Chapter 13 Charleston . While tidying up her room , Marlene came across an old trunk she hadn't seen in years . When she opened it , she found it filled with treasures from her school days : comic cards , a yo - yo , and even a classmate memo book . She opened the memo book , its pages yellowed and oxidized with age , and saw a familiar name written inside . Alaric . Memories flooded back . Marlene thought for a long time before finally recalling the image of a chubby little boy , a far cry from the Alaric . standing before her now . They had actually been classmates , but why had Alaric never mentioned it before ? After a long , busy day , Marlene was exhausted . Listening to the sound of rain outside , she gradually drifted off to sleep . The next morning , as she stepped outside , she was surprised to find Alaric curled up at her.doorstep , huddled like a pitiful little puppy . " You didn't sleep outside my door all night , did you ? " Perhaps hearing the doubt in Marlene's voice , Alaric's face immediately showed a look of anxiety . " It was too late last night and I had nowhere to go , I ... " Marlene sighed softly . Seeing Alaric's expression , he really did look like some heinous criminal . " Fine , come in . " 0.00 % 09 26 Chapter 13 Alaric's face instantly brightened , and he happily followed Marlene inside . Finally , Marlene couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind . " Alaric , why didn't you ever mention that we knew each other before ? " Alaric rubbed his rain - soaked hair with a towel , a goofy smile spreading across his face . " It's not too late to say it now , is it ? Besides , I was so ugly back then . What if you remembered and decided to ignore me ? " They had been elementary school classmates . Although nearly twenty years had passed , they had still shared that bond . And since Alaric's arm injury was because of her , Marlene had no reason , emotionally or logically , to turn him away . Alaric , for his part , quickly made himself at home , acting even more familiar with the place than Marlene herself . But Marlene always kept a certain distance in her heart , cold and detached . Whenever anyone tried to cross her boundaries , she would immediately become guarded . Marlene realized that it seemed almost impossible for her to enter into another relationship . After only a short stay in Charleston , Marlene returned to New York . The day after she got back to New York , Marlene received an invitation from Alaric , asking her to accompany him to a wedding . Alaric pleaded with her , invoking their old classmate bond and every excuse he could think of . Marlene had no choice but to agree . It was only when she arrived at the venue that Marlene realized it was Kenyon and Thelma's wedding . Alaric was a clever man . When Marlene realized what was happening and 2233 % 09.26 Chapter 13 tried to leave , Alaric grabbed her wrist . " Stay until it's over . " 11 288 Vouchers Marlene took a few deep breaths and calmed herself . Running away had never been a solution to her problems . The wedding was grand . The pink roses at the venue had been flown in from France , and the bride's jewelry featured a South African pink diamond recently auctioned for 120 million . The entire event could only be described as extravagant . At twenty - three , Marlene had longed for marriage , for a perfect and magnificent wedding . At twenty - eight , she felt as if her heart had turned to ice , old before her time . As the wedding march played , Kenyon walked onto the stage holding his bouquet . Thelma stood before him , her smile dignified . Laughter and anticipation filled the audience , but Kenyon listened to the officiant's vows with numb indifference . As the lights flickered , Kenyon suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the corner . His eyes widened in disbelief , and he rubbed them hard to make sure he wasn't seeing things . Sitting in the audience was none other than Marlene , who had been missing for a week . Seated in the crowd , Marlene felt a burning gaze upon her . She looked up , her eyes meeting Kenyon's directly . But this time , it was Kenyon - usually so calm and composed - who lost his composure , while Marlene became the cold and distant one . Kenyon's subtle change did not escape Thelma's notice . She followed his gaze and immediately spotted Marlene in the audience . Lowering her voice , she said , " Kenyon , don't forget what you're doing ! " The corners of Kenyon's eyes lifted slightly , always carrying a hint of charm and indifference . 153 45 % 08 26 Chapter 13 Looking into Kenyon's eyes , Marlene could actually see a trace of deep affection , as if he might rush over to her at any moment . But in the next second , their gazes parted . Marlene watched as they exchanged vows and kissed , everything appearing so natural and blissful . As the applause rang out , Marlene leaned toward Alaric and whispered , " Did you bring me here just to watch this spectacle ? " Alaric chuckled softly . " No , I just wanted to get you a free meal today . " Marlene was no fool ; she understood perfectly well why Alaric had brought her here . But it seemed Alaric didn't really understand her . Marlene smiled too , her expression a little carefree under the dazzling lights . " Dr. Jensen , one thing about me is that I never go back to old flames . " 8 18 %