Winifred didn’t expect Garrison to be waiting outside with Mr. Hamilton. She ran over, her face beaming with joy.
“Garrison, when did you arrive?”
Garrison reached out and smoothed Winifred’s disheveled hair. “I just got here. Why are you out so early? Have you finished checking the exam papers?”
The college entrance exam was very important. Looking inside, only Winifred and Leland came out.
Winifred never liked others touching her hair, but now she let Garrison do so.
On the side, Leland watched Winifred run happily to Garrison, his eyes filled with that person, shining bright. This lively and vibrant side of Winifred was rare.
A tinge of jealousy rose in Leland’s heart as he watched Winifred with Garrison.
This was his first formal meeting with Garrison. Compared to that night, seeing him up close, he noticed their facial features were indeed similar. However, Leland’s eyes were completely black and icy, while Garrison’s were brown-black.
Leland’s eyes were locked on Garrison’s hand resting on Winifred’s hair, his possessiveness almost bursting uncontrollably.
Seeing Leland, Garrison’s expression stumbled slightly. He felt the hostility in the air.
They say men understand men the best, and it was true. At their first meeting, this person harbored enmity towards him, obviously because of Winifred.
Interesting.
Garrison let go of Winifred’s hair.
“This is the servant you mentioned, who grew up with you?”
Winifred replied, “Yes, his name is Leland.”
Garrison extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Garrison. Thank you for taking care of Winifred wholeheartedly in my absence.”
Leland looked at the hand extended to him, coldly saying, “Taking care of Miss Dawson is my responsibility and has nothing to do with anyone else.” He could feel Garrison asserting dominance over him.
Feeling the hostility from Leland, Garrison smiled lightly, letting go of his hand as if nothing had happened, then turned to Winifred, “Do you have time this afternoon? I’ve reserved a restaurant to celebrate the end of your exams.”
Since Garrison’s return, Winifred often dined out with him. But with the exams approaching, their meetings had become less frequent. Seeing Garrison here was both unexpected and delightful for her.
“Miss, Mr. Harrison is waiting for you at home…” Leland had selfish motives. He didn’t want Winifred to go out with Garrison.
The thought of Winifred and Garrison being alone where he couldn’t see made him feel uneasy.
Winifred hesitated for a moment. “I’ll be back tonight. You can go back with Mr. Hamilton while I go out with Garrison.”
With one sentence, Winifred decided, leaving no room for Leland to stop her. He didn’t even know how to persuade her to stay, only standing there as he watched Winifred get into the car with Garrison. The scar over his left eye, already healed, seemed to ache again.
Leland couldn’t snap out of it for a long time. Mr. Hamilton called his name several times but he didn’t hear.
He always thought Winifred was heartless and selfish, living high and mighty without empathy, enjoying the best of everything. She liked watching others feel inferior and fall into despair. Leland believed she was inherently wicked. It turned out she wasn’t… She could also like someone, be shy and gaze at them, be understanding and loving. Her eyes were filled with love, just not for him but for Garrison. It struck Leland with a violent urge to destruct.
Mr. Hamilton suddenly placed a hand on his shoulder, pushing him slightly. “Be cautious.”
Leland came back to his senses. The car had already disappeared. He looked at Mr. Hamilton, his facial expression changing rapidly. He quickly regained composure, as if the menacing face he had shown earlier was just an illusion.
“I’ve called your name many times without a response. What are you thinking?”
Mr. Hamilton could sense that something was off with Leland. He had been startled by the expression on his face earlier. Now, his heart was pounding with fear.
Leland remained silent, bowing his head.
Mr. Hamilton could still read the thoughts of a young man. After so many years of living together, there was some attachment. It was reasonable for Leland to have developed feelings for Winifred during his youth. Mr. Hamilton felt the need to remind him.
Mr. Hamilton sighed. “You and Miss are impossible. Your statuses don’t match, and it’s clear she has feelings for Garrison. The Reeves family and the Dawson family are a better match.”
Leland spoke unexpectedly. “She made me love her, made me learn to love her…” She had led him into the mud, but didn’t want him.
Mr. Hamilton sighed.
What should have been a happy day had been ruined. When they got on the car, Mr. Hamilton asked Leland how his exam was. Leland had no idea about anything, not even which school he wanted to apply to. Since arriving at the Dawson family, his gaze had been fixed on Winifred, like a moth to a flame.
…
Winifred had left with Garrison mainly to discuss matters, not just for a meal. With the exams over, the medication finished, and her birthday approaching, it was time to plan ahead.
After dinner time was too early, Winifred declined Garrison’s further plans and he directly took her back to the Dawson family.
On the way, inside the car, Garrison mentioned Leland. “Be careful of Leland.”
Winifred was surprised. “Why do you say that?”
“He gives me dangerous vibes, I fear he may have ulterior motives towards you,” Garrison chuckled, “but it could just be my imagination.”
“It’s not possible. Even if he did have any intentions, he won’t have the chance because I’m leaving soon.”
Garrison asked, “Winifred, do you have any regrets?”
“I have no room for regrets. I’ve done what I needed to do and what I shouldn’t do. Since I’ve made up my mind, I won’t regret it. I’m leaving here to start anew.”
Upon returning to the Dawson family, Winifred bid farewell to Garrison. Gregory had just finished dinner.
Gregory’s health had been visibly deteriorating. Seeing her return, Gregory didn’t ask about her exam but was concerned if she had a good time with Garrison outside.
“It was quite enjoyable,” Winifred looked around and didn’t see Leland. She asked Mr. Hamilton, “Mr. Hamilton, where is Leland?”
“After returning, Leland was feeling a bit unwell, so I asked him to rest in his room.”
“I’ll go check on him.”