To shift the dynamics of the conversation, Jake remembered a name that Aaron had used to tease Jacob: Matilda. He feigned interest and asked, “Dad, what’s the deal with this Matilda you mentioned earlier? You all seem pretty close to her, and I’m quite curious…”


    Aaron shot a sideways nce at Jacob and chuckled, “Matilda Mark was the most stunning girl in our ss, and she had a legion of admirers. Honestly, if all her fans lined up, they would wrap around the university twice!”<fn3ca9> This text is hosted at find?novel</fn3ca9>


    With a mischievous grin, Aaron raised his voice and boomed, “Eventually, Matilda must have been under some spell, because she picked Jacob! With the most beautiful and sought-after girl in school as his girlfriend, he had to be careful not to bump into anyone, fearing he’d get jumped!”


    “What happened next?”


    Aaron nced at Jacob, amusement dancing in his eyes, and giggled. “Well, Matilda ended up breaking up with him and moved to the United States. She hasn’t returned since.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Turning to Jacob with a teasing tone, he asked, “So, Jacob, do you know why Matilda ended things with you?”


    Jacob retorted, “That’s none of your business.”


    Aaron chuckled at Jacob’s reaction. “Let me fill you in: Matilda was overwhelmed by her many admirers. She decided to get a fake boyfriend to fend off all the pesky suitors. She picked you, and you were the only one who didn’t see iting. After using you, she ditched you and headed overseas! Hahaha!”


    Fuming, Jacob eximed, “Shut up! Matilda and I broke up because…”


    But he couldn’t finish his thought.


    His anger morphed into regret, destion, and sadness. He lowered his head, sighed softly, and waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, let’s just drop it.”


    “Oh, don’t do that!” Aaron interjected eagerly. “Don’t leave us hanging! Tell us, why did you two break up? Wasn’t it because she was over you?”


    “Absolutely not!” Jacob shot back.


    “Then spill the details!”


    “It’s personal; it’s none of your business!”


    Aaron clicked his tongue in frustration. “Honestly, it seems like you’re just too embarrassed to admit you got yed!”


    Jacob waved his hand in defeat. “You can say whatever you want; I have noment.”


    “You…” Aaron hadn’t anticipated Jacob would call for a truce so quickly. He rolled his eyes in irritation, feeling like he had just punched air instead of a punching bag.


    At that moment, more people started to arrive, and soon over twenty guys had gathered at the gate.


    Jacob was right; the reunion was filled with men.


    These older friends shared a deep and genuine bond. As they conversed, Charlie noticed some of them had tears glistening in their eyes.


    Eric was the first to approach Jacob, gesturing for everyone toe closer. “Guys, don’t just stand there! Come in and chat.”


    Aaron nodded in agreement. “Yes, let’s head to our old ssroom to catch up. Mr. Lee might take a bit longer since he’s not feeling well. Let’s go in first.”