Chapter 62

**Chapter 0062**
**Judy’s POV**

“Oh, hey Judy,” Irene said, catching her breath after Ethan’s hug. Her cheeks were red, and she had a big smile on her face. She ran her fingers through her hair, looking happy and carefree.

She walked into the parlor, her hair a little messy, and gave me a shy smile.

Matt paused his homework and looked up at his sister.

“How are things going in here?” she asked, settling into the loveseat across the room.

Ethan sat next to her, their fingers intertwined. They looked sweet and close, completely wrapped up in each other. I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew he had been at my house last night while she was trying so hard to call him.

“Great, I’m just finishing up some Algebra,” I said, turning back to Matt. I tried my best to ignore Irene and Ethan while he whispered sweet nothings into her ear, making her giggle.

I couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

I felt a chill run up my spine. Ethan’s gaze seemed to settle on me every now and then, but I straightened my back and focused on my work.

“I brought some pastries,” one of the maids said as she entered the parlor.

Maria placed a tray on the coffee table for everyone to share.

“Thank you, Maria,” Irene said politely.

Maria nodded and left the room a moment later.

Ethan stood up and walked over to the coffee table.

He bent down to take a closer look at the pastries. There were scones and small sugar cookies that smelled absolutely delicious. He picked up a couple of cookies and walked back to the loveseat he shared with Irene. He draped himself comfortably on the couch, ready to enjoy his treat.

As I watched, he wrapped a protective arm around her and brought the cookie to her lips.

She smiled, opened her mouth, and took a bite of the cookie.

“Gag,” Matt muttered, rolling his eyes. “Can’t you do that a little less… sweetly?”

“Irene, are you thinking about something else?” Ethan asked.

Irene frowned at him while he brushed a crumb off her lips. He brought his finger to his mouth and licked the crumb off, his eyes lingering on hers.

Irene pressed her lips together tightly, feeling a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

Irene shot a glare at him. She knew he was trying to provoke her, but she refused to give him the satisfaction.

“You don’t have to watch us,” she snapped back.

She then snuggled into Ethan, who kissed the top of her head.

I looked up at the top of her head.

For the first time, I wondered if Ethan had anything to do with my dad finding out about my dyslexia. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did.

I couldn’t believe that someone would do something so cruel just to try and push me out of college. The thought made my stomach twist and turn, and I suddenly felt sick.

I turned away from them and focused on Matt’s work instead. We threw ourselves into it, working hard for the next several days.

Irene and Ethan were cozy on the loveseat, snuggling and flirting with each other. It seemed like they had all the time in the world and nothing better to do.

By the time we finished working on Matt’s project, I felt completely drained, both physically and mentally.

**Chapter 0062**

I was tired but satisfied with our progress.

“Do you want to stay for dinner again?” Matt asked as he put his assignments away.

“I need to get home,” I replied, getting to my feet. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Matt pouted a little, looking disappointed.

He didn’t argue this time.

“I’m going to check what we’re having for dinner and see if I can help in the kitchen,” Irene said as she stood up and pulled Ethan along with her. “Will you come with me?” she asked.

She fluttered her long eyelashes at him, trying to catch his attention. He looked down at her, and for a moment, I thought he would agree to go with her out of the kitchen. But instead, he just gave her a sweet smile and pressed his lips gently to hers.

She kissed him gently and said, “I’ll meet you in there. I have to make a phone call.”

She frowned at him but didn’t argue. Instead, she gave him a quick kiss on the lips and turned to look at something else.

Judy chuckled softly. “My man is a hard worker,” she said. “He’s always so busy. It was nice to see you, Judy.”

She walked towards the kitchen, and Matt followed her.

“I’ll come with you,” he said.

She nodded, and together they walked into the kitchen. I picked up my bag from the coffee table, knowing that Ethan was watching my every move. I tried my best to ignore him, but it was hard.

I didn’t want to give him the time of day. I picked up my bag and started walking towards the door. But then, he grabbed my arm, stopping me in my tracks. I turned around to face him, my eyes filled with anger.

I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.