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“Forget it, Sean!” Carlisle patted Sean’s shoulder, his voice filled with a strange mix of resignation and understanding. “This world isn’t so simple. Evildoers haven’t been completely eradicated yet, and no one wants to risk angering criminals.”
Sean’s anger flared, but the guilt he felt was far stronger. Seeing Lily’s devastated expression tugged at his heartstrings.
“Don’t cry, Lily,” Carlisle said gently, his tone softer now. “What matters is that you’re safe. That’s the most important thing.”
Carlisle had somehow changed the tragedy he had foreseen. Lily had survived. That was the silver lining in an otherwise chaotic moment.
Lily’s sobs were ragged. “My school fees… they’re gone. Without that, I won’t be able to attend university… What should I do?” Her voice cracked as she sank to the ground, burying her head between her knees in defeat.
Carlisle felt the familiar pang of guilt twist in his chest. The 4000 dollars in Lily’s bag—3000 from her parents’ tireless work and 1000 from her grandfather’s sacrifice—was more than just money. It was hope. And now it was gone.
“I’ll cover your school fees for now,” Carlisle said firmly, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “This is the least I can do after everything that’s changed.”
Lily’s tear-filled eyes widened as she looked up at him. “You have that much money?”
Carlisle chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. “I earned a bit over the summer from gaming. It’s not a big deal.”
Lily’s gaze shifted to Sean, her voice still uncertain. “Is… is what Carlisle said true?”
Sean grinned, his usual mischievous smile returning. “Yeah. He’s a rich man now!”
“But…” Lily’s voice trembled. “I might only be able to pay you back… after a long time…” She could barely bring herself to say the words, overcome by the enormity of the debt she felt.
Her tears flowed again as she looked at Carlisle, still in disbelief. Despite not knowing him well, he was willing to help her out with such a large amount of money. It wasn’t something she could easily accept.
Carlisle smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry about paying me back anytime soon. When you get a job, just repay me then.”
His words were meant to ease her mind, but deep down, he had no intention of rushing her to return anything. In fact, he was already thinking about how he might include her in future ventures. She might not know it yet, but there was much more at play than just paying her school fees.
After a moment, the police arrived. Carlisle and Sean accompanied Lily to give their statements. The process was smooth but emotionally draining for all of them. Once that was done, they headed to a nearby seafood restaurant to get some food and try to take their minds off everything.
Carlisle returned to the hotel to grab 5000 dollars from his luggage, making sure to cover Lily’s fees. Although it wasn’t a small sum for someone of his time, he felt no hesitation in taking it out. He could afford it, and the need to do the right thing was far more pressing.
At the seafood restaurant, Sean quickly made his presence known by ordering a grand total of eight dishes.
Lily, startled, glanced at the menu and then at Sean. “Eight dishes?” she asked, incredulous. “How are the three of us going to finish all that?”
Sean shrugged, unfazed. “I’ve got a good family background. I’ll make sure it’s enough for everyone!” He smiled as he glanced at Lily, though a hint of self-consciousness remained.
The waitress approached, noticing Sean’s injured arm. “Sir, your arm looks hurt. Would you like us to clean it for you?”
Sean waved it off. “It’s just a small scrape. No need for that. But… add a shrimp gumbo to the order.”
The waitress hesitated before asking, “Are you waiting for anyone else?”
Sean nodded, grinning proudly. “One more person.”
The waitress raised an eyebrow. “Just one more person? For nine dishes?”
It was clear she thought Sean was being a little extravagant, but she had seen wealthier customers do worse.
Lily, now seated next to Sean, felt her cheeks flush. Sean had ordered so much food, and now she was the one he was treating. The thought made her heart race, and without thinking, she tried to pull her arm away, embarrassed by the gesture.
But Sean, ever the smooth talker, linked his arm with hers and, with a playful wink, said, “I’m treating my girlfriend to a meal. What’s wrong with ordering a little extra?”
Lily’s eyes widened, and a blush spread across her face as she tried to stammer a response. “I-I’m not… I mean, I didn’t—”
Her words faltered as she remembered how Sean had thrown himself into harm’s way to protect her earlier. The weight of his kindness and courage flooded her chest, and she couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth.
“Sorry, I misspoke!” the waitress apologized quickly, sensing the awkwardness in the air.
Carlisle, entering the room at that moment, couldn’t suppress a chuckle at the scene. He saw Sean’s flustered face and the way Lily was looking down, both of them clearly shy. “Good on you, Sean,” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’ve managed to chase Lily, huh? It didn’t take long.”
Sean’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he quickly pulled his arm away. “Lily… sorry… I didn’t mean to!”
Lily, equally embarrassed, lowered her head, a soft giggle escaping her lips despite herself. “It’s… it’s alright.”
They both remained silent for a moment, the tension between them thick with unspoken words. Carlisle, in an effort to break the silence, placed the 5000 dollars on the table in front of Lily. “Here. Your school fees, Lily.”
Chapter 52 =
