?Chapter 244:


    Ellie stumbled but was steadied by a swift hand.


    “Can’t you watch where you’re going?” The man’s voice carried a hint of irritation.


    “Edwin?” Recognizing him, Ellie regained herposure. “Thank you. What brings you here?”


    “Iposed the music for today’s ceremony, so naturally, they invited me,” Edwin exined, slipping his hand back into his pocket. “I know you’re not fond of me.”


    It wasn’t my intention was never to cross paths with you.”


    Ellie, feeling misunderstood, replied, “I don’t hold any dislike for you. Weren’t you always the one who had issues with me?”


    “What? I wasn’t!” Edwin wouldn’t concede.


    Ellie began to list past grievances. “In kindergarten, you pulled my hair. In elementary, you stole my eraser. In middle school, you teased me for being a nerd. In high school, you’d turn away whenever you saw me.”


    Her expression seemed to ask, Need I say more?


    Embarrassed, Edwin avoided her gaze. He wondered why these actions now seemed so foolish.


    After a pause, he ventured, “If you don’t hate me, then why don’t you wear the hairpin I gave you? Don’t you like it? If not, feel free to discard it.”


    “The hairpin’s at home. It’s not that I don’t want it,” Ellie exined patiently.


    “Oh.”


    The awkwardness was palpable. Though Ellie wanted tough, the name she’d overheard weighed heavily on her mind, dampening her mood.


    “Edwin, may I ask you something?” Without waiting for his response, she continued, “Do you know Carole Lambert?”


    “Carole Lambert? How do you know her? She’s a jewelry designer who’s been abroad for years. There’s been no talk of her here.” Edwin moved them aside to avoid obstructing others.


    “She… does she know Kaiden?” Ellie’s heart raced with the question.


    “The Lamberts and Kaiden’s mother’s families are old friends. Carole and Kaiden grew up together,” Edwin shared. Then, changing the subject, he asked, “Will you be returning with meter?”


    Ellie shook her head. “I’ve already booked my flight.”


    She wasn’t sure she could handle Edwin’spany on the journey home, preferring solitude.


    “Ellie, are you still with Kaiden?” Edwin broached the question he had been holding back.


    Ignoring his inquiry, Ellie forced a smile. “Thank you for the information. I’ll definitely be at your mother’s birthday in two days. See you back home.”


    The irony wasn’t lost on Ellie.


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