Chapter 10
When Phoenix first got together with Julian, her father had expressed his disapproval
Julian was eight years older than Phoenix, with the experience and cunning that time cultivates. Her father had always worried Phoenix would get hurt.
After receiving Phoenix’s last call, he’d been constantly worried.
“Phoenix!”
Her father reached out as soon as he saw her walking out of the airport.
“Dad!”
Phoenix had thought she’d moved on, but the moment she saw her father, all the pain she’d endured poured out as tears.
“My poor baby’s suffered so much.”
Her father pulled his sobbing daughter into his arms.
“We’ll never see him again. You’ll stay with Dad from now on. My sweet Phoenix is too good–you’ll find someone better after leaving Julian.”
Her father lovingly wiped away her tears.
As Phoenix approached the car, she was surprised to see someone else inside.
She hesitated, unsure whether to get in.
“Phoenix, let me introduce you–this is my students, Mason Winters.”
Phoenix got in awkwardly. “Hello, I’m Phoenix Reed.”
Seeing her discomfort, Mason took the initiative. “Hi, I’ve heard Professor Reed talk about you often. Meeting you now, you’re even prettier than in his phone pictures.”
Her father had been living abroad but still thought about his daughter constantly he even kept Phoenix’s photo as his phone wallpaper.
Phoenix blushed at the compliment. “Thank you.”
She paused, then added, “You’re handsome too.”
Mason laughed at her awkward compliment.
Seeing them getting along, her father focused on driving, letting them continue their conversation.
Mason was an excellent conversationalist–whatever Phoenix mentioned, he could respond to thoughtfully.
17:19
Chapter 10
“Won’t you come have dinner with us?”
Her father was fond of this student and, knowing how difficult studying abroad could be, often invited him over for meals.
“Not today. I need to finish some lab work and meet with Professor DeVille later.”
After Mason politely said goodbye to Professor Reed and Phoenix, he left.
Her father glanced at Phoenix in the back seat and tentatively suggested, “What do you think of Mason? He’s two years younger than you, but he’s mature and well–mannered.”
Phoenix responded listlessly, “Dad, I don’t plan on getting into another marriage right now.”
Phoenix had genuinely loved Julian. After being together for so long, she couldn’t be without feelings.
Having just extracted herself from a messy relationship, Phoenix wasn’t ready to connect with someone new.
Her father understood her pain. “Even just chatting as friends isn’t bad. Don’t isolate yourself. What are your plans now?”
Phoenix had studied oil painting and had originally planned further education, but after getting together with Julian, she’d abandoned those plans.
Julian had protected Phoenix thoroughly, practically waiting on her hand and foot.
In these years, Phoenix had centered her entire life around Julian.
She
gave a bitter smile, unsure whether Julian’s behavior had been love or control.
Looking at the scenery rushing past the window, she finally said, “I’ll pick up my art again and continue my education.”
Hearing her words, her father felt relieved.
He knew how much Phoenix had loved Julian over the years. He’d feared she would slide into depression after leaving him.
Seeing that Phoenix had plans for herself, her father quickly offered, “I know some professors at the university. With your good grades, I can introduce you to them.”
♡(0)
17:19
