Chapter 151
Chapter 151:
The sound of Kristine’s voice made Helen grip her phone tighter. She answered with slight strain. “I had something to deal with at school, so I’m heading back p>
Kristine let out a quiet breath as the tension eased. “All right. Once you arrive, please call your mom so she knows you’re safe. She’s been worried p>
After a short pause, Helen replied, “I will p>
Lowering her phone slowly, Helen looked ahead toward the entrance of Colton’s neighborhood.
After texting Susan, Kristine finally turned to face Ryan. “What went on between you and Helen p>
Ryan stiffened, discomfort flashing across his face.
𝗕𝗲 t𝗵𝗲 𝘧і𝗋𝘀𝘁 𝘵𝗼 𝗋e𝘢𝗱 𝘰n ѕ.c𝘰𝗺
Earlier that morning, he had gone out to the shore to paint with Helen. The outing had been smooth and pleasant, stretching quietly into the afternoon. Then, later in the day, Helen had unexpectedly admitted her feelings.
Ryan felt no attraction toward her, so he refused without hesitation.
Helen reacted badly and demanded to know if Kristine was the reason.
“I don’t have those feelings for you,” Ryan had said, irritation creeping into his voice. “Kristine has nothing to do with it p>
“Don’t pretend,” Helen snapped. “I saw how you looked at her last night. You care about her — I know you do. She has money, she’s beautiful, and I’m nothing compared to her p>
With that, she had spun around and run off.
Ryan had assumed she went straight home and thought nothing more of it, returning to his canvas. It had never crossed his mind that she would show up back on campus.
“Let’s go back,” Kristine said quietly, noticing his silence and choosing not to push.
Ryan sent her a grateful look.
She was already heading toward the house. He followed behind, watching the shadows of their steps merge and separate under the lights. An unfamiliar feeling stirred quietly within him.
When they reached the entrance, Susan was already waiting.
“Helen went back to school without even saying goodbye,” Susan grumbled. After venting a little, she was comforted by Kristine and went off to rest.
Kristine stepped back outside and found Ryan still standing there, lost in thought. “It’s late,” she said softly. “You should sleep p>
Ryan studied her face for a moment, then gave a small nod and returned to his room.
The next day, he ate quickly and left for school. The trip from Lunatown to Gridron University took more than five hours, and by the time he arrived, noon had passed. His dormitory was quiet — all three roommates were out.
Helen crossed his mind again. He felt nothing romantic toward her, but they shared classes and history. She had gone back early because of him. Basic decency told him he should make sure she was all right.
Ryan went to her dormitory, only to be told she had never returned the previous day.
“She didn’t come back p>
“No.” Her roommate frowned slightly. “Didn’t she go out with you p>
Ryan didn’t have the heart to explain. “Could you call her for me p>
Noticing his concern, the roommate pulled out her phone immediately.
The call went through. Following Ryan’s lead, she asked, “Helen, where are you right now p>