Sean turned around with a cigarette burning slowly in his hand. On top of the trash can next to him, there were a few cigarette buds that had already been put out. When he heard the principal’s question, a number of complicated emotions flurried across his eyes. He stayed quiet for a long while, then took a puff of smoke before he spat, “We’ve been divorced for a while now.”
The principal was taken aback. He blurted, “Why?” He only realized he was too hasty after the question came out of his mouth. Noticing that Sean did not look too good, he chuckled awkwardly and said, “I’m just a curious person. I didn’t mean to sound rude. I just remember the days when Myra pursued you. When I saw the two of you get married later on, I was happy for both of you. I didn’t think…” …they would get divorced. Was there some truth in the articles that were published in the entertainment news at the time?
As the principal looked at the man before him who had a successful career and was slowly becoming more mature, he had a helpless look in his eyes but did not find it too surprising either. Children from rich family backgrounds had pre-arranged marriages and could not do as they pleased. He just felt sorry for Myra.
“Back then…” When he thought of the things Myra did for Sean while they were still in school, the principal’s eyes simply turned remorseful. “Did you just agree to the divorce without any intention of preserving the marriage?”
Not too long ago, the principal happened to run into Myra at a dinner. She was the Young Lady of the Stark Family, but she chose to be a small-time designer at Chase Group. Additionally, she gave her all in scrambling for a project for the company. How could I not have known her intentions? Not to mention, in the beginning… At the thought of that, the principal shot a glance at Sean and noticed his grim expression along with the wave of emotions in his eyes. If he had been the one who asked for a divorce because he did not like her anymore, then he would not have this melancholic gaze. Was there still a chance? He couldn’t help but ask, “Sean, do you still remember the incident at the bar?”
Sean took another puff of smoke. His vision became hazy. At one point, he did not take that incident seriously. Lately, however, he kept remembering every little detail about Myra, including this incident from years ago that had already been covered in dust.
When the principal saw that he did not brush him off, he quickly added, “Back then, you took responsibility for everything because you didn’t want Miss Fisher to get punished. But your father was stern. Myra was afraid that you would have a hard time at home, so she put all the blame on herself instead. I punished her by assigning her to clean the basketball court for a year. Yet, she was still happy. After that, whenever I passed by the basketball court, I would see her there. She was using that opportunity to see you.”
At the thought of her tenacity, the principal shook his head. “You might not have noticed but she always chose the same general elective classes as you. The assignments in her design major were onerous—it wasn’t as relaxed as your management classes—but she still pushed forward. To be honest, I did advise her to give up because you had a girlfriend at the time. Can you guess what she said in return?”
A hint of glimmer finally entered Sean’s eyes as he turned to his side and looked at the principal. The principal smiled meaningfully. “She told me she was happy just by looking at you from afar and did not have any intention of getting between you and Miss Fisher. Over the years I spent teaching until I became a principal, I’ve never met a girl as silly as her before.”
As Sean listened to the principal’s words, his eyes slowly lost focus, and the corners of his lips curled up into a faint smile. At some point back then, he started to sense that a girl had popped up around him, but all his focus was on Lyla. Moreover, Myra never did anything to get his attention. Naturally, he simply overlooked her. Who would have thought that before she confessed to him, she had already done so many things for him? The thought of her selfless behavior toward him added warmth to his eyes.
The white smoke from the tip of the cigarette was still rising gradually. Patting him on the shoulder, the principal said, “When it comes to certain people, don’t wait until they’re gone to feel regret. Myra deserves as much as you can give her. If another turning point comes around, you should hold on tight to it.”
The principal simply wanted to give Sean a word of advice. After their conversation, he remembered some follow-up work he still had to deal with in the auditorium. As soon as he turned around, he saw another man standing sluggishly behind him. He jumped up in surprise then quickly smiled at the man. “Director Hart, what are you doing out here?”
They did not know when Tony came and stood behind them, but he was also smoking a cigarette. The cloud of smoke blurred his constantly cold and sharp face, making it hard for anyone to see his expression. With one hand in his pocket and the other holding the cigarette, he moved his lips and said, “It’s getting late. I came out to get my lover.” He had a tall and slender stature, and a blank face that made people stare in awe.
He mentioned his wedding day was not far away during the conference earlier. The principal couldn’t help but smile at the thought, and flattered, “I haven’t congratulated you yet, Director Hart. When you have your wedding reception, I will have to go and have at least one drink with you even if I have to force myself.”
Tony tapped his cigarette and asked, “Are you being sincere?”
The principal paused for a moment then quickly nodded. “Of course. You donated three buildings for us to use as dormitories at Bradfort University, and even built us a brand new modern library. On behalf of the whole university, I am very grateful to you, Director Hart. I’m curious to see which lucky woman is going to marry you.”
When Tony heard that last remark, he brushed a displeased gaze over the man beside the principal and saw that Sean’s expression had shifted. Not to mention, his eyes looked extremely dreary. Narrowing his eyes, Tony took another puff of smoke before putting out the cigarette carelessly beside him. “You know her too, Mr. Jones. It’s Myra Stark; she used to study at your school.”
Ian Jones was still smiling sincerely up until now, but his face quickly stiffened. He thought he did not hear clearly. “Who… did you say, Director Hart?”
Not waiting for Tony’s answer, Sean tossed the cigarette down on the ground and stepped on it with his leather shoe. After that, he started walking toward his car that was parked not too far away while wearing a cold expression.
Tony pulled his gaze back and smiled. “When the time comes, Myra and I will invite you to our wedding, Mr. Jones.”
Ian couldn’t pretend like he did not hear him clearly now. As he watched Sean storm off from behind and thought about what he just heard, an awkward look covered his face. I’m certain Director Hart overheard the things I told Sean earlier. But… did Myra start seeing Director Hart right after her divorce with Sean? That… is a little absurd. When did she get close to Director Hart?
“Hmm…” On the surface, however, Ian regained his composure quickly and kept nodding with a smile.
Tony did not say anything else either. Sticking a hand in his pocket, he simply walked out. Ian had wanted to send him off personally, but seeing him from the back, he figured that Tony did not want him to follow along. He stood in place and only watched Tony leave. After that, he let out a sigh and walked back into the auditorium to finish up some work.
Tony was not in a hurry. Once he left the auditorium, he strolled along the path he took when he came in earlier. Bradfort University had an outstanding maidenhair path. Currently, this path was lined with two rows of maidenhair trees. The leaves were a mixture of yellow and green, filling the place with beautiful colors.
Tony slowly strolled along this path. He already looked exceptional in his suit and leather shoes. With his handsome features and tall stature, he had become the center of attention of several female students. They did not forget to take a second look at him as he passed by, then they huddled together and whispered to each other bashfully. Nonetheless, he turned a deaf ear to them. Even though he had a cigarette in his hand, he did not smoke and simply strolled along. His eyes grew more and more gentle as though he had thought of something.
“Excuse me, Mister.”
Suddenly, someone with a coy voice entered his vision, forcing him to narrow his eyes and stop walking.
