Chapter 14

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" asked Clarice, shocked. She couldn't show her surprise and couldn't deny that the news had completely made her forget about Tristan.

Her heart was beating fast just hearing his name mentioned along with the news of his unexpected presence. Clarice had only expected that Joshua would not be able to attend due to his busy schedule, just like in previous years. Even when friends sought him out, he always apologized for his absence.

Unless it was because he didn't want to see me with Joel ... Clarice thought.

"Are you really surprised by his presence, Clarice?" asked Kristi. "I thought you were surprised because he's Joel's big brother, but I get the feeling there's something else about your expression."

Clarice blinked her eyes repeatedly. She bit her lower lip because of her fear that the closer the time got, the more it would seem like she would die of a heart attack.

"That's because he's Joel's big brother, yes. But–"

"But there's another story between