Chapter 282: Uncle, I’m Tired
Jared Farrell stood to the side, listening to their familiar conversation, his face dark with displeasure. He had found Lysander familiar earlier but couldn’t pinpoint why. Now, seeing Lysander and Tina together, he realized that the boy’s outfit was a mirror image of Tina’s. Both wore T-shirts and jeans, casual and carefree, standing out among the formal attire around them. If not mentioned otherwise, they looked like they were wearing matching outfits and seemed perfectly suited for each other.
“Tina,” Jared Farrell’s jealousy nearly spilled out of his mouth as he wrapped an arm around Tina’s shoulder. “Is this also your friend?” His use of “also” dripped with jealousy, as if he were a jar of vinegar. One friend after another-how many more friends did she have that he didn’t know about? Especially male friends.
Tina didn’t shrug off his arm but instead let out a soft laugh. “Yes. A friend.” Then she looked at Lysander and introduced him, “My fiance.”
Jared Farrell was taken aback by her straightforward admission and the clear declaration of his identity. Being acknowledged as her fiance made him happier than anything else. He tightened his grip on her and smiled openly, “Hello! Jared Farrell!” Tina’s honesty made him change his attitude towards Lysander completely.
Lysander’s eyes flickered between the two of them, his previously excited expression now tinged with complex emotions. Not many people knew about Tina and Jared Farrell’s engagement; it was mostly within their circle. The media had only reported that Jared Farrell was engaged to a country girl, and the news of their engagement in Ensford had been suppressed. But when he learned that Jared Farrell’s fiancee was Tina, he felt uneasy because he believed that Tina deserved the best and most outstanding partner. Jared Farrell… wasn’t good enough!
He had always thought Tina didn’t care about the engagement, but he hadn’t expected her to take it seriously. Even though she introduced Jared Farrell simply, the word “fiance” still felt like a thorn, making him uncomfortable all over.
Suppressing his thoughts, he politely greeted Jared Farrell, “Hello, Uncle Farrell!” Though respectful, there was a hint of provocation in his tone. He was only eighteen; Tina was nineteen. And Jared Farrell was old enough to be their uncle. He wanted to highlight the age gap between Jared Farrell and Tina.
Jared Farrell’s smile stiffened slightly, his eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint. Lysander felt a sense of triumph until he looked up at Jared Farrell and was immediately subdued by his cold gaze. It was a similar feeling-both Tina and Jared Farrell exuded a strong sense of distance, as vast as the ocean.
Feeling inexplicably flustered, Lysander quickly diverted his gaze to Tina and changed the subject, “Tina, about our team…” He wanted confirmation from her.
Tina cut him off and removed Jared Farrell’s hand from her shoulder. “I’ll consider it.” Seeing her willingness to consider it made Lysander’s eyes light up; it was as if his drooping tail had perked up again.
“Tina, as long as you’re willing to return to the team, I’ll agree to any conditions!” He knew his promise didn’t hold much weight but couldn’t miss any opportunity.
Tina responded noncommittally with a hum while Jared Farrell watched the scene unfold with darkened eyes. He could see through Lysander’s attentiveness; it wasn’t just about the team but something more personal.
“Mr. Farrell,” Nathan Lehman approached quietly and whispered, “Logan isn’t feeling well and wants to leave early.” The Reed family’s banquet was nearing its end; they had made their appearances and expressed their stances.
Logan wasn’t feeling well and had no reason to stay longer. “Take my car,” Jared Farrell instructed. “Personally escort my grandfather home.” Nathan Lehman understood and went to drive Logan back.
Lysander had a lot more to say to Tina but restrained himself due to Jared Farrell’s presence. He suggested cautiously, “Tina, everyone misses you. How about we get together for dinner next time?”
Jared Farrell felt displeased hearing this but hid it well while Tina readily agreed, “Sure.”
Lysander left happily after chatting briefly with Tina.
After he left, Tina turned to Jared Farrell and said, “Uncle, I’m tired.” The banquet had worn her out with all its events; she felt exhausted.
Hearing her say she was tired, Jared Farrell immediately signaled Hayden Cohen to prepare for departure. “Then let’s go home.” They informed Muff and Jasper before leaving.
“That’s fine,” Jasper agreed since Tina was the main guest of honor; her departure signaled the end of the event. “A lot happened today; don’t carry any burdens in your heart.”
“No matter what happens, the Reed family will stand by you since you’re now one of us,” Muff added grandly.
Tina responded calmly with a simple acknowledgment before turning away with Jared Farrell towards Hayden Cohen’s car.
“I can go back on my own,” Tina said as she got into the car.
“It’s on my way,” Jared Farrell raised an eyebrow; he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with her.
Hayden Cohen twitched at this statement since their destinations were far apart-definitely not on the same route-but kept quiet.
Once in the car, Tina relaxed in the back seat with her eyes closed. She felt safe enough around Jared Farrell to let down her guard completely.
Watching her resting peacefully with her eyelashes fluttering slightly from the car’s movement made Jared Farrell feel a stir in his heart.NôvelDrama.Org © content.
About ten minutes into the drive, Hayden Cohen received a call that changed his expression instantly. He pulled over into an emergency lane and turned back urgently to Jared Farrell, “Mr. Farrell, something has happened!”