Facade of Love Novel novel Chapter 353

Chapter 353 Abandoned 

Ariel froze for a second like she could not believe it. She blinked at the Strawberry Bear, then at me, and finally asked, “For… for me?” 

I nodded, encouraging her to take it. 

She was on the shy side, so even though this was our second meeting, she was still pretty quiet. Clutching the Strawberry Bear, she managed a quiet, “Thank you.” 

Then something seemed to click, and she looked up at me with a curious twinkle. “How did you know today’s my birthday?” 

I just smiled. “The director told me.” 

She nodded, a little overwhelmed, and went quiet. 

I knew she was not much for talking, so I grabbed a stool and sat down next to her. I glanced over at Charlie, who was still standing, and said, “Why don’t you take a seat too?” 

He gave the wobbly stool a wary glance and, with a slight frown, said, “No thanks, I’ll just take a look around.” 

I nodded in response and turned back to my conversation with Ariel. 

I had already been here yesterday, and there was not really any reason to come back today. However, after catching a glimpse of this girl and hearing about her from Director Williams, I felt compelled to return. 

Maybe it was destiny. Why else would I have asked for her name and not the others? 

We chatted for a bit before Charlie, who clearly was not feeling the vibe, wandered back over, looking a bit out of place. 

I got up and asked him, “What’s up?” 

“Do we have to stick around all day?” he asked. 

I shook my head, seeing how uneasy he was, and said, “Just hang tight. After Ariel is done with her cake, we will head out.” 

At that, he seemed to relax a little and gave a small nod. 

I had ordered a big cake for Ariel, and it was not long before it arrived. With so many kids in the yard, Director Williams and a few teachers started slicing it up once the candles were out. I did not see Charlie anywhere, so I made my way through the crowd to look for him. 

I found him by the stairs. 

“Hey, Char…” I started to call out but stopped when I saw two boys scuffling in the hallway, scrapping over who knows what. Both teenagers were sporting a few scrapes and bruises. 

Charlie was leaning against the wall, watching them with a detached air, like he was at the 

movies. 

When they noticed him, they stopped, shot each other dirty looks, and decided to leave. 

Charlie, losing interest now that the show was over, started to walk away. 

Chapter 353 Abandoned 

He hesitated for a second when he saw me, but his face did not give anything away 

I stared at the two kids, both a little worse for wear after their scuttle, and found myself speechless. I stepped closer and asked why they had been fighting Turns out, it was all over a toy that neither of them ended up with because they broke it in the fray 

Sighing, I gave them a talking to and sent them on their way 

Charlie was leaning against the stairwell, waiting for me the caught my eye and flashed that signature half–smile of his. “Ready to head out 

I reached him, biting my lip, and blurted out, “Why didn’t you break up their fight?” 

He quirked an eyebrow, his features sharp and striking, “Why should I have?” 

I was momentarily tongue–tied. “They were fighting. Isn’t that reason enough to step in?” 

He frowned thoughtfully. “Even if I did, they would just find another place to duke it out. It’s just how things are. Fighting for what you want is pretty normal It’s not right or wrong. The real shame is that they were too foolish to realize they had wrecked their prize. Now, nobody wins.” 

I was stumped. His take on right and wrong left me without a comeback