Chapter 18
The entire inspection and negotiation went smoothly, and the Bernard Group immediately decided to provide one million dollars to the school every year starting from next month. The requirement is that all students must go to college, whether it is a university or a college.
If students drop out for reasons other than physical health for three consecutive years, and the enrollment rate decreases, the Bernard Group will immediately stop all funding.
The contract was signed smoothly, and the principal and accompanying teachers warmly invited them to have a meal at the newly built cafeteria in the school.
On the way, Hugo hesitated to speak, but in the end, it was the principal who broached the topic first.
“Mr. Bernard, were you looking for me to ask about Aline?”
Hugo’s eyes lit up instantly. Before Hugo could speak, the principal continued.
“Aline mentioned you to me before, and I know where she is, but she won’t see you.”
Hugo’s fingers clenched spasmodically, nails digging deeply into the fragile skin of his palm, causing a sharp stabbing pain that did little to alleviate the excruciating pain in his chest.
Just like in the past, why wouldn’t she want to see him, when she clearly loved him so much.
The principal seemed to know Hugo’s question, and as he looked at the distant mountain peak shrouded in clouds, he remembered the past.
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“Aline lost her parents at a young age and I took her in to take care of her. I was always busy with school work, but Aline was very well–behaved. She not only didn’t cause trouble, but also helped me out in a sensible way…”
The principal’s voice sounded like it was coming from a distance, and Hugo gradually saw a small figure in front of him. She followed behind the principal, doing what she could responsibly.
“It was in such an environment that Aline developed a resilient and indomitable character. Nothing could defeat her, nothing could drive her away, unless she was extremely disappointed in something and chose to leave on her own, and you must have done something like that.”
Although Adeline did not go into detail with the principal about what happened between them, the principal probably also guessed some of it.
The principal turned to look at Hugo, with those eyes that had weathered the storms and still remained resolute, gazing into the depths of Hugo’s
soul.
Hugo clearly saw himself in the principal’s eyes at that moment, in pain, full of regret, but unable to say a word. His throat felt like it was blocked by a stone, and he could only manage to utter a single syllable with all his might.
“I…”
“So that’s why she won’t look back, Mr. Bernard. You can’t force feelings like this, otherwise both people will end up getting hurt in the end.”
After finishing speaking, the principal no longer looked at Hugo. He walked away alone towards the distance, leaving Hugo standing alone in loneliness, like a silent statue.
It was not until late at night that Adeline returned with the other teachers. She thought that even though the inspection had taken a long time, the
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people from the Bernard Group would leave on the same day.
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As soon as she got out of the van, she saw Hugo’s Maybach at a glance.
She was really familiar with this car.
Hugo used this car to take her around the streets and alleys of New York, prepared various surprises for her in this car, and even made love crazily in this car.
However, later on, the same car was used by Hugo to do all the things he had done with another woman.
Adeline looked away and was about to continue walking towards the school when the person in the driver’s seat of the Maybach opened the door and got out.
Without any signs, not even a hint, two people who were never expected to meet each other suddenly met.
At this moment, time suddenly froze, the earthy smell of mud after the rain disappeared, the faint voices of children playing on the distant playground disappeared, leaving only the frantic heartbeat and rapid breathing in Hugo’s chest.
“Aline.”
Hugo did not expect to see Adeline here.
It’s only been three months since we last met, but the woman in front of me has changed drastically.
The long hair that used to reach the waist has now been cut into a neat shoulder–length bob, and the white dress has been replaced by a faded white shirt and jeans.
The smooth skin that was once carefully nurtured by Hugo has now become rough.
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Hugo almost thought he had mistaken the person.
Adeline also looked at Hugo, she never expected to see Hugo here.
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The moment she saw Hugo, the deep buried sorrow surged up to her throat again, twisting like a python around her windpipe. Snowflake–like static appeared at the edges of her retina, memories rewinding like a tape being played backwards, those painful past scenes replaying in her mind
A long time later, the wind carried Adeline’s voice into Hugo’s ears and landed in Hugo’s heart.
“Hugo, why did you come to see me?”
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