Chasing the Unexpected

After graduating from university, Caroline went to Northornia for further studies, while Nyla returned to Saintornia. It had been over four years since they last met.

Nyla responded warmly and asked for the hotel’s location before. finding a nearby restaurant known for its specialty dishes.

When Nyla entered the restaurant around 6:00 p.m., she spotted a short–haired woman with a youthful face waving at her from a window seat. “Nyla, over here!”

Seeing Caroline’s smile, Nyla felt as if she had been transported back to her university days and couldn’t help but smile in return.

Caroline had been a top student who continued her studies directly after earning her master’s degree. She had come to Saintornia with

her advisor for a conference.

After Nyla took her seat, Caroline smiled and said, “Nyla, you haven’t changed much since university.”

“It’s you who haven’t changed. Seeing you reminds me of the days. you used to help me with experiments,” Nyla replied.

“Don’t mention it. You were the one helping me after that. By the way, where’s your husband? Why didn’t he come with you?” Caroline asked.

Nyla lowered her gaze and replied indifferently, “We’re divorced.”

Caroline looked surprised, and a hint of guilt flashed in her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

#25 BONUS

In university, Nyla would often work late in the lab. No matter how late it was, Clark would come to pick her up and sometimes bring food for everyone in the lab.

The two of them, one handsome and the other beautiful, were considered the golden couple of the university.

When Nyla got married after graduation, Caroline had regretted not being able to attend their wedding. She never expected that the two would end up divorced.

Nyla shook her head. “It’s fine. It’s all in the past.”

“Alright, let’s not dwell on it.” Caroline changed the subject, expressing some regret that Nyla hadn’t worked in the pharmaceutical industry.

Given Nyla’s talent and hard work in the lab during university, Caroline felt that if Nyla hadn’t given up on continuing her studies and returned to Saintornia, her future would have been promising.

Nyla didn’t feel particularly regretful. This was the path she had chosen, and she didn’t need to romanticize the path she hadn’t taken.

As dinner was ending, Caroline pulled an invitation from her bag and handed it to Nyla.

“Nyla, part of the conference is about the research I’m currently working on. If you’re free, I’d love for you to come and listen,” she said.

Nyla took the invitation. “Sure. Thank you, Caroline.”

Caroline sighed and continued. “Nyla, there’s something I wasn’t

going to say, but now that you’re divorced, I think you should reconsider your future. You’re still young and could look into further studies, such as pursuing a master’s or a Ph.D.

“The environment at companies can be quite complex, and I believe focusing on research at an institute would be the best choice for you.

Seeing Caroline’s serious expression, Nyla nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it.”

After settling the bill and heading toward the door, Nyla ran into Clark and Jordyn, who were coming out of the restaurant next door.

Upon seeing Nyla, Jordyn subconsciously tightened her grip on Clark’s arm and looked at her warily

Caroline noticed the situation and quickly understood what was happening. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Nyla didn’t want to acknowledge them. She looked away and continued toward the parking lot with Caroline.

However, Clark felt a surge of frustration seeing her ignore them.

He stepped forward and blocked their path. “Nyla, even though we’re divorced, you don’t have to act like you’re avoiding a plague

whenever you see me.”