From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 474

“No, really, it’s just an exam today. I won’t head to the lab until the results come out. Just wait for me at home, okay? As soon as I’m done, I’ll come back and spend time with you.”

Laurinda knew that once she started working at the lab, she’d barely have any free time for Adolphus. She wanted to make the most of what little time she had left before everything changed.

“Alright,” Adolphus smiled. “Go get changed, I’ll wait for you outside.” He bent down, pressed a quick kiss to her lips, and left the closet looking way too pleased with himself, like a cat that just swiped a fresh fish.

Watching his back as he left, Laurinda touched her lips, warmth bubbling up in her chest. She could practically feel her inner romantic taking over.

She swapped into something simple. Jeans, sneakers, a white blouse, all topped off with a long brown coat. It matched her age and vibe perfectly.

Adolphus glanced at her and, for a second, remembered Seraphina joking about him robbing the cradle. He was twenty-three, but was that really old? He didn’t think so.

By now, Teddy had finished eating and looked a lot more awake. He came out from the dining room, spotted Laurinda, and circled around her, eyes wide with mock awe. “Wow, look at you, all grown up.”

Laurinda rolled her eyes, already tired of Teddy’s teasing. “Are we going or not? If we’re late, I’m blaming you.”

“We won’t be, promise. We’re meeting Ladd at ten. It’s only nine now, we’ve got tons of time. Wait a sec, I’ll just grab my bag and then we can head out.”

Teddy hurried off for his backpack, moving way faster than his words suggested.

Teddy was in the middle of showing Laurinda around. He paused, turning to see who it was, only to realize he didn’t recognize the faces calling to him.

The girl who had spoken figured it out at once, seeing Teddy’s blank expression, but she didn’t seem bothered. She stepped forward, introducing herself cheerfully. “Hey, we’re all sophomores in the physics department. You probably don’t know us, but we’ve seen you on the honor wall and at student union events.”

Hearing they were all from his department, Teddy’s student union president mode switched on and he greeted them warmly. “Are you here for the lab assessment too? Did you already pick a professor?”

“We did,” said the girl, smiling. “We’re here for Ladd’s lab assessment. But you probably don’t have to take it, right, Teddy? Are you here as a proctor for Ladd?”

As she asked, her eyes flicked to Laurinda. It was obvious from the way Teddy talked to Laurinda compared to everyone else that their relationship wasn’t just ordinary friends.