Chapter 441

441
Three days before the SATS , Larkridge High School dismissed all students . Aria went to the campus to pick up her sister Lily .
Sophomores and juniors got out half a day early , while the seniors were the last to leave .
When Aria arrived , she happened to run into Zoe and Silvia , who were there to pick up Nathan .
Zoe’s face instantly lit up with joy when she saw her . “ Aria , you’re here too ! ”
Silvia greeted her with a bright smile . “ Hey , Aria . ”
Aria gave a slight nod and , without lingering , headed straight for Class One .
Zoe felt a pang of sadness at being treated like a stranger by Aria , but at the same time , she couldn’t help feeling a bit relieved .
‘ As long as Aria is doing well now , that’s all that matters , ‘ Zoe thought , a bittersweet sense of relief washing over her .
She turned to Silvia and said , “ Let’s go pick up Nathan . ”
82 %
At that moment , in Class One’s classroom , the teacher Valerie had just finished the class meeting . She earnestly instructed , “ For the next three days , complete one practice test per day . I’ll post the answer explanations in the group chat at 9 p.m. each night . Be extremely careful with your diet , minimize going out , and avoid questionable foods . ”
It was their last class . The students sat quietly , eyes brimming with reluctant tears , not ready to say goodbye
Valerie felt a lump in her throat as she fanned herself with a textbook . Trying to sound cheerful , she said , “ Hold it together , everyone . We’ve still got prom coming up . It’s not like you’ll never see each other again . ”
The class extrovert chimed in cheerfully , “ Exactly ! If you ever miss the classroom vibe , no big deal – you can always just come back and repeat senior year ! ”
Hearing this , several classmates nearby playfully kicked him and laughed , “ Don’t jinx us ! Like hell any of us are repeating this year . If you want to , you’re on your own ! ”
The playful banter instantly lightened the mood again .
Aria found herself smiling unconsciously as she watched the carefree grins on the students ‘ faces , their youthful energy proving contagious .
The parents waiting in the hallway were also caught up in the emotion . The more emotional ones discreetly wiped away tears , murmuring , “ After four grueling years , it’s finally coming to an end . I just hope our kids all get the results they deserve . ”
Some parents cheered . “ They sure will . ”
With graduation approaching , most students had cleared out their books and belongings , leaving only a few things behind .
With a final “ Class dismissed ” from Valerie , parents streamed into the classroom to help their children pack up .
Spotting Aria , Nathan froze mid – step- “ Aria ” on his lips – but she walked right past him without a glance , heading straight for Lily .
“ Aria , ” Lily called out – the very term Nathan had wanted to say .
Aria’s lips curved into a smile as she gently ruffled Lily’s hair , then picked up one of the stacks of books . “ Let’s head home , ” she said .
Lily nodded . “ Yeah ! Let’s go home ! ”
Their interaction was natural , and Aria no longer wore her usual aloof expression .
1/2
441
Zoe’s heart clenched , tears nearly spilling over .
‘ So Aria can smile after all . She isn’t heartless ,’ Zoe thought to herself .
But she never smiled at them .
Given how small the classroom was , Aria spotted Zoe at once . Their eyes met – a flash of grief in Zoe’s gaze – but Aría quickly looked away and , without another glance , walked out of the classroom with Lily by her side .
Silvia gently held Zoe’s hand . “ Mom … ”
It wasn’t the right time . Zoe swallowed hard , fighting back her tears , and managed a gentle smile . “ I’m okay , sweetheart .”
She knew there was no going back .
They and Aria would forever remain strangers .
Nathan’s eyes also stung with unshed tears , but he kept his composure . He picked up his books and said , “ Let’s go . ”
The day before the SATs , Lily was studying in her room when she got a message and got up to find Aria .
“ Hey Aria , my deskmate’s really nervous about the test and wants to go over some questions . I’ll pop out to help her – back before dinner . ”
Aria said , “ Why not have her come over to our place ? ”
Lily hesitated , looking conflicted . “ She’s too nervous and shy to come over , ” she explained . “ Don’t worry , Ari You can track my location , so I won’t get lost . I’ll be back before dinner . ”
Aria had no choice but to agree . “ Alright , stay safe . ”
With Lily checking in every hour , Aria felt much more at ease .
At 5 p.m. , Aria texted Lily : [ Time to head home now . ]
Half an hour passed , but there was still no reply from Lily .
Aria immediately called Lily , but the call wouldn’t go through .