Carter arrived at his parked car and saw a familiar figure standing next to it. He was stunned for a moment, and he looked somewhat troubled by it. The figure raised her head as though she had sensed his presence. After exchanging glances, she eventually revealed a bright smile.
“Carter.”
Carter masked the uneasiness and stepped up to Jennifer. “When did you come back? Didn't you leave the country with your parents?”
Jennifer looked at him and forced a bitter smile before responding, “I couldn't forget you, so I left without saying goodbye. I know you don't want me to return, but I don't have a choice. Even if you despise me, I can't get you out of my head.”
Carter fixed his gaze on the girl who had previously left him but had now appeared before him. A wave of mixed emotions instantly washed over him. He knew she loved him, but he couldn't forget Amelia. Hence, he believed he would only disappoint Jennifer.
“Have you eaten?” He changed the subject.
She shook her head in response.
“My treat, let's go eat. It feels nice to come back after living abroad for so long, right?” Carter said.
Jennifer couldn't help but grin when she heard that. At least he didn't say anything hurtful to her.
Back then, Laura pleaded and sobbed for her to go to Archulea once she was discharged from the hospital because their family business was there. Jennifer went with her, but her heart felt empty. It was agonizing to her. Every day, all she did was stare blankly outside of the window.
During her time abroad, she realized the true meaning of the saying - “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” The more she tried to forget Carter, the more difficult it was to move on. He was constantly in her thoughts, no matter what she did. She couldn't live her life normally, so she chose to return even though it would break her parents' hearts.
“Here. What do you feel like having?” Carter interrupted her thoughts by handing her the menu.
Jennifer did not take the menu; instead, she responded, “Carter, you can go ahead and order. Whatever you like, I like.”
After glancing at her for a moment, he had no choice but to order a few dishes.
“Since there are only two of us, I've ordered only a few simple dishes,” Carter stated as he handed the menu to the waiter.
“Sure.” Jennifer didn't mind.
Carter took a closer look at Jennifer while waiting for the dishes to be served. He noticed that she had lost some weight - her face appeared sharper, and she looked skinny.
He frowned and asked concernedly, “Did you not eat while being abroad?”
Jennifer's eyes lit up as a faint smile played on her lips. “Are you worried about me?”
“You're so skinny after returning from abroad. Can't I be concerned about my friend?” Carter responded flatly.
Jennifer's smile remained as though she was in a rather good mood.
“Carter, I'm so happy you no longer despise me. It's nice to be friends with you. I've been putting pressure on you for the last two years without ever actually communicating with you. I'm relieved that we finally have a chance to talk.”
After hearing her words, Carter couldn't help but smile.
Jennifer also relaxed and smiled brightly at that.
After finishing their meal, they exited the restaurant. Then, Carter offered, “Let me send you home.”
“Do you mind walking with me?” she asked.
“Let's go.”
The duo strolled on the streets slowly, looking like a loving couple from the back.
“I saw Amelia and her family. They seemed to be happy as they walked past me. I wondered whether you might forget about her and fall for me now that she has a husband and a kid.” Jennifer kicked the stone on her feet, her head slightly lowered.
Carter turned to gaze at her. He parted his lips slightly, but he was at a loss for words.
Jennifer raised her head and smiled gently. “Carter, I apologize for putting you in such a difficult spot. I know you won't fall for me; you'd have done it by now if you could. It's just because I'm not willing to let you go. I gave up my self-esteem to pursue you for so long, but nothing I'd done could change your mind. Despite that, I couldn't forget you.”
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