Chapter 25%
Margaret remained silent for a moment. She understood that after everything that had happened, Iris would inevitably face hostility and judgment at school.
“How about this?” Margaret finally said gently. “In a few days, I’ll find you a private tutor. You can study at home and only go to school for exams.
Seeing the warmth in Margaret’s smile, Iris felt a weight lift off her chest
She had no appetite for dinner. Instead, she went straight to her room, pulled the covers over herself, and fell into a deep sleep. For the first time in a long while, she was able to rest without worrying about what awaited her at school.
After three days at home, her father indeed found a private tutor–a woman in her early thirties who not only taught academic subjects but also spoke fluent British English.
Iris wasn’t just studying for her exams anymore, she was also practicing speaking British English with her tutor, preparing for the possibility of studying abroad in the future.
Without the distractions of school and without the risk of running into Wendel, her days passed quickly and peacefully.”
Soon, it was time for the exams.
Ins woke up early, reviewed all the key topics once more, and then set off for the exam hall.
Half an hour before the test, she was still focused on revising. Then, suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.
“Iris, long time no see”
Iris froze.
That voice–she could never forget it!
She turned around and saw Wendel, looking filthy and disheveled.2
For a moment, she felt like breaking downl
It had been four or five months since she last saw him. She had hoped he would finally move on, find someone else, and stop entangling himself in her life.
But here he was–still refusing to give up.
And worse, he had chosen to appear at this critical moment–the day of her college entrance exam.
What was he planning to do?3
Iris felt a chill running down her spine
Would he cause a scene in front of everyone? Would he try to drag her away by force?)
Would he do something to ruin her future?”
She forced herself to stay calm, took a deep breath, and stood up.
“What are you doing here?” she said coldly. “This is a school. This is an exam hall. It’s not the place for you to throw one of your tantrums!”
But to her surprise, Wendel looked like a scolded child. He waved his hands frantically and stammered, “No, Iris, that’s not it! You’ve got it all wrong!“.
As he spoke, he pulled out a crumpled wad of cash from his pocket.
“Look!” he said eagerly. “I earned this by working three jobs–three! I even worked in a coal mine! I saved up this money so that when you go abroad. I’ll have enough to come find you. So just focus on your exam!!!
“And I’ve divorced Esther. I finally understand now–you were the one I’ve loved all along.”
His voice cracked, his eyes filled with desperation. “So, can you forgive me? Just this once? Give me, another chance to love you properly.”
“You always wanted to marry me, right? Let’s get married,
Iris hadn’t expected this.
Even after all this time, even after everything that had happened–he still wouldn’t let her go.
Maybe his determination was admirable, but at the same time, it was utterly naïve.
People were not the same.!!
The difference between taking a plane to London and cramming onto a crowded boat for days was not the same
The gap between people could be greater than the gap between a person and a dog.&
But at that moment, she had no energy to argue with him.
She simply smiled–a smile filled with unreadable meaning.
“Alright,” she said. “But my exams come first. Don’t disturb me these next few days. “E
Wendel’s face lit up with joy. “Iris, does this mean you forgive me? Are you willing to come home with me?”
Finch Elped with His First Love
