Chapter 1895
chapter1895
Hadwin stared at his phone after the call abruptly ended, the vein on his forehead twitching.
It was painfully clear-Vivian wasn't into him. She had no interest in him whatsoever.
"Am I being too eager? Maybe she's just too young to care about relationships. But that doesn't make sense. Even middle schoolers date these days. She's about to graduate, surrounded by people falling in love. If she's still clueless, that's just ridiculous."
Then, a troubling thought hit him. "Or maybe... she just doesn't feel anything for me?"
The realization soured his mood.
He hesitated, recalling how Natalie reacted when she found out he liked Vivian. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. I'll give her two more years."
...
Vivian, still clad in her period costume, returned to her bedroom and immediately went in search of Manfred. She'd sensibly dressed for the cold, wearing a cashmere coat over a light down jacket.
Silently repeating Manfred's name three times, she opened her eyes and found herself standing outside an unfamiliar room.
The surroundings were different. This wasn't the Atkinson residence.
Yet, she wasn't alarmed. If she was here, Manfred must be close by.
The weather was a stark contrast to Jipsburg, even more pronounced than when she'd last been there. Spring, not winter, seemed to have taken hold.
Finding herself too warm, she swiftly removed the lightweight down jacket from beneath her coat and stowed it in her bag.
As she glanced around, she admired the courtyard's graceful layout, noting the swing set and the charming artificial waterfall.
A team of maids was meticulously cleaning the area.
A stern-looking-woman, Teri Corbyn, likely in her 30s, approached. Her sharp gaze swept the courtyard. "Make sure everything is spotless Mr. Atkinson will arrive soon, and Princess Bonnie insists there be no mistakes."
"Yes, Madam Corbyn," one of the maids replied.
At the mention of the Atkinsons, Vivian's unease faded. Manfred was here.
However, the distance between her and Manfred was a bit far this time. He hadn't arrived yet.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of castle. The reference to a princess certainly suggested it.
She wasn't sure how long it had been since she left. Judging by the season, she'd been gone at least a month or two. Seeing how everyone was so anxious for Manfred, she couldn't help but wonder if he was engaged.
The so-called princess must be his fiancée.
As she pondered, the door behind her suddenly opened. A woman emerged, dressed in a sky-blue gown with delicate floral embroidery. The craftsmanship was exquisite.
The woman's skin was fair, her lips naturally red, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"How soon will Mr. Atkinson arrive?"
"Princess Bonnie, please wait. He should be here shortly. I'll check again."
Bonnie Nash gently stopped her. "There's no need to check. Dad and Vernon must have matters to
discuss with Mr. Atkinson. We shouldn't disturb them. Once they're done, he will naturally come to see me." ?wnovel
Teri nodded with a smile. "You're right. Mr. Nash has invited Mr. Atkinson several times, and now that he has agreed to come, it must be to check your pulse.
"Mr. Atkinson is remarkable—self-taught in medicine, though he rarely treats others. Some say even the royal physicians aren't as skilled."
"It's not just his medical skills. When the riots broke out, it was Mr. Atkinson who led the troops to suppress them. Dad said it was delicate, but he handled it brilliantly."
Her eyes glowed with admiration as she spoke of Manfred.