Chapter 292 Unwelcome Homecomings
Felix shook his head gently. “Don’t worry, Ive handed off my work to Josh.”
Finished
Lauren paused for a moment, nodded, and didn’t say anything else. She knew that once Felix had made up his mind to accompany her, nothing could change in
Gael had already brought the car around to the front, and after Felix and Lauren got in, he expertly started the vehicle.
Sitting in the back. Lauren gazed out at the familiar city, a deep sense of reluctance in her eyes.
It wasn’t the city she was reluctant to leave behind, but felix and Kate. She knew that once she left, the might never be able to return.
The drive was silent until they reached the remote countryside. The mountain roads leading up were rough and narrow, riddled with pits and bumps.
Lauren limped, each step more arduous than the last.
She clenched her teeth, trying to appear more at ease, but Felix still noticed her struggle.
He crouched in front of her, his voice low and gentle, “Climb on, I’ll carry you.”
Lauren shook her head, “The path is too rough; it’ll be even harder with me on your back. I can manage on
my own.”
Felix insisted, “Come on, if something happens to you. I’d be even more troubled.”
His tone left no room for argument. Lauren looked at him, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up
inside her.
Biting her lower lip and hesitating for a moment, she slowly leaned onto Felix’s back.
Felix stood up steadily, his hands securing Lauren’s legs to make her more comfortable.
Gael led the way, checking back frequently on the pair. The path through the mountains was uneven and littered with sharp rocks and deep holes.
Felix’s steps were heavy, each one taken with utmost caution, fearing a misstep might jostle Lauren.
Lauren lay on his back, filled with guilt.
“Mr. Brooker, maybe I should get down after all. I really can walk.”
She whispered in Felix’s ear.
Felix simply shook his head, “Don’t move, we’re almost here.”
His voice was firm, and Lauren had no choice but to remain quietly on his back, feeling the warmth of his broad shoulders.
After what seemed like an eternity, Felix’s forehead was covered in sweat, and his shirt clung tightly to his back from moisture.
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Chapter 292 Unwelcome Homecomings
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Finished
Lauren, looking at his sweat–drenched profile, reached out to gently wipe the sweat from his brow
Felix, feeling her touch, lifted his lips in a tired smile, forgetting his fatigue. Finally, they saw a few dilapidated houses in the distance, stark against the backdrop of lush mountains and waters.
There lay David and Willow’s place.
Felix gently set Lauren down, and the three of them walked toward the houses. The closer they got, the faster Lauren’s heart raced.
Painful memories flooded her mind like a tide, and her hands clenched unconsciously.
Felix. feeling her tension, squeezed her hand reassuringly, Gael had personally brought David and Willow here, so he knew the place well.
Under his guidance, Felix and Lauren entered the backward, secluded village.
The villagers had dark, weather–beaten skin, their clothes patched upon patches, dirty and worn.
They looked curiously at Lauren, Felix, and Gael, their eyes following them like searchlights as they moved.
ollowing Gael, they finally reached David’s home.
This was the house where David had grown up–a ramshackle mud–brick house, low and simple, with walls full of cracks and a roof missing tiles, as if it could collapse at any moment.
In the yard, chickens and ducks ran amok, emitting a foul smell.
As they approached the door, they heard an old man’s curse from inside.
“You worthless thing, what use was raising you? After you left me, nearly thirty years without contacting home, you’ve been living a carefree life out there, clean and tidy, afraid to take care of me. Now you come back crippled, and you think I should serve you for the rest of my life? You’re as low as your dead mother. I spent a whole 300 dollars to marry that worthless woman, and she even despised me, wouldn’t sleep with me. Hmph! If it wasn’t for wanting a son, I would’ve killed her long ago. Ungrateful thing, it took so much trouble to have a son, and turns out he’s an ingrate too, Had I known, I should’ve ended you and that worthless woman right then.”
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