone. Joan, I’m back in the country. You’re the only one I know in Marsingfill. I’ll be reaching around three in the afternoon. I hope I’ll see you around when I get off the plane.
In seconds, his screen lit up again. Okay. I’ll be waiting for you at the first exit.
Joan did not tell Larry about her meeting with Dustin. She knew that if she were to tell him, Larry would suggest that he went along with her.
It would have been fine if she was in the past. However, Joan still remembered the words Dustin told her before he left a year ago.
The airport was crowded, and it did not help that holidays were soon. Many were rushing home to spend time with their families. It took Joan a long while before she could squeeze her way to a place where Dustin could easily spot her.
Right as he went past the security check with his luggage, Dustin noticed the slender figure. She was like a small flower blooming in a bush, blending into the crowd yet not at the same time.
Joan’s eyes were still searching through the crowd. Abruptly, Dustin felt like teasing her, so he moved away from the crowd to gently pat her shoulders while she was not paying attention to her surroundings.
As she had not turned around immediately, Dustin mumbled, “I’m here.”
His voice startled her instead. When she came back to her senses, she could not help but punch his shoulder. She used little force, but it struck right into his heart, nonetheless.
“You’re done with your work in A Nation?” Joan asked with a smile. “I thought you were going to stay there for at least three years. When you texted me, I was wondering if you’d come back with some pretty blonde hair girl.”
Instead, Dustin asked, “Did you… wish that I’m not back?”
Joan stiffened. That was not what she wanted to convey to him, but it seemed like he was right anyway. A few beats later, she mumbled, “No way. I’m just saying that your research is progressing so swiftly. What a role model for the medical students.”
“Although it’s progressing quickly, it hasn’t ended yet. I’ve only handed in a report to the director and applied to continue my research back here. I…”
I missed you so much. That’s why I did that.
However, Dustin did not utter those words out loud. He had been hesitating about his decision when he was overseas, but now, after reading the newspaper, he chose to let those words die in his throat. He knew she was now married.
Nevertheless, it was too difficult to give her his blessings. The only thing he could say was, “Can I… ask if things are going well with you and Larry?”
The moment those words left his lips, he felt like smacking himself. She’s now married to Larry; how can she possibly not be on good terms with him?
When Joan heard Dustin mentioning Larry, she was thrilled; she thought he had let go of his past. Thus, she beamed and replied, “Of course. Let’s have a meal together when you’re . You’re also welcomed to come to our place to eat.”
Dustin’s heart sank further. Everyone had a chance to court the one they loved, but not him. He thought time would let her grow feelings for him. He wanted to take her away with him, but that hope of his was crushed when she left back then.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1629
Still, he muttered, “I’ve asked my coworker to reserve a table for us at a nearby restaurant. If we don’t go, his efforts will go to waste. Are you tonight? It’s been a while since we had a meal together.”
Joan was someone loyal and too kind. That was why Dustin was sure she would not reject him.
Thus, it was unsurprising when Joan nodded after a second. “Sure, but I’ll have to tell Larry about it.”
While they were on their way to the restaurant, Larry did not pick up Joan’s call. It was only when they arrived at the restaurant then did Larry finally accepted the call.
On Joan’s face was a sweet smile. It was not like the polite and reserved smile she had for everyone else. Dustin could see that it was a genuine smile.
“Larry? I won’t be coming home for dinner. I have a friend who just came back from overseas.”
“A guy or a girl?” It seemed like Larry was busy, for he spoke quickly. Instead of asking who it was, he asked for the gender of her friend.
Right then, a girl behind Joan loudly made her order, and her voice traveled into Larry’s ears.
“Okay, got it. Come back earlier. By the way, if you need Caspian to pick you up tonight, tell him earlier. I’ll try to go home as early as I can,” Larry reminded. He sounds like he’s really busy.
If Joan knew that the minor misunderstanding would have blown up in the future, she would have promptly clarified that the friend she was having dinner with was a guy back then.
“He’s nice to you,” Dustin mumbled, the comment seemingly for Joan and himself. Then, he sipped on his wine.
The smile on Joan’s face grew wider. “He’s always worried about everything. He’s forgotten that I’m no longer a kid. Oh my, we keep talking about me. What about you? Do you have anyone overseas?”
Dustin quietly averted her gaze. “Me? I’m always in the lab. Where would I get a girlfriend?”
“Are you going to be working in the best lab in Marsingfill now that you’re back?”
“No. My higher-ups have arranged for me to be a lecturer of the Department of Medicine at Nirhaven College. That way, I’ll have more time to research instead of working all day,” Dustin told her.
