Chapter 128 My Good Nephew
It was the coldest time of winter, seven or eight years ago, with snow drifting down like feathers.
Dalton was originally going to find a secret place to smoke, but halfway there, he heard the low sobs coming from a locked stall in the women’s restroom.
Teens were rebellious by nature, so bullying on campus wasn’t uncommon. But as he finished his cigarette and the low hum of weeping grew louder from the women’s room, he couldn’t seem to move forward.
He usually didn’t mind other people’s business, but that day, he felt as if he had lost his soul and walked over.
When Dalton kicked open the stall door, Meryl was small and shrinking in the corner, trembling with cold, not even wearing a coat. Even now, Dalton could recall how Meryl looked – her eyes wet but also so clean, as if they could reflect the entire world. Dalton’s heart skipped a beat. It was that glance, that eye contact, that made him fall. It was as if a seed of love suddenly awakened deep within his soul. He was so strongly drawn to Meryl that he couldn’t bear to look away.
His heart was beating fiercely, and he even noticed a flush rising on his face. He was thankful the bathroom light was dim, and he was standing against the light, so Meryl probably saw nothing. To ease the awkwardness, he feigned nonchalance, turned around, and tossed a gray scarf from his neck to her. Meryl was wearing only a pale yellow sweater at the time, her lips purple and cold. He guessed she must be chilly.
That scarf marked the beginning of their relationship and served as a symbol of their commitment. Dalton thought she would treasure the scarf, but a month ago, Meryl had actually thrown it away. She had kept it for seven or eight years, only to discard it without a second thought. Dalton’s memories came to an abrupt halt. Looking at Meryl in front of him, he suddenly felt as if he were in a different world. She was still wearing pale yellow, but she seemed so changed, especially the way she looked at him, with a hint of coldness.
“I wasn’t looking for you,” Meryl said calmly, stepping back two steps to put distance between them.
“Really? Then who were you looking for? Lydia?”
Dalton frowned, tilted his head, and said to her, “You can’t possibly be here to see Chandler, can you?” He paused, then his face grew serious with a hint of sarcasm. “Haven’t you given up yet? Are you still trying to use Chandler to infuriate me?”
Meryl didn’t respond, walked past Dalton, and headed towards the villa’s main door.
Dalton grabbed her. “Meryl, stop messing around. Can you tell me what this is all about?”
Meryl glared at him and didn’t want to waste any more time. She raised her hand, jangling the diamond ring on her finger. “I’m married to Chandler. From now on, when you see me, call me ‘aunt,’ got it? My good nephew.”
Dalton was completely stunned, not able to react for quite a while. A few days ago, Dalton had noticed Meryl wearing a diamond ring, but she seemed to be wearing it just for fun. He thought, “Young girls these days like wearing rings as jewelry. It can’t be an engagement ring.”
Dalton found it absurd and completely unbelievable. He quickened his pace to catch up with her, mocking, “You didn’t buy a ring off the street to trick me into thinking it’s an engagement ring, did you? Why would you tell such a lie? Don’t you think it’s ridiculous?”
Meryl ignored him, didn’t even deign to look at him. The main door opened, and Meryl went inside, with Dalton chasing after her.
“Meryl, stop making trouble!”
All members of the Aniston family’s branches were present today. Dalton didn’t want to air his private business in front of everyone and didn’t want to embarrass himself. Besides, there were a lot of schemes in the rich household, with everyone having their own agendas. Apart from Chandler, the busy man, all the well-arranged members were in the living room.
Upon hearing Dalton’s voice, everyone in the room turned their heads uniformly towards the direction of the main door.