Chapter 312
Harrison’s expression softened a little more. “Take care of yourself,” he said gently.
The two of them, caring for one another as if nothing else in the world mattered, finished their sweet dinner together. Just as they were clearing the table, a housekeeper appeared at the door to announce that someone had arrived with a delivery.
Anastasia already had a hunch. Stepping into the foyer, she saw it was exactly as she suspected-Gabriel had sent over the box containing the things her mother had left in the bank.
Harrison followed her out and glanced at the delivery, piecing together why she’d been in low spirits earlier. He reached out, brushing her hair with a comforting touch. “These are from your mother?”
Anastasia nodded, then looked up at him and corrected softly, “Honey, not just my mom-she’s your mom now too. You’re my husband, remember? It’s time you started calling her ‘Mom’ as well.”
Harrison looked a little awkward. “Alright. I’ll get used to it.”
He remembered meeting Cecilia when he was ten. Even as a child, he had always been mature for his age-he never saw Cecilia as a distant adult, but as someone he could talk to as an equal. He never imagined he’d one day have to call her “Mom.” The thought left him with complicated feelings.
After taking a day to rest at home, Anastasia returned to class as usual the next morning.
When Maggie and the others saw her walk into the lecture hall, they were stunned. “There are only two days left! How much have you memorized? Why are you still coming to class? Shouldn’t you be at home cramming?”
Sandra shot her a reproachful look from across the table.
Watching her friends panic on her behalf, Anastasia could only sigh. “Relax, I’ve got it all under control.”
“So, how far are you?” Maggie pressed.
Anastasia replied without a hint of hurry, “I haven’t started yet.”
Everyone else:
No sooner had the words left her mouth than someone with a quick hand posted the exchange on the school forum. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
[Oh my god! She hasn’t even started? Is Anastasia just giving up?]
[Don’t! At least try! I really don’t want to see Penelope and Shirley win!]
[Same! That Shirley is so full of herself, I can’t stand her. If she wins, it’ll be a slap
in the face for everyone at Kingsbridge University!]
Anxiety for Anastasia spread across the student body.
But not everyone was sympathetic-
[Looks to me like Anastasia knows she’s going to lose, so she’s just throwing in the towel.]
[I agree. She probably regretted agreeing in the first place, but now she can’t back out without losing face. This way, when she loses, she can say she didn’t really try and save a little dignity. Smart move, huh~]
[Why not just admit defeat from the start? Save everyone the drama.]
[Hang on, what if-just maybe she already knows all the material and doesn’t need to cram?]
[Lol, did Anastasia hire you to say that? Anyone with half a clue knows she’s famous for being a total slacker! Penelope, on the other hand, has always been top of the class!]
[A slacker? Everyone knows what Anastasia scored on her college entrance exams. You’re the real clown here. Penelope’s so-called stellar reputation? Please. Her scores were nothing to brag about.]
[Enough bickering. Here’s the real deal: I don’t know about the entrance exam rumors, but one thing’s certain-Anastasia has zero talent for medicine. Her own father’s given up on her.]
[Penelope, on the other hand, has been interested in medicine since she was a kid, mentored by top doctors who’ve praised her talents.]
[So, whether or not Penelope already memorized Herbal Remedies Unveiled, she’s got a solid foundation. Even if she hasn’t, it’ll be way easier for her than for Anastasia. Bottom line: Anastasia’s doomed.]
With such “logical” arguments piling up, even those who had been rooting for Anastasia were left speechless.
By now, hardly anyone believed she stood a chance.
And so, under this cloud of doubt, the appointed day finally arrived.