Chapter 370
Kieran had maintained a low profile for years, with scarce personal information available online. Yet he consistently broke his own rules for Rose, making high-profile appearances with her at various venues.
No media outlet dared publish Kieran’s photos or details without his explicit consent. This “leak” undoubtedly had his approval.
After some thought, Alarieka concluded Kieran did this either to indulge Rose’s penchant for online self-promotion, or to overshadow the recent McIntosh Piano Competition buzz.
She opened the photos. Taken from behind, they showed Rose linking arms with Kieran as they walked behind their elders, their intimacy palpable.
In one shot, Rose had just turned to speak to Kieran, her eyes curved into crescents, her brows etched with happiness. Kieran leaned in attentively, listening to every word.
But none of this mattered.
Alarieka zoomed in on Rose’s abdomen.
Rose’s sideways posture and form-fitting dress accentuated the subtle swell of her belly.
By Alarieka’s calculation, Rose’s pregnancy had reached four months—clearly showing now.
Time hadn’t dulled Alarieka’s grief over her daughter Sophia’s death in her past life, nor could it quell her bitterness toward Rose’s unborn son.
She’d never forget: Rose’s precious son had commandeered the first ambulance for a scraped knee, leaving Alarieka’s critically injured daughter at the crash site. When the second ambulance finally transported Sophia, the doctor later emerged to say:
“We’re sorry. Your daughter bled to death due to delayed treatment. Had she arrived just thirty minutes earlier… we did everything we could.”
The cruel irony?
The first ambulance reached the hospital exactly thirty minutes before Sophia’s.
Had her daughter boarded that initial ambulance, immediate care might have saved her.
All hope drained from Alarieka as she collapsed. Through blurred vision, she saw Kieran holding Rose’s son while Rose radiated post-disaster joy. The boy animatedly demanded Kieran lift him high up.
The memory snapped back to reality as Alarieka scanned countless fan comments wishing health upon Rose and Kieran’s child, others eagerly speculating about their upcoming engagement venue and extravagance.
Alarieka squeezed her eyes shut.
The malicious thoughts hidden in her heart grew wildly, nearly drowning all her reason.
She slapped her phone down, fists clenching the bedsheet.
Alarieka slowly let out a breath.
She realized she needed to pick up the pace.
She and Jaylene were among Nie Guanyu’s top students, progressing at lightning speed. Nie Guanyu now not only struggled with work and annoying superiors and colleagues but also agonized daily over what to teach them next, constantly scratching his head in frustration.
At this rate, Alarieka figured they could discuss starting a business with Jaylene and Nie Guanyu after the National College Entrance Examination.
Since that day, Alarieka hadn’t seen Shi Yao again, nor heard any movement from the apartment opposite. It seemed Shi Yao had left early and never returned.
Alarieka recalled Shi Yao being drugged that day.
Shi Yao was no ordinary person.
From his face and his exceptional, aloof demeanor, Alarieka could tell she must avoid further contact.
Someone who cherished hard-won peace wouldn’t willingly approach potential danger, not wanting to disrupt that tranquility.
Though lately, neighborhood gossip about her and Shi Yao had reached her ears.
Alarieka tucked the banknotes Shi Yao returned into the deepest part of her bookshelf.
It was best if Shi Yao remained this elusive—they should keep their distance.
Alarieka, Jaylene, and Nie Guanyu usually studied at a coffee shop for extended periods. To avoid being asked to leave, Alarieka continuously ordered drinks and coffee, leaving all three stomachs sloshing with caffeine.
When Alarieka arrived, Jaylene and Nie Guanyu hadn’t shown up yet.
She habitually took a corner seat, accepted the menu from the barista, ordered three coffees, and waited—both for the drinks and her friends.