Chapter 92: Do You Have a Cigarette?
The doubt in Kelvin’s eyes made the shop owner angry. Germans value honesty above all else and would never deceive their customers.
He had been in this industry for over fifty years and had never encountered a customer causing trouble.
To prove that he wasn’t lying, the shop owner continued to speak, “Sir, there is actually a mystery hidden within this pen. When it is soaked in hot water, you can see characters.”
There was a glass tube embedded inside with cute version of Kelvin drawn by Cheyenne.
The outside of the pen was sprayed with a layer of black special material that appeared ordinary at first glance but would fade when exposed to hot water.
The female employee quickly brought over a cup of water. The shop owner threw the cap into it and then took it out again.
Sure enough, there was a small drawing on top – Kelvin’s character image – a small person with big round head wearing black suit with hands in pockets looking cool and aloof.
The shop owner wetted the entire body of the pen again; Cheyenne’s cute version image appeared once more.
The girl had long flowing hair cascading down her shoulders as she lay on her desk wearing white school uniform while an orange cat sat beside her. Both were gazing out through window at a young man standing under cherry blossom tree dressed in white shirt being blown by wind.
The cherry blossoms fell to the ground, beautiful like a fairy tale. And there he was! Next to him was a small inscription that read, “He’s like winter, but I’m summer. Let the autumn leaves bring my blessings to him.” Five years ago, this was an impressive design idea that earned him numerous international awards. He owed it all to Miss Lawrence and had a deep impression of this pen. At the time, he wanted to buy it but Miss Lawrence said it was meant as a birthday gift for someone special and couldn’t be sold.
The pen was Cheyenne’s creation. So why didn’t she give it to him personally? Suddenly Kelvin remembered his 22nd birthday party and college graduation ceremony where Abbie shyly handed him the pen, saying, “Kelvin, this is my handmade pen for you on your birthday. Happy Birthday!” The applause echoed around them as envy and teasing glances were exchanged between them.
And he hadn’t expected her to be so thoughtful, even making a pen herself despite her health condition, just to give it to him. He accepted it with gratitude.
Then Cheyenne appeared out of nowhere in front of him, shouting angrily, “She’s lying! That pen is made by me!”
At sixteen years old, Cheyenne had always been problematic at school, either skipping classes or getting into fights and even going clubbing at night sometimes.
Kelvin clearly remembered Cheyenne from that night with tears streaming down her face like crystal beads falling from her eyes.
The girl was so wronged that her eyes turned red, making her look like a cute little rabbit.
However, in just a moment, this little rabbit turned into a tigress. She grabbed Abbie’s hand and raised her hand to give her a slap.
In front of relatives and friends, she insulted Abbie like a shrew.
“You thief, I must have been blind to trust you. This pen clearly…”
Abbie fell to the ground and covered her chest with one hand, taking big breaths.
Her heart disease relapsed.
What about him at that time?
He believed wholeheartedly that Cheyenne was vain and had a strong sense of jealousy, and could not tolerate Abbie’s existence, so he chose to stand in front of Abbie at the first opportunity.
“Cheyenne, have you caused enough trouble? You came here empty-handed and shamelessly claimed that the pen was made by you!”
That was the first time he had seen Cheyenne show that kind of hurt expression.
For the first time, her bright and watery eyes were dim in color. Her stunningly beautiful pale face suddenly smiled.
“I understand, no matter what I do, I can’t compare to Abbie in your heart.”
“You are not even worthy to be compared with Abbie. She is gentle and kind, while you are arrogant and domineering, without any skills or knowledge!”
“Cheyenne, if you dare to hurt her again, I promise you’ll regret it!”
After speaking, he watched as Cheyenne’s slender figure walked out of the banquet hall alone. Her black long dress blended her with the night.
The contrast was striking – her back so white it seemed to glow, set against the stark black of her silhouette.
He had used this pen for five years and never discovered its secret.
Back then, he had wrongly accused Cheyenne. But now that the truth was out, Kelvin’s heart was stirred with a mixture of emotion.
Abbie whom he had always saw as a kind and gentle woman was actually the one deceiving him, while Cheyenne he disdained was the one truly sincere.
Kelvin’s gaze fell on the pen in his water glass and he suddenly didn’t know what to do.
Should he fix it? Or should he replace it?
The shopkeeper closed the parchment scroll and returned it to its original place.
“Sir,” said the shopkeeper. “This pen wasn’t easy to make. Miss Lawrence worked on it for over a month here at my shop; every day she pounded iron and ground glass.”
“One time she cut herself badly on some glass but refused to take a break.”
“The color of cherry blossoms in this painting is made from her blood,” continued the shopkeeper with admiration. “Miss Lawrence is one of the most determined and sincere young ladies I’ve ever met, even though she’s so young back then.”
No wonder there were times when her hands were wrapped up in bandages. Kelvin even assumed that Cheyenne got into another fight outside. With disdainful eyes flickering over her once more, his disgust deepened further still. How could such an immature girl with no redeeming qualities become his wife?
After a moment of silence, Kelvin’s lips parted as he asked, “Can this pen still be repaired?”
The shop owner looked hesitant. “The tip of this pen is so smooth and durable because it’s made from a special metal material. But I haven’t made pens in a long time, and I don’t have that material in stock.”
It would be too much trouble to buy such a small piece of metal.
Kelvin took out his business card from his jacket pocket and handed it to the owner.
“This is my card. Money is not an issue as long as you can fix it.”
“Okay, let me give it a try,” the owner agreed reluctantly.
Kelvin walked out of the small shop with a heavy heart, subconsciously patting his suit pocket.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
He had left his cigarettes in the study; he forgot to bring them with him.
When he got back into the car, Chris was dozing off in the driver’s seat.
He suddenly snapped awake when he heard Kelvin’s voice. “Sir… sir, you’re back.”
Looking at his phone display screen, it was almost nine o’clock already.
Why did Mr. Foley take so long?
“Do you have any cigarettes?” Kelvin’s icy voice suddenly rang out, leaving Chris looking bewildered.