However, Joan widened her eyes as they sparkled, and there was a tinge of disbelief in her voice. “Really? You’re working at Nirhaven College?”
Dustin put down his glass. “What’s the matter?”
“When we were overseas, didn’t I tell you that I have something I regret? You might not believe what I say next, but I now have an opportunity to fix that. I’ve returned to my studies, and I get to stay in Nirhaven College. Two years later, I’ll be getting my certificate from the college!”
Dustin could barely believe what he just heard. Is this fate? For a moment, he was transfixed. The confident Dustin in the conference a few days earlier was now nowhere to be found.
“Please take good care of me, Dr. Silverman.” As she spoke, she lifted her glass toward him. At the same time, Dustin lifted his, the smile on his face bright. “Of course.”
What Joan did not notice were two pairs of eyes watching her from a distance away.
“Don’t stop me! I have to tell Boss about this!”
Caspian’s brows were knitted tightly as he took out his phone from his pocket. However, Nancy was quicker than he is. She stole his phone away.
“No way!” Nancy’s face was red. “Didn’t you see that Joan called Larry earlier? Larry didn’t seem to have reacted to it. If you do this, Larry might think there really is something between you. Are you going to be the one to ruin their relationship?”
Nancy was not one who was good with her words, but still, Caspian saw sense in them. Caspian did everything for Larry, but that did not mean he would think of the consequences at all times.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1630
When she saw the way Caspian was hesitating, she tugged his arm. “Trust me. Nothing will happen. If we really intervene in Joan’s private matters, we’ll be lucky if we get to clear our name.”
Then, she huffed at Caspian.
Sometimes, Nancy was aggressive. Most of the time, she was independent; she rarely relied on him. Hence, when her hand was on his arm, Caspian could not think of anything else.
He used to be a soldier, so following orders was part of his nature. However, that did not mean he had the right to intervene in someone else’s private life, especially Joan’s.
When Joan raised her arm to look at her watch, she realized it was already eight at night. They were almost done with their food by then. The entire time, Dustin was the one who did the most talking while she listened to him.
She listened to him talk about the interesting matters in research, about his work progress, about the culture of other countries, and sometimes, about their past.
“It’s getting late. I should be going back.”
Hearing that, Dustin subconsciously responded, “Hm? Let me send you home then.”
His words amused Joan. “Dr. Silverman, have you forgotten that you just arrived today?”
Dustin blushed. The next thing he heard her say was, “I’ll hail a cab home. It’s fine.”
Knowing that his insistence would make anyone frustrated with him, he fell silent. All he did after sending her off was stare at her cab until it disappeared into the night.
He knew his feelings for her that had lay dormant for the past year were waking despite himself.
On the way back, the cab was met with some troubles. Feeling guilty, the cab driver kept apologizing to Joan and even wanted to refund her money.
Naturally, Joan rejected him. She knew how tough it was for cab drivers to earn a living. After failing to hail for another cab, she decided to walk home.
She walked past the busy city and down the vibrant roads. At night, Marsingfill felt more mysterious than in the early morning. Quietly, Joan ambled her way back as she took in the night scenery.
After unlocking the door, she stepped into a dark house. When Leslie was born, Larry’s parents were worried that they would neglect their child due to their busy work. Hence, they offered to take care of him for them.
Both Larry and Joan did not reject them. Instead, they would visit the child when they had time.
“He’s probably not back yet,” she mumbled under her breath. When she flipped the switch for the lights, it temporarily blinded her.
After rubbing her eyes and opening them again, she could not believe the sight that greeted her.
Larry was sprawled on the table, the laptop beside him still turned on. She could even see that he had opened several windows on his laptop.
The man was still in his suit. Under his arm was a stack of notes. His hair was curled at the ends, and he looked exhausted.
Joan then quietly tiptoed further into the house. She knew that Larry was a light sleeper, and the softest of noises could easily wake him.
Right as she returned with a thin blanket and was about to put it on him, a powerful hand hugged her from behind. Joan lost her balance, and she fell forward onto Larry.
“When did you wake up?” When Joan looked into his sleepy eyes, Larry smiled. “I woke when you came in the front door.”
“Then why were you pretending to be asleep?” Joan whined as she frowned.
For a moment, she was like a complaining kitten, and his heart softened.
A second later, Joan placed her hand on the table, about to stand. However, Larry tightened his hold on her, and she could feel his breath on the top of her head. In a deep voice, he muttered, “Let me hold you for a little longer.”
“You have to remember to turn on the lights when you work. Don’t you know that it’s bad for your eyes to work in the dark? Also, remember to rest. Do you really think I don’t know you woke up to work while I was sleeping”