Unreturned When the Fog Cleared Chapter 09

Unreturned When the Fog Cleared Chapter 09: An Old Acquaintance

That afternoon, Thera Sutherland finally stepped through the gate to her grandpa’s courtyard.

Pushing open the living room door, she saw the familiar sight of her

grandpa sitting in his rattan chair, reading the newspaper. The tears she’d been holding back the entire way finally burst forth.

She rushed over like a wronged child, burying her head in her grandpa’s shoulder and letting out all the pain and frustration she’d been suppressing.

At first, Grandpa put on a stern face and grumbled, “So you finally remembered the way back? Feeling all grown up now, are we? How long has it been since you called?”

But as he listened to her sobbing so hard she could barely breathe, his sternness melted away. He gently patted her back, his voice growing

serious.

“Did that boy, Julian Rhodes, hurt you? Tell me, and I’ll go settle things with him!”

Thera sobbed and shook her head, her voice hoarse. “Grandpa, he and I… we’re divorced.”

“Good riddance!”

Grandpa immediately slapped the armrest, his eyes filled with approval. “I always knew he didn’t have his head on straight. You’re much better off without someone like that!”

With her grandpa’s comfort, Thera slowly calmed down.

As dinnertime approached, footsteps were heard from the courtyard. Leo

Alcott walked in, carrying some fruit.

He was the grandson of Grandpa’s old war buddy. The two of them had grown up together, and Thera had always seen him as a big brother.

That is, until a few years ago, when Grandpa suddenly mentioned that their two families had arranged a childhood betrothal for them long ago.

At the time, she was passionately in love with Julian Rhodes and had fiercely resisted, so the matter was dropped.

“Grandpa said you’ve been coming over often these past two years to eat with him and go fishing.”

At the dinner table, Thera put down her chopsticks and looked at Leo with sincerity. “Thank you, Leo. I was so thoughtless before, always wrapped up in my own world. It never occurred to me that Grandpa needed company.”

Leo’s tone was gentle. “Grandpa watched me grow up. Now that he’s older, it’s only right that I come and spend more time with him.”

He paused, his eyes resting on Thera’s pale face, and asked softly, “So, what are your plans now?”

Thera stirred the porridge in her bowl, a serious look in her eyes. “I want to find a job in jewelry design. I chose it as my major because I really loved it, but then… I haven’t touched a single design draft in two whole years. I want to pick it up again, so I don’t let my younger self down.”

“That’s good. Having something to focus on will help you feel more grounded.”

Leo nodded. “As it happens, our group owns a jewelry design subsidiary. It’s a decent size and has great resources. I can arrange an interview for you.”

From the side, Grandpa laughed and teased, “Look at Leo, so considerate! He knew you’d be at a loss after coming back, and he’s already paved the way for you.”

“This betrothal… the fact that it didn’t happen back then just means the timing wasn’t right. But now, I think the time is perfect!”

Thera lowered her gaze, silent for a moment. When she looked up again, her eyes were calm and resolute. She looked at Leo and said softly, “Okay. If you don’t mind that I’m recently divorced, Leo, and if you’re willing, we can give it a try.”

Leo met her gaze, his own unwavering. His reply was clear and decisive: “That has never been a concern for me.”