From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 135

When Fabian came up, York went quiet again.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk. He just couldn’t get the words out. He was a guy, and honestly, he just couldn’t handle the way Bonnie did things.

Laurinda kept her eyes on him, waiting for an explanation. York stayed silent all the way until the car rolled up to the manor.

The butler stepped out to greet them, taking Laurinda’s things from her. He glanced at York, who was still sitting in the car, and asked with a puzzled look, “Working late again? You haven’t had a meal at home in ages. How about staying for dinner before you leave?”

Laurinda glanced at York. He looked like he wanted to stay, but didn’t quite dare.

She gave the car door a little tap, letting out a sigh. “Alright, stop overthinking it. I won’t ask anymore, okay? Just stay for dinner.”

She walked inside without looking back.

The house was quiet. No one else was home yet. Laurinda headed upstairs, pulling out her phone to call Adolphus as she climbed.

He picked up right away, his voice soft and gentle. “Home already?”

“Yeah. When are you coming back?”

“I’ll be late tonight. Irvin’s sleeping over at Jasper’s place.”

“Okay. Drive safe, and if it gets too late, you don’t have to rush back.”

“Alright. Just remember to leave the door unlocked.”

His voice was warm, almost teasing. Laurinda felt her ears get hot. She mumbled a quick reply and hung up, a little flustered.

Adolphus smiled at his phone, his expression turning even softer. He could just picture Laurinda’s shy face.

“Adolphus…”

“Not for a while. I won’t make it back before New Year’s…” Adolphus paused, thinking. “Let’s wait until the high schoolers start winter break.”

Mario was caught off guard. He watched Adolphus disappear into the elevator, then muttered to himself, “He’s really taking this school doctor gig seriously. Waiting for the students to go on break… that’s actually kind of sweet.”

***

When Adolphus got back to the manor, he saw Laurinda sprawled on the sofa, hugging a bowl of cherries.

He took off his coat, then warmed himself by the fireplace for a bit before going to sit next to her.

Laurinda glanced up at him, then pinched a cherry and popped it into his mouth. Her voice was muffled. “Did you eat dinner?”

“Not yet. Had some last-minute stuff to deal with.”