Three Years Later, He Came Back Begging novel Chapter 319

He remembered that Bonnie rarely wore heels, save for mandatory university events like performances, hosting duties, or competitions that required formal attire.

It seemed she still hadn't picked up the habit, but thankfully, the skin wasn't broken.

He stood up and took the umbrella back, holding the flowers with his other hand. His entire back was completely soaked, the icy dress shirt clinging to his skin.

Bonnie noted Lawrence's half-wet hair sticking to his forehead and the water droplets dotting his glasses. "Thank you," she said softly.

Before Lawrence could reply, the puppy in Bonnie's arms suddenly sneezed, a trail of snot bubbling from its little nose.

"I think it has a cold," Lawrence said, estimating the pup was a month old at best. "Plus, we don't know if it has Parvo or distemper. It looks pretty lethargic. Do you want to take it to a vet? I—I happen to have my car. I can drive you guys."

Bonnie fully intended to adopt the dog, and the poor thing was whining, clearly miserable. She thought for a moment before looking up. "Is that convenient for you?"

Lawrence's heart hammered like a stampede of wild horses. He stumbled over his words slightly before insisting it was entirely convenient.

Bonnie offered a soft smile. "Then we'd appreciate the ride."

Lawrence wanted to say it was no trouble at all, but observing Bonnie's polite, friendly demeanor—indistinguishable from how she would treat any casual classmate—he didn't dare show too much emotion.

Even being just a friend was something he desperately craved.

Sharing the umbrella, the two walked slowly to where Lawrence had parked. He opened the passenger door for Bonnie and placed the flowers in the backseat.

Before getting in, Lawrence felt a spike of nervousness. He took a deep breath of the rain-washed air, the unique, earthy scent of wet soil filling his lungs, and found himself calming down.

Bonnie slipped out of her rented graduation gown and used it to bundle the puppy. The dog clung to her, shivering tightly against her thighs.

Once seated, Lawrence reflexively reached for the microfiber cloth on the dashboard and wiped the water off his lenses.

Sure enough, putting his glasses back on, Lawrence explained, "The optic nerve sustained some pressure from the car accident. I had surgery last year, but getting back to perfect vision was impossible. I'm a little nearsighted now, but it's not severe."

He only needed them for driving or staring at screens for work; it barely impacted his day-to-day life without them.

Bonnie nodded and left it at that.

Lawrence started the engine and routed the GPS to the nearest pet hospital. Thanks to the rain, there were barely any customers, and the puppy was immediately taken back for an examination.

Bonnie crouched near the kennels, entertaining the cats and dogs waiting in their cages. Lawrence watched her back for a moment before standing up abruptly.

"Bonnie, I need to step outside for a second. I'll be right back."

As if terrified she might vanish, he twisted back around the moment he pushed the door open to add, "Very quick, I promise. Just wait here for me for a minute."