Chapter 37: She Is The First

She’s such a foolish girl. Caleb said angrily, “Look, you’re completely drenched! What would Mr. Sherman say if he saw you like this?”

Gianna was utterly indifferent. “I’ve been at odds with him since we were kids, so what’s the big deal about another reprimand?”

She pleaded, “Caleb, let’s go back to my private mansion. My parents hardly ever go there. I can protect you there, and the Quixall family won’t be able to find you.”

Caleb calmed down, asking, “What if they do?”

Raquel and Gianna were the best of friends. Even if they had a falling out, they would likely reconcile later. Living with Gianna was not exactly a good decision, as he could be captured by the Quixall family at any moment.

Gianna paused. “Caleb, I… I never mentioned that place to Raquel before. Apart from my family, you’re the only one I’ve told.”

Caleb couldn’t quite put a finger on what he felt at that moment. Strangely, an unusual warmth flowed through his heart, granting him a fleeting moment of pleasure. After his release from prison, Gianna was the first person to genuinely show him care and concern, a particularly rare act of kindness.

Before he knew it, Caleb agreed, “Alright, I’ll go back with you.”

Gianna could hardly believe her own ears. “Caleb, you will? Really?” She was overjoyed, subconsciously releasing Caleb’s hand.

Caleb cleared his throat lightly. “The rain is getting heavier. If the place is too far from here, I’m not going back with you.”

Gianna hurriedly said, “It’s not far. It’s not far at all! We’ll be there in less than ten minutes. It’ll be real quick!” She took Caleb’s hand once again and started to run.

Caught in the heavy rain, Caleb momentarily forgot about the troubles that had been plaguing him. He asked, “How did you manage to find me?”

Gianna said sheepishly, “I heard about Jesse’s hospitalization. Knowing that the Quixall family would treat you badly, I decided to come find you.”

Just when she was feeling utterly disheartened, she spotted Caleb near her private mansion and quickly approached him with an umbrella. Seeing Caleb in such a sorry state, Gianna felt distressed. She had asked around, but Caleb was neither at the hospital nor at the Quixall residence. The fact that he was outside meant that the Quixall family had kicked him out. They didn’t allow him to live his own life, nor did they permit him to break free from their control. Having served five years in prison wasn’t enough for them. They even sought to control his every move, including his life.

Soon, the mansion appeared before them. Gianna’s private mansion was situated in a remote location, rarely visited by anyone. Caleb glanced around, finally letting his guard down. He was genuinely afraid of running into Miriam. If they were to meet again, escape would no longer be easy.

Upon entering the house, Gianna handed over a towel. “Caleb, you should dry off first. You’re dripping wet.”

Caleb gave a nod. “You’re equally drenched. Go take a hot shower.”

As Gianna was taking off her coat, she explained, “There are bathrooms on both the first and second floors. Caleb, why don’t you use the one on the first floor? That way, we won’t get in each other’s way.”

“Alright.”

Caleb took a moment to observe the surroundings. The layout of Gianna’s home was strikingly different from that of the Quixall residence. For instance, the stark white walls of the Quixall residence stretched endlessly, devoid of any adornments. In Gianna’s home, not only were the walls painted pink, but they were also adorned with numerous items. In summary, the decor looked good.