The experiment required a lot of paint. As we were still developing the paint formula, we didn't mass produce it or employ any assistants. Nico and I had to do everything. Since there was a sudden hike in the demand for paint, we would be kept quite busy for a while.However, I was certain that our hard work would come to fruition. This winter, thanks to Colin's and my constant efforts, we had completed slightly more than half of the colonial-style project. At our current progress, it would take us another one and a half years maximum to finish everything.In December, also on the day Jinovy snowed for the first time, Colin and I received an invitation letter from Lincoln University. The university's 100th anniversary would be held on December 18th. As stellar alumni, Colin and I were invited to attend it.Our exceptional achievements after graduation would be celebrated, and they could inspire the current students. As a Lincoln University alumnus, I felt honored. I had worked day a
The snow was heavy, covering the ground like a thick blanket.The orange streetlights cast various shades of color onto the pure white snow, making it seem as if fine snowflakes were still drifting through the air.Inside the car, soothing music was playing, and a faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air. Leaning against Colin's shoulder, I looked at the flickering lights that seemed like the memories of the past years. The bad ones were like darkness, which were best to be forgotten, while the good ones were like light, so they should remain along with time.The car stopped near the hotel's gate, which was still about a hundred yards from the lobby.Winter in Denville was astonishingly cold. Once we stepped out of the car, the icy air froze my cheeks, making it difficult to breathe. The cold quickly penetrated my thick coat through the collar. I pulled up the hood of the coat and tightened the collar before quickly dashing toward the lobby. The snow beneath my shoes squeaked wit
There were three segments—recalling the past, looking at the present, and envisioning the future. Each segment received enthusiastic applause from the thousands of students in the audience.Colin was asked to give a speech on the spot as a representative.The university didn't mention this before, so he wasn't prepared. But Colin was a renowned lecturer at Jesselton College. With a less than ten-minute speech that was both inspiring and motivational, he successfully energized the crowd.Most students, who had heard of him but had never seen him in person, went wild with their cheers.Even after he returned to his seat, they were still shouting his name.After the ceremony, the university held a reception in the cafeteria. There would be performances in the open-air venue in the evening.Because of the incident with Jasmine, Colin and I had become well-known figures at Lincoln University. Moreover, the series of paintings I created for the Dreamlight project further boosted my fam
I could guess why Queenie didn't want to attend the gathering. So, I told Colin I wanted to accompany Queenie.Besides, most of those attending would be the guys who would just eat and drink, and I didn't know many people there. It was pointless for me to go. My presence might even make them feel awkward and unable to fully enjoy themselves.Colin teased me, saying that I would rather skip a gathering to become a third wheel for the couple, wondering what I was thinking. But, he didn't insist that I attend the gathering.However, Wesley was having none of it. He said that almost everyone who used to hang out together had come this time, so he didn't want anyone to miss out on this rare reunion, especially me. He insisted that I should attend, reminding me how they had treated me like a younger sister back then. And if I didn't go, it would make them feel like they had failed as big brothers.I didn't quite understand what he meant, but his sincere invitation touched me. I remembe
However, the "I'll see you if I want to" method was so childish. It wasn't something Flynn would do.I responded with a half-hearted "Oh.""'Oh?' Why aren't you worried at all? With Jasmine's personality, she wouldn't go half a year without us hearing something about her. I think she's planning something big. You need to be more careful. We mustn't underestimate that sneaky woman." Queenie reminded me worriedly as she pinched me with her fingertips.I rubbed my sore arm and smiled. "A piece of information from an unknown source isn't enough to alarm us, Mrs. Lambert."Queenie's face turned red. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching, then lowered her voice and scolded me, "There's no smoke without fire. Be more alert, you ungrateful woman. If I weren't worried about you getting hurt, I would've gone to the ice park. ""She's schemed against us so many times before, but she hasn't managed to harm us. We'll handle whatever comes our way. Don't worry. Colin is here, and s
But Wesley, being a bit thick-headed, didn't take my words seriously or understand my intentions. He shook his head regretfully."Speaking of which, Flynn wasn't bad to you. He really cared about you, and those punches of his were powerful. It's a pity, though. Time waits for no one. I was always envious of how good you two were together. Shame. It's such a shame that such a loving couple couldn't make it in the end." He sighed dramatically like it was the biggest regret ever.Seriously, why did he bring that up? Everyone had the same thought, but what was the use of saying it out loud? Him and his big mouth!If he weren't a few years older than me and if the setting were different, I would've kicked him. He was so tactless.I grabbed a small orange nearby before shoving the entire thing into Wesley's mouth without peeling it. He choked so hard on it that his eyes rolled back. At least it stopped him from talking for a bit.I never realized before that this guy could be such a c
Queenie and I took our seats.The lone empty chair opposite us stood out somewhat awkwardly.Was that seat reserved for her? I suddenly remembered the mysterious text message and found myself staring at the empty chair, lost in thought."You don't look well. Are you feeling sick? Did you catch a cold? Do you need to leave early?" Colin noticed my unease immediately. As he leaned in close to whisper those words to me, his warm lips grazed my ear, prompting my heart to skip a beat."I'm fine. Whose seat is that?" I continued to stare at the empty chair.Colin glanced over and replied, "Flynn mentioned it might be Jasmine's, but I..."Before he could finish, a loud voice that demanded attention came from the doorway."I'm so sorry I'm late. Thank you all for waiting. To make up for it, I'll treat everyone to a karaoke session after dinner."The way she spoke exuded familiarity, as if everyone present were her close friends and she was the center of attention, deserving of everyone
Women were always the ones to initiate conversations. Upon hearing this, Jasmine subtly glanced in Colin's and my direction, only to quickly look away. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and somewhat shyly replied, "It's almost ten full months now. The due date is just a few days away. After the baby is born, I'll invite you all. Whatever you want to eat, I'll have the best arranged for you." People around her immediately responded. It was so awkward it was painful.Meanwhile, I felt as if a heavy, wet blanket was smothering my chest, making it difficult to breathe. I struggled to move my gaze away from her large belly."Did she get married?" Queenie asked me."I haven't heard anything.""Neither have I. So, where did this baby come from?""No idea."I had no experience with what a full-term pregnancy looked like, but judging by Jasmine's waistline, it was evident she was quite far along. Based on Jasmine's claim of being ten months pregnant, the baby must have been