RankNovelChapter 169 Ethan took a deep breath, momentarily pushing down the overwhelming guilt he felt toward Claire.
With a steadying hand, he opened the desk drawer.
In an instant, a drawer full of certificates was revealed. Their vibrant red and gold colors stood out starkly in the dim, cluttered space, hitting him like a sledgehammer, leaving him speechless with shock.
His hand trembled uncontrollably as he reached for the certificates, carefully lifting them out one by one.
Twelve years' worth of accolades-six years of elementary school, three of middle school, and three of high school-unfolded before him like a silent documentary, narrating Claire's brilliance and dedication.
Honor roll, outstanding student, exemplary class leader, academic competition awards-each certificate bore the weight of significant achievement.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThese certificates felt like sharp knives, piercing deeply into his heart.
Behind each award lay Claire's relentless effort and determination.
For twelve years, she had been the model student, admired by teachers and peers alike.
But after returning to the Linwood family? She was labeled as deceitful, malicious, troublesome, and narrow-minded.
In the eyes of her family, she was even deemed inferior to the local delinquents.
The more Ethan looked at these certificates, the more he felt like a fool.
How had he not truly known Claire all these years, viewing her only through the lens of his prejudice? His hands shook more violently, causing the certificates to rustle in his grip.
Unable to face the truth, he hastily shoved the thick stack back into the drawer, his breathing growing heavier.
It took him a long moment to regain his composure, hesitating before opening another drawer.
Driven by curiosity, his hand hovered over the desk drawer again, but his fingers froze with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
Slowly, he pulled it open.
When the acceptance letter from Prestige University cinto view, its embossed gold lettering and dignified crest felt like a blinding light, leaving his mind blank.
His pupils widened in disbelief, mouth slightly agape, unable to utter a sound.
"This... this can't be..." he murmured, his voice trembling.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmPrestige University, the pinnacle of academic aspiration, where countless students strived to gain entry, and Claire-the sister he had misunderstood, hurt, and scorned-had a ticket to this elite institution.
His hand reached for the letter, as if touching a precious yet fragile artifact.
The moment his fingertips brushed the paper, he shuddered, as if struck by lightning.
Memories flooded his mind unbidden-his past distrust of Claire, letting her be misunderstood by their family, accusing her in court, her shock, her imprisonment, and his cold indifference. Each recollection was a dagger, stabbing deep into his heart.
His body began to tremble uncontrollably, breath quickening and heavy, like a drowning man fighting for air.
Ethan felt the world spin around him, his eyes reddening and vision blurring.
"I ruined her... I destroyed her life..." Ethan whispered in agony, tears pouring down his face, dripping onto the acceptance letter and spreading rapidly.
His face was etched with regret and self-reproach, his strength drained, leaving him slumped in the chair, eyes vacant and desolate, as if his entire world had collapsed.
He realized the depth of his damage to Claire was far beyond what he had ever imagined, and these certificates and the acceptance letter were irrefutable evidence of his failure. Ethan swayed, darkness creeping into his vision, nearly causing him to pass out.
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