Chapter 136
After a brief exchange, Claude proposed a trip to Sereneville. With no
classes to attend on Saturday and her long absence from the village,
Olivia found the offer tempting. She thought for a while and ultimately
agreed.
After Tyler left that morning, she prepared to go. The maid asked,
âWhere are you off to, Ms. Olivia? Will you be back for lunch?â
âEr... I'm not sure!â Olivia replied, then quickly left.
Claude was waiting for her at the university, and he courteously opened
the car door for her.
Olivia always felt calm around Claude, unlike when she was with Tyler.
âThank you!â she said cheerfully.
âFor what?" Claude chuckled. âCome on, let's hit the road before we get
stuck in traffic.â
Olivia thought of what Tyler had said that night and glanced at Claude.
What was going on? Why did Tyler warn her about upsetting Claude?
He noticed her gaze. âWhat is it?"
âI... was just thinking about something.â
âHmm?â
âDo you think there might come a time when you... hurt me?â
âNo way,â Claude replied immediately.
She hadn't expected such a quick answer.
He looked at her and grinned. âWhy would I do that? You're the first girl
I've been interested in since I got back.â
âReally?â she asked tentatively.
âReally.â
For some reason, Olivia trusted him. âOkay, I believe you.â
«
The drive took about 3 to 4 hours until they reached Sereneville. Olivia
stared out the window, lost in thought as familiar sights passed by.
Claude knew what was on her mind. âDo you remember where your old
house is? I can take you there.
âIt's next to the elementary school I used to attend, St. Hope.â
âAlright.â
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âNo! Itâs fine,â she said hurriedly. It was a little too far away.
But Claude knew it meant more than just distance. She hadn't been
happy living with the Joneses maybe she would've been happier here
in this humble place.
âLetâs go. It's your home, after all.â
In silence, they pulled up to a small, rundown house near St. Hope
School, Olivia was shocked to see
her childhood home.
Claude got out of the car and opened the door. He took her hand and
led her through a cobweb-filled door.
âWhat are you doing?" she asked.