Chapter 11
The word “our family” felt absurd. I’d felt that way before, only to be replaced by Sophie on the eve of victory. Even when they were celebrating and taking pictures, everyone shifted into wolves, huddling closely together. I couldn’t find a place to fit in at all. What kind of family was this?
I answered firmly,“I’m not joining the team. I want to focus on my studies.”
Lucas sneered.“But you begged me to teach you, trained with me at night, and said you wanted to be a regular member. Why didn’t you mention studying then?”
A twinge of pain shot through my wolf. She felt disappointed. I’d done all that to get closer to him, to find common ground. That was no longer necessary.
I replied, “Gaming was affecting my studies. My grades dropped last month, so I want to stop.”
He was speechless.“Fine. Don’t regret it! Only Sophie will be visible at the competition; she’ll seem like the only Ashford Family member.” Since Lina was so ungrateful, fine. He didn’t care.
“That’s fine.” I turned and left the dining room.
Back in my room, I focused on my studies, reviewing forgotten material.
The next day after school, Sophie and I arrived at the school gate. The driver was waiting.
Sophie said, “I’m going to training camp. The driver needs to take me first; we’re not going the same way.”
The driver said flatly,“Miss Lina, I received a call from Mr.Lucas. I need to take Miss Sophie first.”
I didn’t care.“I’ll take a taxi home.”
Sophie got in the car, a glint in her eye.“Lina, I’ll talk to Lucas.”
I turned and walked away.
She watched me go, biting her lip. Her wolf whispered, “LINA, WAIT FOR IT! I’LL TAKE EVERYTHING FROM YOU
ONE DAY! EVERYTHING!”
I found myself reluctant to return to the Ashford Family. Maybe I could find a study room nearby.
“Young lady, why are you wandering around after school?”
A handsome man stood before me; it was Jason. He usually wore a mask and a lab coat; I almost didn’t recognize him.
“I don’t want to go home. I need a study room.”
“Come with me.”
Hesitantly, I followed him to the infirmary.“Why are we here? I’m better.”
He gestured to a desk.“It’s quieter and safer than a study room.”
I considered it. He was right. I put down my bag.“I’ll be careful.”
I opened my books. Jason glanced at me, his expression cold, before going to the examination room and closing the door.
I looked up to find it was getting late. I saw his nameplate – Jason Fairmont.
“Finished staring?”
I blushed, putting the nameplate down.“I wasn’t looking; I just saw it.”
“Finished your homework?”
< Chapter 11
“Yes, except some I didn’t understand; I’ll ask the teacher tomorrow.”
He took my notebook.“Can’t you solve such a simple probem?”
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I felt a little disheartened.“I wasn’t serious before. Other things distracted me from my studies.” My wolf muttered, “I’M NOT STUPID! I’M NOT STUPID!”
“Listen carefully. I’ll only say this once.” He wrote and explained the problems.
I stared at him, my feelings complex. Because of Sophie, I had fewer friends, and even the teachers didn’t like me. No one had ever helped me with my homework.
His gaze was soft.“With your attention span, you’re probably daydreaming in class!”
I quickly said, “Sorry. I’ll pay attention.”
He seemed to soften slightly.
The
warm evening light illuminated us. I sat; he stood, one hand on the desk, explaining.
“Can you think outside the box? This is the same method as the last problem.”
“How could you not see such an obvious trick in this question? Are your eyes just for show?”
“Have you ever had an IQ test? Maybe you’re below average. Do it again!”
His voice was flat, but his words stung. Thankfully, I knew his personality.
I persevered.“Thank you, Doctor Fairmont. You’re amazing; you still remember all this after school.”
He twirled his pen.“Don’t you have a tutor at home?”
I murmured, “I don’t want to owe them.” Tutoring was expensive; I didn’t have the money, nor did I want to ask the Ashford Family.
He watched my face, my lowered eyes concealing my emotions.
I cautiously looked up “Doctor Fairmont, can I ask you questions later?”
He turned away, his tone unnatural.“I’m busy.”
I wasn’t angry. He tapped the desk, then added, “Depends on my mood.
I smiled.“Thank you, Doctor… no, Master Fairmont!”
I left before he could respond. He smirked. Might as well pass the time.
Back home, it was dark. The butler said, “The masters and Miss Sophie are out for dinner.”
“Okay.”
I ate alone, enjoying the quiet. I unlocked my phone and saw Sophie’s post: Having dinner with my brothers! They looked happy. I closed the app and continued eating.
The next morning, only Sophie was at the table. She boasted, “I improved a lot at training camp yesterday.”
I ate silently, ignoring her. She didn’t mind my coldness; she knew I was secretly furious.
I quickly finished and left. The driver remained motionless.“Miss Sophie isn’t ready yet.”
After ten minutes, she still hadn’t come. I was irritated. “I’ll be late!”
I couldn’t tolerate the Ashford Family anymore. My wolf desperately craved freedom.
I opened the car door to leave when Brandon appeared.“What difference does it make? Her father saved your life; he didn’t
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< Chapter 11
abandon you. Yet you can’t even wait for Sophie.”
My hand gripped the door handle tightly.
