Out of Ashes Into His Heart

Tom's deep, clear eyes reflected the slightly dazed expression on my face.

For a moment, I felt my breath falter.

"Mr. White, if you also want some cherry cake, just say so. Why keep staring at the one in Grace's hand?"

Greg suddenly teased, and Tom turned to glance at him. "If you know that, why don't you get it?"

Greg paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. His teasing gaze swept over Tom until Tom couldn't help but kick him lightly, prompting him to turn around and leave with a grin.

Watching their playful exchange, I couldn't help but silently admire their strong bond.

When I used to see Tom with Gavin, their interactions always seemed cold and distant. I thought that was just his personality, but it seemed that was only the case when he was with Gavin...

Their relationship wasn't as close as people made it out to be.

Thinking back, Gavin always emphasized their bond.

Once Greg walked away, I finally asked a question that had been weighing on my mind. "Tom, why are you helping me? Did Gavin offend you?"

Tom's smile faded slightly, and he snorted coldly. "He has offended me quite a lot."

I was puzzled.

As far as I knew, Gavin had been trying to please Tom at all costs. After all, Tom's background was far stronger than his. Even the so-called "twin stars" of Fuvine University were more about Gavin benefiting from Tom's influence.

At that moment, Greg came back holding two cherry cakes. Noticing the change in Tom's expression, he grinned and asked curiously, "What are you two talking about?"

"Why are you eavesdropping?" Tom shot him a glance, took the cakes from his hands, and handed one to me.

Greg, empty-handed, clicked his tongue and shrugged. "You're valuing beauty over friendship."

I sat on the side, eating the cake and watching the two bicker like childish schoolkids. I smiled in amusement.

Just then, Tom's phone in his pocket vibrated.

His smile instantly faded when he glanced at the caller ID, and his face grew serious. "Hello, Mom..."

Though I couldn't hear the voice on the other end, his furrowed brows and impatient expression clearly indicated that he was being lectured.

It dawned on me that the news from the banquet would likely spread.noveldrama

While it might pressure Gavin into a divorce, it would drag Tom into this mess, possibly more so than Gavin himself.

A sense of unease settled in my heart.

I had been so focused on divorcing Gavin as quickly as possible that I hadn't considered Tom's situation.

"I understand," Tom responded impatiently, glancing at me before frowning. "I'm hanging up."

"Tom, did my troubles drag you down?" I asked anxiously, watching him.

He smiled lightly. "No, it's not your fault."

Though he said that, I knew it wasn't the whole truth.

I had heard Gavin mention Tom's parents before. They were a typical military- political couple, and their relationship wasn't good; they were bound together for the sake of family interests.

Thus, from the day of their so-called enviable "wedding of the century", the two became strangers living under the same roof.

Tom had grown up in a military compound with his grandparents and wasn't close to his parents.

Maybe it was because of the phone call that Tom didn't stay long. He quickly took me and left the banquet hall.

When we got home, I immediately called Dawn and told her everything that had happened at the banquet.

"I told you, Mr. White is interested in you!" Dawn said excitedly. "This is his subtle way of staking a claim!"

I sighed helplessly. "Stop making things up. I'm actually worried about this. Tom

has helped me so much; should I buy him a gift to thank him properly?"

"Of course, you should." She nodded.

"What should I buy?"