Kicked Out, Flash-Married, and Now He Won't Let Me Go

Vivian Lowell was a bit surprised.

Eleanor Rhodes was too. She was so astonished she almost thought she was seeing things. She asked, "Professor Sterling, what are you doing back?"

Henry Sterling was quiet for a moment. He didn’t answer Eleanor’s question, simply asking, "Weren’t you in a hurry to get back? Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride."

"Okay."

Eleanor Rhodes nodded. Before she left, she glanced back at Vivian Lowell, a clear signal for Vivian to take care and that she was leaving first.

"Go on."

Vivian Lowell waved at Eleanor, who then followed Henry Sterling out.

Watching Henry’s back, Eleanor could tell he wasn’t in a good mood. And from the way he had just dodged her question, it was obvious he didn’t want to talk about it.

’Did something unpleasant happen between him and Wendy Wynn?’

Eleanor felt a little awkward. After a moment’s thought, she decided to just start chattering away to Henry about some of the interesting things that had happened at the vet hospital recently.

For example, a cute, well-behaved cat that spent its entire first day hiding under the bed after going home with its new owner.

And after using its litter box, it even tugged its owner over to show off its "masterpiece."

Henry listened distractedly, his mind replaying what had happened after he dropped Wendy Wynn off.

After returning to the country, Wendy had checked into a hotel.

Her assistant had already left. In the hotel room, it was just the two of them. The lights were dim, and the scent of aromatherapy created an intimate atmosphere.

Wendy wrapped her arms around him from behind and said, "When I saw you dancing with that girl just now, I could barely breathe."

"But when you came off the dance floor, you saw me. The moment I saw the look in your eyes, I knew there was nothing between you two, right?"

Henry struggled slightly.

But Wendy’s embrace was too tight. He could only say, "Wendy, you’re drunk. You should get some rest."

"Mm."

Wendy seemed to sense Henry’s resistance. She didn’t press him, instead sitting back on the sofa and reclining slightly, her gaze complex as she watched him.

She asked, "Why won’t you look at me?"

"..."

Henry, who had been staring at the floor, had no choice but to look up at Wendy. "Are you feeling unwell anywhere else? Should I have room service bring you some sobering-up soup?"

Wendy shook her head, almost as if she were pouting. She said, "I want you to stay and keep me company, okay?"

Henry didn’t answer.

He had thought that after missing Wendy for so many years, he would still treat her as well as he always had once she returned.

But now...

Henry’s instincts kept him frozen. A thought even surfaced in his mind, telling him he didn’t want to stay here with Wendy.

Henry’s silence made Wendy’s eyes well up. She began to sob softly and asked, "Do you like that girl?"

Henry still didn’t answer.

Wendy could only lower her head. "I was wrong back then," she said. "I stayed abroad and achieved what I thought I wanted. But in the end, I realized none of it was what I truly needed."

"Henry, do you know what it is I really want?"

The answer was on the tip of his tongue.

Henry’s heart pounded. Feeling evasive, he said, "You’re drunk. I’ll have someone..."

Before he could finish his sentence.

Just like before, Wendy came over and embraced Henry, this time from the front.

By the time Henry reacted, a kiss had already landed on his neck.

He practically fled in a panic, leaving the hotel and returning to the banquet hall, where he saw Eleanor Rhodes just as she was about to leave.

He didn’t know why.

But in that instant, Henry felt much of his earlier panic and anxiety subside.

In the car, although Henry was still feeling agitated, he found that, for some reason, Eleanor’s chattering in his ear didn’t bother him at all.

In fact, he gradually started to really listen to what she was saying.

"Is there really a kitten that mischievous?"

He chuckled, his tone lightening. "The weather’s gotten warmer recently, and some stray cats have started showing up near the lab again."

"Listening to their cries... I think it’s time to get them neutered. When are you free? Could you come help me catch them for the surgery?"

"I’ll cover the surgical fees, of course. I’d just be troubling you."

Hearing that there were cats to be neutered, Eleanor’s mood brightened. "I should be free tomorrow! Are there many cats? I’ll ask Vivian to come along!"

"Yeah, probably three or four. The pregnant cat from before also had her kittens a few days ago. I saw the weather forecast says it’s going to rain for the next few days."

"I’m worried they’ll get wet, so I bought some wooden frames and cat beds, but I haven’t had time to assemble them yet. If you’re free, could you help me?"

"Of course." Eleanor agreed happily. When she smiled, she was like a little ray of sunshine.

Henry saw Eleanor’s smile in the mirror and smiled back.

Soon, they arrived at the pet hospital.

Eleanor quickly got out of the car and went to find the veterinarian to discuss the kitten that needed help.

That night, Eleanor was busy at the pet hospital until very late. When she was ready to call a cab home and walked out, she was surprised to find Henry Sterling still there.

"Why haven’t you left?"

Eleanor was astonished. At the same time, she realized she was all dirty and felt a bit embarrassed. She quickly turned her head away to straighten her hair and clothes.

From behind her, she heard Henry’s soft laughter.

"You can’t drive, and your car was back at the hotel. Vivian Lowell just messaged me. She said she found a designated driver for you and had your car taken back to your house."

Henry explained, "I figured you’d have to get a cab home, which would be inconvenient. So I decided to just stay here and wait for you in the car while I read over some reports."

"It’s fine, I didn’t wait too long. I just finished my report when you came out."

Eleanor glanced at her phone. It was already two in the morning.

Still reading reports this late... that was certainly in line with Henry Sterling’s studious nature.

’So it seems he really was just waiting for me as a matter of convenience?’

With that thought, Eleanor said, "Well, thank you for the trouble, Professor Sterling."

Henry shook his head, and Eleanor got into the passenger seat again.

This time, Eleanor wasn’t chattering away like before. She was exhausted and fell asleep almost as soon as she got in.

Henry turned the heater down a bit so the blowing air wouldn’t wake her. He then grabbed a blanket from the back seat and draped it over her.

’What a handful, this girl.’

Henry thought to himself as he drove slowly, heading back toward Eleanor’s home.