Chapter 502 Entangled Again
Carter arrived at his parked car and saw a familiar figure standing next to it. He was stunned for a moment, and he looked somewhat troubled by it. The figure raised her head as though she had sensed his presence. After exchanging glances, she eventually revealed a bright smile.
“Carter.”
Carter masked the uneasiness and stepped up to Jennifer. “When did you come back? Didn’t you leave the country with your parents?”
Jennifer looked at him and forced a bitter smile before responding, “I couldn’t forget you, so I left without saying goodbye. I know you don’t want me to return, but I don’t have a choice. Even if you despise me, I can’t get you out of my head.”
Carter fixed his gaze on the girl who had previously left him but had now appeared before him. A wave of mixed emotions instantly washed over him. He knew she loved him, but he couldn’t forget Amelia. Hence, he believed he would only disappoint Jennifer.
“Have you eaten?” He changed the subject.
She shook her head in response.
“My treat, let’s go eat. It feels nice to come back after living abroad for so long, right?” Carter said.
Jennifer couldn’t help but grin when she heard that. At least he didn’t say anything hurtful to her.
Back then, Laura pleaded and sobbed for her to go to Archulea once she was discharged from the hospital because their family business was there. Jennifer went with her, but her heart felt empty. It was agonizing to her. Every day, all she did was stare blankly outside of the window.
During her time abroad, she realized the true meaning of the saying – “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” The more she tried to forget Carter, the more difficult it was to move on. He was constantly in her thoughts, no matter what she did. She couldn’t live her life normally, so she chose to return even though it would break her parents’ hearts.
“Here. What do you feel like having?” Carter interrupted her thoughts by handing her the menu.
Jennifer did not take the menu; instead, she responded, “Carter, you can go ahead and order. Whatever you like, I like.”
After glancing at her for a moment, he had no choice but to order a few dishes.
“Since there are only two of us, I’ve ordered only a few simple dishes,” Carter stated as he handed the menu to the waiter.
“Sure.” Jennifer didn’t mind.
Carter took a closer look at Jennifer while waiting for the dishes to be served. He noticed that she had lost some weight – her face appeared sharper, and she looked skinny.
He frowned and asked concernedly, “Did you not eat while being abroad?”
Jennifer’s eyes lit up as a faint smile played on her lips. “Are you worried about me?”
“You’re so skinny after returning from abroad. Can’t I be concerned about my friend?” Carter responded flatly.
Jennifer’s smile remained as though she was in a rather good mood.
“Carter, I’m so happy you no longer despise me. It’s nice to be friends with you. I’ve been putting pressure on you for the last two years without ever actually communicating with you. I’m relieved that we finally have a chance to talk.”
After hearing her words, Carter couldn’t help but smile.
Jennifer also relaxed and smiled brightly at that.
After finishing their meal, they exited the restaurant. Then, Carter offered, “Let me send you home.”
“Do you mind walking with me?” she asked.
“Let’s go.”
The duo strolled on the streets slowly, looking like a loving couple from the back.
“I saw Amelia and her family. They seemed to be happy as they walked past me. I wondered whether you might forget about her and fall for me now that she has a husband and a kid.” Jennifer kicked the stone on her feet, her head slightly lowered.
Carter turned to gaze at her. He parted his lips slightly, but he was at a loss for words.
Jennifer raised her head and smiled gently. “Carter, I apologize for putting you in such a difficult spot. I know you won’t fall for me; you’d have done it by now if you could. It’s just because I’m not willing to let you go. I gave up my self-esteem to pursue you for so long, but nothing I’d done could change your mind. Despite that, I couldn’t forget you.”
At that moment, many thoughts ran through Carter’s mind. In the end, he simply uttered, “I’m sorry.”
Jennifer forced a smile and gripped her purse tightly.
“Let’s not talk about such sad stuff tonight since the view is so gorgeous. It took me some time to find out where you are. I came to you as soon as I stepped off the plane. So let’s talk about something positive instead.” Jennifer grinned and acted carefreely.
Carter gazed at her with complex emotions in his eyes and murmured, “Did you pay someone to spy on me?”
“Would you keep your distance from me if I said yes?”
He was silent for a while before responding, “Yes. I don’t like having someone constantly breathing down my neck.”
Upon hearing his words, Jennifer broke into laughter. She was laughing so hard that tears started welling up in her eyes.
She brushed them away with her hands, but the more she wiped, the more tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m in a good mood today. I’m happier than I’ve ever been when I’m with you. I think I laughed too hard since the tears won’t stop flowing.”
His heart was heavy as he saw her furiously wiping away her tears.
He then took a handkerchief, grabbed her hand, and gently helped her wipe away her tears. “A girl’s eyes must be protected. There are many germs on your fingers; if you continue to rub your eyes like this, your eyes might get infected.”
Jennifer locked her gaze on him. This was the first time he had treated her so gently.
She wished that the moment would never end.
Jennifer threw herself into Carter’s arms, clutching him by the waist as she sobbed. “I’ve really missed you. I’ve never loved anybody more than you. Please don’t be so cruel to me, okay?”
Carter’s hands dangled in midair, a trace of hesitation flashing across his gaze before he ultimately pushed her away.
“You must be exhausted after getting off the plane. Let me send you home. Have you told your parents that you’ve arrived safely? Don’t let them worry about you,” Carter reminded as he took a few steps back.
When she saw him backing away, she forced a smile and responded, “All right, let’s go.”
Instantly, the atmosphere around the duo became tensed.
After sending her back to the Larson residence, Jennifer unfastened her seatbelt and turned to face Carter. “I’m home.”
“Rest well, and remember to call your parents to let them know you’re safe.”
Jennifer got out of the car without saying anything.
Carter then drove the car away without wasting another second. Jennifer stood on the side and watched his car slowly disappear from her line of sight.
She held the bag tightly in her hands for a long time. The moment she turned around and walked to the villa, she felt as if she had exerted all of her energy.
Upon entering the house, she plopped on the couch and stared blankly at the bright and blinding ceiling.
Her phone that was in her bag rang multiple times before she answered the call.
“Hello, Mom. I’m back. I’m sorry. I really couldn’t forget him. Please forgive me,” Jennifer said in a low voice.
Laura remained silent a long time on the other end of the line before saying, “Your father and I will return tomorrow. If you have anything to say, tell us when we get back.”
As soon as her words fell, Laura hung up the phone.
Looking at the black screen on her phone, Jennifer sighed. “I’m sorry for letting you and dad down.”
After lying on the couch and staring at the ceiling for some time, Jennifer gradually fell asleep, and her phone dropped to the floor.
Meanwhile, Carter, who had just returned to his condominium, ruffled his hair in frustration. Jennifer’s unexpected reappearance surprised him. If he was being frank, he wished she didn’t return. He couldn’t give her the love she sought. If he agreed to be with her, their relationship would end in pain.
He didn’t want to hurt her and was unable to love her. So, Jennifer going overseas was the best decision, but who would have guessed she’d return?
He couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
