Many other drivers were gaping in envy.
Meanwhile, Frank floored the gas pedal, and his Maybach bellowed as it disappeared from sight.
At Riverton University the next day, Winter was seated below the stage, at once disappointed when she did not hear Frank’s name listed among the professors present.
It seemed that she was hoping for too much, but it also made sense-what was she, compared to the people Frank mingled with these days?
She really could not be more insignificant, and imposing on him over something as trivial as her convocation was simply tactless.
Her fingers clenched on her robes at the thought, her eyes stinging as she thought to herself that she should apologize to Frank later.
“It’s alright, Winter.” Jean Zims, her best friend, patted her hand to console her. “It’s fine if he doesn’t come. You have all the time you need… Now, compose yourself-you have to give a speech soon, don’t you?”
“Eh? I’m…” Winter stared at Jean in surprise.
Jean, however, could see that Winter’s tears were gushing, but Winter was not even aware of it.
She sighed, shaking her head. “Your brother is from a different world. It’s cruel, but I’m telling you, you shouldn’t overreach.”
“Yeah…” Winter nodded tamely.
Her docile nature only left Jean feeling guilty, and she looked around while complaining inwardly that Frank was such an unreliable brother.
After all, Winter had to muster her courage to call Frank yesterday, but all that effort was for nothing just because he was busy.
This was his sister’s convocation-even if they were not blood related, could he not just make time for a brief stop?
“What happened, Winter? Who upset
you?” A bespectacled,
mild-mannered boy sat down beside Winter, looking at her worriedly and even passing her a tissue, S
“I’m fine. Thank you, Bill.” Winter smiled awkwardly even as she wiped her face, but did not take the tissue.
Bill did not appear embarrassed, even withdrawing his hand with a smile. “As long as you’re fine. Are you sad that your brother didn’t come?”
“I…” Winter glanced at Jean, who nodded, encouraging her to tell Bill.
However, Winter only pursed her lips in exasperation, but she answered Bill anyway. “It’s nothing to be sad about-it can’t be helped that he can’t come if he’s busy.”
“I see.” Bill nodded, seemingly disappointed before smiling, “Your brother aside, my father invited Dan Zimmer, the most famous healer in Riverton, as a guest to this ceremony. It’s a surprise for you.”
“What?” Winter exclaimed in bemusement, unsure as to what Bill was up to.
Bill had recently returned to the country after studying abroad as an exchange student, where he broadened his horizons.
In his year, he was the most talented medical student with the highest chance of furthering his studies.
He was born in Zamri, and his family had been doctors for generations.
