Chapter 39: Trust and Betrayal

Chapter 39: Trust and Betrayal

Julian Reed didn't continue speaking, instead opting to silently observe everyone's reactions. When his gaze fell on Lydia Moore, he smiled and nodded in her direction, his smile carrying the fresh scent of spring.

There was something profound and compelling in his gaze that made people unconsciously reflect on the deeper meanings in his words. After a brief silence and a few exchanged glances, the previously aloof club members began to break the silence, initiating simple conversations with those around them. Gradually, as they found more common interests, their chatter grew louder, and the smiles on their faces became increasingly apparent.

The shift in the atmosphere left Lydia Moore momentarily stunned, but she soon found herself smiling in understanding, silently admiring Julian Reed's remarkable ability. His words were not only insightful but also seemed to possess an almost magical power, subtly guiding people to act on the unspoken suggestions within them. Julian Reed, standing on the platform, seemed to embody the essence of a gentle yet powerful leader, someone others couldn't help but look up to with admiration.

Noticing his gaze on her, Lydia playfully made a gesture signaling "you're amazing," her lips curling up to reveal her small, charming canine tooth on the left side. Her vibrant expression shone brighter than the morning star on a midsummer night.

Julian Reed's smile deepened as he took in her lively and spirited demeanor. There was an endless energy in her, a genuine and radiant smile that had the power to touch the most vulnerable parts of his heart, making him feel inexplicably light and happy whenever she was around.

No matter the circumstances, he always excelled. Grace Hinton stood quietly by the door, lost in her memories of Julian Reed.

From the first time she saw a news report about him, to gradually learning more about him and setting him as her own benchmark for success, every moment that came to mind filled her heart with warmth and sweetness. She had never imagined that someone with such high standards as herself would one day fall so hopelessly in love with a boy, secretly harboring feelings for him for three years…

Grace slowly emerged from her reverie and looked again at the podium where Julian Reed, the boy she had admired for so long, was standing. But she noticed that his calm gaze was fixed on a girl in the crowd who was animatedly chatting with those around her, her face full of vibrant energy. The way his lashes cast shadows in the sunlight and the tender expression in his eyes were something Grace had never seen before. Was he looking at her? Grace felt a pang of dismay. She knew she shouldn't be jealous, but she couldn't help herself and turned her face away, unwilling to see the affection in his eyes for someone else.

Meanwhile, completely unaware of what was happening around her, Lydia Moore continued enthusiastically discussing music with those nearby, oblivious to the small pain her obliviousness was causing Grace.

By noon, the academic building had fallen quiet, with most students having returned to their dorms or enjoying lunch in the cafeteria. In the silent music classroom, a young man in a white shirt with an elegant demeanor was deeply absorbed in reading sheet music, occasionally marking it with a pencil.

After finishing his cup of warm green tea, he got up and walked to the window, his amber-like eyes gazing at the people passing by outside. Before long, a figure in a light green outfit caught his eye, the sight of her lighting up his vision.

Maybe Aaron King was right—she really was a big fool. Dressed in cartoon slippers and looking rather disheveled, Lydia Moore scolded herself inwardly for being so careless as to leave her bag in the music room, only realizing it just now. Her phone, wallet, keys, and other important items were all in that bag. If someone took it, she'd be in big trouble.

When a sweat-drenched Lydia Moore finally reached the music room, she was shocked to find Julian Reed standing calmly by the window, looking at her. On the desk beside him was the bag she had been so worried about losing. The relief of finding her bag made Lydia feel deeply grateful to Julian.

"Next time, don't be so careless," Julian Reed said softly as he picked up the bag and walked over to Lydia, showing no signs of impatience despite having waited for her for a long time. His tone was gentle, even carrying a hint of indulgence. "I forgot my phone today, so I couldn't contact you. I didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble by going to your dorm, so I decided to wait here. I'm sorry for making you run all this way." He handed her a cream-colored handkerchief, suggesting she use it to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

"Thank you, Julian," Lydia said, taking the handkerchief with both hands and offering him a sheepish smile as she wiped her forehead. "I should be the one apologizing for making you wait here for two hours. If it weren't for you, someone might have taken my bag by now. I really appreciate it." Her chest swelled with an indescribable sense of gratitude.

"The one who should really be thankful is me," Julian Reed replied, his voice tinged with a slight tremor. "Thank you for forgiving Jenny Lin. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't have lost…" His voice caught in his throat, and he couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. The overwhelming guilt that had been weighing on him made it impossible to continue. He knew that while she tried to appear nonchalant, the pain of losing someone so close to her could never truly be healed.

There was a time when the pain of losing her father had plunged Lydia into utter despair, as if her entire world had collapsed and she had nothing left to rely on. Those memories, still painful enough to tear at her heart, began to surface. Lydia lowered her eyes, not wanting to show any emotion. But she quickly pushed the painful memories away, lifting her head to meet Julian Reed's gaze, her energy and smile returning.

"Julian, I never blamed Jenny Lin, nor did I blame my aunt and uncle. So, there's no need for you to apologize to me. Besides… right now, you all feel like my family, and each of you is someone I'll treasure for the rest of my life." Her tone was sincere, and her smile was as warm and hopeful as a pine tree burning bright with light, her breath fresh and clean.

Her words fell like a soft, white feather on Julian Reed's heart. He found himself so moved that he was at a loss for words. He could only stand there, smiling at her, as time slipped away in that moment of near-silent understanding.