Filed to story: My Husband Regrets Divorcing Me (Audrey & Cornell)
He pulled out a folder from his drawer and handed it to her. “These are the brochures for that school. Take them and have a look. Once you’ve made your decision, I’ll take care of everything, including tuition, living expenses, and your application.”
While Elin had no intention of studying so far from home, preferring to stay within the familiar surroundings of Swynborough, she accepted the folder with a respectful nod. She had already arranged her tuition through part-time work and had declined financial help from Annis, but she nonetheless expressed her appreciation. “Thank you, sir.”
Landen seemed pleased with her respectful response and then changed the subject. “About that bar incident, Erick was naive and ended up being manipulated. But he was at fault, so I had reprimanded him severely.”
Hearing Landen acknowledge the bar incident caught Elin off guard.
She turned to face him, her face turning pale suddenly.
Landen didn’t dislike Elin. It was just that he wasn’t getting any younger. The future success of the Foster family rested on Erick’s shoulders if they wanted to keep shining or soar even higher.
Erick, being the heir of the Foster family, carried the responsibility of ensuring the Foster family’s prosperity and also the task of locating Casey and Audrey.
Once Casey and Audrey were found back, the Foster family needed to be strong enough to avoid any future tragedies. Thus, Erick was destined to seek a powerful alliance through marriage.
It wasn’t that Elin wasn’t good, but she didn’t come from wealth, offering no support to Erick’s career.
Even if Landen felt compassionate momentarily and allowed Erick to marry Elin, what would happen if the Foster family fell one day? He refused to let Elin’s parents’ misfortune recur. What kind of man would he be if he couldn’t protect his own woman?
So, for Elin’s sake, Landen wished Elin would marry someone from a similar background to ensure a secure and joyful life.
Landen noticed Elin’s hands clenched tight and sighed. “Ultimately, this is the Foster family’s burden. Erick has offered to compensate, which seems fair. Use this chance to improve yourself and find a husband who will cherish you. Live a calm and joyful life. Remember, the Foster family will always support you.”
The soft, yellow glow of the study lamp cast light on Elin’s pale and fragile face.
“May I know was it Mr. Erick Foster’s idea to send me away to study in Uchaesau?” Elin finally voiced her doubt.
Landen gave a slight nod, confirming her guess.
Elin’s posture shifted slightly, her heart filled with sadness.
Landen observed her reaction and felt helpless. He understood his son well. Like himself, Erick was often slow to recognize his own feelings. It was evident that Elin had developed feelings for Erick quite some time ago, yet he remained unaware.
This predicament should have been addressed much earlier. Landen knew he had to take on the role of the villain.
Landen’s tone became gentler. “Elin, I know you are a good girl. I hope you understand that I have my reasons. You and Erick are not a good match.”
Elin’s face turned red. In truth, she had overestimated her own worth and allowed herself to dream too far. Landen could have ignored her feelings, openly shaming her and accusing her of shamelessly coveting Erick.
However, Landen was an educated man, choosing his words with care, and taking the blame upon himself, which only added to Elin’s embarrassment.
With things reaching this point, if Elin denied Landen’s generosity, she would seem unreasonable and ungrateful.
Cap?tulo 878:
Elin smiled, her deep eyes shining with a keen grasp of human nature.
“I understand. Don’t worry, I… I’ll go.”
Landen expressed his approval, “I knew you were exceptional. If that’s all, you may go about your day.”
“Mr. Foster.” Elin paused, gathering her thoughts.
Despite Landen treating her like a part of the family, Elin always referred to him as “Mr. Foster,” recognizing the absence of a close personal connection. She consistently remembered her role.
Landen looked up and hummed in response.
Elin had regained her composure and said quietly, “I have another request.”
“What’s is it?”
“Please keep this from my mother. I don’t want her to worry.”
Landen’s brow furrowed slightly. He had initially intended to tell Annis. He held Annis in high regard since the latter was a conscientious and precise employee, trusted by Casey, indicating her integrity.
With Elin being Annis’ daughter and raped by Erick, Landen felt obligated to inform Annis.
Misinterpreting Landen’s silence as concern over her unresolved feelings for Erick, Elin quickly clarified, “Mr. Foster, don’t worry. What happened at the bar… It was truly an accident. I share part of the blame. I don’t hold Erick responsible, and it won’t happen again.”
Recognizing Elin’s sincere intent not to burden Annis with her worries, Landen reluctantly consented, “Alright, I will honor your request.”
Elin said, “Mr. Foster, I’m not upset with your arrangement. You have been incredibly supportive of my family. I shouldn’t have entertained the wistful idea for Mr. Erick Foster… It was my fault.”
