THE NEXT MORNING Everests packed their luggage, ready to hit the slopes. Shelly breathed a sigh of relief when she didn’t see Julian as she left the house. She pushed her suitcase toward the back of the car, a quiet sense of relief washing over her.
As soon as she finished loading her things, she heard her father, Mr. Everest, exclaim.“What’s this? Shelly, did a neighbor leave a birthday present at the
door?”
She turned around and saw the familiar box, her brows furrowing slightly. Moving quickly, she took the box, handed it to the butler, and gave him Ross’s address. She asked him to send it back to the
Stormfall Pack later.
Her parents became even more curious, questioning who had sent the gift throughout the entire journey. Knowing she couldn’t keep up the lie, Shelly finally confessed. She also told them about the blessings from Mr. and Mrs. Ross from the day before.
The carriage fell silent for a moment before Mr. Everest nodded heavily several times.“Your mother and I have been thinking about this, too, after everything that happened,” he said. “How should we interact with the Ross family? Although it’s a matter for your younger generation, you are our daughter, and we should firmly stand by you in every way.”
“So we’ve already discussed it,” he continued. “If you decide to have no dealings with the Rosses in the future, we will respect your wishes. Anyway, we are thousands of miles apart now, so it won’t be a problem.”
“But since you’ve thought it through and only want to draw a clear line with Julian, we understand your decision. They are elders, after all. You haven’t forgotten old affections, nor have you taken your anger out on the innocent, and you have your own opinions. Your father and mother are very pleased.”
This was the first time the family had sat down together to discuss the matter calmly since it came to light. Receiving her parents‘ support, Shelly felt a wave of warmth in her heart.
She snuggled into her mother’s arms, her tone lightening as they talked about the upcoming itinerary. The family regained their good spirits and headed to the ski resort.
Because she hadn’t practiced in a long time, Shelly stumbled several times as soon as she got on the slope. Although she gradually got the hang of it later, her legs still felt a bit sore when she came down the mountain. When she returned to the hotel and saw her bruised, purple, and swollen knees, she gasped and immediately searched for nearby pharmacies.
The nearest medical point was over fifty kilometers away. Looking at the long distance and the gloomy sky outside the window, she began to worry. After much deliberation, she finally decided to buy medicine tomorrow and just apply some warm, hard–boiled eggs tonight.
After changing into a clean set of clothes, Shelly limped out the door, ready to go to the restaurant. The elevator happened to be on her floor. She looked up, and her gaze met a pair of familiar eyes.
It was Julian again. The moment she saw him, Shelly’s face turned cold.
“You’re stalking me,” she stated. It was an accusation, not a question.
Seeing that she seemed angry, Julian instantly panicked and explained incoherently.“Shelly, I just, I just worried about you…”
“Worried? My parents are with me, what’s there to worry about?” she shot back. “Besides, what right do you have to worry about me? Why are you trying to romanticize a criminal act?”
Julian was speechless, choked by her words. Seeing her get into the elevator, he quickly followed.
“It was my fault, Shelly, please don’t be angry,” he pleaded.“I saw you got hurt at the ski resort, so I specifically went to buy medicine for you. Don’t joke about your body, okay?”
Hearing these words from Julian, Shelly found it only amusing. The scar on her forehead from the car accident was still clearly visible. The wound on her arm from the fallen chandelier was ten centimeters long, and the back of her heels had calluses from being rubbed raw by over a hundred pairs of high heels.
Because of him, she had suffered so many injuries, yet he had never uttered a single word of comfort. He had always turned a deaf ear. Now, she had merely sustained a minor injury that didn’t even bleed, and he was here feigning concern and showing off his deep affection.
So she didn’t even glance at the bag he offered. As soon as the elevator door opened, she left directly.
Her indifferent attitude made Julian’s heart ache. But he didn’t want to give up just like that, so he followed her closely. Seeing that she asked for several
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eggs, he guessed her intention, and his tone became even more anxious.
‘Shelly, I brought you medicine. Why won’t you accept my kindness?” he asked. “Do you have to be angry with me?”
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Shelly let out a soft laugh, her gaze incredibly firm.“Angry? We have no relationship to begin with. Why would I be angry with you?” she said.“I simply don’t want to have anything to do with you.”
