Luke paid no mind to Dominic''s sarcasm.


    He simply turned to Vespera and asked, "Would you join me in going down to look for something? It''ll be thest time."


    Although "thest time" held little truth, Vespera understood what he intended to find.


    She gazed at him silently before suddenly smiling and agreeing nonchntly, "Alright."


    Luke was thrilled. He had anticipated her agreement. Surely, she remembered it too-a cherished memory that only they shared. He believed she had softened, that she still harbored feelings for him.


    He hoped she would bring him a sense of hope, unaware that she merely intended to revisit a past that had long faded. That love was something she hade to say goodbye to, having buried it herself. From that day forward, she had truly let go of any love she once felt.


    The four of them stepped out of the car. Luke was just about to step forward to assist her when Dominic was already at her side. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his waist. It was such a natural motion for her that Gerard looked on, wide-eyed.


    Stammering, she tried to exin, "Mr. Reid is really strong."


    Dominic nced down and chuckled quietly, "I can lift a cow."


    Vespera was speechless. The night wind caused ripples to form on theke''s surface. The atmosphere turned awkward once more. Luke''s heart felt pierced, like a hedgehog''s quills, the pain so sharp it became numb. Her shift in affection was ringly obvious.


    Even though she knew Dominic might not offer her a future... She still seemed so naive. Why couldn''t she start anew with him?


    Dominic lifted Vespera. "This way."


    Noticing that Luke was standing as still as a statue, Vespera decided not to linger and pointed in a direction. They started moving, and Luke eventually trailed behind. Gerard stayed put, still preupied with the memory of Vespera embracing the president earlier... Why was she so adept at it?


    The trio entered the bamboo forest. In the darkness of the night, the winding path was reminiscent of that night, with even the sensation of the bamboo branches brushing past them feeling the same.


    Luke vividly remembered every moment from then. She had been hesitant, retreating the entire way, and it had taken him a while to persuade her toe here.


    Upon arriving at their destination, Vespera halted and instructed Dominic to stop three meters away.


    She turned to Luke and said, "You go."


    "Let''s go together," he replied.


    "Luke, there is no ''us'' here anymore," Vespera said firmly.


    In an instant, Luke grasped the meaning behind her words. A suffocating ache gnawed at his heart, and he couldn''t fathom how she could be so callous. "You..."


    Vespera lifted her head slightly. "Go on. You should bid a proper farewell. People need to move on."


    With shaky steps, Luke approached. Vespera tapped Dominic''s chest with her finger and whispered, "Let''s go, let''s leave quickly."


    If they didn''t go now, they might not be able toter. Dominic was curious. "Let''s watch a bit longer."


    Boldly, Vespera gave him a firm nudge. "Let''s go already!"


    Only then did Dominic turn away and quietly exit. Once outside, as soon as she got into the car, Vespera urged Gerard to drive. "Quick quick, drive the car."


    Her urgency nearly caused Gerard to press the gas pedal so hard that the car could have ended up in theke.


    After leaving the school, Vespera noticed Osbert standing by the school gate. When he spotted the car with Vespera inside, he nodded respectfully and approached her. Vespera lowered the car window.


    "Mrs. Mu... Ms. Gildon," he began, ncing sideways, "Hello, Mr. Reid." They


    were outside now, but where was Luke?


    ??


    "He''s in the bamboo forest near the artificial fake. There''s no need to worry about him. He''lle outter Vespera reassured him and


    rolled up the car window, e


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!