Chapter 13

Jenna's words hung in Seth's ears like a curse. Did he only feel gratitude for Clarissa, or was there more to it? Why did the thought of marrying her make him feel so trapped? On the other hand, all that his mind seemed to focus on were the memories of Layla and the good times they had shared. Could it be that his feelings for Layla went beyond guilt? Were there other emotions at play? These questions coiled around Seth's mind like thick vines, suffocating him with their weight. His voice was low as he responded, "You don't have to worry about me." With that, he took Benjamin and headed for the door. Behind them, Jenna's voice called out, "Keep going like this, and I'll find another way to get you and Clarissa together. Once you get her pregnant, you won't have a choice but to marry her." Seth's eyes darkened at her words. He couldn't help but recall something that Layla had once said. She had said that her getting pregnant with Benjamin was part of his scheme. Wasn't that night really just a drunken accident? At this thought, Seth turned back to Jenna. "Was that night I slept with Layla an accident, or was someone behind it?" Jenna was caught off guard by the question, and she turned pale. She stuttered as she replied, "W-What do you mean? Wasn't it just a drunken mistake? Besides, if Layla hadn't had Ben, how could I have let her marry you with her family background?" As Seth studied her anxious expression, his gaze grew darker. "You'd better have nothing to do with it." Otherwise, no matter how much he tried to explain to Layla, he wouldn't be able to wash the guilt away. The next morning, Benjamin stayed in bed, wrapped in his blankets. He groaned, "Daddy, I think I have a fever. I can't go to school today." Seth felt Benjamin's forehead. It was a normal temperature. He knew exactly what Benjamin was trying to do. He knocked on Benjamin's head. "Benjamin, a man has to own up to his mistakes. It's okay to mess up, but you've got to face it head-on. Got it?" Benjamin pouted, looking embarrassed. "I don't want to apologize in front of her." "She's not only your mother. She's also your teacher. Whatever her status, she's entitled to witness you owning up to it." Benjamin said defiantly, "She only cares about that mute now. She doesn't want me. I won't acknowledge her as my mother." "Benjamin, pointing out other people's flaws is the greatest disrespect. Didn't I teach you that?" Noticing Seth's anger, Benjamin stopped arguing. He climbed out of bed and stomped into the bathroom. After closing the door, he muttered under his breath, "You're on her side too, like she's your daughter or something." At school, Benjamin begrudgingly muttered an apology to William. He then tossed the apology letter to Layla with a huff and strutted back to his seat. But before he could sit down, Layla called him over. "Come up here, Benjamin." He glared at her, clearly irritated. "What now?" "You didn't apologize properly. Do it again. And read the apology letter out loud to the whole class. You can only go back to your seat once you earn William's forgiveness." Benjamin's eyes reddened in frustration. "Are you intentionally targeting me? I've already apologized. What more do you want?" Layla's expression remained stern. "William had an episode because of you. Do you think a half-hearted apology will fix things? At the very least, you need his forgiveness." "What if I say no?" "Then, I'll call your dad to come pick you up. You can come back to class when you've thought it through. You're smart anyway. Since you've already learned the Math Olympiad problems I've been teaching, missing a few days won't hurt." Without hesitation, Layla pulled out her phone and prepared to call Seth. Seeing this, Benjamin stood up abruptly and angrily walked to the podium. He snatched the phone from Layla's hand, and with a reluctant expression, he said, "Fine. I'll read it." He took the apology letter and read it aloud. Then, he turned to William and said, "I didn't mean to do it. I was just trying to joke around. I didn't realize that it would affect you like that. I'm sorry. Please forgive me." William was taken aback by Benjamin's apology, and he quickly shook his head. "It's okay. I'm fine. I forgive you." Upon hearing that, Benjamin turned to Layla with a pout. "Are you happy now?" Layla glanced at his defiant expression and gave a small nod. "Go back to your seat. Next time something like this happens, you won't just be apologizing in front of the class." The entire class was stunned by how compliant Benjamin was being. Whispers began to spread through the room. "Ms. Jenkins is amazing. She can actually control Benjamin." "She's not only pretty and a good teacher, but she's fair too. She's nothing like our last teacher. I really like her." Upon hearing his classmates' gossip, Benjamin let out a cold snort in anger. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Since you like her so much, let her be your mother. Let's see if you'll still say that when she abandons you." As soon as he sat down, he noticed a small head pop out from under the desk next to William. A pair of bright eyes was staring in his direction. Benjamin instantly recognized who it was. He made a face at Daisy, intending to scare her to get back at Layla. But to his surprise, Daisy didn't flinch. Instead, she smiled at him adorably and a little foolishly. Benjamin thought that something was wrong with her. He hated her so much. So, why was she smiling at him? But before he could continue his thoughts, William stood up and gently lifted Daisy onto a chair. "Daze, don't move, okay? The class is about to start." Daisy nodded and sat quietly in her chair. She took out her color pencils and paper from her small backpack and began to draw. Hearing William call her "Daze" made Benjamin clench his fists. Why was he calling her so affectionately? Throughout the class, Layla focused on Math Olympiad problems which were very innovative. Her problem-solving approach was also quite clever. Benjamin couldn't help but admit that she taught far better than any tutor he'd had. Her methods were creative, and it opened his mind to new ways of thinking. By the end of the mini quiz, he had scored a perfect score. Looking at the paper in her hand, Layla smiled with satisfaction. "I've covered some advanced topics today, but you've all handled it well. I'm confident that we'll do great in the Math Olympiad. Now, let's give a round of applause to Benjamin. He scored a perfect score on the quiz. That's no small feat." All the kids turned to look at Benjamin and clapped their hands enthusiastically. Not only was Benjamin good at fighting, but he was also excellent at studying. The highest scores among them were only in the 80s, yet Benjamin had scored a perfect 100. Daisy joined in the excitement, clapping so enthusiastically that her chubby little hands turned red. When the bell rang, she immediately jumped off her chair and ran to Benjamin. She tugged at his sleeve, then placed a piece of chocolate in his hand. Benjamin almost refused, but when he looked into her big, hopeful eyes, he couldn't bring himself to do it. With a resigned sigh, he raised an eyebrow. "Fine. I'll take it so that you won't cry." Seeing Benjamin accept the chocolate, Daisy was overjoyed. She toddled back to William's side. William scooped her up and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Why don't we go play outside after class?" As Benjamin watched this exchange, his fingers tightened around the chocolate.