The next day, Alexander took the whole day off.
I spent the entire day doing nothing.
On the third day, he still took the day off.
…
By the fifth day, I looked at Liam lounging on the couch with his legs propped up, sprawled like a mess.
I couldn't hold back anymore and ended up giving him a good beating.
"Come on, write down Mr. Montgomery's home address for me."
"Otherwise, if Mr. William and Mrs. Chen ask, I'll tell them you've been lying in bed for a whole week and haven't even touched one question on your papers."
Liam mumbled, trying to bargain: "I'll do it, but you have to take me with you."
Take him with me?
That's troublesome, no way.
He awkwardly continued explaining.
"Fine, fine, take me with you then."
"Mr. Montgomery lives in a really remote area. It's not safe for a girl like you."
So, I drove Liam to find Alexander.
Liam wasn't wrong; Alexander's place was indeed in a very remote, run-down, and chaotic area.
I twisted and turned down narrow streets, and I was surprised to find such dilapidated places in the city.
Finally, after the nth emergency stop, I couldn't help but ask: "Liam, does Mr. Montgomery really live in a place like this?"
"Is it really worth it? You sure he comes all the way here every day to tutor you?"
Liam put away his phone and looked at me seriously: "Yeah, it takes over two hours each way. You saw it yourself—there's a long stretch without buses. That means he still has to walk for over an hour at least."
I fell silent.
Liam continued: "So, Isabella, just leave Mr. Montgomery alone."
I frowned but didn't speak.
Eventually, we arrived at the tiny rented apartment and found Alexander.
He was sick and alone in his place.
I reached out to feel his forehead; it was burning hot.
Alexander slowly opened his eyes and asked, "What are you doing here?"
I pouted, supporting him: "I'm here to rescue you, Mr. Montgomery."
Liam helped him into the car, and I drove him to the hospital.
After that, I started talking with Alexander about staying at our house during tutoring sessions.
But he frowned, looking at me as if I had ill intentions.
"No need to trouble yourself."
I tried a different approach: "Well then, how about I pick you up and drop you off every day? Is that alright?"
He didn't answer and grabbed his bag to go home.
By 9:30 PM, the buses had already stopped running.
I grabbed the car keys and called out to his back: "Mr. Montgomery, I'll give you a ride."
He closed his eyes wearily in the passenger seat.
While waiting for the traffic light, I reached out to touch his forehead and eyes, tempted to tease him.
He suddenly opened his eyes, grabbed my hand, and said firmly, "Isabella, stop playing around."
I blinked and said, "How would you know if you don't try? Maybe I'm sincere."
He sighed, looking at me seriously: "I know exactly what I mean to you."
"We're not from the same world."
The atmosphere in the car grew cold as I held the steering wheel thoughtfully.
Until Alexander opened the door and got out, saying softly, "Thank you. Don't go through this trouble for me again."
I smiled and waved: "Okay! I'll be there at 8 AM tomorrow to pick you up."
He stood frozen in place, and I turned the wheel to head back.
The car's rear bumper brushed against a telephone pole.
"Be careful—"
I stuck my head out: "You're worried about me?"
He awkwardly lowered his baseball cap, and I rolled the window down, waving: "Goodbye, Mr. Montgomery! I'll pick you up tomorrow!"
In the rearview mirror, I saw him looking up, watching my car drive away.
