From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 283

“Probably. Kendrick used to give me desserts to pass to Seraphina. Honestly, when I came back from abroad, I thought I’d hear something good about the two of them. But no, as soon as I asked around, I found out Seraphina has barely spoken to Kendrick since I left.”

Laurinda sighed, feeling a bit helpless. She could tell Seraphina didn’t dislike Kendrick. It was just obvious Seraphina had never thought of him as anything more than a friend.

Oh well. Laurinda barely had any experience with relationships herself, so there was no way she was about to play matchmaker. Better to just let things happen on their own.

They finished eating, but Seraphina still hadn’t come back. Laurinda glanced at Seraphina’s phone left on the table and laughed. “Is Seraphina always this unreliable?”

Adolphus smiled. “Only sometimes. I’ll give Kendrick a call.”

He dialed Kendrick, who just told him Seraphina would be back soon, then hung up.

And just like that, Seraphina walked in. She threw on her coat, picked up her bag and car keys.

“I’ll drive you guys to the airport.”

“You haven’t eaten yet. Aren’t you hungry?” Laurinda and Adolphus stayed put, looking at her. There was definitely still time for a meal.

“I’m not eating. Anger is enough to fill me up. I have never met a man so impossible. His cooking is average at best! If I ever come here again, you can call me a dog.”

Adolphus actually burst out laughing. He stood up and handed Laurinda her coat.

“What’s so funny?” Seraphina glared at him, not seeing the humor at all.

“Nothing, just… I have a feeling you’re going to regret what you just said.” Adolphus arched his brow, slipped his arm around Laurinda’s waist, and led her out.

“Regret it? No way.”

Seraphina felt her chest tighten just thinking about Kendrick’s cold attitude. She didn’t remember doing anything wrong, so what was he even mad about? The whole thing was ridiculous.

When they got to the airport, Adolphus didn’t let Seraphina come inside. He pushed the luggage cart, and Laurinda sat on top of one of the suitcases as they made their way in.

Inside, Laurinda spotted someone familiar and waved toward the exit.

Shirley saw her too, shoved her suitcase at her little brother, and ran straight for Laurinda.

“Laurinda, where have you been? We tried to reach you for our New Year’s get-together, but you never answered. You have no idea how worried I was. If Irvin hadn’t told me you were fine, I would have called the police.”

Laurinda gently patted Shirley, who looked like she was about to cry, her smile soft and warm.

“Something happened recently, so I didn’t get a chance to reach out. Are you guys here to see Odom?”

Shirley saw that Laurinda was okay and didn’t push for details. She just grinned and nodded.

“My dad’s too busy to come back to Apex for the holidays, so my mom brought me and my brother here. Are you just getting in, or are you leaving?”

Only then did Shirley notice Adolphus standing behind Laurinda. She gave him a nod as a greeting.

“We’re heading back to Apex. I got you a New Year’s present, by the way. Send me your new address later and I’ll mail it to you.”

“That’s funny. We all got you gifts too. Gave them to Irvin, actually. He came to the last class dinner, so we figured he could get them to you.”

“Perfect. I was planning to see him when I get back anyway, so I’ll pick them up then.”

Once they started talking, it felt like they couldn’t stop. Adolphus just waited off to the side, not rushing Laurinda at all. Eventually, Shirley’s mom walked over.

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