The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 108: The Sick Ethan

At Nexus College, just before class started, Nick noticed that Ethan was absent. 

His eyes lit up with excitement as he texted Ethan in their group chat and turned to Eric, "Dude, Ethan's late today! This is huge!" 

But Ethan didn't respond for a long time, and he didn't answer Nick's calls either.

Eric, resting his head on his hand and looking half-asleep, mumbled, "Could he have overslept too? Stop calling him, or you'll wake him up and get yourself into trouble."

Nick quickly hung up but then thought, 'Wait a sec, we've known each other since we were kids, and Ethan's never late. He's always on time. Could something have happened?' 

He called the Smith family's butler and finally learned that Ethan had caught a cold. 

Feeling a bit bored during class, he asked in the group chat if they should visit Ethan after school.

Victoria didn't see the messages until after class. When she found out Ethan was sick, she felt a bit worried. 

However, she believed that sick people should rest, so she replied in the group chat: [I'm not going. Don't bother him either.]

Not long after, Ethan woke up to a string of message notifications. He declined Nick's visit request, but seeing Victoria's cold [I'm not going] reply left him feeling a bit disappointed. 

Nick and the others might be a disturbance, but Victoria visiting wouldn't bother him at all. In fact, he really wanted to see her. 

It seemed she didn't feel the same way. When would Victoria take a step towards him?

Word had spread around Nexus College that two freshmen girls knew Leon, which was like hitting the jackpot. 

Jasmine was a bit upset because she thought she should be the only one enjoying such attention. But Victoria had gotten lucky, meeting Leon in the park and earning his admiration!

Ella noticed Jasmine's thoughts and suggested, "If Victoria can run into Leon at the park, so can we."

Jasmine asked, "Do you know which park?" 

Ella nodded. She had memories from the future, and Leon was someone she remembered well. 

In an interview in his later years, Leon had mentioned his home address, which was closest to Green Shade Park. 

Ella suggested that she take Jasmine and Tony to the park this weekend. Jasmine readily agreed.

Over the weekend, Victoria thought Ethan might not go to the park since he was sick, so she went alone. 

At the park entrance, she unexpectedly ran into Ethan, who was wearing a mask and bundled up more than usual.

Victoria asked in surprise, "Aren't you still sick? Why are you here today?"

Ethan's deep eyes were a bit misty, and his voice was slightly hoarse, "I'm feeling better. We had plans." His tone carried a hint of resentment. 

When he was about to leave, his father had stopped him, and it took a lot of convincing to get out, making him late. 

He didn't expect Victoria to leave without waiting for him; when he went to The Hamilton Mansion, he was told she had just left.

Victoria gave an awkward smile, "I thought you needed more rest, so I didn't want to bother you." 

Flora, her little leopard, began purring excitedly at Ethan, as if asking why he didn't bring its playmates along. 

Victoria patted Flora's head and scolded softly, "Stop it!" Flora huffed in displeasure and turned away.

Ethan said, "I wanted to see you."

Victoria pressed her lips together slightly. Sick Ethan seemed a bit vulnerable, his words sounding like he was seeking attention. 

Looking at Ethan, who was half a head taller and broad-shouldered, Victoria sighed, "Let's walk around a bit, but you need to go back and rest soon. No cold wind."

Ethan nodded, relieved that she still cared about him and wasn't avoiding him on purpose. 

They walked together in silence, but the atmosphere was pleasant.

At a gazebo, they ran into Leon, who had just finished his morning exercise and was resting on a bench. 

He waved at Victoria and asked about Ethan's appearance. Since Ethan's throat was sore, Victoria explained for him.

Leon nodded, "Young people should rest at home when they're sick. Why come out?" He smiled at the couple, his eyes filled with nostalgia. 

He remembered pursuing his wife with the same disregard for his health, and now, even with white hair, they were still deeply in love. 

Before Ethan could respond, Leon suddenly remembered something and said, "Do you play chess? Our chess club is having a tournament this afternoon, and young players are welcome. The top three can join our chess association."

Leon was a senior member of the chess association, something Victoria hadn't known in her previous life. 

But she remembered that Ella had learned chess and joined the association in college. Could this be how Ella met Leon and played a role in his movie?

Ethan shook his head. He knew how to play but wasn't interested in joining such organizations. His family didn't need him to win honors; staying low-key was better. 

Victoria was a bit surprised, but she didn't expose him, knowing Ethan must have his reasons for not admitting it. 

However, she was interested in joining, so she nodded slightly and said, "I know a bit." 

Plus, if Ella was likely to join the tournament, stopping her from joining the chess association would cut off an important connection.

Leon smiled, "Great, then come with me this afternoon."