CHAPTER 185: CHAPTER 185: APOLOGIZING FOR THE PAST

On the prairie, the winter wind was bleak.

It made Poppy Hale’s face feel a bit cold.

Declan Hawthorne rode his horse back at a leisurely pace.

They had experienced many winters together in Arvum since their university days, through the end of their student years, always there for each other.

Poppy Hale buried her face in Declan Hawthorne’s chest.

He wore only a cashmere underlayer inside; the wind blew through, offering no warmth.

But the sound of his heartbeat was strong, resonating in Poppy Hale’s ear.

Poppy Hale thought.

Future worries can wait for the future.

She couldn’t guarantee how long she and Declan Hawthorne would be together; people’s hearts change, time moves on, and perhaps one day, they would find each other unbearable.

But that was all unknown.

She had once been unable to accept Declan Hawthorne, concerned about changes and harboring past grievances.

In this moment, she believed in the current love, profound and eternal, enough to envelop her completely.

In his eyes, there was only her reflection.

And she felt the same.

Back at the venue, they changed clothes, and Owen Donovan suggested going to eat together.

Declan Hawthorne glanced at Poppy Hale beside him and agreed.

Serena Sutton stood at the back, "Well, I’m not joining, you all eat, I’m leaving first."

Justin Hawthorne held Serena Sutton’s arm.

"Come on, we’re going to Shaw’s family restaurant anyway. Why let a good meal go to waste! Besides, you might get unlucky and run into your big brother if you go back now."

Serena Sutton didn’t expect Justin Hawthorne to speak so bluntly.

Ethan Sutton, unlucky?

Thinking carefully, it did seem a bit like that, but Serena Sutton didn’t dare say it.

She smiled demurely, "Okay, then I’ll join you all."

Serena Sutton was a typical good girl, obviously brought up with strict discipline, always measuring her behavior by a certain standard, not daring to make a single misstep.

Watching her and Justin Hawthorne, Poppy Hale suddenly felt that if Florence Lynch were really to be taken to be raised by Old Master Hawthorne, she might turn out like them.

Though lively and proud, Justin Hawthorne was still what Old Master Hawthorne expected, believing Hawthorne girls should be like that.

In front of Old Master Hawthorne, she became as obedient as a flower in a greenhouse.

Grown to be what the elders wanted.

No wonder Old Master Hawthorne would like Serena Sutton.

During the meal, Declan Hawthorne received a call from Heather Underwood.

"Will your daughter be attending Arvum Experimental Elementary in a few years? If so, there’s a parental interview in the next few days. I can sign you up."

"Yes, she will."

"Alright, I’ve sent you the information for review. Remember to take your child with you."

After hanging up.

Declan Hawthorne discussed this matter with Poppy Hale.

Poppy Hale was surprised, "Florence is only turning three next month; is it too early to prepare for elementary school interviews?"

"It’s not early; this is how it is for Experimental Elementary. Heather Underwood started preparing the materials last year. If you don’t like it, we can consider other schools later."

Experimental Elementary is the best in Arvum’s main area.

If not Experimental Elementary, then it’s a choice between private international schools.

Poppy Hale had previously thought about sending Florence to the school in their residential district.

The educational resources are not as good as Experimental Elementary.

But it won’t be as competitive.

"Experimental Elementary is also good, but I remember the interview process is complicated; Florence might not manage."

It’s not that Poppy Hale lacks confidence in Florence.

But she understands her daughter.

Just hearing Declan Hawthorne read a foreign language picture book, Florence can fall asleep in seconds.

Such quality sleep even makes Poppy Hale sigh.

Though her own studies were mediocre, she did get into Arvum University, and graduated from the same school as Declan, so intellectually, her genes shouldn’t be too far off.

Declan Hawthorne didn’t seem concerned about anything.

"Choosing a school is a two-way street; if Florence likes it, we’ll go; if not, we’ll let her attend an international school."

"Besides, Florence is smart; you just haven’t noticed."

Arvum City’s international schools have several that the Hawthorne Family has invested in.

To Declan Hawthorne, which school to attend depends entirely on which one Florence prefers.

Poppy Hale nodded, agreeing with Declan Hawthorne.

"I know Florence is smart, but I wasn’t into studying as a child. I wonder if you were the same?"

The steam from the pot rose around them; Allen Shaw took off his glasses and wiped the lenses, then chimed in, "Declan was good at studying as a kid, couldn’t afford not to be, otherwise there’d be no food. Your child could take after either of you."

Owen Donovan exclaimed.

"Is Eldest Miss Hale’s daughter Declan’s?"

Allen Shaw: "Otherwise?"

Owen Donovan instinctively said: "I thought Declan... but wasn’t it you who broke up with him at the time, Eldest Miss Hale?"

Poppy Hale responded affirmatively.

"It was Declan who wanted the breakup, and I fulfilled his wish. Why does everyone think I dumped him?"

Owen Donovan’s expression was as blank as the lotus slices in the pot.

"You’re kidding, right? At first, I thought Declan probably wasn’t into you, given..."

He gestured several times but couldn’t find the right words.

Poppy Hale understood.

Owen Donovan, knowing Declan Hawthorne’s family background, likely thought their relationship was just a game, that Declan Hawthorne would leave without hesitation after a brief infatuation.

"But when you went abroad, Declan was so upset; he waited under your dorm, even went to your department to find you, trying to get your home contact from your advisor."

"I remember jokingly saying, ’I hope nothing happened to Eldest Miss Hale’, and Declan almost cried..."

Owen Donovan recalled those days.

It was unbelievable, but unforgettable.

The red-eyed Declan Hawthorne, with bloodshot eyes, clenched fists, unshaven for days, looking exhausted and disheveled, far from his usual elegance.

That image scared Owen Donovan.

He stopped there, poured a drink, raised his wrist, "No more words, to your happiness, all in this drink! I’ll bring a gift at your wedding!"

Declan Hawthorne calmly added, "And for my daughter too."

"Sure, sure, noted."

Initially, the uninformed thought Declan Hawthorne would be raising Poppy Hale’s child.

Unexpectedly, the child was indeed Declan’s.

Owen Donovan glanced at Poppy Hale.

"Sorry, back then I owed you an apology."

During their relationship, Owen Donovan had indeed made many snide remarks, genuinely feeling that Poppy Hale wasn’t a match for Declan Hawthorne.

The difference between Declan Hawthorne and Poppy Hale was too great.

It was only after their breakup, seeing the change in Declan Hawthorne, that Owen Donovan realized such enduring affection couldn’t be one-sided.

From years ago until now, Declan Hawthorne and Poppy Hale had always been moving towards each other.

Owen Donovan sincerely said, "Luckily, our thoughtless words back then didn’t affect your relationship."

"Sorry, we really owed you an apology, truly sorry."

In those days, Poppy Hale really cared.

She had been upset and pained by the voices around Declan Hawthorne.

But now, all of that was in the past.

Owen Donovan was merely standing up for Declan Hawthorne.

Each had their own perspective.