Landen was taken aback by Elin’s maturity, despite her young age. She could see through people’s intentions with remarkable clarity.
Talking with someone so perceptive made things much easier for him.
Elin searched the folder for the black card Landen had given her.
She then respectfully handed it back to him using both hands. “Mr. Foster, I have saved enough to cover my tuition fees. I can work part-time during my college days to support myself, so please take this back.”
Landen frowned. “You should keep this card. It’s merely a small token of my appreciation, not a significant amount. If you refuse it, it feels as though you resent me.”
Elin was about to refuse again when Landen added, “Elin, please accept this card, so I can rest easy.”
Ultimately, Landen was worried about Elin.
Elin considered for a moment and then agreed to accept the card to ease his concerns. However, she had no intention of using this card.
She planned to give it back when the right moment came.
The following day.
Cap?tulo 879:
Elin shared her plans to study in Uchaesau with her mother.
Annis was shocked. “Elin, didn’t you plan to attend university here? Aren’t universities abroad essentially the same?”
Elin gently patted Annis’ shoulder and smiled. “Mom, it’s actually quite different. The fashion and jewelry design program in Uchaesau is more renowned. If I’m going to college, I might as well attend one that I truly like, right?”
Annis struggled with the idea of her daughter being so far away, her voice trembling. “But it’s so far…”
“It’s not that far.” Elin made it a point to sound cheerful, hiding how she truly felt.
“Four years will fly by. Mr. Foster is remarkably generous by granting you a month of vacation each year. You could visit me in Uchaesau during that time, and we could explore different cultures together. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Elin was sharp, and Annis was insightful. Annis rubbed her hands nervously and said, “Elin, is it because of what happened before, that you’re still upset with me… I…”
Annis’ voice choked. “I had no choice. Mrs. Foster has been so kind to us, and we really aren’t at the same level as her son. I know my words last time hurt your pride, but Mr. Erick Foster is indeed from a different world. I’m sorry. But do you understand that I only said those things for your sake?”
Understand… Landen’s words echoed in Elin’s mind. Everyone expected her to understand them, yet nobody seemed to try to understand her perspective.
She never intended to seduce Erick, but she hadn’t expected that her unselfish acts could alarm others. Had she known, she would have avoided such a misunderstanding…
Elin felt a sting in her nose and fought to hold back her tears, managing to smile. “Mom, it’s nothing like that. I genuinely want to study in Uchaesau.”
Annis ultimately wanted what was best for Elin’s future, so she withdrew her objections. She sighed and said softly, “You have big dreams, my girl. Just take good care of yourself.”
Elin’s eyes welled up. “Mom, take care of yourself too. I’ll gradually become your pillar of strength…”
A few days later, Landen had taken care of all the arrangements for Elin, and she would be leaving shortly.
Elin bid farewell to her close friends and went out for dinner, returning to the Foster estate Late.
Seeing that Annis was still up, Elin went to check on her as usual to see if she needed any help.
Upon reaching the main house, Elin encountered Erick, whom she hadn’t seen in many days. He was seated on the sofa, looking weary as if he had been drinking once more.
Elin walked by the sofa without stopping and passed Erick by. She no longer held the right to be concerned about him. His way of making amends was to send her abroad, clearly indicating his desire not to see her anymore. The initial agony that felt as if her heart had been torn out had been days ago, and now she was better at concealing it.
Growing up, Elin endured a tough life and moved around a lot with her mother. Her resilience in handling pressure surpassed that of most people. These experiences had developed her strong self-worth, keen sensitivity, and mature personality. She feared being Looked down upon, so she vowed never to make the same mistake and to stick to her own path.
Landen’s words had clarified one thing for Elin. Social class existed, unseen but ever-present.
In the kitchen, failing to find her mother, Elin decided to leave.
Just as Elin was about to step away, she noticed Erick leaning against the sofa, his head tilted back, his Adam’s apple moving, appearing distressed. She was aware that his throat would hurt whenever he drank.
After a brief hesitation, Elin returned to the kitchen and prepared a glass of iced lemonade for Erick as she had done before. Since she was leaving tomorrow, this would be the last time she prepared this drink for him.
Once ready, Elin silently set the glass on the table without his notice.
After a lingering look at Erick, Elin turned and walked away.
Erick had always had a chronic throat issue that made drinking uncomfortable for him. When he opened his eyes and was about to get up for some water, he noticed the glass before him, a familiar, refreshing, and appealing sight. He took a sip, then a large gulp, immediately feeling relief in his throat.
Cap?tulo 880:
Upon reflection, Erick realized he hadn’t seen Elin in several days, likely due to his recent preoccupations.