10
Lucas’s secret base turned out to be a tree hollow in the lakeside park.
In the past, whenever Lucas had something on his mind, he would run here to pour out his feelings.
Each time, I would stand about ten meters away, watching him curl up in the tree hollow from a distance, like a child craving his mother’s embrace.
But this time, before we could get close, I saw Chloe sitting barefoot in the tree hollow, painting.
“Mr. Foster, you’re here! The teacher asked us to paint a deer, but I can’t get it right. Come help me quickly!” she called out.
Lucas’s eyes lit up, and he skillfully crawled into the tree hollow, squeezing in next to Chloe.
Such close physical contact was something I had tried for seven years but never achieved.
“Mrs. Foster, you’re here too. Oh dear, the tree hollow is too small, there’s no room for a third person,” Chloe said, her tone full of challenge.
I didn’t mind, just stared intently at Lucas.
“I didn’t want her to come in,” he said.
“She’s not qualified.”
“If she’s not, am I the only one who is?” Chloe asked.
Seeing Lucas nod, Chloe smiled with satisfaction.
I held back my heartache and turned to leave.
Lucas thought I would wait for him nearby like before.
But I went straight home, quickly packed a few clothes, and resolutely walked out the door.
I walked on the bustling streets for a long time. The world outside, full of cars and people, felt somewhat unfamiliar to me.
As it got dark, I decided to find a place to settle down.
I called Emma, and she quickly came to pick me up in her flashy sports car.
*Are you sure you don’t want to come home? Mom has already prepared your room,” she said.
I shook my head and refused. If the Fosters didn’t agree to the divorce, they would surely find ways to force me back.
“You’re right. There’s a large apartment in East City Gardens that Mom and Dad prepared as your dowry. It’s already registered under your name. I’ll take you there now, Emma said.
I was a bit overwhelmed. East City Gardens was the most expensive luxury residence in the city, with each apartment costing at least eight figures.
10:56 AM
<
C
“Don’t feel awkward about it. You deserve this,” Emma said, handing me the property deed and keys. She asked what my plans were.
“After the divorce, I want to go back to school. But I’m a bit old, I don’t know if it’s possible?” I said.
“Of course it’s possible! I can help you contact my alma mater. I remember you were interested in fashion design back then. That’s their flagship program. When you graduate, we sisters can join forces and dominate the fashion world…” Emma’s words successfully made me laugh.
My heart gradually settled. To study abroad, I needed to pass the language test first.
The next day, I went to a training institute and hired a private tutor.
Every day, I would get up before dawn to memorize vocabulary and practice speaking. Even at midnight, I was reluctant to sleep.
Such a fulfilling life actually gave me a taste of freedom.
I could work hard for myself, without having to carry the burden of someone else’s life.
It felt amazing.
A month later, I successfully passed the IELTS test and qualified to apply for schools.
I called Emma out to celebrate, but just as we reached the bar entrance, I saw Mrs. Foster looking haggard.
