This situation was beginning to become quite complex for Charlie. He felt it was essential to speak with Isaac beforehand and ensure he had adequate protection on the designated day. No matter the circumstances, he couldn’t afford to disclose his identity.

During dinner, Loreen brought up an idea, saying, “Before I arrived in Aurous Hill, I spoke with some of our former classmates, and they suggested organizing a class reunion. What do you think about that?”

Charlie immediately replied, “No thanks, I won’t be going.”

“Why not?” Loreen asked, her curiosity piqued. “Even though we weren’t classmates for all four years, we did spend a year together!”

When Charlie was taken in by Lord Wilson, he was sent to Aurous University to meet Claire before their wedding. He and Claire were in the same class during their final year, and they got married right after graduation. Charlie never really formed friendships with his classmates, and since many of them looked down on him, he had no interest in the reunion. Claire felt similarly and added, “Charlie and I will skip this one. I haven’t kept in touch with most of our classmates since graduation.”

Loreen quickly responded, “The main reason for the reunion is Douglas Adams. He’s opening a restaurant that starts operations tomorrow and is inviting everyone to come celebrate together. Don’t you think it would be a bit rude not to attend the opening ceremony?”

Just as she finished speaking, both their phones beeped simultaneously, indicating an incoming message. They opened their phones to find a flurry of conversation boxes appearing on the screen. It was Douglas who had created a chat group with over thirty people included. In the group chat, Douglas wrote, “Dear classmates, my restaurant officially opens at noon tomorrow in Aurous Hill. I encourage anyone in the area to come enjoy a feast together—it can also serve as our class reunion! Plus, Loreen Thomas, one of the two belles from our class, is now working in Aurous Hill and will be attending as well! I heard she’s still single, so all the bachelors better get ready!”

Instantly, the group was inundated with responses. “Hey, congrats!”

“Wow, Loreen is in Aurous Hill? I had no idea! I’ll definitely be there!”

“What about Claire, the other belle? Is she coming?”

“I heard Claire married Charlie, the transfer student, right? And I also heard he’s a live-in son-in-law; is that true?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that too, but I’m not sure since I haven’t seen either of them since graduation…”

“I also heard they haven’t consummated their marriage, although they are married. I wonder if there’s any truth to that…”

Claire grimaced at the messages and turned to Charlie, saying, “Don’t let it bother you.”

Charlie smiled in response. “It’s fine; what they’re saying is pretty much accurate anyway. I’ve grown used to it.”

Loreen jumped back into the group chat, writing, “Hey, stop spreading rumors! I’m having dinner with this lovely couple right now!”

“Wow, it’s Loreen!” came the excited buzz from the group, as everyone quickly gathered around her message. At that moment, Douglas tagged Charlie, saying, “Charlie, even though you were with us for a short time, I remember we got along well in college. You and your wife must come tomorrow!”

Charlie had a favorable impression of Douglas. He was genuinely kind and never spoke ill of others, making him one of the few classmates Charlie had a bond with. Seeing Douglas’s sincere invitation, Charlie promptly replied, “Okay, we’ll definitely be there tomorrow.”

Douglas responded quickly, “That’s awesome! It’s going to be a fantastic reunion!”