Chapter 22
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Bowen unwrapped the cake and set it on the table, then casually picked up a spoon and took bits after bite. He said, “My Odionlandian’s pretty good. I studied abroad during college. You can ask me if you need help.”
The sweetness melted on his tongue, and even the sharp, slightly devilish Bowen’s brows relaxed. He added, “I won’t charge you for fotoring”
Aubree stared at Bowen, stunned for a second. In her impression, guys like him were supposed to be totally indifferent to sweets.
Aubree thought, “Wait a sec–isn’t that cake meant for me? That doesn’t fit the usual script.
Aubree’s eyes widened a little. She kind of froze.
Bowen looked like he’d read her mind. He explained, “I was planning to stop by, hear you vent a little, and cheer myself up with something sweet. Life’s bitter enough as it is. Gotta balance it out somehow, right?
“And honestly, it’s totally normal for people to like sweets. If you want some, I can recommend the shop.”
That kind of relaxed vibe from Bowen actually made Aubree feel lighter–like a good friend messing around with her.
Aubree didn’t hold back either. She pointed right at the parts she didn’t understand and shamelessly started using Bowen as her temporary tutor.
Once she got into study mode, Aubree quickly forgot about everything that had happened earlier. People she planned to leave behind had no right to ruin her mood.
When the clock hit ten, Bowen checked the time and said, “That’s it for tonight. If you don’t get something in Odionlandian later on, just come to me. I’m heading out. You should get some rest too–you’ve got school tomorrow.”
Bowen was already at the door when he suddenly turned and asked, “Your birthday’s coming up, right?”
Hearing this, Aubree paused for a second. The word “birthday” felt kind of foreign to her.
Back at the orphanage, no one cared about stuff like that. Just getting enough to eat was a blessing. Only Mr. Quinn ever said “happy birthday” to Aubree and gave her a cake.
After Aubree returned to the Wilson family, her birthdays had always been rolled into Carmen’s. And she was never the one being celebrated.
“Seems like it,” Aubree replied.
Bowen said, “You’re turning eighteen this year. That’s a big deal. You should celebrate it right. Anything you want?”
Aubree shook her head. “Not really.” Right now, she just wanted to study hard and climb higher. Carmen wasn’t going to back off easily.
To fight the entire Wilson family, Aubree still had a long way to go. Everything else felt like a luxury she couldn’t afford.
Bowen looked thoughtful for a moment. “Then I’ll take care of it. I’ll give you a birthday you won’t forget.”
With that, Bowen smiled at her–a really beautiful smile.
Good–looking things always made people pause a little longer, and Aubree was no exception. She caught herself staring.
Quickly, Aubree looked away, ears warming. “It’s really no big deal. Don’t go out of your way.”
Bowen raised a finger to his lips. “If you don’t care, then no one else will. And sometimes, saying something like that makes people actually believe it.”
‘He’s serious?‘ That thought made Aubree’s heart skip. She was starting to look forward to her eighteenth birthday.
Holding back the sting in her eyes, Aubree smiled. “Got it. Then, I’ll wait for your surprise?”
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ཡ་ཡོས་
Chapter 22
Only then did Bowen look satisfied. He said softly, “Night, Aubree.”
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The next day, Aubree went to school like usual.
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