Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

The next morning, Tina woke up to find that Jared Farrell had already prepared breakfast. Her eyes lit up at the sight of the strawberry cake on the table. She hurried over and exclaimed, “Strawberry cake?” Jared handed her a slice of the neatly cut cake, his deep eyes filled with indulgence. “Try it, do you like it?”

After taking a bite, Tina nodded, “It tastes just like it used to. Uncle, your cooking is still as good as ever.” Jared’s smile deepened at her compliment. He had intended to make it in the afternoon but decided to get up early and make it considering she seemed a bit down the day before. Seeing her contented made him feel satisfied too. “Don’t eat too much in the morning, I’ll make it for you every day,” Jared said softly as he stroked her hair, his fingers weaving through her strands. He chuckled softly, his voice brimming with doting affection, “My girl, whatever you want, I will provide.”

Tina looked up at him, the morning sunlight clearly outlining his handsome features. He seemed to have inherited the best aspects of every feature, his face appearing as if it was meticulously sculpted. She suddenly felt that not breaking off the engagement was a good thing, at least seeing his face every day lifted her spirits. Her gaze fell on his thin lips, and a spark ignited within her. She put down her cake and suddenly embraced him, “Uncle, you must not seduce me.”

Jared was taken aback, “When did I seduce you?” Before he could respond, Tina tiptoed and kissed him, the taste of the cake still on her lips. Jared wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, his voice husky, “Tina… it’s you who are seducing me!”

“Is that so?” Tina looked up, her eyes shimmering with allure, “Then, do you let me seduce you?” Jared stiffened, then suddenly pinned her against the wall, his actions more assertive than his words. The kiss lasted a long time before Jared finally let her go, satisfied.

Tina’s face was flushed, and she adjusted her slightly tousled hair, feeling a bit awkward, “I’m going to school now.” She thought she must be crazy, always wanting to throw herself at Jared Farrell. She insisted she had no feelings for him.

It was definitely not true that she was falling for him. Definitely not!

At Ensford High School, Class 22D’s academics had gotten back on track, and the curriculum had resumed as normal. With exams a little over a week away, the entire class was in revision mode. Today was Friday, and the results from the last quiz were out. Tina, looking at the class’s results, was very satisfied. She walked into the classroom with the papers, and upon seeing her, all the students of Class 22D stood up and greeted her respectfully, “Miss Reed.”

Tina placed the papers on the lectern, her expression serious as she stared at the students, “The quiz results are out.” The students tensed up at her stern look. Tina scanned them briefly, her lips curling into a small smile, then picked up the papers to distribute them, “Penelope Chandler, English 109, French 115, Mathematics 110, History 220, last in class, 200th in grade.”

Penelope Chandler, who had felt uneasy hearing his name, chilled when Tina announced he was last in class. Then, to his surprise, he was 200th in grade. His eyes widened in disbelief, “Miss Reed, are you sure? Am I really 200th?” He had been 400th in the last exam; in just over a month, he had jumped to 200th. College seemed a sure thing now!

“Really,” Tina handed him his paper, “See for yourself.”

Penelope held the paper, still feeling like he was dreaming, until Tina’s voice brought him back to his seat. “Albert Sitwell, English 116, French 135, Mathematics 137, History 240, total 628, 10th in class, 20th in grade.”

“Hendrik Stiller, English 122, French 138, Mathematics 145, History 241, total 646, 6th in class, 15th in grade.”

“Elena Heisler, English 132, French 140, Mathematics 145, History 245, total 662, 4th in class, 10th in grade.”

“Courtney Tate, English 138, French 145, Mathematics 150, History 270, total 703, 3rd in class, 6th in grade.”

The class was shocked when Tina announced Courtney Tate’s score. “What!!! Courtney Tate scored 703, 3rd in class, 6th in grade?”

“I must be hearing thingswrong! Courtney Tate has always been at the bottom, and Penelope Chandler has always ranked higher than her. How did she suddenly jump to third?”

“These hidden talents! Class 22D is full of surprises, and Courtney Tate is only third-what about the first and second?”Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

The students of Class 22D were in an uproar! Tina’s gaze lifted slightly as she observed a very calm Courtney Tate approaching. A small smile played on her lips, “You’ve surprised me.”

Courtney, head bowed, responded in a measured tone, “Miss Reed, one cannot be mediocre forever, right?” Tina raised an eyebrow, “Right!” Courtney didn’t say more and returned to his seat, but once seated, he looked up at Tina with a significant glance.

Their eyes met like clashing rockets, sparks flying. Tina withdrew her gaze nonchalantly and continued distributing the papers, “Shonna Woodham, English 145, French 149, Mathematics 150, History 290, 2nd in class, 2nd in grade, 2nd in the city.”

This quiz was part of a city-wide assessment involving all high schools in Ensford. The previous ranks hadn’t mentioned city-wide positions because they hadn’t made the top ten. The classroom exploded again in shock, but before they could react, Tina announced another name, “Velma Lehman, English 149, French 150, Mathematics 150, History 296, total 745, 1st in class, 1st in grade, 1st in the city.”

Silence fell over Class 22D. No one could speak. After a moment, someone shouted, “Ah!!! Velma Lehman is first in the city!”

“Amazing! My God! Class 22D has finally made its mark!”

“First in the city, second in the city, and everyone in the class in the top 200 of the grade-what a comeback story for us!”

Amidst the cheers, Velma Lehman was bewildered. What had she just heard? She scored 745? First in class, first in grade, first in the city? No, this had to be a dream! She was sure of it. There were several questions in math and French that she wasn’t sure about; how could her scores be perfect?

“Velma, what are you spacing out for? Go get your paper!” her desk mate nudged her.