Chapter 92
Sogin’s summer was so stifling that not ev slammed into her
even a hint of a breeze could be found. The moment Simone stepped out of the car, a wave of heat
It made her feel like she’d just walked into a giant steamer. She could barely breathe
Just a few days ago. Quinn got hit by a car while he was out riding his bike. The doctor told him he had to rest at home.
Since Quim hadn’t been able to study properly for days, Simone talked it over with him and decided to come over to help him catch up.
Simone followed the location Quinn sent her. By the time she found Quinn’s home, it was already eight o’clock. Simone rang the doorbell.
The door was opened by a housekeeper, Mary. Seeing an unfamiliar face, Mary paused for a moment before asking. “Miss, may I ask who you are!
Simone gave Mary‘ a polite smile and explained. “Hello, I’m Quinn’s cousin, and Nolan is my uncle. I’m here to tutor Quinn tonight
Mary hesitated. Nolan and Quinn had always kept to themselves. Since she started working here, she’d never seen Quinn bring any friends home, As for Nolan, he only ever invited his closest friends over.
Apart from Nolan’s friend, Simone was the first young person to ever visit the house. Although surprised. Mary said, “Please, come in.”
The moment Simone stepped inside, she felt like someone had turned down the brightness by several notches, Even though it was early morning. every curtain in the house was drawn tight, blocking out every sliver of sunlight.
Simone had to squint to make out the décor. Everything was done in dark, somber tones.
The whole place gave off a sense of dread and hopelessness, like one was trapped in darkness with no way out. It felt as if, no matter how bright the day was outside, the sun would never reach here, and hope was nowhere to be found.
Mary glanced upstairs, looking a bit embarrassed. Then she said to Simone, “Mr. Quinn Irwin isn’t up yet. He’s got a serious case of morning grumpiness, so I don’t dare wake him
After that Mary looked out at Nolan, who was practicing standing in the garden, and hesitated. She added, “And Mr. Nolan Irwin is working out right now, so it’s probably not a good time to disturb him either.
“Why don’t you have a seat here for a bit? I’ll get you a glass of water.
Ever since Nolan’s leg injury, his moods had been all over the place. Last time he fell during his morning exercises, Mary helped him up, but he lost his temper so badly that Mary was still a little shaken by it
After everyone left, Simone finally noticed the faint sounds coming from the garden. Since she was wearing her hearing aid today, even the tiniest noises were crystal clear to her
Simone glanced toward the garden, and the next second, she heard a heavy thud, followed by a man’s muffled groan. Worried something might. have happened, Simone immediately got up from the sofa and hurried over
When Simone got there. Nolan was sprawled on the ground. His lips were pressed into a tight line. His eyes were bloodshot and icy, and he kept slamming his faste down on his legs, over and over.
Wabour thinking. Simone
went straight over and helped Nolan up from the ground.
Nolan was still lost in his grief and hadn’t even noticed Simone’s footsteps. The moment he felt someone’s hand on his arm, his face turned cold, and he shook her off. In a low voice, he said. “Mary, I told you, leave me alone”
His voice grew even colder as he added, “Get out. I want to be by myself?
Simone hadn’t expected Nolan to suddenly shove her away. She stumbled back several steps before finally steadying herself.
At that moment, Nolan collapsed back onto the floor. He continued pounding his legs in frustration, his eyes clouded with a sickly, brooding darkness.
Simone glanced up at the top of the garden, then lowered her gaze. Even though it was a glass sunroom, thick curtains and blackout panels sealed u on sietigbaly that not a single sliver of light could get in.
Sensing Nolan’s foul mood, Simone didn’t get upset. She walked over, crouched down, and caught has it before Nolan could hit his legs again. “Uncle Nolan, she called softly
Nalan’s head jerked up, his eyes meeting Simone’s calm gaze. He said “Simone! It’s you! Why are you here?”
Chapter 92
this hand. She explained, “I’m here to help Quinn with his
Seeing that Nolan wasn’t going to hurt himself anymore, Simone finally let go of homework
Nolan asked, “Did I scare you just now? Remembering how badly he’d treated Simone, his self–loathing hit an all–time high.
Simone replied, “Uncle Nolan, you’re not scary at all. Why would you scare me?” She didn’t mention what happened just now, as if it h happened. She helped Nolan back into his wheelchair and draped the thin blanket over his legs.
had never
This time. Nolan didn’t push her away. But it suddenly hit him that just now, Simone had seen him at his lowest, and legs shriveled and useless
she’d seen his
Nohn thought. “My ugly, pitiful legs, she saw them. She must be disgusted, right? Even I can’t stand the sight of those numb, lifeless legs. How could anyone elser
Nolan sat in his wheelchair, his fingernails digging deep into his palm, his face ghostly pale as he sank into a pit of self–loathing. Suddenly, he felt a pair of soft, gemle hands cover the back of his own.
Simone carefully pried open his rightly clenched fist. With worry in her eyes, she said, “Uncle Nolan, your hand is bleeding.”
Only then did Nolan notice the blood seeping from his palm.
“Where’s the first aid kit Simone asked softly
Mary spotted Simone crouched in front of Nolan in the garden and immediately assumed Simone had upset Nolan. Mary’s heart leapt into her threat. She rushed over and shouted, “Miss, what are you doing here!”
Then Mary turned to Nolan. Her voice trembled as she apologized, “Mr. Nolan Irwin, I’m so sorry. I should’ve told this girl you don’t like being disturbed. Please don’t be upset.
Nolan replied, “Mary, Simone’s my niece. She’s family. There’s nowhere in this house she can’t go. By the way, bring the first aid kit.”
Yes, sir.” Mary replied, finally leaving
Mary was completely stunned. After all these years, she knew Nolan was extremely private. No one was ever allowed in his study or bedroom, and there were plenty of other places that were strictly off–limits.
Even Quinn wasn’t allowed in those areas. But just now, Nolan had said Simone could go anywhere. Mary realized right away that he treated Samone differently. He doted on her even more than Quinn.
