Chapter 23 Got the Wrong Person

Getting the result she wanted, Bethany declined, "I'm going to visit Ms. Smith in a while. I will meet him another day.”

Mentioning Katie Smith, Isaac couldn't help but sigh with emotions, "Since graduation, I haven't seen Ms. Smith. Please give her my regards."

After Bethany agreed, Isaac hurriedly left.

Bethany didn't rush to leave, but quietly admired the street scene outside the glass window. The sunlight was good today, and the warm rays fell on the withered leaves, reflecting golden light. Some people were taking photos, some couples were dating, and many families were playing with their children.

This scene had once been envisioned by Clinton and her.

But now, it seemed that he had long forgotten her, captivated by another woman.

Bethany couldn't really say she was very upset. She had never been with Clinton out of love, but out of gratitude.

In her freshman year, Vincent suddenly went abroad without any warning, not even saying goodbye to her, completely withdrawing from her life.

She called Vincent and sent text messages, but his phone was always off. She tried other ways to find out about Vincent's whereabouts, but there was no news.

Bethany experienced heart-wrenching pain, and her will faltered. She couldn't eat or sleep well and couldn’t even focus on studying.

But misfortune never comes singly. At this time, her father's affair came to light.

To this day, Bethany still remembered the scene where Marlee Barrett brought Emily Campbell to the house to force her mother into a divorce.

In a messy living room, Marlee, relying on her wealthy and powerful family background, shamelessly humiliated her mother, forcing her to sign the divorce agreement. When her mother refused, Alvin and Marlee physically attacked her mother together.

To protect her mother, Bethany was also beaten by Alvin, coupled with all kinds of hurtful words.

The physical pain was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

Bethany had always been gentle, but from that moment on, she suddenly became sharp. She was covered in blood and looked at Alvin coldly. "You better kill me, or I will definitely avenge the humiliation I suffered today."

Alvin, enraged, said, "I'm your father. How dare you!"

"You're not!" Bethany said each word slowly, "From the moment you hurt my mom, I considered my dad dead!"

"You dare to curse me? Unfilial daughter, I'll kill you today!"

Alvin, infuriated, grabbed Bethany's hair and slapped her hard. Bethany, already weak, passed out completely.

Faintly, she heard her mother's pleading voice.

"Stop hitting Bethany. I beg you to spare her. I agree to divorce!"

...

Alvin got his wish for a divorce. In less than half a month, he married Marlee with great fanfare. The wedding was extremely grand, and his former wife couldn't compare to Marlee in the slightest.

It was also on that day that Bethany's mother went insane.

Under the double blow, Bethany couldn't bear it and tried to take her own life, but Clinton found her and stopped her.

At that time, Clinton wanted to give everything to Bethany, and he gradually pulled her out of the quagmire.

Bethany also tried to make herself fall for Clinton, but Vincent was like a curse that she couldn't shake off.

However, her intense love turned into hatred.

Now, Clinton had changed his mind, but she didn't react as desperately as last time. If Clinton would cheat on her just because she wouldn't let him sleep with her, then she didn't want such a man.

At noon, Bethany went to visit her mentor Katie with a gift.

Katie was a famous old artist, and Bethany had benefited a lot from her. This visit was for the sake of an art exhibition.

The Smith family was located in a lakeside area north of the city. As soon as Bethany entered the main hall, she saw a dignified figure behind the screen and respectfully said, "Ms. Smith."

"Bethany, how have you been lately?"

With a gentle voice, an elderly woman wearing an elegant dress walked out from behind the screen.

Katie was over sixty years old.

She had been a widow since middle age, and she had no children of her own. So, she treated her disciples like her own children, especially doting on Bethany.

Bethany always remembered Katie's kindness.

She walked up and took Katie's arm, smiling, "I'm doing well, and you? Is your health still good?"

Katie nodded with a smile and said, "Don't worry, I'm still strong. But you look so tired."

Bethany lowered her eyes and replied casually, "Maybe I've been working too hard lately. You know how much I care about this art exhibition."

In fact, it was her matters that were draining her energy.

Before the engagement settled, she didn't want her teacher to worry about her, so she kept it from her.

Katie patted Bethany's hand and comforted her. "I've seen your work. The touring exhibition is a sure thing, and winning awards is just a matter of time."

Hearing this, Bethany laughed, "With you saying that, I feel relieved."

Katie continued, "By the way, Bethany, my nephew is coming for dinner later. He's a bit introverted, so please bear with him."

"You have a nephew? Who is it?" Curious, Bethany glanced sideways and saw a watch on the table.

The watch had a year engraved on it. The leather strap was somewhat worn, exuding an old-fashioned look.

But even after five years, she recognized it at a glance as that person's watch.

Bethany's eyes suddenly stung.

She walked over, almost trembling as she picked up the watch. Just then, Katie chuckled, "That's the owner of this watch."

Bethany looked at Katie in disbelief. "He's your nephew? Where is he?"

"That lad is in the backyard feeding the fish. It's time for lunch. Would you mind fetching him for me...” Katie hadn't finished her sentence when Bethany ran off with the watch.

It was the first time Katie had seen Bethany so impulsive, as if she would miss something crucial if she slowed down for even a second.

Bethany rushed through the shaded path. When she reached the backyard, she indeed saw a familiar figure.

He stood in the sunlight, his towering figure emitting an aura of unwelcomeness, but Bethany felt it was a beacon of hope.

"Vincent!"

Her heart-wrenching cry almost pierced the sky. The man feeding the fish trembled slightly at her call, and the fish food scattered into the pond.

The jubilant fish jumping out of the water seemed to reflect the mood of the two people at that moment.

The man stood still, his eyes betraying a scattered sense of panic.

Bethany approached him from behind, trembling as she reached out to touch him. "Vincent, is it you?"

He didn't turn around, nor did he respond.

Bethany choked up. "I know it's you. Why didn't you look for me when you came back? And why did you leave without telling me back then? Do you know what I..."

"You've mistaken me for someone else." The man turned around, his voice masked with restraint.