SWNOVELS Chapter 77
Chapter 77
“I’ll take this call,” Charles said to Naomi after checking the incoming call.
Naomi nodded. “Sure.”
She walked ahead, observing the old shops on both sides of the street. Due to years of neglect and exposure to wind and sun, the shops bore deep, mottled marks.
Camphor trees lined the sides of the street, their long branches dense and hanging down. It was as if counting the passing years, months, and days.
This was an old street, not in a bustling area, and the items sold were necessities of daily life. Most of the shopkeepers were elderly, exuding a tranquil air marked by the passage of time.
It seemed like her first serious shopping trip since she returned, and this place had not changed much from three years ago. It was as she remembered.
However, upon closer inspection, there were subtle differences. Perhaps it was the passage of time, her own growth, and the changes in herself.
Naomi observed everything closely, feeling the serenity and calmness of this place.
Suddenly, a figure entered her line of sight, and Naomi’s gaze subtly shifted as she looked over.
A thin, tall teenager in sportswear, carrying a single–shoulder backpack, had a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He exuded a rebellious air.
At that moment, he was grabbing a shorter boy and raising his fist at him. Despite the potentially menacing situation, his handsome face did not match the aggression. Instead, it radiated a kind of
reckless charm.
Naomi frowned. If she remembered correctly, the boy had to be John from her uncle’s family.
It had been three years since she last saw this child, and he had grown taller. His facial features had developed, making him even more handsome.
She vividly remembered how he was preparing for his high school entrance exams when she married Scott. Due to the heavy academic workload, he could not attend her wedding, especially when the
exams were near.
However, her mother informed her that he had been accepted into high school, albeit slightly below. the initial expectations. It seemed like he did not perform as well as expected during the exams.
Three years had passed. He should be taking the college entrance exams in two months.
However…
She looked at the child’s rebellious demeanor, the once sharp eyes devoid of youthful innocence. It made Naomi frown involuntarily.
Chapter 77
From a young age, this child had been intelligent and sensible. Although not biologically related to Naomi’s uncle, he had been raised as their own, never lacking in care. His bond with the family was strong, and she remembered him being well–behaved, polite, and refined every time she saw hi
It
seemed like he had undergone a drastic change.
“I’m sorry, Naomi, but I think I need to return to Horizon City for a while,” said Charles apologetically, ending the call.
Naomi’s thoughts were interrupted, and she glanced at the child before retracting her gaze.
“Is it something related to academics?” she inquired, her gaze showing concern as she looked at
Charles.
Charles shook his head, a look of helplessness on his face. “It’s Sean.”
Sean?
Naomi instantly recalled the day when Amelia came to see her. Sean and Amelia were together that morning, but by the afternoon, only Amelia remained.
When she asked Amelia about Sean in private, Amelia dismissed the question, making it clear she did not want to talk about it. As an adult with independent thoughts, especially someone as decisive as Amelia, Naomi did not press further.
Whenever she contacted Amelia over the following week, there was no mention of Sean. Amelia seemed as busy as ever, displaying no change in her emotions.
Considering Amelia’s stable emotions, Naomi had not thought much about Sean. It seemed the
matter had not been resolved.
Naomi nodded. “You
go
ahead. I’ll manage here.”
Sean seeking out Charles indicated that Sean was likely uneasy and sought comfort from him. Such incidents occurred frequently three years ago, so it was not surprising.
Charles intended to ask if she wanted to accompany him. However, seeing Naomi’s expression, he ultimately did not voice the question.
“Alright, take care of yourself. Don’t forget what the doctor told you. I’ll come see you whenever I have time.”
“No need. I’ve taken so much of your time already, and I don’t know how to repay you.”
Naomi smiled. As if remembering something, her eyes softened. “I’ll come find you when you have time.”
Charles felt slightly dejected hearing Naomi’s decline. Even the light in his eyes dimmed. However, upon hearing her subsequent words, his heart raced, leaving him momentarily stunned.