Chapter 194
Chapter 194 Sweet Candies and Distant Promise
“Take it slow. Be safe,” Opal said.
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She stood there holding several items in her hands, watching Zora sling on her small backpack, grab the box and head out of the Marlow Manor.
“Take care, Miss.” Paul hurried after her to see her off.
“I got it, Paul.” Zora waved lightly in reply.
After walking a fair distance away from the manor, Zora found a quiet spot and sat down.
She stared at the plain packaging-no return address-and bit her lip before slowly opening it.
Inside lay a polished mahogany case alongside a clear glass jar filled with assorted candies. She opened the wooden box and found a set of keys resting neatly inside.
Tears welled up faintly in Zora’s eyes when she saw them. Hanging from the key ring was a carved white magnolia pendant, handcrafted personally by her mentor.
It was the secret token they had agreed upon long ago.
As long as she saw this magnolia ornament, she would know he was safe and sound.
His sudden departure had left her filled with constant unease, and only now did that heavy worry gradually fade away.
Her heart ached softly, and she felt her eyes grow moist.
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Mentor… She picked up the keys, her slender fingers brushing tenderly over the magnolia charm.
Beneath the keys was a folded slip of paper with an address written on it.
Reading the familiar handwriting, she could no longer hold back her tears.
“I’m sorry, Zora. I didn’t plan things well and let you go through so much sadness. These keys belong to a house I prepared for you. If you ever feel unhappy anywhere, you can leave anytime. You will always have your own home to return to. Eat only one candy from the jar each day, no more. Don’t even count how many there are. I promise I will come fetch you before you finish every last piece.
Zora stroked the keys gently, her fingers lingering on the magnolia pendant, then lifted the lovely glass jar.
It was filled with candies wrapped in bright, colorful wrappers, piled together like a vivid little rainbow.
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Chapter 194 Sweet Candies and Distant Promise
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A single warm tear dropped down onto the handwritten note.
Far across the ocean, a pale, weary man clutched his chest tightly, struck by a sharp, piercing pain spreading through his heart.
Overwhelmed by bitter memories, he doubled over, a trace of red blood slipping past his lips.
Zora…
Zora soon composed herself, tucked the wooden box securely inside her backpack, and placed the precious note neatly in the inner pocket for safekeeping. She stared at the full candy jar with a soft frown.
She was only allowed one candy per day and forbidden to count them, leaving her unsure exactly when her mentor would return.
Even so, knowing she had this simple countdown to look forward to filled her heart with gentle hope.
A faint smile tugged at her lips; he would come back for her soon.
“Zora p>
A cheerful voice called out from behind her just as she was wondering how to get a ride back
home.
Zora turned around and saw Hallie leaning out of a car window.
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She had made up an excuse about hanging out with Hallie earlier to leave the manor quickly. She had taken a cab there, and since everyone assumed she was going out with her friend, no one had arranged a vehicle for her.
This quiet upscale suburban district rarely had passing taxis, and ride-hailing apps could not get any cars nearby. She never expected to run straight into Hallie like this.
“Hi there p>
The vehicle pulled over right in front of her in no time.
“Hurry up and get in!” Hallie opened the car door and greeted her warmly with a big grin.
Zora climbed into the car.
“Zora, I was literally about to go find you and drag you out. I can’t believe I just ran into you like this. Come on-I’m taking you out today,” Hallie said excitedly.
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Chapter 194 Sweet Candies and Distant Promise
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She’d been planning to go to Aria Estates to find Zora and take her shopping.
“Where are we heading out to?” Zora smiled back, easily cheered up by her lively mood.
“Wait a second, have you been crying? Did something upset you? Has anyone been unkind to you p>
Hallie noticed her slightly swollen reddened eyes, which looked bright and glistening, stirring instant pity in her heart.
Zora’s skin was rather sensitive, making her eyes turn red easily whenever she shed tears.
“Just some wind-blown dust got into my eyes earlier, so I rubbed them a little p>
Zora lowered her lashes softly, still unused to telling lies and unable to meet her friend’s gaze directly.
“Dust in your eyes? Does it still hurt? Let me take a look p>
Hallie was straightforward and believed her words without suspicion. She gently held Zora’s face, checking her eyes with genuine concern.
Zora’s innocent features made it incredibly easy for others to trust whatever she said.
“I’m all fine now, no discomfort at all.” Zora shook her head lightly.
“So what plans do we have today?” She glanced out the window at the passing scenery.
“We’re going shopping! We finally have our monthly break from school, and we haven’t gone
on a proper shopping spree in ages. The seasons are changing, so we definitely need to stock up on new outfits. My mom said she’ll cover all our shopping expenses for us p>
Hallie pinched Zora’s cheek fondly.
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