From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 109

“The classroom’s fine, really. I’m okay.”

“Alright. As long as you’re okay.”

Adolphus didn’t push. He gently wiped her hands clean, then pulled a small packet of medicine from his pocket and slipped it into her hand.

“Let Irvin walk you back. Don’t stress yourself out. I’ll call if anything comes up.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

She gripped the medicine, took a few steps away, then suddenly turned back and hugged Adolphus tight. She ignored the surprised noises behind her, burying her face in his chest and nuzzling in like she never wanted to let go.

Adolphus held her close, feeling her body still tense in his arms. He stroked her back softly and whispered, “It’s alright. I’m here.”

After a few minutes, Laurinda took a deep breath and stepped away from him. She walked toward the classroom, pretending she couldn’t hear the whispers following her down the hall.

Irvin trailed behind, quietly carrying her things.

When Laurinda pushed open the classroom door, she was hit with a wave of cheers. “Welcome back, Laurinda! We’re so glad you’re okay!”

The class president led the celebration. Shirley rushed over, beaming and holding a big bouquet of lilies. “Laurinda! You’re finally back! You have no idea how much we’ve missed you. Even the teachers kept asking when you’d return!”

“We all wanted to visit, but with exams coming up, it’s been crazy. We just couldn’t make it.”

Truth was, it wasn’t just about being busy. Everyone knew Laurinda had been kicked out by the Austin family, and they worried that showing up might just make her feel worse. They thought keeping a little distance would be kinder.

Laurinda accepted the flowers from Shirley, her smile genuine for the first time in a while. Looking around at her classmates, all sitting together and cheering her on, she felt the last bit of heaviness in her chest melt away.

Even when Laura and Fabian announced their relationship and the classroom got a little wild, Irvin figured it was just more gossip. But he’d been wrong. They weren’t talking about Laurinda behind her back—they were figuring out how to stand up for her. All fifty of them went online, defending her and shutting down anyone who tried to spread rumors.

“What are you staring off into space for? Wondering why we like Laurinda that much?”

The class president stepped up beside Irvin, speaking quietly before he could answer. “Pretty much everyone here has been helped by Laurinda before.”

“Our class is special. Most of us get good grades, but our families don’t have much money. Kids from richer families used to make fun of us all the time.”

“Laurinda found out and decided to do something about it. She funded a new cafeteria for the school, with the only rule that our classmates’ parents got first pick for the food stalls. She even covered the rent for the first three years.”

“It wasn’t just a handout. She made it feel like a real opportunity, not charity. By the time three years pass, we’ll all have graduated, and maybe our parents won’t even be working there anymore.”

“Oh, and you know Laurinda’s favorite spicy chicken? My mom makes it. Every time Laurinda comes by, my grandma always picks out the best, meatiest pieces for her. My grandma absolutely loves Laurinda.”