Chapter 97 Chapter 97

Chapter 97 Chapter 97
Adele walked on the sidewalk, thinking about her bleak future. The phone in her bag vibrated. It was Tony. She answered, adjusting her voice so as not to reveal her sadness.

"Tony, I..."

"What is wrong?" Tony sensitively detected the hesitation in her breath immediately.

"Nothing," Adele replied softly.

"Why do you sound so down? Did something happen at home?" Tony’s voice was warm, carrying a sincere concern that softened Adele's heart.

She did not want to mention the emigration, because it was too massive and painful, so she steered the conversation toward her best friend. "I am worried about Serenity and Vince."

Tony was surprised. "Why worry about them? Did something happen to them? I saw the storm today, but they must be fine, right?"

Adele lowered her voice. "Because yesterday they stayed at a hotel together."

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds, then Tony’s voice sounded astonished. "What? A hotel? You mean... did they cross the line?"

Adele gave a weak smile. "Don't you find that normal? I find it normal. Everyone who loves each other does that. When love reaches maturity, people want to belong to each other completely, whether in soul or body. It is just the way they warm each other amidst the storm out there."

Tony scratched his head, blushing at Adele's directness. "Well, you have a point. Maybe I am just too old-fashioned and think too strictly."

Adele fell silent, watching the people pass by on the street. She thought to herself that Serenity and Vince at least had each other to face the storms. As for her, would she have the strength to hold onto her love and her life when her entire family wanted to take her so far away?

A long while later, Adele suggested, "Let's meet for a bit."

Chapter 56: One's Happiness, Another's Sorrow

Tony and Adele walked side by side, still engaged in an endless "verbal war" regarding their best friends' sensitive situation.

Adele tugged at the strap of her handbag. "I was genuinely worried for Serenity when she was taken to that hotel on that rainy night."

Tony raised an eyebrow, putting on an "experienced" expression. "Why do you talk about it like it's nothing? Just a moment ago, you were the one saying it’s natural for couples in love to do that."

"I wasn't worried about that for myself. It’s because Serenity told me that absolutely nothing happened," Adele emphasized.

Tony clicked his tongue, looking serious. "I think it’s too late. Serenity is like a lamb on the operating table now, don't you understand?"

Adele stopped and stared at him. "What on earth are you talking about? So what if Vince did something to her? They like each other; they have the right to do that."

Tony launched into a lecture. "But in my mind, Serenity is a pure, sweet girl, whereas Vince is nothing like a saint. Their first time... wouldn't it be too intense? Serenity must have felt... absolutely terrified."

"What do you mean?" Adele glared at Tony with contempt. "Whether or not Vince and Serenity did that, does it have anything to do with you?"

"Don't you have the same thoughts as I? That guy Vince is unpredictable; he’s certainly not the kind of decent man you think he is."

Adele couldn't help herself and punched Tony hard in the stomach. She hissed through her teeth. "Tony. Do you feel satisfied only when you badmouth others? Even if we assume Vince isn't gentle, if it were you, would you be any gentler?"

Tony clutched his stomach, his face turning pale from the pain. "No, I didn't mean that, you misunderstood me."

The young couple's bickering was interrupted by the sound of an approaching car engine. Both quickly ducked into the bushes.

When the car stopped at the gate, Vince and Serenity stepped out. Serenity stretched, looking exhausted. "Home at last. I’m so hungry I could eat a horse."

Mr. Caleb looked at the two of them and said, "You two go inside first. I have an urgent meeting at school."

"Yes," they replied in unison.

As Serenity was about to step inside, Mr. Caleb called out. "Serenity."

She turned around. "Yes, sir?"

Mr. Caleb glanced toward Vince, who was waiting at the door, then said to her in a low voice. "I think you know that Vince has suffered many emotional wounds in his childhood. I hope you will help him and give him plenty of happiness. Vince is like an iceberg, but I believe your warm heart can melt him."

Serenity nodded firmly. "Yes, I understand."

After his instructions, Mr. Caleb drove off toward the school.

Serenity walked over to Vince. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did my father just say to you?"

Serenity gave a cheeky smile. "The same thing you said to my mother. So, he has officially handed you over to my management."

Vince pulled her closer. "So now you belong to me."

"You belong to me," Serenity retorted.

"You are mine."

"I don't care, you are mine."

Vince flicked her forehead lightly. "Alright, if we stand here arguing, we won't finish by tomorrow morning. Let's go inside."

As they turned around, both were startled to see Tony and Adele spying from behind the bushes. Vince narrowed his eyes. "Hey, why were you two hiding there?"

Caught, both stepped out with awkward smiles. Vince pointed toward the house. "Get inside."

As soon as they entered the living room, Vince shot a glance at Tony. "You two came here uninvited. Say what you want quickly."

Tony cleared his throat, assuming a judge-like demeanor. "We just want to ask what you did at the hotel yesterday."

Vince casually threw a cushion at Tony's face. "What kind of crazy thoughts are you having?"

Tony dodged the cushion and muttered, "Usually, that’s the reaction of a guilty conscience."

"Remember, this is my house. I will kick you out if you keep talking nonsense," Vince snapped.

Serenity hurriedly explained, "It’s not what you two think. We didn't do anything at all."

"Stop," Adele signaled. "This matter is sensitive and should be discussed in private rooms. Tony goes to Vince's room, and I go to Serenity’s. Let the interrogation begin."

All four dispersed. In Vince's room, Tony pulled a chair to the edge of the bed with a serious face. "Let's talk about it."

Vince was annoyed. "I already said, I didn't do anything to her."

"Listen to me, there are some things that if you’ve done, you have to take responsibility for. That’s the attitude we men must have. Modern society is very open, and there’s nothing shameful about that," Tony rattled on.

"I said we didn't do anything. You’re overthinking it."

Tony still hadn't given up, he sighed. "It’s unfair to the girl; Serenity is a good person. Protect her, do you understand?"