Chapter 98
Naomi’s had a strict body clock. Even if she slept late the night before, she would still get up at the same time as usual the next day.
However, her face seemed a little tired from the late night she had the night before.
It might not be obvious, but Donna and Dean noticed it. They wanted to say something but did not know where to begin.
Donna hesitated a few times. She believed Naomi was trying to hide her grievances out of concern they would worry Donna and Dean, hence why she kept pretending that everything was okay.
They were worried, but they were also afraid it would hurt Naomi more if they talked about it. They had no idea how they could discuss the matter with Naomi.
Naomi looked at them. She knew what they were thinking, so she said, “Dad, Mom, you might think that I’ve suffered a lot from being married to the Lawsons for the past three years. You must be worried that I’ve had a bad life and that Scott abused me or something. But this is far from true.
“When Scott and I got married, we decided to move out of the family. I wasn’t staying with my in- laws. My mother–in–law rarely came to see me nor ask anything of me. Scott, too. He was always busy working and rarely returned home.
“Still, he never did anything wrong or had an affair outside. He never did anything to wrong me. Grandma cares about me a lot. She often took me along to visit other relatives. She was even apologetic that Scott was always busy leaving me alone..
“None of the Lawson family members has ever made things difficult for me, nor did they ever do anything to wrong me. They respected me. I was the one who asked for a divorce. The Lawsons never once resented me for this. We parted ways on good terms. I think this is great.
“We’re divorced, but our families are still connected. That means that we’re still friends. It’s just that simple. I know what you two are worried about, but please trust me. I’m not a fool. I won’t give up my life just because of someone or something. Your daughter isn’t that type of person.”
Donna and Dean were relieved to hear Naomi’s level–headed explanation.
Donna nodded. Tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m so proud of you, dear.”
Dean tried to blink away the tears in his eyes. He lowered his head and passed Naomi some food. “Eat up. We’re not worried anymore.
Donna added, “Your father is right. We trust you. We believe you’re the best!”
Naomi smiled and served them some food too. She said gently, “All I wish for is for you two to be healthy and for our family to live in peace.”
This was her wish in life. It would never change.
The family of three had breakfast together before Donna tidied the house while Dean headed to the
store.
Naomi headed to the museum.
Naomi had made arrangements the night before to welcome Chandler to the museum that morning. She was going to take him on a tour around, introducing the museurn’s history and the rare ancient wood collection to him.
Naomi headed to her bedroom to grab her bag before placing her keys and phone in her bag.
She was not the type who spent a lot of time on her phone. Her phone was mainly for her to communicate with other people. That was why she rarely looked at her phone, even when she woke up that morning.
At that moment, she had a glance at her screen to see if there were any missed messages or calls. She never expected that there would really be a message from Charles.
She was a little surprised.
She opened the message.
[Are you asleep?]
It was a short message; nothing more or less.
Naomi noted that the text was sent at ten past midnight.
It was late. Something must have happened to Charles.
She immediately replied. She wanted to call him but did not know if he was busy. Thus, she sent a message instead.
At that moment, at Horizon City College…
A new day had dawned. Nature was alive all around the historical campus.
Charles parked at the campus parking lot and stopped the engine. He took his phone over and glanced
at the screen.
It was seven–twenty in the morning.
