After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 136

Shirley spotted Lawrence right away. First came the shock, then that all-too-familiar flash of jealousy and disdain in her eyes.

Seriously, what was he trying to prove? As if he was someone important. Just a broke soldier, making a big scene for no reason.

Everyone was watching as Lawrence walked over to Catherine. He pulled out a chair beside her, settling in and placing a bouquet of roses on the table.

“Done eating?” His voice was warm and smooth, the kind that made people stop and listen.

Catherine couldn’t hide her happiness. Her eyes sparkled, and she couldn’t help but smile when she heard the girls nearby whispering about how handsome he was.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.

“I came to see you. I have to head back at ten,” Lawrence told her, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Owen, sitting nearby, quickly greeted him. “Hey, Lawrence.”

Lawrence nodded in return.

Catherine had already finished her food. She looked up at him, “Did you eat? Want me to grab you something?”

Lawrence shook his head, “I grabbed something on the way.”

Catherine stood, picking up her tray. “Then let’s go for a walk.”

With everyone’s eyes following them, Catherine dropped off her tray, took the roses from Lawrence, and headed out the cafeteria doors, cradling the bouquet like it was something precious.

Once they were outside, she slipped her arm through his, her whole face lighting up. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” The surprise was almost too good to be true.

Lawrence glanced down at her, his dark eyes soft and full of laughter. “Does it make you happy?”

Catherine nodded. “Yeah.” The night was perfect. She never thought she’d get to walk through the campus with Lawrence like this.

Shirley had just left the cafeteria too. From a distance, she saw Catherine and Lawrence together, and a wave of resentment hit her hard.

Lawrence had managed to mess up Nestor’s company, yet here he was, showing off his relationship like nothing happened.

She straightened up a little, confidence shining in her eyes. “But I actually like it. It motivates me.”

Lawrence smiled. “I know how capable you are.”

His words made Catherine blush. Getting his encouragement felt better than anything.

Before she could say anything else, he ruffled her hair affectionately, his hand big and warm. “Don’t stress. Just focus on what you need to do. Let me take care of everything else.”

The strength and comfort in his touch made her feel like she could take on the world. She grinned, “Okay, I will.”

Back in her room, Shirley stood by the window, watching the field below. She stared at the couple under the lights, her expression cold and unreadable.

Catherine really treated that broke guy like he was the best thing ever. Aside from some sweet talk, what did he even have to offer her?

He was nothing compared to Waldo, who actually had money and looks. That’s what a real catch looked like.