Chapter 12: Reconciliation
Although Professor Lauren had great confidence in Chloe’s abilities, Chloe couldn’t help but feel a bit. worried after all these years. She thought it might be better to manage expectations, so the disappointment wouldn’t be overwhelming if she failed
“Professor, I don’t think you should set your expectations too high. What if I can’t live up to them…” Chloe said cautiously.
there’s nothing you can’t
“What are you talking about? How could you not succeed? If you’re determine achieve. It’s been years, Chloe, why have you become so insecure? And if il, that would be a real slap in the face for me!” Professor Lauren replied, her tone brimming with conuence in Chloe.
Chloe smiled helplessly. There weren’t many people in the world who believed in her so wholeheartedly, but Professor Lauren had always been her strongest supporter. Not wanting to disappoint her, Chloe decided she had to do her best and give it her all. As her professor said, if she put her mind to it, there was nothing she couldn’t accomplish.
After discussing the important matters, Professor Lauren suddenly noticed something. “But wait, we’ve been talking for so long–where’s Wyatt? Did he run off again?”
Hearing her name, Wyatt emerged from the garden. “Professor, I would never just run off.”
“Well, it’s happened before. Anyway, it’s rare for both of you to visit me together. Stay for a meal. I’ll cook something special for you,” Professor Lauren said cheerfully, clearly thrilled to have them both there.
However, the moment she made the offer, both Chloe and Wyatt exchanged awkward glances. They knew something Professor Lauren might not her cooking wasn’t exactly a treat.
“Professor, you’re still recovering. Let me handle the cooking. I’ve gotten much better at it over the years,” Chloe quickly volunteered, a bit afraid of what might happen if the professor actually cooked for them.
While Professor Lauren’s dishes were technically fine, the taste was always… unique.
Hearing Chloe’s offer, the professor’s lips twitched, but she understood the sentiment. Reluctantly, she agreed. “Alright then, I’ll leave it to you.”
To
everyone’s surprise, Wyatt offered to help in the kitchen.
As Chloe and Wyatt moved to the kitchen, Professor Lauren watched them with a smile. Despite the passing years, Chloe still remembered exactly what her professor liked to eat. As soon as she saw the ingredients in the kitchen, Chloe knew what to prepare.
“I’ll wash the vegetables,” Wyatt said, rolling up his sleeves and efficiently getting to work.
Chloe, while thinking about what to cook, asked him, “Is there anything you particularly like or dislike?”
“Whatever you make is fine. I’m not picky,” Wyatt replied simply.
Chloe paused for a moment. **Well, that’s easy. She thought to herself.
For Wyatt, food was just fuel. He didn’t care much about the taste, so he was happy with whatever Chloe prepared.
They worked in comfortable silence, but Chloe soon noticed something peculiar–Wyatt had a habit of organizing the washed vegetables by size and shape, almost as if he were conducting a scientific experiment. Seeing this, Chloe couldn’t help but smile.
Over the years, Chloe had honed her cooking skills, mainly to please Julian, who had a refined palate. She had poured a lot of effort into learning to cook well, and tonight, that effort showed.
At the dinner table, Professor Lauren looked at the spread of dishes, all her favorites. Her heart swelled with emotion
Even after all these years, Chloe remembered exactly what she liked to eat, a clear sign that Chloe had never truly forgotten or given up on her
The atmosphere was warm and relaxed as the three of them enjoyed their meal together. Afterward, Chloe began cleaning up the kitchen, and Wyatt quickly joined her. Though they didn’t speak much, their teamwork was seamless, as if they had done this a hundred times before.
Suddenly, Professor Lauren appeared at the kitchen door, her curiosity piqued. “I forgot to ask earlier- Chloe, how did you meet your rather aloof senior here?
ratt was one of her
Throughout her years of teaching, she had met many brilliant students. proudest. Chloe, on the other hand, had been one of her favorites, almo students as well. She had always hoped the two would meet, but the opportunity hadn’t come until now.
orning one of her top
Just as Chloe was about to answer, the doorbell rang. Professor Lauren excused herself to answer it, leaving Chloe to focus on cleaning up.
When the professor opened the door, she was momentarily taken aback by the young woman standing there. She recognized her–Ella, who had visited her in the hospital recently.
Ella stood at the door with a bright, sincere smile. “Professor, I heard you’ve returned home
recover, SO
I came to visit. I’ve brought a lot of things to help you regain your strength.”
Only then did Professor Lauren notice a car parked outside, with people moving items in and out. Judging by the scale of it all, it was clear that Ella had brought a lot.
Ella continued, “I wanted to check on your recovery, but also… I wanted to ask about the spot we discussed before…”
Her voice grew more tentative as she asked about the student placement she had inquired about earlier. Ella respected Professor Lauren deeply and hoped to secure her favor.
However, she failed to notice the shift in Professor Lauren’s demeanor, which had grown noticeably colder.
Chapter 13: She Got It Wrong
