<b>Chapter </b><b>195 </b>
But I couldn’t bring myself tough. I buried my face in Peter’s shoulder, quietly sobbing.
Peter gently ced his hand on top of my head. “It’s okay; don’t cry. Everyone grows old eventually…”
I thought, “Yes, everyone grows old. But seeing someone age overnight was truly heartbreaking. Peter still made me the coffee, but it didn’t taste very pleasant as I drank it.”
“Take this coffee with you. You can brew it yourself–it’s good for your skin,” Peter said, wrapping up the leftover
coffee grounds for me.
I thought, ‘He treats me like his daughter, and now, I could sense more guilt in his kindness toward me. I couldn’t refuse, or it would make him feel even worse.
“Alright, I’lle back for more once I’m finished,” I said lightly, hoping to ease his mood.
“Take whatever you want, Zoe,” Peter replied with sincerity, “You’re like a daughter to me, you know?”
I nodded deeply. “In my heart, you’re like a father to me too.”
I thought, ‘Back when I was in school, mostly Peter attended parent–teacher meetings. If Michelle wanted to go, he’d say that because of his position, the principal and teachers would treat me with extra respect. Though my parents had passed away, Peter never once made me feel like an orphan in front of my ssmates.‘
Peter nodded thoughtfully. As I recalled Michelle’s concerns, I nced at his hair and said, “Peter, Michelle is
worried about you. If she saw you like this…”
“I’m still handsome, right?” Peter joked, running his fingers through his hair. “Isn’t that right?”
I couldn’t help butugh, the tears gathering in my eyes. “Yes, very handsome. Peter, you’re the most handsome
no matter what.”
As we wereughing, we heard footstepsing upstairs. Michelle arrivéd before we even saw her. “I’ve finally figured it out–no one can manage <i>you </i>except Zoe.”
By the time Michelle finished speaking, she was at the door. Since it was open, I saw her standing there with a
teasing smile, but as soon as she saw us, the smile faded into shock.
She stared at Peter, her eyes flickering with disbelief. After a moment, tears began to fall.
Peter and I both stood up. I rushed over to her, concerned she might not be able to handle it, and whispered, “Michelle…”
But Michelle didn’t look at me; her gaze was fixed on Peter’s hair.
Peter walked over to her and gently wiped the tears from her cheek. “What’s wrong? Are you saying I’m ugly now?”
13:05 Thu, 21 Aug an
Still focused on Peter’s white hair, Michelle finally raised her trembling hand. “Your hair…”
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“I’ve got white hair too, and more than you. I guess you don’t need to worry about it anymore, huh?” Peter teased
as he wiped her tears away.
But Michelle couldn’t stop crying. Her whole body trembled as if she was overwhelmed by the pain.
It was the first time I had ever seen Michelle cry like this. Peter had always pampered her, and it was rare for her to shed a single tear. But now, she was sobbing uncontrobly, her hand gently brushing his hair.
Watching this, I quietly made my way downstairs.
Philip looked at me. “What’s going on? I heard Michelle crying.”
“Peter… his hair turned white overnight,” I said, watching Philip’s eyes widen in shock.
After a brief pause, he lowered his head, falling silent.
I wasn’t sure how tofort him. Despite having a reason for being here, I no longer had the energy for it.
“I think I should head home now,” I told Philip.
Philip nced upstairs. “Let me give you a ride.”
I got in the car and turned the key, but the engine wouldn’t start.
It suddenly hit me–beforeing here, I had asked the mechanic to tamper with the car so I could take Peter’s.
“Is the car broken?” Philip asked, noticing the problem.
Feeling guilty, I couldn’t look at him and whispered, “Yes.”
“I’ll get someone to fix it. Tristan can take you home,” Philip said.
Tristan was Peter’s driver.
AD
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