Chapter 452
452
Owen grinned . “ That’s just how I am . ”
Aria teased , “ Do you act like this around your family too ? ”
“ Not with them , ” Owen replied .
He was only this cheeky when he was with her .
Aria fell silent for a moment . “ I need to take Lily to her exam tomorrow , so I should get some sleep , ” she said .
+38
“ I’ll come with you ,” Owen blurted out . Then , realizing what he’d said , he quickly added , “ I mean , I’ll come with you tomorrow to take Lily to her exam . ”
Aria couldn’t help but smile at how nervous he looked . “ I know , ” she said .
Owen let out a relieved sigh . “ So , does this mean you’ve forgiven me ? ”
Aria looped her arms around Owen’s neck , leaned in and planted a light kiss on his cheek . “ I’m not mad , ” she murmured . “ Time for bed . Good night . ”
Owen nodded , a little dazed , a big grin spreading across his face . “ Good night . ”
Early the next morning , after breakfast , Aria double – checked Lily’s exam supplies . “ Got everything ? ” she asked . “ All set , ” Lily replied .
Owen opened the shoe cabinet and took out their shoes . “ Let’s put on our shoes and head out .”
“ Okay , ” Lily gave him a meaningful look and caught herself mid – word . “ I mean , thanks , Owen . ”
Owen caught that look and grinned even wider , clearly delighted . “ You’re welcome ,” he said warmly .
Most students from Larkridge High School were assigned to take the exam at their own school , and Lily was no exception .
The three of them set off and soon arrived at Larkridge High School .
Lily took a deep breath . She turned to them and said , “ Aria , Owen , I’m heading in . ”
“ Okay , good luck , ” Owen nodded .
A crowd of anxious parents had gathered at the school entrance , fussing over their kids with last – minute reminders .
Aria thought for a moment and added , “ Just take it easy – no need to stress . It’s not like our family’s short on money anyway . ”
A parent overheard what Aria said and turned to their own child , “ Our family’s well – off too , but you still need to study hard . If you score 1550 points on the SATS , Dad will buy you a Porsche Cayenne – paid in full ! ”
“ Thanks , Dad ! ” The boy grinned , then spotted Lily and waved eagerly . “ Hey Lily , looks like we’re in the same exam room – good luck ! ”
Lily smiled and said , “ Thanks . Good luck ! ”
The boy’s father frowned disapprovingly . “ Stop it – just focus on your own exam . Didn’t you hear what her sister said ? Their family’s loaded , so even if she bombs the test , it’s no big deal for them .”
The boy rolled his eyes at his father . “ Come on , Dad , don’t be ridiculous . Lily’s not going to mess up the exam . “ ”
His father snorted , “ You never know . ”
Aria’s expression darkened .
1/2
2/2
09:43 Tue , 24 Jun
452
Owen shot the man a cold , disapproving glare .
81 % 0
The boy rolled his eyes in exasperation . “ Dad , ever since Lily transferred to Larkridge High School , she’s been the undisputed top student . She’s never scored below 1550 out of 1600 on any exam ! ”
The boy’s father’s eyes widened . “ Wait , she’s that top student your mom keeps talking about ? ”
“ Yeah ! ” The boy , who had always disliked his father’s condescending attitude , suddenly remembered something and said , “ Oh right , Dad , didn’t you always want to work with the Stars Group on that project ? Well , turns out Lily’s sister happens to be their majority shareholder . ”
“ Wait , what ? ” the boy’s father blurted out , staring at Aria in disbelief .
Feeling much better , Lily turned to Aria and said cheerfully , “ Aria , I’m going in now . ”
“ Okay , good luck , ” Aria said .
The boy hurried after her . “ Lily , wait up ! ” he called .
The boy’s father looked awkwardly at Aria , about to speak , but before he could say anything , Aria turned to Owen and started talking . The two of them walked off together without a backward glance .
Their car was parked about a ten – minute walk away .
The two walked side by side .
Zoe was dropping her son off for the exam when she spotted Aria and Owen walking side by side . She froze , then turned to Caleb and asked , “ Is Aria dating Owen ? ”
Caleb said calmly , “ Just walking together doesn’t mean they’re together yet . ”
“ But … ” she hesitated , clearly wanting to say more but stopped herself .
Zoe didn’t say anything more . After a moment’s thought , she took out her phone , found Emma’s contact, and sent a message . [ Emma , is your son seeing anyone ? ]