Chapter 30 

Linkon First High School dismissed its students for the summer break on the morning of June fourth. 

After stuffing his books into an overstuffed backpack and hauling everything home, Nathan realized it was already noon. 

His parents, Nicholas and Viola, were both at work, so he had to fend for himself when it came to lunch. 

He dialed Oscar’s house phone and asked if he’d already caten. Oscar, through a mouthful of food, mumbled that he was eating at the moment 

Save some for me,” Nathan said before hanging up and heading straight to Oscar’s place. 

After lunch, Oscar turned to Nathan and asked, “Got any plans for the afternoon? Wanna go find a spot to study?” 

“Study?” Nathan shook his head. “At this point? Why bother now? Since when have you been so dedicated?” 

Oscar squirmed in his chair. “Nate, I’m just a little anxious about the exams. 

“Yeah, I can tell,” Nathan replied, thinking for a moment. “Alright, I’ll take you somewhere to help calm those nerves.” 

“Where?” 

“You’ll see when we get there.” 

Just as Nathan was about to leave with Oscar, he received a text from Lily, asking if he had any plans for the afternoon and if he could take her out for a while. 

“Lily? Nervous about exams? That doesn’t sound right,” Nathan thought. “She could get into Northsdale University with her eyes closed, and her family’s already set on sending her abroad. 

He quickly replied, explaining that he was about to head out with Oscar and invited her to join. them if she wanted. 

Lily’s response was quick. “I’ll meet you there.” 

Nathan sent her the location of the bus stop and went there to wait for her. 

Standing at the stop, Nathan felt a little conflicted. 

Over the past few weeks, he had started developing feelings for Lily. But with her going abroad soon, they’d be separated by an entire ocean. There didn’t seem to be much point in pursuing anything deeper. 

Chapter 30 

Unless she decided not to leave.. 

But Nathan knew that he was being selfish. 

In 2009, Imperial College Hamelot easily surpassed any university in the country, including Northsdale. And Nathan didn’t think he was important enough to be the reason she’d change her plans. 

She was probably just excited to have a new friend, considering how limited her social circle had been. He was just something novel, nothing more. 

She’s a real pampered princess and was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. 

About 20 minutes later, Lily arrived by cab. 

She was dressed in a floral sundress, carrying a black shoulder bag, and wearing crystal- studded shoes that revealed lace–trimmed socks. She looked ethereal, radiating a fresh, 

youthful charm. 

The three of them boarded the bus, and Nathan finally revealed their destination. It was an old 

church in the suburbs. 

When they arrived and saw the winding stone path leading up to the old church hidden in the mountains, Oscar burst out laughing. 

“Nate, are you really taking me to pray? Isn’t that a bit superstitious?” 

“Superstitious or not, it’s all about sincerity. And look around, we’re not the only ones here for some last–minute divine intervention.” 

After having experienced reincarnation, Nathan found it hard to remain a staunch atheist. 

Oscar glanced around and noticed several other students, some still wearing their school uniforms, also making their way to the church. 

Lily, however, didn’t seem to care about the destination or the activity. For her, it was all about the company. 

The hike from the foot of the mountain to the top took about half an hour. Along the way, they passed various vendors selling mountain goods and quirky little trinkets, adding lighthearted atmosphere to the journey.